Talk to me about this one, Oppo

"Just Jeepin'" (macintux)
06/05/2019 at 08:30 • Filed to: None

It’s not a Jeep, but it is a manual. And that’s about as much as I know about Foresters.

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DISCUSSION (28)

Nibby > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 08:35

those are pretty roomy and handle nicely for what they are... they’re kinda slow but you’ll get decent fuel economy AND the turning radius is amazing

CalzoneGolem > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 08:36

The all wheel drive is on demand...

I don’t think this is right. Also, it’s about 35k late for timing/headgasket service if that’s never been done.

Just Jeepin' > CalzoneGolem
06/05/2019 at 08:38

Worth more research, thanks.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 08:41

nice!

buy it

Just Jeepin' > pip bip - choose Corrour
06/05/2019 at 08:43

Maybe. The manual XJ I thought was sold isn’t yet, so that might be the one.

Boxer_4 > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 08:52

This is an FB engine car, so the standard issue EJ engine advice does not apply. These early FB engines do have a reputation for being oil burners. There is a TSB and extended warranty on these. I have a post on this, if you google search.

Just Jeepin' > Boxer_4
06/05/2019 at 08:58

Thanks.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 08:58

The major concern would be that this was the first year of the FB25 which is known for excessive oil consumption, often requiring replacement of the short block. Other than that they are solid cars, especially with the 5 speed.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Boxer_4
06/05/2019 at 09:02

Pretty sure this is pre oil burner? I thought they introduced the FB in the next generation forester in 2012.

Kiltedpadre > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 09:03

If the timing belt has been replaced, and it doesn’t have any issues with the head gaskets that could be a solid buy. My wife’s Impreza with the same motor went through coils pretty regularly. It was a simple job to replace it though; front and center at the very top of the engine and just required removing a couple easy to reach bolts and the plug wires to swap out.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 09:04

2009-2011 is probably the best era for foresters. I prefer the older body style but this car gets better fuel economy and probably has traction control and tpms.

someassemblyrequired > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 09:19

Buddy has one, I had it for a couple of weeks when our cars got moved before we moved to DC. It’s nice enough, interior is spartan but well laid out and seats are super comforable. T he boxers are pretty low on torque/HP and it hits high in the revs so it takes a bit of thrashing to get it going. Handles well, and hasn’t really had anything go wrong. It has a penchant for burning oil at a staggering rate (quart every 1-2000 miles) since new but it hasn’t gotten worse, and he has 120k on it now .

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
06/05/2019 at 09:20

Subaru gave the Forester a light facelift (basically just a new grill) for 2011, introducing the FB engine ahead of the full launch for the updated Impreza and Forester in 2012.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
06/05/2019 at 09:24

I get the feeling that the FB is either a great engine or a shit engine. I know several people with FB’s and >100k on the odometer with no issues. My 2013 Outback got a new short block at 35k.

Boxer_4 > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
06/05/2019 at 09:30

The SJ Forester debuted in ‘13 as a ‘14, but spot on!

Boxer_4 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
06/05/2019 at 09:46

The SH Forester ran from 2009-2013 and was the first to get the FB in 2011 . The SJ Forester was the first Forester to get the CVT.

Boxer_4 > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 09:56

No problem! I’ve had one for 10 years and 111,000 miles at this point, and know others that have been quite happy with their SH Foresters (the run from 2009-2013).

To answer your question on the AWD system, they are all permanent AWD systems. The 5-speed uses a viscous coupling with a default split of 50:50 front:rear.

Any other questions, feel free to ask!

Boxer_4 > Boxer_4
06/05/2019 at 09:58

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/subaru-tsb-for-excessive-oil-consumption-1600566355

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 11:05

My mom has that exact car (2015 I think). It’s been pretty reliable for her.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 11:29

Buy it. Then slam it.

Boxer_4 > Kiltedpadre
06/05/2019 at 11:30

This advice would be spot-on for an ‘09-‘10 model.

This one has the FB engine, so timing chain instead of a belt, and coil on plug. Head gaskets don’t appear to be an issue on these, due to design changes from the EJ engines.

Just Jeepin' > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
06/05/2019 at 11:32

There aren’t enough “hell no”s in the world for that idea.

wafflesnfalafel > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
06/05/2019 at 11:37

they do look good dropped a bit...

Regarding general quality, my wife’s aunt had one for a number of years without issue (didn’t have to do the EJ head gasket mambo or anything) and traded it in on a new Crosstrek a couple years ago... though I believe it was an automatic.

gmctavish needs more space > Nibby
06/05/2019 at 11:50

My Legacy has the turning radius of a limo, I’m impressed they gave the Forester a good turning radius.

Wacko > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 12:04

if it’s like my 2017(i think it’s the same engine)

if you do your oil changes you may want to install a EZ-drain plug

I did my first oil change on mine a few weeks ago and the oil pan plug is high enough up in the engine that it splashes.

I’m installing this with a hose, and tool less and ramp oil changes from now on.

Kinja'd!!!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Just Jeepin'
06/05/2019 at 12:52

IMO a lowered forster looks lit.

Just Jeepin' > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
06/05/2019 at 13:27

Ever since I switched from a Honda to a Wrangler I’ve come to appreciate the inherent value of clearance and ride height.

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
06/06/2019 at 10:13

“lit” I’ll pretend I didn’t just read that...