Thoughts on '99 Forester

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I mean that's just cheap but that's pretty low miles so not bad. Not sure what they go for out there regularly.

I bought an 02 forester in december. Got it with 197k odo miles and 65k on the engine so new I was going to need to put in some work, got it for $2k though.

At some point I'm going to need a new tranny but trying to get another 20k milesout of what's in there. at 216k now.

Thinking of putting a new moto in it eventually too and running it into the ground.

Had to put a new cat on it. Do a wheel bearing, and grabbed a new ac compressor from a pick and pull but she's a pretty decent car imo.

One big problem with these is the head gaskets going. Seems to be pretty common. Hopefully you'll get another 100k out of it though.

IF you're dropping that much loot I'd have somebody take a good look at everything and see how things look/what it needs. The miles are solid, but for 5k I'd want to know that everything SHOULD run fine for a while.

Jul 17 2015 2:27PM

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Those wheels are kind of bunk looking but you can find wheels for fairly cheap if you cared.

Jul 17 2015 2:30PM

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FBGM

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I have an '01 forester, it's awesome, never really had any problems with it. just a clutch replacement but that's only because my brother is fucking stupid and can't drive stick.

Jul 17 2015 2:56PM

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$5000 for a 16 year old car with 75k miles that was originally sold new for under $20k?

That is a good deal?

Jul 17 2015 3:06PM

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Charlie*

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It may have low miles but its a 16 year old car. If the cars done 73k thats only roughly 4500 miles per year...so that either means one of two things - its all city mileage which generally represents a lot more wear and tear on the components (stop and go vs highway cruising) or (the more likely case imo) it has spent a good chunk of time sitting...also not a good thing. And at 5K, I'd steer clear...

Jul 17 2015 3:25PM

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rballs_

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cobra_commander$5000 for a 16 year old car with 75k miles that was originally sold new for under $20k?

That is a good deal?

1. They start at 24,000 brand new
2. It's hard to find ones with less than 300400392 miles on them because they run forever
3. People WANT them. There's a reason you can't find a ton of them for sale.
4. 75k Miles on a car that could easily go to 200k with good maintenance.
So yeah, it's a decent deal. I would try to talk him down a bit though OP.

Jul 17 2015 3:50PM

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Lonely

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I've got an 04. I've had quite a few issues with it related to the turbo. Otherwise they are good cars. I have heard of some issues with the parking block on that year. Check out the forester forums.

Jul 17 2015 3:54PM

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To the "it's a 16 year old car" point. That doesn't really matter. They're still pretty sought after. Even with a blown motor they're still worth something. You can't really get them with under 150k in good shape for under $2,500 a lot of times. Obviously there are deals out there but even in the northeast where they seem to be the cheapest there weren't that many out there for cheap in good shape. 150 k ish for like 1,600 seemed to be about the best you can do ad who knows what condition some of them were in.

Whether it's worth it really depends on how good of shape it's in. IF you're going to need to put work into it, it's gotta be cheaper but people really do like those cars. And they went to hell imo in recent years anyway. Im not interested in the ones newer than 06 honestly.

Jul 17 2015 4:12PM

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rballs_1. They start at 24,000 brand new
2. It's hard to find ones with less than 300400392 miles on them because they run forever
3. People WANT them. There's a reason you can't find a ton of them for sale.
4. 75k Miles on a car that could easily go to 200k with good maintenance.
So yeah, it's a decent deal. I would try to talk him down a bit though OP.

1. They didn't in 1999...
2. a reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
3. another reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
4. It could. It could also easily blow a head gasket in the next 20-30k miles. That bumps the price up considerably.

Buying used subaru's is generally stupid. Smarter to buy a new one and sell it in 5 years to the idiots who buy used subaru's for way to much money.

Jul 17 2015 5:05PM

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Also could easily be facing a blown transmission in a few thousand miles. ~$3000

Jul 17 2015 5:07PM

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Laurent.

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Don't get a Subaru, get automative supremacy, get a:

Jul 17 2015 5:23PM

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msg

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cobra_commander
Buying used subaru's is generally stupid. Smarter to buy a new one and sell it in 5 years to the idiots who buy used subaru's for way to much money.[/QUOTELol yeah let's listen to the guy that reckons buying new is a good idea

Buy used, but know what you're looking for.

Jul 17 2015 5:24PM

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jaybake

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I know nothing about the car itself, but every time I've looked inside an old Forester, the driver is an obvious lesbian. Which is ok, just something to keep in mind.

Jul 17 2015 5:26PM

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cobra_commander1. They didn't in 1999...
2. a reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
3. another reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
4. It could. It could also easily blow a head gasket in the next 20-30k miles. That bumps the price up considerably.

Buying used subaru's is generally stupid. Smarter to buy a new one and sell it in 5 years to the idiots who buy used subaru's for way to much money.

Let's see there. I bought an 02 forester for $2000. I could throw a wrx motor in the thing, blow it, rinse and repeat several times while throwing in a new tranny, and fixing this or that and still be massively under the price of a new one.

It's gonna be old soon anyway. I think I'm generally around 40k a year. Some years a ton more cause I was always on the road, but I'm not going as far at the moment.

I see an 09 forester with 167k for $6900. So If I buy a new one for $24k I'm spending like 3k a year to own that. Im only invested 3500 ish into my car with about 90k on the motor right now. I don't see how it's a better deal to take the new car?

I mean obviously you get a new car, but it's just cheaper. You could say that having higher quality, newer parts, etc is a better value but you can buy old cars with under 100k only like 5 years old for 16-18k under the price of a new car.

I'd just rather keep my investment down. These old subarus are worth something, no new car will retain shit for it's value honestly.

If I want a new car ever I'll go for something 4-6 years old with under 100k and pay 1/5 of the value of the car on something that I should be able to get at least double the life out of.

Just my $.02

Jul 17 2015 5:33PM

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dingus

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Two of my friends have 99 foresters, one is automatic, one is manual. The manual one has about 125k on the odometer and I think he got it for $2,700 and it is bone stock, the automatic one got his for $2,500 I think with like 134k and it has ton of upgrades such as a pod filter, upgraded silencer (but turns out to have a header leak so its really loud), wired for subs, and custom tints, and it may have some unknown engine upgrades. I personally think 5k is too steep for that rig, even though it does have low miles it could have undisclosed problems.

Jul 17 2015 5:42PM

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dingus

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cobra_commander1. They didn't in 1999...
2. a reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
3. another reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
4. It could. It could also easily blow a head gasket in the next 20-30k miles. That bumps the price up considerably.

Buying used subaru's is generally stupid. Smarter to buy a new one and sell it in 5 years to the idiots who buy used subaru's for way to much money.

Yeah I agree, Subarus tend to blow head gaskets around 70k-100k I believe, unless the subie already had the head gaskets replaced it will more than likely blow. Great cars none the less but like all cars they have problems.

Jul 17 2015 5:48PM

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crotchvent

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Important things to look for has the timing belt/associated pulleys and water pump been done already and have head gaskets been done(and if they havent they will probably act up soonish) and I'd get someone that knows about subarus to look at it for you.

Jul 17 2015 5:49PM

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theabortionatorLet's see there. I bought an 02 forester for $2000. I could throw a wrx motor in the thing, blow it, rinse and repeat several times while throwing in a new tranny, and fixing this or that and still be massively under the price of a new one.

It's gonna be old soon anyway. I think I'm generally around 40k a year. Some years a ton more cause I was always on the road, but I'm not going as far at the moment.

I see an 09 forester with 167k for $6900. So If I buy a new one for $24k I'm spending like 3k a year to own that. Im only invested 3500 ish into my car with about 90k on the motor right now. I don't see how it's a better deal to take the new car?

I mean obviously you get a new car, but it's just cheaper. You could say that having higher quality, newer parts, etc is a better value but you can buy old cars with under 100k only like 5 years old for 16-18k under the price of a new car.

I'd just rather keep my investment down. These old subarus are worth something, no new car will retain shit for it's value honestly.

If I want a new car ever I'll go for something 4-6 years old with under 100k and pay 1/5 of the value of the car on something that I should be able to get at least double the life out of.

Just my $.02

I have done several 'cost of ownership' analysis for various people over the years. When combining improvements in fuel economy, maintenance costs (often you can get included in a new vehicle), depreciation, and risk, it rarely comes out in favor of of used Subarus around Seattle. They are just too expensive. It is not out of the ordinary for a 5-6 year old subaru to sell for $18-$20k. The used turbos will depreciate more, but there you are just asking to have the engine blow up. Sure if you want to buy it at 15-20 years old and have a somewhat reliable beater, but then I wouldn't pay over $3k, and make sure it has had the major overalls done already.

Jul 17 2015 5:50PM

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rballs_

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cobra_commander1. They didn't in 1999...
2. a reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
3. another reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
4. It could. It could also easily blow a head gasket in the next 20-30k miles. That bumps the price up considerably.

Buying used subaru's is generally stupid. Smarter to buy a new one and sell it in 5 years to the idiots who buy used subaru's for way to much money.

1. Inflation.
2. Because they run for a long time???
3. Pretty sure that people wanting subarus isn't a bad. Obviously they don't want them for nothing.
4. A head gasket/timing belt isn't a bad fix. People always overexagerrate.

Jul 17 2015 5:57PM

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ched_der

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cobra_commander1. They didn't in 1999...
2. a reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
3. another reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
4. It could. It could also easily blow a head gasket in the next 20-30k miles. That bumps the price up considerably.

Buying used subaru's is generally stupid. Smarter to buy a new one and sell it in 5 years to the idiots who buy used subaru's for way to much money.

chill out, its a car thread bro

Jul 17 2015 7:21PM

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cobra_commanderI have done several 'cost of ownership' analysis for various people over the years. When combining improvements in fuel economy, maintenance costs (often you can get included in a new vehicle), depreciation, and risk, it rarely comes out in favor of of used Subarus around Seattle. They are just too expensive. It is not out of the ordinary for a 5-6 year old subaru to sell for $18-$20k. The used turbos will depreciate more, but there you are just asking to have the engine blow up. Sure if you want to buy it at 15-20 years old and have a somewhat reliable beater, but then I wouldn't pay over $3k, and make sure it has had the major overalls done already.

Well when looking at what I might be able to sell a car for I'm looking at the fact that I could buy one for 7-10k in the condition you're talking about definitely being able to sell one for 18-20k.

Idk. If you want a new car that's fine, but there's no way it's a cheaper route to go new. IF you want a newer car just buy a 5-7 year old model for 6-10k and roll from there.

And subarus really aren't expensive. We're not talking about audi's.

It's whether you want to shell out the $$$ for a newer car, not whether it's a better deal imo.

Jul 17 2015 7:45PM

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Also just checked the gas mileage thing. Epa lists my 2002 at 19 city, 25 highway. A 2010 is 20 city, 27 highway.

I'm averaging 27 highway anyway. Range is 25.5 to 30.5.
There are probably newer ones that list highway around 30. You mentioned 2010(or I got that number from somewhere so went with that)

Just because a car isn't from the last 5 years doesn't mean it's a beater

Jul 17 2015 7:51PM

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Peter.

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cobra_commander1. They didn't in 1999...
2. a reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
3. another reason why buying a used Subaru is stupid
4. It could. It could also easily blow a head gasket in the next 20-30k miles. That bumps the price up considerably.

Buying used subaru's is generally stupid. Smarter to buy a new one and sell it in 5 years to the idiots who buy used subaru's for way to much money.

you can't win. even with rational thought, NS will always favor subarus no matter what.

never understood how soccer mom cars became a huge thing for skiers..

Jul 17 2015 7:54PM

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Charlie*

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If you look around, you might be able to score a killer deal on a volvo 240 wagon. Great reviews!

Jul 17 2015 8:01PM

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japanada

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search the midwest and southern states, you can get early 2000s subis with around 100k on them for about 3k. They demand so much out west bc of how killer they are in the mtns and snow. The more centrally located in the US you look, the cheaper they get.

Jul 17 2015 8:09PM

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Drail

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My Wife has a 99 forester. It's a lemon. I don't trust that year of forester.

Jul 17 2015 8:51PM

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Peter.you can't win. even with rational thought, NS will always favor subarus no matter what.

never understood how soccer mom cars became a huge thing for skiers..

Soccer moms are mini vans and suvs. Sure the new foresters are pretty much a shitty suv but the old ones have some style.

Also,

I

Wonder

Could it be that maybe, skiers wanted a car where they could fit their ski stuff?

Could it be that easy?

Omg that's it!

A car that's awd, lasts forever, and you can fit stuff. I think we might be onto something.

Jul 18 2015 2:33AM

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theabortionatorSoccer moms are mini vans and suvs. Sure the new foresters are pretty much a shitty suv but the old ones have some style.

Also,

I

Wonder

Could it be that maybe, skiers wanted a car where they could fit their ski stuff?

Could it be that easy?

Omg that's it!

A car that's awd, lasts forever, and you can fit stuff. I think we might be onto something.

I have a 15 forester, all I can say is the car is incredible minus some of the dull exterior design.

Jul 18 2015 2:31PM

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msg

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theabortionatorSoccer moms are mini vans and suvs. Sure the new foresters are pretty much a shitty suv but the old ones have some style.

Also,

I

Wonder

Could it be that maybe, skiers wanted a car where they could fit their ski stuff?

Could it be that easy?

Omg that's it!

A car that's awd, lasts forever, and you can fit stuff. I think we might be onto something.

Don't be ridiculous

Jul 18 2015 2:51PM

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crotchvent

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dodgeDon't be ridiculous

How is that being ridiculous?

how do you feel about impreza 2.5rs?

Jul 18 2015 10:39PM

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broto

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theabortionatorSoccer moms are mini vans and suvs. Sure the new foresters are pretty much a shitty suv but the old ones have some style.

Also,

I

Wonder

Could it be that maybe, skiers wanted a car where they could fit their ski stuff?

Could it be that easy?

Omg that's it!

A car that's awd, lasts forever, and you can fit stuff. I think we might be onto something.

just bought a forester for those reasons, and the fact you can still find newer subies with manual transmissions, unlike a lot of other manufacturers. that's a prized feature for a lot of drivers in the snow as well. plus on the east coast you can find em cheap and in good condition. it is a nightmare trying to buy a subie in utah though.

Jul 18 2015 11:31PM

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brotojust bought a forester for those reasons, and the fact you can still find newer subies with manual transmissions, unlike a lot of other manufacturers. that's a prized feature for a lot of drivers in the snow as well. plus on the east coast you can find em cheap and in good condition. it is a nightmare trying to buy a subie in utah though.

If I buy a newer one I'll probably sell mine out west. Def seem to fetch a good amount more.

The manual tranny is the only way I roll. Also some of my good friends in PA own subarus and do a lot of work on cars. A couple of them just opened a legit garage so getting work done cheap is a plus too. Not that they don't work on other cars but they're already on the lookout for subaru parts so if there's something I'm looking for I can just have them keep their eyes out.

I might spring for a newer one at some point or through a new motor and tranny in mine and run that shit till 400k. Still gotta decide

Jul 19 2015 2:16AM

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Casey

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I think 73k is ridiculously low miles for a 99. That car is most likely not going to need a clutch, head, or anything major for awhile. Putting money into old cars is just a fact of life, if that's THE car you want then you can be set for a long time for pretty low cost over time.
If I were you I would buy it for 5k, put fifty thousand miles on it and sell it for like 4k right before all the components take a shit and you gotta dump 2 grand into it to keep it on the road.

Jul 19 2015 2:19AM

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brotojust bought a forester for those reasons, and the fact you can still find newer subies with manual transmissions, unlike a lot of other manufacturers. that's a prized feature for a lot of drivers in the snow as well. plus on the east coast you can find em cheap and in good condition. it is a nightmare trying to buy a subie in utah though.

Took me forever to find a 6 speed forester but I did, they are out there.

Jul 19 2015 7:53PM

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ABallsTook me forever to find a 6 speed forester but I did, they are out there.

is that a typo or are there actually 6 speed foresters out there?

Jul 19 2015 8:00PM

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theabortionatoris that a typo or are there actually 6 speed foresters out there?

Oh they're out there, I own one. They're aren't many of them though.

Jul 19 2015 8:10PM

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ABallsOh they're out there, I own one. They're aren't many of them though.

Interesting. When did they start making those?

Jul 19 2015 8:50PM

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msg

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crotchventHow is that being ridiculous?

how do you feel about impreza 2.5rs?

Sarcasm

Jul 19 2015 9:19PM

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crotchvent

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dodgeSarcasm

Doesn't really work in writting.

Jul 19 2015 11:08PM

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Peter.

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theabortionatorSoccer moms are mini vans and suvs. Sure the new foresters are pretty much a shitty suv but the old ones have some style.

Also,

I

Wonder

Could it be that maybe, skiers wanted a car where they could fit their ski stuff?

Could it be that easy?

Omg that's it!

A car that's awd, lasts forever, and you can fit stuff. I think we might be onto something.

or they could buy one of the tons of other mid sized SUVs or wagons that have AWD to fit their ski gear in. you guys act like if you want a 4 wheel drive car, subaru is the only option

Jul 20 2015 1:07AM

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Peter.or they could buy one of the tons of other mid sized SUVs or wagons that have AWD to fit their ski gear in. you guys act like if you want a 4 wheel drive car, subaru is the only option

Subarus became SUV's but didn't start out that way. As far as wagons what's really out there?

Passats, Volvs, Audis. I mean there are a few but there aren't THAT many(obviously more) but I just saying that they aren't everywhere. Wagons kind of went out.

Subaru had a few, they're good cars, and people like them. That doesn't mean that there isn't other shit out there, but people like subarus. Hell, one of my friends had a volvo, he loved that thing.

I didn't get a subaru to be part of the sweet subaru club, I needed a new car, and the forester fit my needs. They run well, I can get parts easily, even if I blow the motor it's still worth something if I wanted to sell it. It meets my needs and I'm happy with it.

If you want a volvo get one, if you want a passat get one, if you want a bicycle get one.

Pretty simple imo.

Jul 20 2015 1:25AM

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tBatt

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The referenced post has been removed.

Swift sport springs. Drops ~1.5" in the front and 1" in the back. Not much of a difference in appearance but gets rid of some of the rake and about a 30% stiffer spring rate. It can be done without being a jugaloon.

as far as the car goes, definitely look out for head gaskets. My buddy got a '99 Outback last year with 78k on it and it blew the head gasket in the first 5 months. Cats are also a known problem on these, and if there is any rust check for frame rot around the rear a-arms.

Jul 20 2015 9:47AM

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theabortionatorInteresting. When did they start making those?

cant tell if sarcasm but the first year for the forester was 97. im assuming that they've been around since the first year. only difference between the transmissions I came across was that the automatic has a 60/40 power split front to rear. the manual has a 50/50 power split.

Jul 20 2015 3:39PM

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ABallscant tell if sarcasm but the first year for the forester was 97. im assuming that they've been around since the first year. only difference between the transmissions I came across was that the automatic has a 60/40 power split front to rear. the manual has a 50/50 power split.

What is with people to day? This is the second time where I said something that was imo completely reasonable and somebody quoted me saying "can't tell if serious" "can't tell if sarcasm"

Also I don't even know why you quoted me honestly, or why you wrote any of that to me.

Jul 20 2015 3:53PM

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