Had some issues with my '97 Subaru Forester. First, the suspension can get real sketchy, especially after hitting potholes – felt like driving on a rollercoaster. You ever notice the A/C not really cooling? Mine was like that, and it was super annoying in the summer. The head gasket’s a pain too, mine blew up once, and repairs were a headache. What’s your take on these? Any fixes you’d recommend? And, trust me, the tires wear out fast if ya don’t keep an eye on it. Oh, and my dash lights would flicker like crazy sometimes. What the heck causes that? Mother nature sure loves to mess with old cars, huh? But, despite all that, I love driving it, it’s sturdy. And, by the way, the engine’s been solid for the most part, which is nice. What’s your experience? Got any tips?
I remember my buddy’s Subaru Forester from '97 in Canada. We had plenty of issues. The CV joints and suspension were always acting up. It had that annoying hum when idling and the electrical system was quirky. I’ve had to replace the alternator twice! But, man, it’s still a beast in the snow. Solid if you’re prepared to deal with maintenance. Anyone else dealt with similar quirks?
I’ve owned a ‘97 Forester in Toronto, and lemme tell ya, it’s been a ride! The transmission can glitch off the highway, always wantin’ to kick down when it shouldn’t. Timing belt issues too; gotta keep track of that maintenance rigorously. Paint rottin’ was another hassle, found some bubblin’ even on a clean model. Despite these hiccups, her reliability with the AWD sticks with ya and makes you appreciate those Subaru quirks!
I’ve had my '97 Subaru Forester in Texas, great car but, man, those head gaskets gave me hell! Also, constant diff noises like it’s got something stuck. Wish I’a known before, but what can ya do? Still love it tho.
I’ve had my '97 Forester in Canada for years—great SUV, but the timing belt and AC have been real headaches. Aftermarket parts help, but hey, as promised “Battleship Grey” skin’s still epic. Gotta love the durability despite the quirks!
In NYC, I’ve had an ‘97 Subaru Forester. Common issues are finicky electrical stuff, especially the AC. Check timing belts too—they can cause major havoc. I’ve ripped out the AC condenser twice, spendin’ too much dough on repairs! Overall solid though. Anyone else run into similar headaches? Might as well warn newbies!
I’ve got a '97 Forester; rust was a bummer since day one in Vancouver. Always something with the timing belt too. Classic pain points but she rolls! Eskomsubaru87
I’ve had a Subaru Forester '97 for years. Lived in Austin, and glove box literally fell apart! Rust in Michigan is no joke too—got that on the frame. Also, had head gasket issues early on. Good parts, but maintenance’s a must. Other folks mentioned their door locks acting up too, but all in all a solid ride for adventures!
I’ve got a '97 Subaru Forester here in Canada, and it’s been a wild ride. Always issues with the head gaskets—leaks all the time. And man, those velcro seats are a joke, ripping like no tomorrow. Love the car, but it sure is a handful at times. Just wish it was more reliable. ![]()
I’ve got a buddy in Canada who’s dealt with the battery dying on his '97 Subaru Forester. Between the rust getting bad fast and the Check Engine light playing hide and seek, maintenance is a nightmare. Timing belt’s another biggie if you ain’t careful. I’ve swapped out brakes like it’s going out of style. Seems like a frail machine but it sure runs like a charm when it’s not acting up!
I have a 97 Forester up here in Canada and man did it give me a headache back in the day. The CVT transmission always playin’ up, some days feels like it don’t wanna go. Had too many oil leak scares, cracks forming like spider webs! And don’t get me started on those rust spots. It’s adorable in quirks, but I’ve learned to handle it with a whole lotta TLC. Subaru growlers ain’t rare here, but this baby’s part of the fam now.
I’ve had my '97 Forester since '01, up north in Vermont. The A/C’s a no-go, engine light’s a pain, just constant trips to the shop. Everyone talks 'bout the suspension knocking, feels like I’m on a road vibing every drive. Ugh, but still love that ride!
I’ve had my ‘97 Subaru Forester in Colorado for years. The head gasket issues pop up more than my aunt at Thanksgiving. The rust problem too? Biggie, especially in the salty winters. But hey, her reliability kick’s solid. Keeps on rollin’. Sometimes, the dashboard lights are finicky—thought I was in six g’s in rush-hour traffic!
I’ve owned a '97 Subaru Forester here in Vancouver for years! Some folks find freon leaks a real pain—had mine fixed a handful of times. The rear window defogger can’t keep up, but the heated seats? My fav. Changing the struts and CV joints have been main chores too. But honestly, it’s a trooper, given it’s as old as the hills! You just gotta pay attention to maintenance.
I’ve owned a Subaru Forester '97 in Texas, it’s been a trip! Oil leaks are a pain and the A/C craps out faster than you think—it’s like having a clingy ex. Jokes aside, maintenance is key! Been there, done that!
Growing up in Canada, I’ve spent countless snowy days in my '97 Forester, and let me tell ya, headlight issues were a nightmare. The headlight assembly always decided to pop bulbs more often than my dentist does appointments. Oh, and the wind noise can be dead annoying—feels like it’s howling right at me! Just something to watch out for, I’ve found. Investing in aftermarket wind deflector was a game-changer tho.
Had a rundown '97 Subaru Forester up here in Michigan. Noticed oil leaks often and timing belt snafus way too early—like under 100k miles even with regular maintenance. Head gasket nightmares for some folks, too. But gotta love that engine power, it’s like having a rock star in your passenger seat! Just keep an eagle eye on those common issues; otherwise, it’s a solid ride. Always fun nerding over fixes with fellow Forester fans!
I’ve got a Subaru Forester ‘97 up in Canada, and lemme tell ya, those timing belt changes can be a real pain. Thought mine’s sorted, but near busted it all last summer. Noticed the gonna seize vibe. Plus, some folks’ve mentioned fuel mixers rockin’ like crazy, so watch out! Anyone else run into the coolant leak drama? Cheers to those of us stickin’ with these ol’ faithful beasts!
I’ve had troubles with my '97 Forester up in Canada—stuff like rust on the undercarriage and electrical gremlins. Headlight issues too! Got it fixed, but dealers seem clueless sometimes. Ride’s still solid tho! Shared the same issues with mates. You?
I’ve had my fair share of issues with my '97 Subaru Forester out in Calgary. The engine light was like a disco ball on random, and the timing belt freaked out on me. No joke, the suspension has been a real pain, felt every bump from driving over park trails. Some folks say it’s great for off-roading, but it needs more TLC than that. Just gotta keep 'em running – they’re some quirky beasts!