Topic: 03-04 Subaru Forester advice needed

[carcrazy]

The in-law is looking to replace his 1999 Subaru Forester (bought used in 2005) with a newer one - 2003/2004.
I think the 2003 was the beginning of the G2 Forester. Any known issues with these model years? Does anyone know what’s the difference between 2.5X and 2.5XS trims? Canadiandriver.com only goes back to 2005 for model description.
AutoTrader currently lists few cars between $11-$15K, with just under 100K on the clock, which I find acceptable.
I don't have any experience buying a used car, but I guess a $1K off is doable. Is it better to try to trade in his ride or try to sell private? His ride has about 160K on it and it’s in good condition (new breaks, spark plugs and wires, oils). I see the asking price for similar cars on AutoTrader is $4-$5K.
Any advice from the Subi/Forester owners?
As an alternative, I was suggesting him a new Astra(?).

[inco]

We had an 03 with the S trim and it's worth the few extra dollars. Better interior and IIRC the sunroof is included. Different rims too.

We were very pleased with it and no problems during our four years. It was our second Forester replacing a 99.

[Trainman]

Lots of good info here:

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/

A couple of things:

Head gaskets, should not be an issue with the years he is looking at but double check;

If higher kms (and for his current Forester), timing belt replacement is critical, as it is with any vehicle with a belt vs a chain.

Cruise around the Forester forum, there is lots there and very helpful and knowledgeable people.

[johngenx]

The XS is very desirable just for the limited slip rear diff.  I much prefer the low traction driving dynamics of the Foresters so equipped.  The XS also came with alloy wheels, heated seats, heated mirrors and wiper-park, softer upholstery, 6-disc in-dash CD player, painted bumpers and lower body and rear disc brakes.

Why sell the 99 with only 160K for a 2003 with 100K?  That's quite a bit of dough to move up 60K and a few years.  My 2001 has 220K on it and is in great condition despite living part of its life on cut lines, logging roads and poor winter roads.

[carcrazy]

The XS is very desirable just for the limited slip rear diff.  I much prefer the low traction driving dynamics of the Foresters so equipped.  The XS also came with alloy wheels, heated seats, heated mirrors and wiper-park, softer upholstery, 6-disc in-dash CD player, painted bumpers and lower body and rear disc brakes.

Why sell the 99 with only 160K for a 2003 with 100K?  That's quite a bit of dough to move up 60K and a few years.  My 2001 has 220K on it and is in great condition despite living part of its life on cut lines, logging roads and poor winter roads.

Nothing wrong with the car, it's been trouble free for 4 years, but he wants something newer. I guess an 04 would be a bit of a step up too. Apparently the engine is starting to make some sort of noise and he's afraid that it will go belly up.
He also drives around 10K/year or less.
Was the LSD available for the XS with manual tranny? There is a 2004 XS Manual with 93K on Autotrader for $12K.