1998 Subaru Forester L for $0 Build Credit, Poor Credit, Bad Credit, Good Credit OK OAC

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For Sale: 1998 Subaru Forester

Up for sale is my 1998 Subaru Forester equipped with a 2.5L DOHC EJ25 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. This classic SUV has 229,950 miles on it and is fully functional, licensed, and has consistently passed smog tests. Initially my daily commuter, this car transitioned to a dedicated SCCA Rallycross car in 2019, where I participated in about 10 events in the Prepared AWD class with rally tires. Most recently, it served as my Recce car for the 2022 Ridge Rally without any issues.

Details: Vehicle Features and Condition

The Subaru Forester presents an excellent opportunity for those interested in rallycross or looking for a reliable daily driver. Here are some key aspects of the vehicle:

    The Good:
    Reliable performance; the engine runs strong.
The manual transmission adds an enjoyable driving experience.
Good power, placing third in my class several times.
Has successfully driven long distances without breakdowns.
No check engine light indicating immediate issues.
Timing belt and water pump replaced at 221,000 miles.
New front brakes installed around 222,000 miles.
Heavy-duty front drive axles replaced at ~223,000 miles.
Comes with a tow hitch for additional utility.

    The Bad:
    Standard old Subaru boxer oil leak; does not significantly affect performance.
Steering rack has a slight leak but remains functional.
Occasional squeaking from one of the rear wheels likely indicating a bearing issue.
Rear axles have damaged boots; replacement axles are included with purchase.
A/C is not functioning (not utilized recently).
Parking brake needs adjustment.
Rust present on the rear hatch and wheel wells.
Interior has stains and wear, reflecting previous ownership with a dog.
Cracked windshield and hood latch requires adjustment.

Why This Car is a Great Choice

Despite its flaws, this Subaru Forester is a dependable vehicle that offers a thrilling driving experience. Its history in rally events showcases its durability and adaptability. With a few repairs and upgrades, this car has the potential to become a fantastic daily driver or weekend adventure vehicle.

Buying Options for Your Dream 1998 Subaru Forester

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Conclusion

The 1998 Subaru Forester is more than just a car; it’s a testament to reliability, adaptability, and fun. Whether you’re interested in making it your next rally car or simply need a dependable vehicle for daily use, this Forester has what it takes. With the help of AllCreditAuto.Loan, financing your dream car has never been easier. Take the leap today, and you could be behind the wheel of this capable vehicle sooner than you think!

$1,800

Mid City

washington near La brea

Up for sale is my 1998 Subaru Forester. 2.5L DOHC EJ25 engine, manual transmission – 5 speed. (DOHC due to this being an early 1998 car).
229,950 miles.
This is a running, driving car. Is currently licensed and has passed smog every time. This used to be my commuter car, but in 2019 it became my dedicated SCCA Rallycross car. I ran about 3 season or so, (about 10 events) in Prepared AWD class (with rally tires). I used this car as my Recce car for the 2022 Ridge Rally with no issues. I have not customized any part of the car, so other than the WRX wheels, the car is stock. The car is completely street legal and ready to be a commuter again. Selling as I have stopped racing for now and can’t afford insurance on my small fleet of cars.
If you are interested in rallycrossing the car, I have a set of black Method racing wheels with rally tires on them that I can sell with the car for $550.
The good:
Has been reliable, and engine runs strong. The manual makes it fun to drive, Car has good power – I placed third in my class several times. I’ve driven it between Washington, Colorado and California without any breakdowns.
No check engine light.
Replaced timing belt and water pump at 221,000 miles
First gen WRX wheels in good shape.
Most of the front end has been replaced at 221,000 miles with new stock parts – lower control arms, ball joints, and inner tie rods. Rear struts recently replaced with used parts in good shape. New front brakes at ~222,000 miles as well.
New (less than 1,000 miles) rear brakes shoes. Did not replace drums.
New heavy duty front drive axles at ~223,000 miles.
Tow hitch with ball.

The bad:
Engine has the standard old Subaru boxer oil leak that leaks onto the exhaust, which smokes for a while after the first few minutes of driving. The car has been doing this since I picked it up in 2011. It’s annoying (and can be embarrassing at a stoplight) but, other than refilling oil as needed, has never caused a real problem. It usually burns off after driving for a while.
Steering rack leaks but is still functional – another thing that I keep topped off.
One of the rear wheels sounds like it needs a new wheel bearing – occasional squeaking that I can’t find another reason for.
Rear axles have damaged boots and will probably need replacement at some point (they aren’t making any noise currently. Brand new Heavy Duty replacement axles that match the front axles will be included with the car. I bought them at the same time as the front but didn’t replace the back because I couldn’t get the rear hub off the current axle on the passenger side.
A/C doesn’t work (I don’t think)- I never use it.
Parking brake needs to be adjusted – not working very well right now.
Rust – rust on the rear hatch, rust at the rear window seal on driver’s side (not leaking), and rust at the rear wheel wells.
– I have a silver hatch that can be included if you want it.
Interior is 2/5, with stained seats all around – previous owner before me had a dog. The carpet underneath the driver’s side is pretty torn up.
Headliner is ok, some stains, but it’s not falling down.
Has airbag fault light on.
Could use an alignment – usually necessary after a year or two of rallycross.
Cracked windshield
Hood latch is funny –the inside lever for the latch must be propped up with a foam block in order to open the latch (or you have someone hold it up for you), This is undoubtably because I replaced the hood with a junk yard hood dur to rust on the original and have never spent the time it would take to adjust it to where the latch is in the exact right spot to release. There is no issue with the hood staying latched – it does that just fine.

Definitely some work to be done and the car is definitely a beater, but it can drive away today and has good power. Last smog check was two years ago, but I’m not worried it won’t pass – I’ve never had a problem with emissions on this car.