Hey everyone,
I’m looking to upgrade my car and the Forester seems like a solid option. But I’ve heard mixed things about buying them used. Would a 2016 or 2017 with under 100k miles be a good deal? I’m fine with a manual, but most of what’s available near me are CVTs. How often do those fail, and at what mileage?
Also, what about the older models? I’ve read that 2015 is one to avoid, but I’m seeing some well-priced ones for sale. Any advice?
It’s hit or miss. I got a ‘17 with 53k miles (manual, which was a bonus). Two months later, it started burning oil like crazy—low oil light after 1,800 miles. Turns out the piston rings were bad, and they recommended a short block replacement… $7k repair. Luckily, my warranty covered it.
No problems since, and I love the car, but I got really lucky.
@Sergio
Oof, I hope that was just bad luck. A $7k repair would be brutal if it happened right after buying.
T.gwendew said:
@Sergio
Oof, I hope that was just bad luck. A $7k repair would be brutal if it happened right after buying.
Oil burning issues were common from 2011 to 2018, some years worse than others. Even if it’s not burning now, it might start with time.
@Sergio
Damn, a 2017 with piston ring issues? My 2011 had that problem, but Subaru covered it under their warranty extension… which only went up to 2014. I thought they fixed it by then, but guess not. Maybe it’s just less common now? Either way, Subaru really needs to get their act together.
I’ve been telling people to stick with the later SJ years (2017-18) and avoid others, but now I’m second-guessing that. Subaru just recalled 20,000 of the 2025 models today for wheel issues too.
@Sergio
This is why I change my oil every 3,000 miles, no exceptions. Some will say that’s overkill, but a Subaru tech told me to do it, and my 2018 Forester XT has never burned a drop.
Still driving my ‘03 Forester with 165k miles. Had to replace the thermostat, power steering, and AC clutch, but nothing I couldn’t fix myself. Head gaskets were done 2k miles ago by the previous owner. Spent about $4k total, including repairs. No car payments, just maintenance and insurance—works for me.
@Keelan
That’s a real Forester.
Picked up a 2004 with 169k miles. Two and a half years later, I’m at 220k, and it’s still going strong.
Joss said:
Picked up a 2004 with 169k miles. Two and a half years later, I’m at 220k, and it’s still going strong.
Got a 2004 with 220k miles… and a blown engine. Bought it for $300, dropped in a used motor for $1k, and now I’m at 335k miles. Rust has been my only real issue.
@Dustin
Nice! I need some exhaust work and new brake pads, but otherwise, just threw on some new Michelins from Costco and called it a day.
My 2010 has been solid. Bought it 2.5 years ago and put 40k miles on it without major issues. Previous owner kept great records, which helped. Just started leaking oil at 172k miles, but honestly, at that mileage, I can’t complain.
CVT reliability has improved, but Subaru’s valve bodies are a known weak point. They control fluid pressure in the transmission, and failures start happening around 100k-150k miles. Dealership charges $2k to fix it, or you can DIY for $1,100.
Torque converter issues are rare, but chain slip can happen, usually after 180k miles. If you replace the valve body and do fluid changes every 30k-60k miles, the CVT should last 200k+. After that, both the engine and transmission might start needing serious work.
It’s a gamble. Worst case, the whole CVT fails, and a new one from the dealer is $12k. Even a remanufactured one costs $8k. If you’re worried about that, a 2016 RAV4 with a 6-speed automatic might be a safer bet.
@Porter
Yeah, moving to a Subaru would be an adjustment. My current car is a 2006 Mazda 3, which has been super reliable. A RAV4 would probably be smarter, but used Toyotas are really expensive right now.
@T.gwendew
Spending an extra $2k-$3k upfront to avoid a $2k valve body repair later kinda makes sense. But yeah, Toyotas are pricey.
@Porter
Our 2015 is still going strong at 175k miles.
Bought an ‘07 Forester XT last year with only 60k miles. Spent a little getting all the maintenance caught up, but no regrets so far!
They’re great cars if well maintained. Just check if the model you’re looking at was part of the oil consumption lawsuit:
https://www.classlawgroup.com/subaru-oil-consumption-class-action-lawsuit
The warranty extension for this issue expired at 8 years/100k miles, so if the car has the problem and hasn’t been fixed, you’re on your own.
I got a 2010 three years ago. Needed some work, but I love it. And no CVT!
I think the head gasket problems were fixed after 2014, so 2015+ should be fine. Just make sure you get one with a full maintenance history.