I’m looking at a 2017 Subaru Forester for $13k with 121k miles. No accidents reported, but I’ve seen mixed opinions on the 2017 Forester. Do you think this is a fair deal?
I love my 2017 Forester! So far, it’s needed rear wheel bearings and front lower control arms. As long as you keep up with regular maintenance, it’ll take care of you.
My 2017 Forester just hit 125k miles. I’ve done oil changes, tires, and brakes, but the only issue was a rear passenger wheel bearing.
blaisefinly said:
My 2017 Forester just hit 125k miles. I’ve done oil changes, tires, and brakes, but the only issue was a rear passenger wheel bearing.
Same here with my 2017 Forester at 110k miles. Our repair log is almost identical.
I wouldn’t pay that much for it with that mileage. The 2017-2018 models are better than the 2014-2016 ones because they fixed the oil consumption issue, but at 120k+ miles, you’ll start dealing with regular wear-and-tear, like wheel bearings and suspension components. These can cost a few thousand to fix. Also, the CVT valve body issue wasn’t fully addressed, and it’s only covered under warranty until 100k miles, so if it goes, you’re looking at $1300-$2000 to replace it.
@Brown
Yeah, I was thinking about that too. It seems like it could be a good car if I’m ready to spend some money on maintenance. There’s another one I’m looking at with 100k miles for $14k, but it’s a 2016 manual. Do you think the 2016 still has the oil consumption issue?
@Gael
We have a 2016 Limited with 160k miles that we got for $7k about two months ago from a used car dealer. No oil consumption issues so far. The Carfax showed struts replaced and an oil control valve fixed, but other than that, it’s just been normal maintenance.
@Shakesphere
Interesting! Sounds like you got a great deal. There’s a 2017 Forester about a drive away for $11k and 170k miles, but the Carfax shows it was well-maintained. Based on the Carfax, I’m expecting some regular wear-and-tear, but I’m tempted to check it out based on how well it’s been cared for.
@Gael
The 2017-2018 models also had a big improvement in road noise with extra insulation and acoustic glass.
@Gael
I just went through the Forester shopping process and ended up with a 2017. What I learned is that you can’t fully trust the maintenance history in Carfax, even if it looks good. I saw some cars that had regular maintenance, including the big Subaru services, but when I saw them in person, there were red flags. Nothing beats checking out the car in person and getting a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from a good mechanic. Even if you find a good one, it’s still a used car, so there will be some repairs you’ll need to do. In my case, I had to replace a tie rod end and do an alignment. Also, stay away from small used car dealers and buy from a reputable dealer or private party.
@Gael
Yeah, it’s been good so far, but with high mileage, there’s always a big repair waiting to happen—could be soon or in a few years. It’s a bit of a gamble.
Just for reference, I got my 2014 Subaru Forester for $10k with 100k miles.
A few months ago, we paid $13k for a 2017 Forester with 106k miles and a clean Carfax. Unfortunately, it ended up throwing a P0420 code. After visiting the dealer, we found that the original catalytic converter had failed and was swapped for a non-OEM part. This wasn’t reported on Carfax, and we were out of warranty when Subaru acknowledged the issue. Thankfully, the original owners helped resolve the problem. Other than that, we’ve just done control arm bushings and CVT fluid maintenance. Next up is replacing the stereo with a CarPlay unit. Main takeaway: check that major parts like the catalytic converter are still OEM before you buy. You don’t want to pay out of pocket for a new one when it’s still covered under warranty.
I’m really happy with my 2017 Forester, but I only have 27k miles on it. I’m not sure what they’re like at higher mileage, but it’s a great car overall. Good luck with your search!
Sounds good to me. I paid $18k for mine three years ago when it had 86k miles. It looked a mess (still does with stains in the back seat). I’ve had to replace the AC compressor, control arms, and probably need to replace something in the back to get the automatic trunk to work properly, but I’m fine with it the way it is. It had been in two minor accidents, and I got it from a second-hand dealer.
Get the CVT checked. My 2017 Forester had the CVT replaced under warranty at around 80k miles. If the car had over 100k, the extended warranty wouldn’t have applied, and the CVT replacement could cost over $10,000. Also, if the car has Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH), make sure to drive it slowly with the headlights on to ensure the warning doesn’t pop up. A new SRH unit is about $1,500 at a Subaru dealer.
@Rian
I’m a bit confused about whether the 2016 manual version has a CVT. From what I can tell, it looks like it has a standard transmission, right?
Gael said:
@Rian
I’m a bit confused about whether the 2016 manual version has a CVT. From what I can tell, it looks like it has a standard transmission, right?
Yes, if it’s a manual, it’s not a CVT. Still, I recommend a mechanic inspection. These cars are tough, and well-maintained ones can last a long time. A mechanic inspection won’t find everything, but it should help confirm whether the previous owners took care of it.
I got a 2019 Forester with 87k miles for $9k, but I had to do some things I’m not proud of to get that price 
When considering a 2017 Subaru Forester priced at $13,000 with 121,000 miles, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Market Value: Looking at similar 2017 Foresters with the same mileage, they’re usually listed between $12,000 and $15,000, so the price is fair.
Reliability: Some owners report issues with the CVT transmission, including jerking or hesitation. Subaru extended warranties for some CVT-related problems, so it’s worth checking if this one had any repairs. There were also some airbag recalls on certain models, so make sure those are addressed.
What to Do
- Get a vehicle history report to check for accidents and maintenance records.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car, especially the transmission.
- Verify if any extended warranties or recalls apply.
If the car is in good condition and has been well maintained, it could be a reasonable deal. Just make sure there are no hidden issues before you buy.