I have one of these. ‘98. I’m the original owner. I’ve got 280,000 miles on the original engine and transmission (5MT). Of course, the head gaskets blew early in its life. Replaced them myself. Pulled the motor for that, so I replaced a bunch of other stuff as well, including the clutch. The ‘98 has DOHC. I think that’s the only year for that. Think the ‘99 and later has SOHC. If you replace the timing belt, belt tensioner, idler pulley and water pump on schedule, the EJ25D runs forever. That motor is a beast.
I have one, here in Wiltshire UK, best winter car ever. Mine has 168k, did the belts and clutch last year. Need to do rear brake pipes now as they have corroded, it's a big job: tank and subframe out for access. I love my Fozz, feel like it will go on forever. Good luck with yours👍
It was very reliable for what we paid for it. Unfortunately, the engine is toast and the car was partially melted in a fire, so now it's a donor for the 04 we have
Still not sure of that's an "S" model feature or an addition. Unfortunately this thing quit on us a couple months back on our way to my brother in law's wedding, and we haven't torn into it yet.
@@PerfectRumble yeah. It's a better car than the 2004 bsckup Forester. I'm hoping I can get away with polishing the crank and putting fresh bearings in.
kameron clark, TH-cam isn't showing me your comment for some reason, so I'll respond anyways. Last I looked, there are 260k+ miles on the chassis, but the engine shows evidence of being rebuilt at one point (via "overheat" tags). I'll be pulling the engine to do the clutch soon, and will likely do the much needed valve adjustment at the same time.
I have a 98 subbi Forester needs radiator winder when if spark plugs change in 220.000? Miles I guess they were I hope runs good not lotta heat when real cold radiator problem
It could be that or the thermostat is stuck open, generally. There's also the possibility that the heater core could be clogged or one of the mixing doors is damaged.
Hard to say. It did have a loose rod but drove fine for 2 years, until we forgot to check the oil before a road trip and locked it up. Oddly enough, after sitting on a trailer for 2 hours it still started just fine. I'd love to fix it one day but now it's fire damaged on top of having a cooked engine.
@@208Concepts haha mines similar. A legacy wagon but has that engine ticking, clutch just went out, tires are toast, needs an alignment, brakes and various suspension components, reconstructed title from blatant front end structural damage and a bunch more maintenance and small issues. I love the car and want to fix it but it really is a money pit at this point. Such a shame as it's a manual with a 2.2 in it. You thinking of scrapping/parting it out as well then?
I have one of these. ‘98. I’m the original owner. I’ve got 280,000 miles on the original engine and transmission (5MT). Of course, the head gaskets blew early in its life. Replaced them myself. Pulled the motor for that, so I replaced a bunch of other stuff as well, including the clutch. The ‘98 has DOHC. I think that’s the only year for that. Think the ‘99 and later has SOHC. If you replace the timing belt, belt tensioner, idler pulley and water pump on schedule, the EJ25D runs forever. That motor is a beast.
As long as it has oil in it 🤣
I have one, here in Wiltshire UK, best winter car ever.
Mine has 168k, did the belts and clutch last year.
Need to do rear brake pipes now as they have corroded, it's a big job: tank and subframe out for access.
I love my Fozz, feel like it will go on forever.
Good luck with yours👍
It died last year then suffered some fire damage unfortunately. My wife is driving a hand-me-down '04 though.
One of the best cars ever
It was very reliable for what we paid for it. Unfortunately, the engine is toast and the car was partially melted in a fire, so now it's a donor for the 04 we have
I just bought one today same color, automatic for $400
Nice! I need to pull this one apart and see why the engine seized 😬
Nice foz for that kind of money! Also, that trunk door "wing" thing is cool :)
Still not sure of that's an "S" model feature or an addition.
Unfortunately this thing quit on us a couple months back on our way to my brother in law's wedding, and we haven't torn into it yet.
Not the best time to break :( Do you have plans to bring it back on the road?
@@PerfectRumble yeah. It's a better car than the 2004 bsckup Forester. I'm hoping I can get away with polishing the crank and putting fresh bearings in.
kameron clark, TH-cam isn't showing me your comment for some reason, so I'll respond anyways.
Last I looked, there are 260k+ miles on the chassis, but the engine shows evidence of being rebuilt at one point (via "overheat" tags). I'll be pulling the engine to do the clutch soon, and will likely do the much needed valve adjustment at the same time.
Oh transmission fluid low added quart half when slow it kinda knock a little mtr mounts? Maybe
That or its the transmission mount on the center crossmember
good job
Nice!
It was. My wife and I are still debating on what we're going to do with it now though
I have a 98 subbi Forester needs radiator winder when if spark plugs change in 220.000? Miles I guess they were I hope runs good not lotta heat when real cold radiator problem
It could be that or the thermostat is stuck open, generally.
There's also the possibility that the heater core could be clogged or one of the mixing doors is damaged.
You said calves were fine in the beginning but what was that ticking sound and why were you unconcerned?
Hard to say. It did have a loose rod but drove fine for 2 years, until we forgot to check the oil before a road trip and locked it up.
Oddly enough, after sitting on a trailer for 2 hours it still started just fine. I'd love to fix it one day but now it's fire damaged on top of having a cooked engine.
@@208Concepts haha mines similar. A legacy wagon but has that engine ticking, clutch just went out, tires are toast, needs an alignment, brakes and various suspension components, reconstructed title from blatant front end structural damage and a bunch more maintenance and small issues. I love the car and want to fix it but it really is a money pit at this point. Such a shame as it's a manual with a 2.2 in it.
You thinking of scrapping/parting it out as well then?
We haven't figured it out yet. I'd love to build an off-road toy but that costs money 🤣
id take a beater forester too ;)
This thing still runs like a top 👌.
Hard starting occasionally though
Sounds like a sewing machine.
It's that worn out EJ life... The thing still runs, and has been to Kennewick Washington and Salt Lake City now...
My Subaru liberty(legacy) sounds the same but more like a diesel truck