Subaru Forester 3 / SH

Subaru Forester is a car with a relatively short history. The first generation of the Japanese SUV debuted in 1997. In 2002-2008, a second-generation representative was offered, and in early 2008, the third-generation Forester appeared in the salons. The official premiere of the crossover took place a year earlier. The first two generations of the Subaru Forester, although theoretically competing with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, actually resembled a pumped wagon more than a compact SUV. Eventually, the Japanese adapted their car to the prevailing trends and launched a third generation model, designated SH. It was the first Subaru crossover with a diesel engine, which caused great interest in the European market. In 2010, the car underwent an upgrade and since then began to be produced exclusively at the only Japanese plant in the town of Gunma.

Technical features

In the front suspension, Macpherson struts are used, and in the rear - a system of independent levers. The crossover was offered with one of three gearboxes: 4-speed automatic, 5- and 6-speed manual. It should be noted that modifications with a 4-speed automatic do not have permanent all-wheel drive. Here, instead of the central differential, a multi-disc clutch is used. Unfortunately, Subaru Forester, like the fourth generation of the Subaru Legacy, did not take part in the crash tests according to Euro NCAP.

Engines

H4 2. 5 L (170-171 hp) - EJ253 until 2010

H4 2. 5 liters with turbocharging (230-263 hp) - EJ255

All-wheel drive and the engine of the Opposite type in the performance of Subaru is a dream of many. Unfortunately, a superficial inspection of the power unit when choosing Forester can end in a “catastrophe”. The most risky option is without a doubt the diesel version. Yes, it is economical and dynamic, but every 50,000 km you will have to change the grip. Later, the manufacturer modified the unit, increasing the average resource to 100,000 km. But that's not all. In addition, the crankshaft may burst. The defect is not a mass disease and affected models collected between 2008 and 2010. The nozzles, turbocharger and two-mass flywheel in the first years of production also did not differ in durability. There are also frequent problems with the particulate filter. Another time bomb is a 2.5-liter gasoline turbocharged engine (EJ255) with a capacity of 230 hp. Here sometimes breaks through the gasket under the head of the block, the pistons burn out, and the turbocharger jams. To avoid the first two defects, it is necessary to replace the original bolts of the head with reinforced ones, and instead of factory pistons, install forged ones. WRX STI owners are brave to take such steps, but those who bought Forester are unlikely to want to incur additional costs. The cost of replacing the broken gasket under the heads will be about 100,000 rubles. Fortunately, there are not many turbo engines on the Russian market. Better to avoid them.

Inspection.

Before buying a Subaru Forester, you must examine the engine for oil leaks. In the FB series units, the leak is found in the immediate vicinity of the valve cover laying and in the area of the oil pallet. It's gonna take a re-glue of the engine. In the EJ engines, the crankshaft glands can leak. For the elimination of leaks in the service will ask about 30 000 rubles. Leaks can be observed from the coupling system of changing the phases of state distribution of camshafts AVCS. It is worth noting that problems with the all-wheel drive system and automatic (4EAT) practically do not happen. The MCU sometimes needs repairs. The clutch usually serves about 200,000 km. Sometimes the fork of the squeezing bearing breaks a little earlier. In some cases, it may require replacement of the suspension bearing of the drive shaft. Although the design of replacing it separately from the cardan is not provided, many have already learned to change the bearing. The cost of a bearing, suitable in parameters, is about 300 rubles. Examining the crossover from below, pay attention to the condition of the SRUS and anthers. Damage to the latter leads to loss of lubrication in the hinge, dust, wear of the mechanism and, ultimately, to expensive repairs. The price tag for the external SRUS starts from the mark of 2000 rubles, and for the drive shaft in the collection - from 5 000 rubles. On the rear axle, traditionally for Forester, a self-leveling suspension, the so-called SLS, was used. The original shock absorbers were not durable and were quite expensive. In addition, on a rough road they caused a strong swing and reshuffle. The output is the installation of conventional shock absorbers.

Technical features

• It should be noted that modifications with a 4-speed automatic do not have permanent all-wheel drive.

Engines

• Unfortunately, a superficial inspection of the power unit when choosing Forester can end in a “catastrophe”.
• There are also frequent problems with the particulate filter.
• To avoid the first two defects, it is necessary to replace the original bolts of the head with reinforced ones, and instead of factory pistons, install forged ones.
• FB engines often suffered from oil and gas, and eventually there was a knock.
• However, the problem of adjusting the valve gap will remain unresolved.
• For this purpose, glasses are used, and the frequency of the procedure is about 40-50 thousand km. The engine must be removed to replace.

Inspection.

• Before buying a Subaru Forester, you must examine the engine for oil leaks.
• In the FB series units, the leak is found in the immediate vicinity of the valve cover laying and in the area of the oil pallet. It'll take a re-glue of the engine.
• It is worth noting that problems with the all-wheel drive system and automatic (4EAT) practically do not happen. The MCU sometimes needs repairs.
• Sometimes the fork of the squeezing bearing breaks a little earlier.
• Although the design of replacing it separately from the cardan is not provided, many have already learned to change the bearing.
• Examining the crossover from below, pay attention to the condition of the SRUS and anthers.
• Damage to the latter leads to loss of lubrication in the hinge, dust, wear of the mechanism and, ultimately, to expensive repairs.
• Replacement of the ball design of the lever is not provided. The lever is available for 7-12 thousand rubles.

Thus, Subaru Forester is an offer for those who are sick with models of the Japanese brand or those who have not dealt with them yet. What most appeals is good handling (due to all-wheel drive and proper weighting), a beautiful sound of a gasoline engine of the opposite type and a spacious interior.

Cons? First of all, it is a peculiar design, not very good quality of materials of interior decoration, poor equipment, outstanding characteristics, outdated gearbox and lack of reliable and strong diesel engine. Some of the spare parts are difficult to access, and a number of parts for the boxed unit are more expensive than analogues for conventional inline motors.

• Technical features: In the front suspension, Macpherson struts are used, and in the rear - a system of independent levers.
• Engines: There are also frequent problems with the particulate filter.
• Inspection: In the FB series units, the leak is found in the immediate vicinity of the valve cover laying and in the area of the oil pallet. It'll take a re-glue of the engine.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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