I'm looking at a high mileage automatic Forester, to all intents and purposes a de-tuned Impreza lump (running a smaller turbo, 380cc injectors and an auto box)

The car has never been modified and has been serviced regularly every 7500 miles at a Subaru dealership, with the cambelts changed on time.

What would I need to consider if I were buying a 3.5 year old car with neary 100k on the clock?

turbo?
exhaust?
clutch?
engine?
bushes?
links?
suspension?

I'm sure there are a few Imprezas out there with around this mileage on them, but have you needed to change, except for servicing it?

Thanks
Andy

 

Well this is my first ever post!

I've got a 2000 (01 model) Forester Turbo Auto bought at 75k with full Subaru history (every 7.5k and new cambelt - as yours), now up to 80k, only faults are worn shocks, a rusty exhaust (no holes yet), very slightly clunky auto-box changes, and creaky suspension bushes.

Apart from that, no faults at all, seems to pull really well, gearbox kicks down lovely, quite a machine!

I'd recommend one 100%. Build seems excellent compared to an Impreza, a very solid tank of a car that can upset quite a few people at the lights. More fun than you'd think round corners as well. Enjoy!

Edited to add... try and get a 2000/1 model - the wheels/interior are upgraded (suede on mine), and the 01 has cruise (apparently the earlier models had a different cruise system as an option that was 'problematic').
A lot of cars are advertised as 2001 but are 'old stock' 2000 models that were registered late.
Easy way to check the year is to look for cruise and a Philips CD autochanger - the earlier cars didn't have Cds alledgedly. The VIN will tell you the year of manufacture as well, can't remember how to check tho' - ask a main dealer how to de-code the numbers to give the build date. Cheers!

 

I previously owned a 95 Impreza Turbo Wagon, which had 120k on the clock when I bought it. It was running cr@p initially but this was due to some muppet fitting standard Champion spark plugs. A new set of genuine plugs later and the car was transformed.

I ran the car for 18 months and sold it with 149k on the clock and it never missed a beat. I replaced the springs and shocks but only because my mate worked for Subaru and had a cheap set which were removed from a car that had a Prodrive upgrade.

As long as the car has been maintained correctly (which sounds likely) I do not see a problem.

Andy

 

As above, if its been looked after by a main dealer then they are spending the customers money after all and will replace / rectify anything that may not last until the next service.

andy

 

Hello mate,

My MY00 is now at 95k. Shocks (Bilsteins, not KYB) need doing, clutch is going but that's about it. On a slightly different note, I just bought a Saab with 115k on the clock and I'm amazed at how well it drives. Surprisingly quick, practical and very solid (compared to the scoob!). Very cheap, too. Just not sure how well it would go down at the Surrey meets!

 

My Impreza is now at 99k and I've had no major problems.

I had to replace a waste valve, bushes, clutch and flywheel.

Now both rocker cover gaskets are leaking so they need replacing. Apart from that, everythings is fine! [touchwood]

 

Cheers guys!