b
Looking at a Forester but not sure if it’s worth the price. Anyone here own one? Any regrets?
I have one and yeah, it’s solid. But honestly, I think we paid about 10k more just to get a new one. So depends on what you’re looking for, but yeah, it’s good.
Raleigh said:
I have one and yeah, it’s solid. But honestly, I think we paid about 10k more just to get a new one. So depends on what you’re looking for, but yeah, it’s good.
We got the 2013 model, but diesel. Great for road trips and works well for a small family.
@Baylen
How’s the diesel version? Had a gas 2.0 before but thinking about switching. Any issues?
Clarke said:
@Baylen
How’s the diesel version? Had a gas 2.0 before but thinking about switching. Any issues?
It’s solid. Ours is from before the DPF rules, so no worries there. Currently sitting at 210,000 km.
City driving? About 7L per 100km. Highways? Around 5L per 100km, and I can squeeze 1000km per tank on long trips.
Ours is manual. Only major thing was a clutch replacement at 198k km (cost about $3k). Otherwise, just regular maintenance.
@Baylen
Appreciate the info. Sounds like a solid choice.
Raleigh said:
I have one and yeah, it’s solid. But honestly, I think we paid about 10k more just to get a new one. So depends on what you’re looking for, but yeah, it’s good.
That’s what I was thinking too, so I checked the dealership’s site. Prices are higher now—cheapest I saw was about $43k, and that was the most basic version. Still looking into it though.
@Ollie
I paid $52k for a fully loaded 2023 model. Base models start in the low 40s. Worth it if you want a full warranty.
@Ollie
This one looks like a base model with some extras like a nudge bar and lightbar. The 2023/24 models have a better screen (still not amazing, but better), improved driving assists, and some small mechanical updates.
If you’d buy those extras anyway, it’s not a bad deal. If you wouldn’t, then it’s kind of pointless.
Decent car, but a bit pricey. Do you even want the nudge bar and lightbar?
Check the service history. The 75k km service is a big one, and Subaru quotes around $940 for it.
Also, see if the TCV has been replaced. That’s a common issue on this model. Subaru has been fixing them under goodwill, even outside warranty.
The big advantage of Subaru is the AWD system. Unlike most competitors that only use AWD when needed, Subaru’s is always on. If you drive on dirt roads or in the snow, that’s a big plus.
My wife drives this exact model. Just hit 60k km. Super comfortable, seats are great. No, it’s not a fast car, but it’s fine for city driving.
The safety features beep a lot, but you get used to it. Major services every 50k km. Only issue was a starter motor, replaced under warranty.
Cargo space is huge. Swallows more than my dual-cab ute when you fold the seats down. The stereo in the higher trims is surprisingly good.
For what you pay, Subaru gives solid engineering. Drives really well, handles bad roads like a champ. My wife had to drive on sketchy country roads, and we both felt way better knowing she was in this instead of some tiny FWD hatch.
Fun fact: Subaru designs every car so the driver can always see anything 1 meter tall in any direction.
Just a heads-up: the ‘Premium’ trim isn’t actually the top trim. That would be the 2.5i-S.
People love to talk trash about Subaru reliability, but as long as you keep up with servicing and don’t drive like an idiot, they hold up fine.
Boot space is solid, though it’s taller than the Outback rather than deeper. For a family car, you could do way worse. If you can afford it, I’d go for the S trim to get the extra cameras.
X-Mode is actually decent for rough roads. If you don’t plan on taking it off-road, better tires will make a bigger difference.
@Leif
People love to say Subaru has reliability issues, but honestly, just keep up with maintenance and they’re fine. Same goes for any car.
Only dropped $10k from the new price? If you can stretch your budget a bit, I’d go for a newer one instead.
Wayne said:
Only dropped $10k from the new price? If you can stretch your budget a bit, I’d go for a newer one instead.
Yeah, I thought the same, but after checking Subaru’s site, even the base model starts at $43k now.
@Ollie
Talk to a car broker. They might get you a few grand off the sticker price.
I own a Forester. Great car, but for me, the price doesn’t quite make sense. If it works for you, though, go for it.
Wayne said:
Only dropped $10k from the new price? If you can stretch your budget a bit, I’d go for a newer one instead.
Not everyone can just drop an extra $10k on a car. Money’s tight for a lot of people right now. No need to overpay if you don’t have to.
@Keelan
I get that, but think about upcoming costs—
- New tires: $750-$1000
- Rego: $800-$1000
- Major service: $700-$1000
Add those up, and suddenly, that used car isn’t as cheap as it seems.
Newer models also get better tech, better history, and a warranty. For me, a 5-year-old car only being 25% cheaper isn’t enough of a deal.
@Wayne
If it’s not the top trim, then yeah, not a great deal.
Super safe car. Best in class in 2019. Drives nice, but the CVT is kinda meh (then again, most CVTs are). I get around 8.8-9.1L per 100km in mostly city driving.
Interior is nice, visibility is great, and it has some useful features. Absolutely beats my wife’s RAV4 Hybrid in every way except the drivetrain. Steering isn’t the best, but that’s common with electronic systems.