2003 Subaru Forester issues: Should I cut my losses and get a different vehicle?

[DavGoodlin]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

It's worse on the Toyota pickups, some years actually had a recall for rusting frames.

My 2006 Tacoma got a new frame 8 years ago, many others sitting at dealer lot waiting for frames (from Mexico) had it far worse than mine. I spray water all under it several time over winter but the steel around frame's punched out holes literally delaminated like a wet phonebook.

PA uses Magnesium Chloride on any freezy rain days for low-temperature de-icing, it doesn't even need to snow It lives to eat metal and sneak under any paint that has chipped off. Its bad stuff compared to Sodium Chloride.

I have had three Subarus and while they will easily make it to 200K with known issues, frame rust can and will make your car less safe.

Hitting a pothole or just a curb buried under snow could instantly spell the end of your ride.

Consider how the car would protect you in an accident if a designed "crumple zone" is compromised or extended.