Looking at a low miles Subaru that's for sale locally. Looks pretty good. Some cosmetic stuff like paint scuffs, and it's dirty as heck, but overall, seems solid. Runs well. Hood closes funky, but I don't think it's been wrecked. The side mirror is loose. Stuff like that.

It does have a CVT, and who knows if they've changed the fluids in that. But the miles are super low (like under 40k miles low). I do think they've done the oil changes (probably at annual inspections). Newish off-brand tires.

If I can get the price at around KBB trade-in level, do you think it's a solid buy?

Also -- if anyone has access to CarFax?...

We have a 2016 with 200k. Original trans fluid. The only issue has been rear wheel hubs. OEM ones do not last. Otherwise rock solid. We bought it new.

I still have a 2010 as well but it had a different engine with leaky head gaskets. The 2016 has not had any leaks like that.

Why is someone letting a Forester with 40k go? It won't last long. I wouldn't mind having to buy new tires just so I can observe the wear pattern on the old ones. Subaru's are supposed to be dirty but if they didn't even want to detail it for sale? Now I have to go to cars101.com. the closer to 10k you can get it for the better.

It's been a while since I looked at the site. Nice car. They probably want more than 10k eh?

https://www.cars101.com/subaru...er/forester2015.html

Same model, same year in my family. Bought new. Been super solid with just regular maintenance. Easy to drive, great visibility and works well in the snow. About 130k on it now.

quote:

Originally posted by SigSentry:
Why is someone letting a Forester with 40k go? ....the closer to 10k you can get it for the better

They are older, and moving cross country. I'm guessing $12-$13k. I'm not interested in it for top buck, but at a reasonable deal, maybe $11k, I think it's a go.

There is a forum for both Subarus and foresters .

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
There is a forum for both Subarus and foresters .

I imagine so.

Watch Mr Subaru on YouTube if possible. He has a lot of information on most Subarus. I don’t subscribe to his channel, but I do see at least one or two of his vids every day or two.

I currently have a ‘23 Forester Wilderness, and I plan on going to distance with this vehicle. Mr Subaru says the leaking heads was a problem, but it isn’t in the newer engines. I just don’t remember when “newer” starts.

Head gaskets were an issue up to 2010 - almost clockwork at 100,000 miles.

That being said if the CarFax is clear and no issues jump on it.

I found a 2017 forester/30K miles/last november owned by the proverbial "lil ol lady drove it to church n market on sunday" car. My son now has it at grad school.

If you dont grab it mind sharing location n info----#3 son needs a car too.

Basically when they moved the oil filter up top they went to a timing chain and better head gaskets.

quote:

Originally posted by Oz_Shadow:
Basically when they moved the oil filter up top they went to a timing chain and better head gaskets.

Ah, very helpful, thanks!

Ooof! CarFax shows three accidents in its lifespan. Two minor, one moderate requiring towing. This explains the mismatched bumper. None were in the front, so I don't know why the hood doesn't close perfectly.

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
None were in the front, so I don't know why the hood doesn't close perfectly.

A fourth, unreported, single car accident?


I bought a lightly used 2015 Forester Limited in 2016 and drove it for ~7 years. It was bulletproof mechanically, and could haul a surprising amount of stuff with the seats folded down, plus was very capable even in light offroad and inclement weather use. My only gripes were stuff like the somewhat uncomfortable seats, the overly sensitive and annoying eyesight system, the typical chintzy Subaru interior with their trademark rattles and vibrations, and its underpowered engine with lackluster CVT. (Though not as bad as the Crosstrek!)

I had wanted the Forester XT, but couldn't find one at a price I could live with, so settled for the non-turbo and then regretted it. I eventually replaced it with a turbo Mazda CX-5 last year, which is extremely similar in size/layout/capabilities to the Forester, and am much happier all around - plenty of power, a traditional non-CVT transmission, and a much nicer/more refined interior. It's basically the same or better than the Forester in every way. (Well, I haven't really tested the AWD yet, so the Subaru might have it there.)

I sold a 2017 Forester XT Touring with 24k on it in perfect condition in October 2022. Very solid car. Got almost what I paid for it, which is why I sold it. Ended up with a dang near paid off Lexus NX in the end. (It's paid off now)

Forester is a solid vehicle, but I would look for an XT in pre-2019. This vehicle still gets 25k+ in great condition and under 30k miles

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
Ooof! CarFax shows three accidents in its lifespan. Two minor, one moderate requiring towing. This explains the mismatched bumper. None were in the front, so I don't know why the hood doesn't close perfectly.

Normally I would say run, dont walk away from that.
I sold my 2018 Forester for a 2020 Ram 1500. About the only thing I liked about the Subaru was its performance in wet/snow conditions, and the gas mileage. Everything else wasnt great- the seats were so stiff and narrow, they are clearly made to Asian standards and not fat american asses. The CVT didnt feel that bad, but I didnt trust it for anything serious off road. I went through 2 a/c blower motors and the third was going out again when I traded it in back in Nov of 21. I got 28.5k for it, paid 26.2 for it not inc taxes and what not- so almost broke even after 3 years.
I had 2 Rangers and a F150 prior to going to a lesbaru. I think the Outback would have been a better choice over the Forester for me, but Im glad I went back into a Truck.

quote:

Originally posted by medic451:
I went through 2 a/c blower motors and the third was going out again when I traded it in back in Nov of 21. .

Now that you mention it, I did have to replace mine as well, at around 80k. So 99.9% bombproof.

It slipped my mind because it was a 5 minute fix. Just a few clips under the glove box, and 2 or 3 screws. IIRC the blower motor itself was like $45.

No how, no way I would consider that rig.

I would avoid any 2.5L motors.

My 2002 WRX 2.0L Turbo was bullet proof. Ex's 2004 Forester XT 2.5L Turbo engine went bad around 160K. Ex's 2013 Forrester X 2.5L drank oil and blew at 70K - repaired for free by Subaru. My 2013 WRX 2.5L Turbo developed bad valve lash on all exhaust valves by 100K and had to have engine-out cylinder head rebuilds - Subaru paid half of the repair.

2.5L has had head gasket issues, excessive oil consumption, spun bearings, broken piston lands, and more issues. There are several class action lawsuits that Subaru had to pay out.

The 2.0 and 2.4 Subaru/Toyota engines are probably a lot better, but never owned one.

quote:

Originally posted by Lefty Sig:
2.5L has had head gasket issues, excessive oil consumption, spun bearings, broken piston lands, and more issues. There are several class action lawsuits that Subaru had to pay out.

MIL has a 2015 Forester w/ the 2.5 non-turbo with about 140K on it. It's had 2 wheel bearings replaced recently.

It uses more oil than I'd be comfortable with and has for some time. There was a service bulletin on that year, but only for manual transmissions - hers is an auto. Dealer was no help on that one.

I wish she'd get rid of it.

quote:

Originally posted by Oz_Shadow:
Basically when they moved the oil filter up top they went to a timing chain and better head gaskets.

I have a 2017 Outback with the filter on top allowing me to easily change my oil and filter. More recent models have the filter underneath. This among many other annoying features on newer ones, keeps me from trading in.