Buying an Sf GT Forrie

[t.ridden]

Hi all,

Sorry I've been a bit quiet on here, moving house and starting back at uni has taken my time away D: (and my internet connection for a week or two!)

After some advice, I'm after a new(er) daily driver, as my Mazda is getting a tad unreliable and isn't awful fun to drive. Realistically, it probably just needs some TLC, but the departments of finance (mum) and of war (the girlfriend) are both encouraging me to get something "better".

So of course, I've hunted around and found an MY99 Foz GT in the right $$ range.
208***kms, manual 5sp, S/R AWD, EJ20J, SLS rear, etc, you know what they are.
Bog stock, no mods that I've been told or seen, looks stock height.
I'm heading to look at it and test drive tomorrow, pics I've seen show straight green body, no obvious paint fade or rust.
Interior is "immaculate" I was assured over the phone (so I'll be skeptical!)
Also according to the dealer it "drives beautiful mate".
Its from a dealer, so I'll be getting the best possible warranty with it, then driving it lots to find all the little faults that need to be fixed :P

Main issue I have, stopping me just going there and handing over the cash, is the lack of written service history.
Being a turbo motor, I'd much prefer to have a full history behind it (and shall be using this as a haggling point ).
First thing I'd do after purchase is get a full service and inspection done by a Subaru specialist (got a few I know from Rallying), to cover the bases.

So, the point of this post, who's had an SF GT and what would you say to one who is looking to buy one for a "fun" daily and occasional gravel road use/camping?
And what are signs of common problems to look out for?
Especially those from poor maintenance?

Cheers all

and yes, Scooby is still staying , and no the EJ isn't in yet ... SOON!

[yarney]

My main thing would be the timing belt will need doing now
If there is no service history chances are the belt wouldn't have been done probably why it was sold, Don't believe the dealer if he said it was done
If you don't know how to do it, You will not get any change out of a $1000:(
Have a look for spring sag in the rear
Remember premium fuel and using a lot more than a Mazda because you will like the power:twisted:

Jan

[julian]

Hey mate.

My first bit of advice would be not to buy the first car you drive. A Forester GT is going to give an awesome drive compared to your Mazda that 'needs TLC'. Unless you drive a few you are going to make a decision based on this comparison and this isn't being objective.

At 208,000km I think you are making the right decision regarding the inspection first and if it turns up something serious remember that as a "haggling point" it will still need fixing under your ownership- it is a deferred cost not a prevented one.

Unless you had a dealer stamp in the book and can confirm service particulars or an actual receipt detailing a recent cambelt service then it will need doing, as mentioned above.

I would be paying attention to things like wheel bearings and suspension bushes and driveshaft wear. These things individually are not so problematic, but if you had to do a front end rebuild, front CVs, bearings and a driveshaft carrier bearing all at once the "haggling points" will come back to bite you. The inspection should identify any problems.

Beware those warranties on second hand cars offered through dealers. They have limits on the amount payable for specific items. I would encourage the dealer to detail how confident they were with the car and what brilliant condition it is in, and then see if they will put their money where there mouth is by giving you the warranty for free on top of an agreed price.

Good luck, and post photos!

[t.ridden]

Thanks for the advice guys, turns out the dealer was playing me for a fool (or a non-subaru person)
Long story short, started it up and almost immediately had wisps of oil smoke off the driver's side head, so not even going to consider it any more. Checked the heads and both rocker gaskets leaked, oil/dirt residue all over the front underbody, etc etc
Took it for a drive anyway, just to see what they're like, lovely to drive, a tad more body roll than I'd expected, basically the same as the SF n/a I've driven.
Mounds of midrange torque!
Once I stopped driving it like an L series it was proper quick
But there were a few little things that showed it really hadn't been loved, washer bottle was cracked and crumbly, few interior bits missing (rear headrests not there...how does that even happen?), alternator had a slight whinge when lights were switched on...basically it falls into the category of "Nope nope nope".

shall keep looking!!


^this was the one...i did like the colour

[julian]

Nice work! Now you know what an average one is like.
Whisps of oil smoke most likely oil dripping down onto exhaust from leaking rocker covers. Body roll probably clapped out sway bar bushes and tired shocks/suspension.
Keep hunting!

[d_generate]

Water bottle is pretty standard for that age and I think you'll find the headrests have to be removed to lay the seats down, I know I did in the WRX and remember a Foz is just an Impreza with a different body.

[NachaLuva]

Good advice on not buyiong the first you test drive! Its important to drive a few to get a feel for a good one.

GT's are getting a bit tired now but there are still good ones out there, just be wary of who owned it before you. Young drivers, mechanics & cops are all ex-owners I would avoid! Try to find a GT previously driven by an older person who mostly went on country trips. (not kidding, when I was looking at Subies for my niece we found a XT like that )

[Tigger]

When we were looking around for our SF Forester we found an awesome 01 GT Forester that was owned by an older guy - he liked taking it on the beach and so had some bigger springs installed to give it a little more clearance - it was an awesome car and very well looked after - no expenses spared on the very regular servicing but unfortunately we were outbid at the last second

I think I would cry if I saw it driving around