Just curious… how long do people actually keep their Subarus? They always advertise that Subaru owners hold onto their cars longer than other brands, but is that true? Let’s hear it.
I’m asking because I bought my 2017 Touring with 25K miles, and now I’m at 146K. I love this car. My last three Subarus all made it close to 300K, and I’m hoping this one does too. I’m on disability, so I buy them outright and need them to last. Around here in Maine, people seem to keep their Subarus forever.
@Jackson_smith
I just got a 2017 Touring too! Solid car, though I kinda wish it was a Volvo wagon.
I’ve had my ‘99 for 8 years now. Plan on keeping it forever, and if it ever gets wrecked, I’ll just buy another ‘99 Forester. My small town has like seven of them still running. This thing drives through a foot of snow uphill like it’s nothing.
@Huxley
Can’t newer Foresters do that too?
Archer said:
@Huxley
Can’t newer Foresters do that too?
I’ve heard the newer ones don’t handle rough roads as well. And I don’t trust all the computers and sensors holding up long-term.
My first Subaru was an ‘86 GL, and it lasted 22 years. I’ve had my Forester for three years now—let’s see if it can beat that.
Had my Forester just shy of ten years now. Not crazy about the CVT lasting long-term, but no issues yet. Regular fluid changes seem to be keeping it in shape.
Working from home has helped—it barely sees 3K miles a year now. Probably gonna switch to a Lexus when I get tired of it.
Been driving my 2010 Forester since I bought it new. No complaints.
13 years and counting… bought my ‘11 Forester brand new, and now it’s got 188K miles.
Blakely said:
13 years and counting… bought my ‘11 Forester brand new, and now it’s got 188K miles.
Same here. Got my 2011 five years ago, and it’s been solid. Burns a little oil, but nothing major. I do all my own maintenance, which helps.
I’ve owned a few…
- ‘95 Legacy (wrecked after 2 years)
- ‘97 Legacy (rust got it after 4 years)
- ‘02 WRX (lasted 7 years until a flash flood killed it)
- ‘03 Forester (5 years)
- ‘06 Forester (5 years, rust got that one too)
- Now driving a ‘20 Forester… hoping this one actually makes it past 300K.
@Dallas
You ever try using rust protection? Might help keep them going longer.
JACI said:
@Dallas
You ever try using rust protection? Might help keep them going longer.
Yeah, finally started doing that with the ‘20. The older ones were beaters, so I kinda just let them go. Honestly amazed my ‘03 lasted as long as it did considering I never even fixed the head gasket issue.
Had my 2015 since new—just hit 130K miles.
Still driving my 2003 Forester. Bought it new.
I kept my last Subaru for six years. Paid it off in four, then drove it for another two. Planned to keep it longer, but a series of oil leaks made me nervous since my partner drove it often and never checked fluids. Ended up trading it in for another Subaru—just a bigger one this time.
Been driving my ‘05 Forester since 2020. My plan is to keep it until repairs start costing too much.
My ‘13 is still going strong after 11 years. Hoping to get at least another 10 out of it. As long as maintenance stays under $1,500 a year, it’s still cheaper than car payments.
I used to swap cars every 2-3 years, but my Forester is the one I’ve kept the longest. Bought it in ‘18, and I’m still happy with it after six years.