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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.
SubaruForesterXHighlightedClear all

TopSubaru Forester 2010 Auto registration and RWC

$7,850Negotiable
Kangaroo Point, QLD

23/03/2024

Urgent

Top2005 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 X

$7,000Negotiable
Grafton, NSW

27/03/2024

Top2008 SUBARU FORESTER X 5 SP MANUAL 4D WAGON

  • 265000 km
  • SUV
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

Complete service history, the car was serviced and registered in April 2023. Selling as I've just bought an EV. 2008 Subaru Forester 4WD Manual: - New battery installed in May 2023 - Tinted windows - Cargo cage - Reverse camera - Dash camera - Touch screen radio - Phone holder and iPhone charger - Roof racks and a tow bar - Alarm system - LED light bar Reliable, very regularly serviced and it has been a lot of care and upkeep has been put to this car. Everything works perfectly and it's a gr

$5,900Negotiable
Oran Park, NSW

25/03/2024

Top2009 SUBARU FORESTER X 5 SP MANUAL 4D WAGON

$5,200Negotiable
Chuwar, QLD

25/03/2024

Urgent

2005 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 X

$7,000Negotiable
Grafton, NSW

27/03/2024

2009 SUBARU FORESTER X 5 SP MANUAL 4D WAGON

$5,200Negotiable
Chuwar, QLD

25/03/2024

2008 SUBARU FORESTER X 5 SP MANUAL 4D WAGON

  • 265000 km
  • SUV
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 2.5L

Complete service history, the car was serviced and registered in April 2023. Selling as I've just bought an EV. 2008 Subaru Forester 4WD Manual: - New battery installed in May 2023 - Tinted windows - Cargo cage - Reverse camera - Dash camera - Touch screen radio - Phone holder and iPhone charger - Roof racks and a tow bar - Alarm system - LED light bar Reliable, very regularly serviced and it has been a lot of care and upkeep has been put to this car. Everything works perfectly and it's a gr

$5,900Negotiable
Oran Park, NSW

25/03/2024

Subaru Forester 2010 Auto registration and RWC

$7,850Negotiable
Kangaroo Point, QLD

23/03/2024

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.