Used 1998 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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What to call an 11 year old car?
Well here we are...11 years 180k miles and still going. I figure I paid $20100 for the car, put an average on 18k miles on per year, spend about 2k per year in repairs/maint. So what? Should I trade it in and get a car payment. What is $200 per mo going to buy me... a compact? I have one of those and it can't take a curb, a mud bath, a snow bank, etc. Over time my Suby pulled a Jeep, a Lexus, a Land Rover and about 3 other cars out of ditches. It may be the way I drive or it could be this car (please note: towing is only about 1800 lbs... all the stuck vehicles had to help some). That's it. It is a fair car/truck/wagon/compact/suv/whatever for the price. I would consider buying another.
Great LITTLE SUV
AWD is great. A fun/utilitarian car for my 5'6" wife. Extra weight helps on long trips. I'm glad I bought the upgraded "S" model versus "L". Leather interior is nice but small. Cupholders awkward. Yokohama tires were subpar--a lot of noise and picked up several nails. Electrical connector for air conditioner came apart several times. Speakers sound tinny. Good gas mileage, but would prefer V6 for more power and weight.
Love My Forester
Purchased new in 98 have had nothing but good luck with this car-agetting 25- 28mpg. Now has 107000 miles and is still going strong. This is without question the best vehicle I have ever owned.
Disappointing Reliability
I bought my 98 Forester with great enthusiasm. However, I had to replace wheel bearings on two separate occasions by 40,000 miles. I had to replace both oil seals by 75,000 on my Forester (and at the same mileage on my wife's 95 Legacy), which by my research seems to be a common and recurring problem. Finally, I've been dealing lately with some pulsing and squeaky brakes, and the brake mechanics seem to be at a loss to find the problem. The reliability of my Forester dues not favorably compare to my experience with Toyota trucks, and I'll probably opt for a Toyota or Honda the next time around.
Great Transpo
Drive many many highway miles in this delightful vehicle...always comfortable and has never let me down. Snow, rain, fog, heat--always feel safe and secure. Toots right down the road with passing power when I need it. This is my second Subaru, won't be my last.