If the Forester SG you are looking at has gone well past the North American service interval be very cautious about buying the vehicle. Also remember to check that the engine in the Forester is cold. However, there are very few reports of the belt breaking before the American service schedule. Leaks from the rear differential may not be from a seal but the diff cover itself, as they can crack if the fill or drain plugs are done up with too much enthusiasm. Following this we will take a quick look at the specifications and then we will dive into the buyer’s guide portion of the article. The brake components will wear overtime, especially if the car is regularly driven hard, so check the condition of them. However, they will be worth more if you decide to sell the Forester in the future. 2014-2017 Subaru Forester CVT Automatic Transmission XT Premium, Touring, Touring w/EyeSight. This information applies to both dealers and private sealers. JDM 2009 to 2012 Subaru Forester Legacy Outback 2.5L AVLS Engine JDM EJ253 Engine. Additionally, a Forester that has been lowered too much may be impractical to use as a daily driver. FREE SHIPPING . Here are the main components that make up the cooling system in a second generation Subaru Forester: Remember to check the cooling system on Forester you are looking at both before and after a test drive to make sure it is working as intended and there are no leaks. Many enthusiastic owners, especially those with turbocharged Foresters like to change the engine oil closer to the 6,000 km (3,750 mile) mark even on synthetic oil. To start with we will be looking at the history and origins of the second-generation Forester. With the largest range of second hand Subaru Forester cars across the UK, find the right car for you. Subaru Forester STI for sale. Last update: 2019-06-09. click image to enlarge. Other places such as the cam seals under the timing cover and even the dipstick are places to watch out for as well. Additionally, you can check websites such as CarFax (USA) and CarJam (NZ) for more information about the car you are thinking of purchasing. Less than 5k kms since import. To check for blue smoke, ask a friend to follow you while drive the vehicle and take it through the rev range. The first things you should check is the air-filter and other intake components. Sales of the first-generation car would start around a year and a half later and continue through until 2002. This is for the following reasons: A car that struggles to start or won’t start at all may be suffering from several different issues from something like a bad battery or poor spark plugs to something much more serious. Alternatively, if you see a bit of smoke on engine start-up it may be a sign of the oil burning issue we discussed earlier in this article. As this is the case, the timing belt/cambelt must be replaced at around 170,000 km (105,000 miles) or every 105 months, whichever comes first. Used Forester SG MMSA3 Axleback Exhaust to fit your EJ25 SG5 SG9 03-08 Subaru Forester Forester XT Forester STi for sale. Shop by category. If the gauge is on the low side it may be a sign that the thermostat is not functioning correctly. Other than the above, keep an ear out for any loud bangs, knocks, grinding or other strange sounds when the brakes are applied. JDM Used Forester SG5 SG9 Axleback Exhaust to fit EJ25 03-08 XT XS & FSTi. Below we have listed some things to watch out for that indicate worn suspension and steering componentry: Many owners like to fit coilovers to their Forester SGs (shock absorber surrounded by a spring), giving them the ability to lower their vehicle. How do they react if you ask to do a compression test on the vehicle? Small cracks can be sealed, so this problem shouldn’t be too much of an issue. With the Forester being so closely related to the Impreza, the STi version of the car received the same engine as in the 2005 WRX STi. Additionally, lift up the floor mats and check for water residue as it could be a sign that the Forester has had a leak in the past or may have even been flooded. You may hear a weird whistling, rumbling or high-pitched metallic sound if the turbo is failing, but by this point it is too late. A ‘B’ indicates that the car is in average condition, while a ‘C’ displays that it is in poor condition. They also updated the stereo with an enhanced sound system and a single-CD player. 271,301 people like this. How do they respond when you ask them to show you the service history and paperwork for the car? Additionally, the wrong oil filter can also cause leaks. ), To see if the owner revs the car hard when it is still cold (if they do that pass on the Forester), Clutch cable is too tight and is not releasing properly, Dipping and swerving when the brakes are applied, Excessive Rear-end squat during acceleration, Excessive vibration coming through the steering wheel (could indicate alignment issues or failed ball joints), Excessive bounce after hitting a bump or when pushing down on the suspension, Leaking fluid on the exterior of the shock/strut, Knocking, clunking or creaking sounds during a test drive, Any leaks in the brake lines (get a helper to press on the brake pedal while you inspect the lines), Brake fluid changes every 12 – 24 months (check the service history and with the owner for this), Uneven wear (Can be a sign of alignment or suspension issues), Brand (they should be from a good or well-reviewed brand), Same tyre in terms of tyre make, type and tread pattern on each axle (preferably on all four wheels) – mismatched tyres can lead to poor handling performance and may even be dangerous, Vehicle has spent time in countries or areas with salted roads, Car has spent time in countries or areas with very harsh winters, Vehicle is often parked/stored by the sea for significant periods of time, If the Forester has always been kept outside (never garaged), Accident damage (stone chips or more significant damage).