Pre-loved: Subaru Forester 2008-2021

by Ewan Kennedy  2025 Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid Sport   Subaru Forester was first sold in Australia in 1997 as a smallish station wagon,...

by Ewan Kennedy 

2025 Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid Sport

 

Subaru Forester was first sold in Australia in 1997 as a smallish station wagon, before growing in size to become an SUV.

It has reasonable ground clearance and was okay for moderate off-road driving in the bush.

You will also see some on the beach, though it's best not to take it onto soft sand.

In this report we cover the Subaru Forester from February, 2008 with the introduction of the third generation.

Fourth Forester generation arrived in February, 2013.

This time the shape was more serious SUV in style.

A mild facelift in February 2016 saw upgrades for the infotainment system as well as revised rear seats.

The latter was in answer to customer comments that older kids needed better support in the back.

Good interior room is a big advantage of Forester's squared-off styling.

The front seats have plenty of legroom, width and headroom.

The rear seat can take three people without too much hassle, though it's better if they are children, rather than adults.

There's a large luggage area and to suit buyers in its home country it can fit four golf bags in the boot.

Aussies like it for that as well.

There are numerous handy storage areas throughout the cabin.

On road handling is pretty good for a vehicle in this class, but keep in mind the Forester is a relatively high riding SUV, not a sports sedan -- so don't hammer it too hard on bends. (See our notes on the tS, our favourite model, later in this review.)

Off-road Forester is significantly better than so many others in its class because it has good ground clearance and reasonable approach/departure angles.

But remember it's an SUV not a 4WD or you might get stuck on harsh unsealed roads.

Power for the standard Forester models comes from a 2.5-litre flat-four petrol engine in either naturally-aspirated or turbocharged variants.

There's a strong emphasis on torque as Subaru owners have always appreciated practical vehicles.

There's also a non-turbo 2.0-litre petrol engine sold only in lower cost models, as well as a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.

Neither of these engines have proven particularly popular, but are worth a test drive to see what you think.

An excellent enthusiasts' vehicle is the Forester tS Special Edition introduced in 2016.

Despite the use of a chequered flag on the tS badge, it's aimed more at the grand touring (GT) market -- not fun on track days.

Powered by a turbo-petrol 2.0-litre boxer with 177kW, the Forester tS features more dynamic suspension and bigger brakes.

Though the engine is a close relation to the WRX unit it's in a lower state of tune to make it easy to drive in day-to-day running.

Foresters with manual gearboxes sold in reasonable numbers, but CVT automatics are more likely to hold their value better in the long run.

Servicing and spare parts are generally reasonable though we have heard a few complaints about high prices on some less common parts.

Insurance premiums are generally moderate for standard Foresters, but check on prices for high-performance models.

If you're classed as a young or inexperienced driver, you may have to pay considerably more.

Also ask about what excesses will be charged if you do make a claim.

A good amateur mechanic should have no trouble doing most jobs.

It's always wise to have a workshop manual at your elbow before beginning work. Please leave safety-related items to experts.

June, 2018 saw the gen-five Subaru Forester reach our shores.

It's sold only with a 2.5 petrol engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic.

A moderate facelift followed in August, 2021,  with some chassis tweaks and a tech upgrade.

Keep in mind that quite a few older Foresters may have been traded in on the latest one.

This can lead to dealers having many trade-ins and this can result in their yards being over crowded -- so dealers might sell at lower than average prices to clear stock.

2021 Subaru Forester Hybrid

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Look over the complete body for signs of crash repairs.

The easiest to see are poorly matching paint colours and slight ripples in the panels.

Older engines often have that typical flat-four 'dak-dak' beat when they get a lot of kilometres on them.

If it seems too bad the engine may be due for a major overhaul.

Newer ones are more refined, but it's still smart to have them fully checked.

Be wary of a Forester GT or XT that has too much turbocharger whine or excessive lag.

On a turbocharged model, check the clutch isn't slipping -- this usually shows up on fast upchanges.

Subaru makes the clutch a sacrificial component so that it fails first to protect other transmission parts.

Check underneath in case the Forester has been seriously used in off-road conditions.

The front and rear bumper corners and their mountings are likely to be the first areas to suffer.

Lots of sand in the carpet may mean it's spent time on the beach.

If you suspect this, taste for salt in the wheel wells and under the car.

Check the door sills, the protection plates under mechanical components and the lower parts of the underbody for signs of damage.

Ideally this should be done with the vehicle on a hoist.

Look at the condition of the seats, carpets and boot in case the Forester has had lots of muddy or dusty off-road use.

2015 Subaru Forester ts

 

HOW MUCH?

Expect to spend from $25,500 - $36,250 for a 2021 Hybrid S; $17,850 - $27,050 for a 2019 2.5i Premium; $14,700 - $23,150 for a 2018 2.5i-L; $8850 - $17,000 for a 2016 2.0 D-S; $11,200 - $20,600 for a 2015 2.0 XT Premium; $3650 - $10,500 for a 2013 2.0D; $5500 - $14,000 for a 2011 S-Edition; $1800 - $7950 for a 2010 Subaru X Columbia, or $2450 - $8900 for a 2008 XS Luxury.

2013 Subaru Forester

 

CAR BUYING TIPS

Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.

That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.

Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.

Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.

That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.

Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.

This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.

Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.

Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.

If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot. 

This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.

If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.

Take a slow walk around any car you're considering, looking for obvious defects.

It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.

Ideally any road test of a car you're getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.

If you're serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.

If they insist on coming that's understandable, but try to avoid them "selling” the car to you.

Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,

In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.

The next owner may suffer as a result.

2008 Subaru Forester

 

RECALLS

To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/

 

BE SURE TO CHECKOUT OUR OTHER USED CAR REPORTS