Advice on viewing 2004 2.0 xt auto

[dmitsi]

Evening,

Going to look at a forester and whilst I'm happy with engine checks as we did a lot of work on the boxer engines, can any of you give me some other pointers on things to check.

No real experience of AWD or the functions in vehicle, diff lock etc so any help appreciated.

Looked at some legacy's recently and was wary of the exhausts and costs involved. Found a bit of moisture pooling in the spare wheel well which I was led to believe was through the rear light fittings.

Thanks for any tips and I'll update with pics should I take the plunge.

[v8250]

The SG9 FXT is not a complex car in both 2.0 or 2.5 litre forms. Check for all the usual signs of good high standard of ownership. I use a homebrewed check sheet that I take with me when viewing cars...check for perfect mechanicals all round, engine, turbo, gearbox, front and rear diffs, suspension, check rear SLS and ensure FXT's sitting level; there should no clonks or noises from the suspension, nor the drivetrain. Check all fluids for correct colour and recent service change + service history. Then, bodywork...all over, door and bonnet shuts et al should be perfect...check for signs of accident damage...then really inspect the underneath of the car; all Subaru's rust and the FXT is no different. Interior, it's very hard wearing and should have no marks at all...the interior should be spotlessly clean...if not, question how the owner's looked after the car. The sunroof, check this is working correctly with its auto function and not defaulted to manual holding the button down. Check all electrical items function correctly. The front windows are susceptible to wear on the guide rails, this can be seen if there's any inward/outward movement of the window glass. Ensure cambelt and pulleys and, depending upon mileage, the water pump have been changed as per schedule; if not, use this as a bargaining point. Be realistic on the car against it's mileage...if something doesn't seem right, walk away..there are plenty of auto FXT's for sale. On the test drive ensure everything feels 'tight'. If not, is this reflected in the price. Good luck with the viewing.

PS if the vendor's a good one, talk with them about the type of oils they use, where they buy their service parts from etc,. This sorts out the men from the boys.

Edited by v8250 on Friday 11th September 20:07

[dmitsi]

Thank you for such a thorough reply, will be useful tomorrow. Was very pleased to call my insurance earlier and be told there would be no extra premium, my current policy was for a 1.5 civic which was just written off in a non fault claim. Guess I'm definitely getting old if they're not loading on extra for a 2.0 turbo.

Fingers crossed it's a good one.

[dmitsi]

No XT for me today. Engine felt strong but could smell the burning oil. Spongy brakes despite recent swap, front tyres nearly illegal, much corrosion on the underside which may have been superficial for the most but included a disconnected hanger on the back box. No mention on belts and pumps in an almost 100% history (1 dubious minor service done at home).

All in all in did tempt me, but too much to deal with straight away to go ahead.

[v8250]

Excellent news...the more you see the sooner you find the right car. Q? what's the budget and does the FXT have to be an auto?? It may help if you post here to broaden the news that you're looking for an FXT...

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f110/

Another good place for cars are these websites that glue together many other sites giving a greater number of cars available...

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/classifieds/cars-vans-for...price_from=3001&adprice_to=5000

https://www.vcars.co.uk/used-cars/displaycars.php?...

[dmitsi]

Budget has been moving about, Looking upto 3k. No requirement for the auto, but I understand the turbo is suited to the auto box. Been looking at many different 4x4 today. Thanks for those links as it has shown me one not too far. Been limiting search on distance, we are in Brighton and not really been searching north of london. Seem to be loads on Scotland.

[jonesof63]

There are indeed loads in Scotland. However, Robinsons of Rochdale buy lots of part exchange main dealer Subarus from North of the Border. They have quite a turn over of older cars and from the people i know who have dealt with them always sell a well prepared car. They're an established family business and worth a call as they have new stock weekly.
http://www.robinsoncars.com/used-cars/search-resul...

[v8250]

op, this one looks correctly looked after and not too far from you...

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f110/2005-...

[dmitsi]

Thank you for taking the time to post the link. I saw a couple nearby looking in good condition, but maybe needing to stretch the budget, that one looks good. Had a viewing lined up tonight, but the dealer didn't seem interested in letting me take it out. By chance my girlfriend had seen an '03 3.0 V6 Ford Maverick XLT nearby with great history and condition. Went over it, decent seller, excellent condition and it's now parked outside.

Couldn't resist the v6 growl, so my Subaru ownership will have to wait. The main requirement was space and the maverick is a great size, also got it for just 1900 so it was a bit of a steal. Purchase price saving to be spent on howling wolf jumpers.