I am really looking for a 4Runner as a 4wheel drive expo vehicle. But the price of what i want is kind of high. I have a Volvo Wagon now and love the wagon aspect. Wife has a CRV and think with skid plates and recovery gear it could do most of what i want. I have always liked the idea of Subaru but never trusted the longevity. I always here "my Subaru is great! It only needed a XYZ at 100,000 miles". I think about our Hondas are near 300,000 and have never needed a "XYZ". I have been looking at some of the cheap First gen Foresters. But i have been reading and it sounds like the weak link is the head gaskets on some motors. Besides the head gaskets how do these cars hold up for going 200,000+ miles? How are the tranys and other drive parts? Are the new replacement head gaskets good to go? I looked into the head gasket/timing belt ob. It looks like the engine needs to come out, is that right? I am almost tempted to buy one that i know needs a head gasket if i can buy it CHEAP. Then just pull the motor and do it all at once. But my main question is what are your thoughts on the reliability of 1st gen Foresters with say over 150,000 miles on them? I am basically inspired by the Expo Forester build they are doing.
Reliability of first gen Forester
- Thread starter rc51kid
- Start date
E.J.
Explorer
The 4eat transmissions are bombproof, the AWD system isn't like the others. The replacement HG's are good to go. I've done XYZ and am about two oil changes away from 200k miles, my only big complaint is mine eats front CV boots about every 20-25k miles. That's due to the car being lifted almost 3" so I wouldn't fault Subaru for that.
Ranchero
Wanderer
I believe some first generation Foresters had the DOHC motor. Fine motor, but a bit more difficult to work on (setting valve clearance) than later SOHC motor. I've had multiple 2.5 Subarus in the family. All have needed headgaskets. Can be done in car, but actually easier to pull the motor. My experience is with Outbacks. Servicing may be a bit different in a Forester. BTW, my Vanagon has a 2.5 SOHC from a 2001 Forester. Great engine. I wouldn't hesitate at all to buy a Subie.