Hello. I am buying a Subaru Forester in a few weeks. I've been doing a lot of research on them so far, but my question is: Did the 2.5L headgasket failures in the outbacks also apply to the Forester as well? I know there were a few recalls on certain parts for the Forester for different years but I didn't find anything about head gaskets. Can someone clarify this for me?

Also anyone opinions on the best year for the Forester? I've been interested in 2003's, but I need some advice.

And last question is on the 2003 models: Whats the difference betwen 2.5x, 2.5xs, and 2.5 xs premium?

Thanks

-David

 

Forester XT now with 100% more turbo!!!

 

I've had an '04 and an '05 Forester XT and they friggin romp! If you could do it, I'd recommend getting an '05. One of the issues some Forester owners complained about is rear differential whine. I had that on my '04. My '05 has no such problems.

If you don't want the extra grunt the FXT offers, the X is the base model. It has a single CD player, drum rear brakes, and black plastic lower body panels. Engine and transmission is the same as the XS.

The XS comes in either the 2 tone color upper and gray lower paint scheme, or the single color for the premium. The XS also had the all-weather package which consists of 3 power outlets, 1 by the ash tray, 1 in the armrest, and 1 in the rear cargo area. It has windshield wiper defrosters and heated seats. It also receives a 6-disc in-dash CD changer as well as disc brakes all the way around. XS premium Foresters get the huge moonroof and leather seats

Forester XTs come w/the gnarly 2.5L turbo motor and the premium 7-speaker sound system. Other than that, it's got he same all-weather package as the XS and can also be had in a premium package.