Subaru Maintenance and Mileage: A Personal Journey

Subaru vehicles, known for their reliability, have certainly offered me a range of experiences. Over the years, I've managed to keep my Subarus running well beyond the standard expectations, but even I have faced challenges. Let's dive into my journey with three Subaru Foresters, each with its unique story of longevity and the lessons learned.

My First Forester: A Learning Experience

My first Subaru Forester was a 2000 manual model, obtained with a history of a failed engine. I had to replace the original engine multiple times, each with its own set of issues. Despite my best efforts, the projects required more than just a simple motor change; I encountered problems such as a blown head gasket and rod knock. Ultimately, I managed to take the vehicle to around 275,000 miles. However, the body's rust and mechanical issues made it unsafe, leading to its eventual dismantling for parts.

Second Forester: A Test of Sturdiness

My second Subaru Forester, a 2001 manual, came with a terrible knocking noise from the engine. The seller suggested it could be a wristpin issue, but the condition of the engine seemed dire. With my spare engine from the first Forester, I managed to keep it running, even sleeping at the wheel and hitting it against a guardrail at 260,000 miles. After a series of rallies, it was sold to students who participated in the New York Gambler 500, a dirt rally. Surprisingly, the motor held up despite the abuse. Eventually, it was impounded, sold, and crushed.

Third Forester: A Final Struggle

My third Subaru Forester was also a 2001 model, purchased with a new cooling system due to overheating by the previous owner. After correcting a timing belt issue, the car lasted another 20,000 miles before the cooling system failed. I installed the spare engine again and managed to drive it for a few hundred more miles before experiencing severe rod knock. The canary in the coalmine was the oil and filter change before starting the engine, followed by the inevitable loss of 270,000 miles. The rear undercarriage showed signs of rust, indicating its potential lifespan was nearing an end.

Regular Issues and Expectations

Throughout my journey, four major issues were consistently observed in my Subaru Foresters. The first being Catalytic Converter failures (P0420) and Evaporative Emissions Control System problems. These issues appeared around 110,000 miles and could be expected. Additionally, rod knock typically became an issue around 200,000 miles, signaling the need for a new engine. The fourth issue, expensive-to-fix emissions problems and rust in the rear unibody and subframe, were prevalent after 200,000 miles, especially if one lived in a rustbelt environment.

Conclusion: Making the Decision

After years of dealing with these issues, I have decided to move on from Subarus unless I can secure a cheap 6-cylinder Outback from a coworker. While 4-cylinder Subaru vehicles have been reliable, the challenges of maintenance have become financially prohibitive for most. As I continue my journey, I share these insights to help others make informed decisions about Subaru ownership and maintenance.