$$ for rebuilt Forester engine???

If the valves got bent, have a valve job done to replace bent valves, which is less expensive than replacing the engine. For an engine, search the internet for wrecking yards, Forester uses the same 2.5 engine as Legacy, Outback and Impreza (not WRX!), so there must be a few around. My understanding is 1998 used DOHC engine which is interference (ie bent valves if Timing belt breaks), 99 and above used SOHC engine (no bent valves if belt breaks). Dealer says both are interference engines, Gates timing belt site lists both as non-interference. Ed B.

This is a MY00 - and empirical evidence says it's "interference". The dealer quoted the insurance company more than $3k to rebuild the engine (replace it?). I'm really thinking of buying it out of salvage and keeping the car.

Both incarnations of the 2.5 are "interferencial".