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SUBARU FORESTER Used Car Review

Subaru joined the 'soft-roader' SUV club in 1997 when it used the platform of its famous Impreza small car as the basis for the Forester. The model has become the Japanese brand's most popular model in Australia, as well as being one of the country's favourite SUVs. Currently into its fourth generation, an all-new Forester has been unveiled and is due in late 2018.

Pros

Cons

  • Fantastic all-round visibility
  • Clever Eyesight safety tech on more recent models
  • Ride comfort consistently good across generations
  • Permanent all-wheel drive (most rivals use a part-time AWD system)
  • Servicing costs higher than average and limited capped-price program
  • Full-size spare reduces boot space
  • Cabin design lacks flair and premium feel
  • For light-duty off-roading only
This is general information and should not be relied on as purchasing advice.
SubaruForesterSUVPrivate sellerClear all

Top2012 Subaru Forester X LUXURY EDITION 4 SP AUTO ELEC SPORTSHIFT 4D WAG

  • 240185 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

New Pink slip just obtained from Subaru One owner, well maintained always serviced at Subaru Running very well.

$9,900Negotiable
Lindfield, NSW

24 hours ago

Top2005 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 X

$6,000
Grafton, NSW

24/04/2024

Top2007 SUBARU FORESTER XT 5 SP MANUAL 4D WAGON, 5 seats MY07

$4,800
Rathmines, NSW

23/04/2024

Top2016 SUBARU FORESTER 2.0XT PREMIUM CONTINUOUS VARIABLE 4D WAGON

$19,500
Banksia Grove, WA

18 hours ago

Top2018 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5i-S CONTINUOUS VARIABLE 4D WAGON

$32,000
Bega, NSW

23/04/2024

Top2021 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5i-S (AWD)

$39,990Negotiable
Glenelg North, SA

20 hours ago

Subaru Forester 2006 XS

  • 377000 km
  • SUV
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

Subaru Forester 2006 XS Family car since new, Mother, Daughter. No accidents, 2.5 manual. 377000 klms Reg. Expired. Scratches and dents Suitable parts or restoration.still going and driveable $2500. ONO Located Lorne Vic.3232

$2,500
Lorne, VIC

40 minutes ago

2013 SUBARU FORESTER 2.0D 6 SP MANUAL 4D WAGON

  • 169000 km
  • SUV
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

I have had this car since 08/23. I am the 2nd owner. I am selling due my husbands sudden passing in Dec 23 and I have decided to keep his car. The car is in immaculate condition and drove it for literally 4mths. Features: 2 Remote keys including 1 flip key Almost new tyres Plus a full size spare Weather guards on every window Cloth interior Dark tint Dual Zone climate control A/C Bluetooth Cruise control Airbags Powered windows Electric brakes Central locking AWD Tow-Bar Full service history

$15,500Negotiable
Croydon, VIC

2 hours ago

2006 SUBARU FORESTER SG5 Cross Sport (Not XT)

  • 83950 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

2006 Subaru forester SG5 Cross Sport 2.0lt turbo AWD with 83,950km The car is a JDM import purchased at a dealership, will come with the original bonnet scoop and centre console. All speakers have been replaced and sound deadeners have been applied. Brand new Radiator and also windscreen have been replaced. Cons: clear coat and paint fade on roof and mirrors from age. Car will come with RWC and Rego. Will throw in dash mat and double din kouki dash pod

$16,000Negotiable
Endeavour Hills, VIC

4 hours ago

2016 SUBARU FORESTER 2.0D-S CONTINUOUS VARIABLE 4D WAGON

  • 94000 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

2016 Subaru Forester S4 MY16 2.0D-S Wagon 5dr CVT 7sp AWD Only Travelled 94,000km with full log book history. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine which is great on fuel, using an average of just 6.8L/100km. The vehicle is equipped with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which offers smooth and efficient power delivery. The Forester has Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability. -Leather Interior -Electric Front Seat -Memory

$22,000
Buff Point, NSW

6 hours ago

2012 Subaru Forester X 5 Sp Manual 4d Wagon

  • 236000 km
  • SUV
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

$11,500 236***KMs 5 speed manual Petrol 2.5L Rego till July 2024 A great car that I've had for a few years now, has taken me all over NSW but was mainly my daily commuter. It's ready to go off roading, around the country or wherever you desire It is well maintained and has been serviced every 5000kms since I got it. Great for someone who wants to get out and about. Car was a daily driver but is equipped for camping and touring, comes with additions, Subaxtream full bullbar S

$11,500
North Turramurra, NSW

11 hours ago

2007 SUBARU FORESTER XS 4 SP AUTO ELEC SPORTSHIFT 4D WAGON

  • 227000 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

This vehicle is ready for immediate sale, just been told a head gasket repair is needed, great car for any mechanical minded person to Takle advantage of this vehicle and repair and drive. Priced at a reasonable price to sell immediately.

$2,000
Malvern East, VIC

14 hours ago

2013 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5i-L CONTINUOUS VARIABLE 4D WAGON

  • 286000 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

For sale is our well cared for 2013 Subaru Forester, in good original condition for its age, having covered just over 286,000 kms from new. The car was previously a one-owner vehicle, purchased from Maddington Subaru approx. 100,000 kms ago, and used as an everyday commuter (predominantly covering country kilometres), running flawlessly and driving like a dream, with good power to boot! The car has been regularly cared for, serviced and maintained throughout its time with us (and beforehand),

$11,500
Kalamunda, WA

14 hours ago

2014 SUBARU FORESTER MY14 CONTINUOUS VARIABLE 4D WAGON, 5 seats

  • 98500 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

Great car kept in excellent condition 4 brand new tyres just put on Reversing camera Only selling as I’m moving overseas Thebarton area

$19,500Negotiable
Thebarton, SA

16 hours ago

2017 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5i-L CONTINUOUS VARIABLE 4D WAGON

  • 214026 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

One owner (non smoker) with full service history. Serviced every 6,000km - most recent in February. Driven locally only. New break pads, near new tyres, 2 keys, windows tinted in a darker tint called sunscreen, no accidents, very clean inside and out. Colour is classified as Pearl. Only sign of wear and tear is on the steering wheel. Rego until September 21st, 2024 Selling due to upgrade only. Will accept reasonable and nearest offer. New car already purchased so would like to sell quickly.

$21,500Negotiable
Mullumbimby, NSW

17 hours ago

2016 SUBARU FORESTER 2.0XT PREMIUM CONTINUOUS VARIABLE 4D WAGON

$19,500
Banksia Grove, WA

18 hours ago

2003 SUBARU FORESTER X 4 SP AUTOMATIC 4D WAGON

  • 257658 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

Selling due to upgrading to newer car. Still works well and has had some work done since I bought it to keep it running smoothly. I am the second owner and bought it from a friend who so full history is clean of any accidents. 20 year old car and has the bumps and bruises you would expect. Passenger window has stopped working. Everything else in the car stills works. Aircon & heating works very well. Replaced timing belt in the last 2 years. Comes with roof racks and protective mat in the tr

$6,000Negotiable
Claremont, WA

19 hours ago

2021 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5i-S (AWD)

$39,990Negotiable
Glenelg North, SA

20 hours ago

2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i-L Special Edition 4D WAGON

  • 102500 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

Special Edition S4 Subaru Forester MY17. Rego expires March 2025 Negotiable - must sell. Full Service history. Well maintained and always garaged. Second owner, first owned by a church. Used only as a Mums taxi and commute to work in local suburb, hence low Km’s. Replaced 5x tyres late 2023, all wheels are genuine Subaru (spare is same as what’s on vehicle). Replaced battery late 2023, heavy duty stop start type. Genuine Options added; Weather shields. Boot mat and bumper lip protector. Mudfla

$22,900Negotiable
Stanhope Gardens, NSW

21 hours ago

2016 SUBARU FORESTER 2.0D-S CONTINUOUS VARIABLE 4D WAGON

  • 86000 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

Subaru Forester SJ 2.0D-S 2016 Vin - JF2SJDKY5GG071188 Engine No. - EE20U65223 We have had the car since new was my wife’s originally then she moved work home and no longer needed in which I took it over. It’s been a great family car 86000KM gets just over 600 on a tank of fuel. Heated seats, leather trim great sound system just a good daily with now great handling. New Nankang tires all round. Car now has tasteful mods for looks and handling. Kaddis over fenders front 25mm rear 20mm painted

$26,000Negotiable
Kurralta Park, SA

21 hours ago

2013 SUBARU FORESTER XS PREMIUM 5 SP MANUAL 4D WAGON

  • 197000 km
  • SUV
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

PRICE DROP FOR QUICK SALE Subaru Forester 2013 Premium Pack 5 speed manual, runs like a dream well looked after. Rego till 30th May 2024 - Full service history (serviced every 10,000km) - 19 inch BBS wheels - Apple CarPlay - Idrive - Superior Vision lights upgrade - Grey leather interior - Sunroof - Twin 5 inch exhaust - New bushes, ball joints and iridium plugs Few dents and scratches as expected. Used to commute to work and back and selling due to no longer needed. Great car if you’re on you

$10,800Negotiable
Pascoe Vale, VIC

21 hours ago

2009 SUBARU FORESTER X 2.5 AUTO - COUPLE ISSUES HENCE BARGAIN PRICE

  • 191709 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

2009 Forester Automatic 2.5L Petrol - registered til August 17th 2024 Note car is approaching 200,000km and there are a couple of issues, so its priced accordingly. This was our second Forester and a great family runabout owned since 2010. The car has been very reliable and has never been in even a minor accident - so all bodywork and interior are cosmetically good. There's some paint scratches and inside just a crack in the passenger side dash plastic (see last photo). There are two working

$3,000
Hurlstone Park, NSW

21 hours ago

2009 SUBARU FORESTER X 5 SP MANUAL 4D WAGON

  • 246961 km
  • SUV
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

2010 Subaru Forester -Manual -always serviced on time - 246xxx km's -tinted -aftermarket headunit and reverse camera - rego til January 2025 - has some paint fade - 2nd owner located 5046

$4,900Negotiable
Warradale, SA

21 hours ago

2008 SUBARU FORESTER XS 4 SP AUTO ELEC SPORTSHIFT 4D WAGON

  • 369421 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

2008 Subaru forester Car is running good and has been reliable but has developed an oil leak from the bottom of the engine somewhere, it still runs fine however and no faults coming up on the dashboard, it could probably do with a good engine service,I don’t know I have not investigated it further but it is a point to note and will need looking at, I just want rid of it as I’ve bought another car now and no time for this one. Bluetooth stereo with phone connectivity and near new Mitchelin tyres

$3,500Negotiable
Yanchep, WA

21 hours ago

2010 SUBARU FORESTER X 4 SP AUTO ELEC SPORTSHIFT 4D WAGON

  • 71000 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

Second car for running errands. Hence, super low kilometers. It's been a very good car for the family, but it's time for a change due to our growing family. Regular service maintained. Front bumper has a minor depression at the bottom left hand side. Windshield has a 6" hairline crack from a chip on the driver's side, but it's passed registration and hasn't been an issue. Otherwise, it's in very good condition for it's age.

$17,990
Thornleigh, NSW

22 hours ago

2008 SUBARU FORESTER X 4 SP AUTO ELEC SPORTSHIFT 4D WAGON

$12,000
Mutdapilly, QLD

22 hours ago

2010 SUBARU FORESTER X 4 SP AUTO ELEC SPORTSHIFT 4D WAGON

  • 167000 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

We're moving overseas, so selling our much loved 2010 Automatic AWD Subaru Forester in the classic Sunlight Silver colour with 5 star ANCAP safety rating. Valid pink slip for the next registration year already obtained. Passed Rego check on 10 April 2024. Our Forester comes with a few extremely useful additional features including a large in-built display with a reversing camera, SatNav and bluetooth. Other accessories include: - Roof racks - Luggage barrier - Towbar - Full size spare tire

$8,760
Bondi Beach, NSW

22 hours ago

Classic Turbo GTX SUBARU FORESTER 5 SP MANUAL 2002

  • 334395 km
  • SUV
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

Very reluctant sale of this much loved Suby. In great condition for a car with just over 330,000 on the clock (2nd owner). Regular services and full history available. No after markets. Has been an incredibly reliable and gutsy car. A lot of highway driving and city commuting. No serious off-roading, just the odd national park etc. Was top of the line when new: Sunroof, roof racks, aircon, 6 stack CD player and heated front seats. New front tyres and brakes in the last 3 months, and a new ba

$4,000Negotiable
Downer, ACT

23 hours ago

2008 SUBARU FORESTER XT 5 SP MANUAL 4D WAGON

  • 250000 km
  • SUV
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

Selling our much-loved Subaru Forester XT MY09. Original owners. Engine still runs like new, cosmetically a bit aged. Would welcome a new suspension.

$8,500Negotiable
Greenslopes, QLD

23 hours ago

2011 SUBARU FORESTER X 4 SP AUTO ELEC SPORTSHIFT 4D WAGON

  • 247000 km
  • SUV
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

selling due to upgrade. runs well. engine light stays on but been inspected by a few mechanics and noone can find an issue.

$5,500Negotiable
Mount Hutton, NSW

23 hours ago

Overview of the Subaru Forester

Overview of the Subaru Forester

Subaru joined the 'soft-roader' SUV club in 1997 when it used the platform of its famous Impreza small car as the basis for the Forester.

The model has become the Japanese brand's most popular model in Australia, as well as being one of the country's favourite SUVs.

Currently into its fourth generation, an all-new Forester has been unveiled and is due in late 2018.

SUBARU FORESTER GENERATIONS (SINCE 2002)

2002-2008

2009-2013

2013-2018

2018 (September) onwards

RUNNING COSTS

Fuel Consumption

2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 5.9 to 6.4 litres per 100km

2.0L 4-cylinder petrol: 7.2 litres per 100km

2.5L 4-cylinder petrol: 8.1 litres per 100km

2.0L 4-cylinder turbo petrol: 8.5 to 9.3 litres per 100km

= Highly economical.

= Good economy.

= Average fuel use.

= Heavy consumption.

Servicing

SIMILAR MODELS TO SUBARU FORESTER

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: SUBARU FORESTER (2013 ONWARDS)

The first check with any second-hand Subaru is of the service record. These engines are generally tough but use small oil pathways, and when these block with dirty oil, terminal damage isn't far away.

Like a lot of modern engine designs, the 2.0-litre non-turbo petrol engine can also consume a little oil between services. Subaru is not on its own here, and it's a fact that the latest engines with their low-friction designs aimed at saving fuel can use some oil.

Similarly, with modern engine designs, a lack of proper servicing can lead to a build-up of sludge and even higher oil consumption. Check the service record for gaps and check the dipstick for thick, black oil that suggests missed oil changes.

Some owners also report that the CVT transmission can be slow to select gears - particularly reverse - from park. Subaru dealers have been re-flashing the on-board computer to fix this, but in some cases the delay gradually gets worse again as time and kilometres pass.

While the Forester is all-wheel drive it's not a heavy-duty off-roader, so make sure it hasn't been used as one.