Going to see a 2011 Forester later today. Want to make sure I check everything that matters before making a decision. What are the main things I should be looking at? Would really appreciate any advice. Thanks!
Oil leaks and wheel bearings are common problems with these.
Check for oil burning on top of the catalytic converter near the oxygen sensors. It’s right below the passenger side valve cover.
Also, ask how much oil it burns over time.
Like others said, oil burning is a big one. If you’re in a rust-prone area, check the subframes too.
The 2011 Forester switched to the FB25 engine, which has a timing chain instead of a belt. The chain should last as long as the engine.
The big concern is oil consumption. Subaru even had an extended warranty for excessive oil burning, but that coverage has ended. If the owner hasn’t been checking and topping off oil regularly, it could be a problem.
Also, this year should have the 4EAT automatic transmission, not a CVT. If it’s been maintained well, it should be fine.
@Tegan
That extended warranty probably saved a lot of people from needing a whole new engine.
See if the head gaskets and timing chain have been replaced. If there’s no record, you might need to budget around $2,500+ to get it done.
This is around the mileage where both can start causing problems, which might be why it’s being sold. If the seller admits they haven’t been replaced, you could try to negotiate the price down.
If it has an automatic, pay attention to how it shifts. Some of these had transmission issues. My 2009 manual has 140k miles, runs great, and has no oil leaks after replacing the head gasket.
@Blayne
If it’s the updated SH model, it should have a timing chain instead of a belt. The head gaskets were supposedly improved too.
JeffPatterson said:
@Blayne
If it’s the updated SH model, it should have a timing chain instead of a belt. The head gaskets were supposedly improved too.
Good to know! I thought all SH models had belts, so that’s helpful.
JeffPatterson said:
@Blayne
If it’s the updated SH model, it should have a timing chain instead of a belt. The head gaskets were supposedly improved too.
So does that mean the timing chain doesn’t need to be replaced at 100k?
@YukiJane
Yeah, timing chains usually last the life of the engine. Unless something goes really wrong, they don’t need to be changed.
@Blayne
The 2011 doesn’t have a timing belt or CVT. Timing chain replaced the belt in this model.
I have a 2012 that looks just like this one but in blue. Been a solid car.
Stock stereo isn’t great, but swapping out the speakers and head unit made a big difference. Just keep an eye on oil levels—it’s common for these to burn oil. Check it every 500 miles or so.
I should have mentioned that I’m in upstate NY, so rust is a big concern. I’ll definitely check for that.
I didn’t know about the oil burning issue before, so I’ll have a mechanic take a closer look at that too.
The car has 108k miles, and the seller is asking $9,500. Comes with four snow tires.
@YukiJane
That price seems high unless it’s an XT.
Lake said:
@YukiJane
That price seems high unless it’s an XT.
I was thinking of offering $8k, but now I’m wondering if I should just go for a newer model and finance instead.
Lake said:
@YukiJane
That price seems high unless it’s an XT.
I was thinking of offering $8k, but now I’m wondering if I should just go for a newer model and finance instead.
This one has a timing chain instead of a belt, so at least that’s one less thing to worry about. But yeah, the oil issue is the big one with these.
Oil burning is the biggest issue. My ‘09 Forester just hit 200k, and while it’s been a great car, it goes through oil fast. I have to top it off every month.
Other than that, it’s handled some rough conditions way better than I expected.
@Berlin
That’s just how it is with these boxer engines. Spark plug and valve gasket replacements can be a pain too.
It’s not a terrible deal, but I paid about the same price five years ago for an ‘11 with 10k fewer miles. The market is crazy right now.