older foresters - Any particular issues

[sawman]

I'll be heading over to the foresters owners forum next, but thought I'd post a quick note here.

I am considering trading my old (1989) merc for a not so old (2000) forester, as it has a tow hitch, which the merc doesnt.

I have had a 2003 forester before (couple of years ago) and happily put 20k miles on it with no problems. Can I expect the older version to be as robust? are there any particular areas that I should pay attention to when looking at these - the one I have my eye on is a 2.0 gls with manual box

thanks in advanced

[STBDriver]

Hi....I am afraid I can't be of any help, but I will be keeping an eye on this post as I have a '97 Forester stb. So far the only issues I have are with parts suppliers failing to respond or get back in touch. All I am after are mid and back sections of exhaust.

[NorthDownsScooby]

No frequent serious failings as far as I can recall. The clock often fails though, but is an easy fix.

The only thing you'll have to watch out for is ones without a turbo, as the owners tend to get picked on by nasty people on the SF.org/Europe forum.....




.... like me.

Apart from that, just pay attention to all the usual leaks, drips, noises, smokes, and you should be able to pick out a good-un.

Rich

[markCSC]

Major thing to watch is the self levelling shocks. They often leak and cost £400 each to replace.

[pikeyboy]

They are also often used as a work horse by horsey types and as such alot are ropey and tired.