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It seems like based on MSN auto reviews that one of the trouble spots in this vehicle is the engine during several model years. If anyone has owned this vehicle for a long period of time have you run into any major troubles? It also appears that crash test ratings improved from 2003 on with a five star ranking. I have had MPG of close to 30 highway with another Subaru. How does the Forester rank on the highway? Is the overall value for a used car quite good in the 6-8K range? Thanks. I am considering the 03-06 model years.
03's-06's are well past the years of head gasket issues that Subie had starting in the 2.5 l 4-cam motor, so not a concern for your model years.
30 mpg with late model Subie's is a very realistic fuel economy. My wife gets 32-33 mpg with our 1995 Legacy Wagon (mostly cruising 60-65 mph), and I get 28-30 mpg with my 2001 Legacy Outback Limited at 75-78 mph. We live at 6,000' elevation, so the cars aren't as efficient as they might be at lower altitude.
If you need the AWD capability and the size of the car fits your needs, then the Subie can be a good value.
However, if you don't live in a climate zone where the AWD is of value to your driving, then there are other ... possibly better ... choices in the marketplace. One pays a penalty in fuel economy and performance with the AWD Subie's compared to many FWD cars.
I swear by the (4) Forester's we've owned. My Daughter totaled one recently however. We just bought her another '03 model for only $4000 (high miles).
The fuel economy of the Forester isn't as good as other Subarus though.
The Forester resale value normally remains quite strong.
Just don't burn any light bulbs out in the dash (see my rant thread).........LOL
No, it was the 99 and earlier models that had the head gasket issue. We have an 01 subie forester that we got with 82k on it 4 years ago. It has 130k now and has been pretty good. The AWD is good in the NH snow. My teenagers drive it...
For more on the forester, go to the forum on this site: SubaruForester.org
Lots of very knowledgeable Forester owners...
We've owned three Subarus--they're practically the official car of Vermont. My wife loved her Forester.
They tend to be very, very reliable. I agree with the poster who said that you should only buy one if you need it for the AWD. You definitely pay a mileage penalty. In addition, whenever you replace a tire you need to replace all four, so that's an additional expense.
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