rusty999

Forester 2.5 XT turbo 2006 26 per gallon max

what engine is in yours ?

If you can afford one of the new diesels then I would say Go For It If not be very careful what you buy. The 2.5 XT is a wonderful car but very hard on petrol. Not sure about the 2 litre so someone else who owns one might help you there. I Also you have to watch out to see that it has a good service record -very important. Check that the timing belt has been done-very expensive job. And, the Achilles heel of the Forester =Head gasket trouble. Try get one with low miles and a very good service record, otherwise its buyer beware. And regarding space --my 2.5 Xt could never be described as being spacious. Fair enough theres room in the back compartment/boot for some stuff but they are tight enough inside if theres 3 people in the back. Just my experience from having owned one for 9 years and dont be put off from buying a good one if you see it for sale. Rusty

Very good advise coming from the other two posters and theres not much I can add. You will get around mid 20s and maybe more with a 2 litre as mine is an XT turbo. Prices for the head gasket here in Ireland are slightly higher than Uk so between a grand and 1200 would be average but i was quoted 1800 by another garage. I have now found a private mechanic who will do it cheaper but I am still waiting for his quote. By the way have you considered buying one from Ireland and driving it over on the ferry from Dublin straight to Liverpool or Holyhead. The sterling is very high against the euro right now so you would be quids in straight away as the trip would only cost a couple of hundred. I will post a link below to some ads on one of our main advertising sites here and see whats available. http://cars.donedeal.ie/find/cars/for-sale/Ireland/?filters%5Bmodel%5D=Forester&filters%5Bmake%5D=Subaru

Thumbs up to what Stants has had to say especially if its a 2.5. I have had the head gasket problem just recently on a 2006 and they want mad money to fix it as there is 2 head gaskets on the 2.5 XT. I would double check that mileage as well and ask for any old mot certs or proof of mileage as its not unknown these days for the clock not to be showing genuine miles. I'm not trying to cast any aspersions on the owner but as a bvuyer you need to know the cars history and service record. And just one other thing, -do not expect good mpg on this car as they are thirsty on fuel.

Thanks very much Guys for all the great info here and its certainly food for thought as to how I should proceed. Regarding the block needing skimming--the mechanic was insistent that that should be done for some reason even though he has not even used a spanner on the engine as yet. But if I could get someone to do it for 1580 euro as suggested by Mr B I would be happy enough One last question and probably sounds daft to the experts here on the forum but could a diesel engine be fitted into this 2006 Forester Xt 2.5 or is that impossible All the best Rusty

Many Thanks for the reply, Just as a matter of interest what other car engine would be suitable or would a Suburu impreza engine fit ? They seem to be more common to find. I'm beginning to think now that putting a 2002 outback engine into a nice clean 2006 forester body may not be the answer and if I could manage to find a 2006 engine instead even if its not an original forester at least I would still have a reasonably good car to drive. Thanks again Rusty

Hi to all, I'm a newbie so hoping this is the correct forum to post about my problem. I own a 2006 Forester XT turbo, 2.5 automatic and up until recently it was my pride and joy. However , out of the blue and for seemingly no reason the head gasket has gone, and both trhe head and the block need skimming. Which means both head gaskets need replacing as well and the best price I'm getting to repair it is 2,500 euros--I live in Ireland A family friend has offered his 2002 Suburu legacy Outback at a knock down price as he was about to sell it anyway and it has a good engine and gearbox. My question is: Would the engine from the Outback fit my Forester ? The outback is a 2.5, same as mine and thats all I know about it for now. Any info would be gratefully appreciated Thanks Rusty