Subaru engins and trans gems and lemons

[blind ear]

I am looking at getting an older subaru, $5000 t0 $8000 dollar range. I am trying to find if there any particular lemons in any engine of transmission. Have a friend with a Subaru that leaks more oil than it uses through the main seal.
Where might I find this info.
Thanks, ear

[52bagman]

I have two Foresters, a 01 and a 12. The 01 has 230k on it so far and it is a hand me down from the wife to use as a work car. These things are awesome. I took it turkey hunting Saturday on some really nasty muddy roads, didn't even have to think about getting stuck.
Now the problems. The 01 at around 130k started leaking at the head gaskets. You could smell anti freeze once in a while. When they were replaced the gaskets had failed to where they leaked to the outside and not into the engine which was good. One side had failed and the other was close to doing so. (I know of several others having head gasket problems, two that locked up because no one paid attention to the vehicle).
 Another problem was the rear wheel bearings at around 150k. These were difficult to have fixed becaused they are a pressed on fit and not just anybody can install them right. (Had one side done three times before getting right).
All in all Subaru's are X-C-LENT cars, I won't be without one. I wish they made an S10 sized pickup with their tech..

[blind ear]

Thanks 52bagman. I read about the head gasket. That owner was lucky enough to be covered by waranty. Lot of Subarus for sale by search and also a few Audis. It surprised me, that more awd, 4cyl fords, chevys, or chrysler products wern't found in the search.  @autotrader.com,  ear

[blind ear]

2006 and older had head gasket and electrical problems in the 2.5i. 2007 and newer seem to have the problem solved. ear

[Cheesehead]

We have a 2003 Forester and it did suffer head gasket failure. I had both head gaskets and the water pump replaced at 90,000 miles. The mechanic who specializes in Subaru's said this car should be good to 200k miles and beyond with little or no trouble. We love this otherwise durable car and the all wheel drive is amazing. The mechanic said the head gaskets will fail in the 2.5 liter in the 2006 and older models. A few weeks ago I test drove a new Subaru Crosstrek and asked the dealership what has changed to solve this head gasket problem. They changed the head gasket material and the coolant since it was some what corrosive. The 2013 Subaru's are much improved with a smooth and quite ride.

Cheese

[Mxpe78a]

I had a 1999 forester the worst car I ever owned wheel bearing were changed 4 times in 30,000 miles.


Fuji would not fix it. Will never own another.

[Empty Quiver]

Be very wary of turbo charged models. Very wary.