Subaru Forester - Nothing like Subarus of old | ReDriven used car review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 มิ.ย. 2024
- Check out the Subaru Forester Cheat Sheet here: redriven.com/cheat_sheet/sk-s...
Looking for a used Subaru Forester? - carsforsale.com.au/subaru/for...
The Subaru Forester is a popular choice amongst family buyers wanting the space and convenience of an SUV and the ability to head off-road if they need.
But with the used USV market being so flooded, is the Subaru Forester the best choice? Check out the video to find out.
What did you think? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below and don't forget to subscribe to stay up to date with all of out latest content!
USED CAR BUYERS GUIDE: • ULTIMATE used car buye...
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - What is it?
02:28 - What's it like to drive?
05:25 - How's the interior?
08:45 - Tech & safety?
11:22 - What goes wrong?
15:45 - How much is it?
16:10 - Fuel use, warranty & servicing
16:28 - Should you buy it?
#subaru
#forester
#suv
---
At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.
Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.
Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.
So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.
We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.
Find us on:
INSTAGRAM: / redriven_official
FACEBOOK: / redrivenofficial - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![[FULL EP.13] เซียนหรั่ง พา ไททศมิตร ลงเรือฝึกสกิลหว่านแห | เฮ็ดอย่างเซียนหรั่ง | One Playground](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EWFuf2Av0K0/mqdefault.jpg)
I had a 2016 XT and sold it with 149,000kms. One of the most reliable cars I ever had. Never an issue with the CVT, super comfy and powerful.
Bought mine in June 2019. None of the problems you mentioned (except for the Eyesight shit being annoying) are present in my Car. Comfortable, reliable and am consistantly getting 8.2 litres to the hundred. Maybe yours has been thrashed. I would buy a Subi again without a problem ...
Moment of silence for the XT
And the STi.
And the S edition
But we've got the outback XT now
F
@@habegunt4802 it's not just the same. The Outback is heavier, and it only comes with a CVT.
Yaaaayyyy!! New redriven vidsss. Luv this detailed content. Kp up the good work guys!🤟🤟👍👍😎😎
Thanks you legend! - AK
2022 Premium owner here. All good so far, to early of course but look: I had 45K back in 2022 to buy the best SUV I can and I can tell you after several months of research: I did not got it because it was pretty, but it was at that price mark the best in a everything else. Others SUV that I tested were CX-5, RAV4, Outlander, XTrail and even a second ha d Lexus. None of those had the same interior space safety and equipment for that price.
Time till tell.
Cheers !!
Yayy new redriven vid!!! kp up the work guys! 😎✌✌👍👍👍
The enthusiastic voiceover totally woke me up 😂 love your videos guys!
Cheers so much mate! - AK
Love the enthusiasm in the VO 😂
Another great job gentleman.
While I have personally been driving Alfas as my daily conveyance for the last 10 years, we've had 3 Foresters over that time as the family hauler (2012, 2014 and now 2019). Completely agree about the annoying lane assist interference (freaked me out the first time I felt it...) auto-stop-start, and incessant bongs (all thanks to the standard inability of boombah US drivers to pay attention and then sue the company when they run up someone's arse and spill their mega super-sized full cream mocha with chocolate dusting). Worse thing about all these doodads is their massive power drain which can mean factory-spec batteries don't last - you really are better off upgrading it to a more powerful one (though that seems to be a pretty common problem with most modern cars with multiple ECUs for the fleet of electronic aids). The floaty ride is just how they came out of the factory. The CVT on the 2019 is lightyears better than the one we had in our 2012, though I personally can't stand them. We've not had an issue with head gaskets or CVT problems with any of ours, but I'm touching wood as I write this to avoid putting the mozz on.
So why do we keep buying them? Well they are pretty comfortable, have enough go for a two-tonne family SUV with more than enough space for the typical family getaway, have permanent AWD that can handle a muddy farm track, and at least they don't look exactly the same as all the other soft-roaders in their price range.
But most of all, it's that I know they are built like brick sh..houses in case of a bingle. Me and the whole family were in our 2012 Forester when we got T-boned by drugged-out driver who went straight through a red light at 60kph and never braked. Hit us flush on the LHS B-pillar, we were spun 180 degrees and also rolled 360 degrees onto the roof and back onto the wheels. It was totalled. But all four of us walked away with little more than some bruises from the seat belts, and some cuts to my son's hand from broken glass. The other driver's car was obliterated. Since then, the Subi is the only thing I am confident will provide real life protection in a major prang.
But this one will probably be the last - kids all grown up now, so don't really need something that big. And the missus will probably want something electric...
Love the background - a Renault on the hoist and a Korean Holden in queue. Basically both in their natural habitat.
Hopefully we see a review of these cars... That will be interesting...
Very funny . One of the only channels that you can judge by the expression on the thumbnail, weather to buy or not
MY14 SJ, 170k of mixed driving on mine. Very reliable car. Deliberately bought the L model to avoid the Eyesight shite as I know driving country I go through the odd windscreen. Surprised how much noise gets into the cabin. 2017 onwards upgraded the acoustic dampening. Like clockwork the oil light goes on after 8,000k after the last service. Add half a litre of oil and it's happy to the next service. No issues with the CVT.
2013 Forester with 170k kms. Owned it for 5ish years. It's a real oil burner, 1L/3000-4000kms. Lower control arm bushes are a dumb design, so on the second change we swapped them for Superpro ones (very comfortable still). A/C system needed o-ring replaced, then the condenser replaced and hasn't been as good since.
All of the above has happened after around 150,0000kms.
These are great reviews actually helping a friend look for a used SUV atm what would be your pick for a 15K budget and no more then 150000KM?
From one of their old videos about SUVs under 15k
th-cam.com/video/pDnPns2OmwA/w-d-xo.html
i have a 2018 2.0 forester, front bushings are weak, front engine chain cap leaks after 4 years. is noisy, but i love it.
I enjoyed this review as I am a long term Subaru owner and now have a MY2020 SK Forester - a 2.5 i-S (top spec model). I sold my early 2009 3Gen Outback to get this, and I definitely have very mixed feelings about it. Previous owner did 20Kks and it was showroom nick, and had an ECB bullbar on it. I put a 2" LPA body lift kit in, and a SubaXtreme alloy bashplate, and switched the 18's to 17" aftermarket wheels. This probably sounds funny to others but we chose the S model as it's the only one with the leather seats - we have a severely disabled daughter and without going into the details of why, the leather seats are much more suitable than anything absorbent. But … I don’t need or want any of the other S features, including 18’ wheels, electric tailgate or sunroof. It’s just for the leather seats.
About the car … I'd say lots to like, and lots to dislike. I don't think there was anything in the review I disagreed with. On the plus side, it’s worth mentioning that the turning circle of this Foz is exceptionally good. Makes it great in city parking etc and off road as well. The AWD system as always is the best of all the AWD SUVs. Roominess for passengers and driver is exceptionally good. Cargo carrying capacity is great. The side/ rear view is excellent (compare with something like a Pajero Sport, or new MU-X and you’ll realize how good the vision is in the Foz).
Things I don’t like … firstly, just how plasticky and flimsy things are. We live in a forested country mountain environment and there are so many sticks on the roads that flick up and they really do damage. The mudflaps in front of the rear wheels tore off within the first month. A bracket that holds the wire to the electric handbrake bent really badly. Plastic trim under the door, and rubber seal, got popped out and torn.
My biggest upset was finding that when I left the tailgate open for hours, eg when going camping. I complained hard, and was fobbed off. The dealers all told me that the electric tailgate “is not meant to be left raised for extended periods”. Seriously??? I mean, the Foz is a car that you want to take camping, and leaving the gate up is normal behaviour. What about the Mum who unloads the shopping in the garage and forgets to shut the rear, and next morning her battery’s totally flat. Not acceptable I said!! I ended up going to battle with Subaru Australia and reached the point of gathering a bunch of others on the Facebook page, to take it to the ACCC, and when I updated Subaru Australia they suddenly asked me to take it back to the dealer and this time they replaced the tailgate control module and the issue is fixed. But I was sad that I had to get loud and obnoxious to get barely acceptable customer service. The Subaru dealer network is not the supportive family it used to be.
Our windscreen cracked too. It was parked not moving when it cracked! We got the insurer to fit an aftermarket one as it’s stronger, and have had no issues with the eyesight stuff.
I don’t like the way the leather seats are perforated. My old outback had solid leather and it was brilliant.
I had stronger King Springs put in the front as it bottomed out so harshly on potholes or grids etc. It was due to the bullbar which weighs 42kg and hangs out front, but even after that I think the suspension is too soft. I may fit aftermarket heavy duty struts/ shocks.
I agree with the weird steering/ vague handling mentioned in the review. I can’t put words to it but it just feels a bit jiggly and wandering on the road. Not firm and planted like my old Outback.
The rearmost lower control arm bushes have absolutely split apart and are about to be replaced. Our mechanic was aghast that they’ve busted so early (75Kk)
I love the sound system, the Carplay, the reversing camera, the adaptive cruise control and more. I think the multiple displays are way too much and confusing. The user scan function works well for me, but generally won’t recognize my wife. I hate the beeping alerts for “watch the road”, the lane control assist, the auto stop/ start and the emergency braking.
I think we’ll keep it, as I can’t find anything “better”. Tougher vehicles mostly drive like trucks and have awful surround vision. I need to replace our 2nd car soon and will probably look for an older Foz or Outback.
The old manual ones are way more bulletproof than the new CVT ones. My uncle still has his 2006 Forester manual, with over 300,000km and never had a major gearbox or transmission failure. Got it serviced often, and the manual never broke down. CVT's are just way too high maintenance and costly to keep without regular oil changes, compared to the manuals.
I drive a 2007 Nissan Xterra with the 6 speed manual transmission. I love to driving a manual transmission automobile! It is so much more engaging to drive than an automatic or CVT. My Xterra has cruise control and 4WD. I have owned multiple manual transmission automobiles over the years. I plan on driving a manual transmission automobile for as long as I can! Someday I would like to get my motorcycle endorsement! If I ever do get a motorcycle, I want it to be a manual!
Mine is also a 2006 Forester 2.5 X but mine is an automatic. Got 320,000km on it and was bought for $1200 after the previous owners neglected it. Needed a new timing belt, water pump and rear struts.
We had a 2005 manual Forester and had to sell it only because the family was getting bigger. We sold it after 8 years of trouble free motoring and still miss it every once in a while.
New technology, but whether manual or CVT, depends on how much abuse they can take, if careful, the CVT will last a long time.
Normally I'd agree with you because I love manual transmissions and I hate the CVT as they've been plagued with issues however, that's just not the case any more. These CVT transmissions are not the CVTs of old. They are VERY reliable. Any Subaru with a CVT from 2018 and up had the influence of Toyota in engineering and not only are they not a problem any more, they don't have head gasket issues and oil consumption issues of previous Subaru's. Keep in mind that the old Subaru's were pretty darn reliable despite any problems it may have had. I've already seen 2018 Foresters with a CVT with near 300k miles and still driving like new. In the end, old or new, if you take care of them they'll last. Also, miles are so over rated in use as judgement of condition. For one, for every 1 city mile you drive it's equivalent to 10 highway miles as far as wear. Also, I've seen vehicles with 60k on them that were beat to pot and never serviced and I've seen vehicles with over 600k miles that still looked and drove like new. I feel I am qualified to be trusted on this advice because I have 30+ years experience collecting cars, working on cars, and buying and selling cars. I personally have owned more than 200 cars in the last 30 years. I am getting a little older now and am having a harder time working on them so I went with a new Forester Limited and I've already got 26k miles on it. So far so good but I am optimistic it'll last well over 300k and 20+ years. Tip: Look for cars with rock chips on the hood and any other evidence you can find that it was driven mostly highway. I'd take a 150k mile highway only driven vehicle over a 50k mile city only driven vehicle any day! th-cam.com/video/oIytobB7TlI/w-d-xo.html
Love my 2014 Forester xt. Changed a front driver side axle and both front A arms. Yes, brakes of course. The roads I drive are full of pot holes and are in very poor condition. 116000 km today. Actually changing the full synthetic oil right now. Never had an issue with the cvt. Engine doesn't burn a drop. Practical, fast and awd which is a must in my location. I'm keeping it forever. I do anti rust the car as best as I can.
I sat in one of these recently and you're spot on, everything inside creaked and wobbled, it wasn't wearing well.
To your "so much going on here" comment on the interior - Mazda does interiors so much more elegantly. I test drove a 2018 Forester and it couldn't be driven with the driver's window down due to the noise from the standard roofbars and it just felt soggy and top heavy on the road despite low kms. I went for an Outback and it feels so much more grounded and taut on the road as well as quieter. I stuck with Subaru because they handle dirt roads really well.
I've got a 2006 Forester XT. I bought this after being horribly disappointed with a 2016Forester XT which I sold.
Re the complaints In video AND in comments about the beeping - These can be perma turned down or OFF in the Multifunction display settings (induvidually for newer models)
My mum’s 2020 has had 5 windscreens so far. Each time needs an eyesight recalibration at the dealer
Your mum tailgates too much
Story is spot on. I have owned 12 subarus, 6 bought 2nd hand, and 6 bought new. The 6 new have all been Foresters since my 2005 model, through to a 2019. I have already sold the 2019 and that will likely be my last Subaru. I was a Subaru fan and loyal customer, but their reliability has declined since 2012 for me, and I am very disappointed. I had a 2012 Forester which had to have a new short engine fitted under warranty due to excessive oil consumption, a litre every 1,000 kms. And my 2016 Forester had an air conditioning condenser replaced under warranty, then in the year it was just out of warranty, it has had to have 2 rear wheel bearings replaced, both front lower control arms replaced, air conditioning compressor replaced, and steering wheel locking has stopped working. I am a mature driver, the vehicle's have been well maintained as per their service schedule, and serviced by Subaru during warranty period, and not driven hard, or on bad roads. And I wasn't happy with my 2019 model after just 30,000 kms, I didn't like the way that the CVT transmission worked on this model, it didn't seem to work as well as on my 2014, or 2016 Foresters, so I sold it. I suspect Subaru may be cutting costs on the quality of the components that they put in to their cars. Prior to 2012, they were very reliable, but they don't appear to be any more.
great review as always mate👍
You mentioned to buy Sportage for under $15k. Which engine is better? 2.0L petrol or 2.0L T Diesel?
Petrol mate and thanks for the kind words too. - AK
Thanks Adam - as mentioned in a previous comment I’ve owned over 11 Subarus (mmm… a bit OCS) from a humble Leone wagon to WRX GC8, Forester XT, Liberty, Outback and so on - I have to agree after driving my sister’s top of the range 2022 Forester with the dreaded CVT, annoying stop/start (idle stop now used in new Triton) annoying electronic park brake and very very vague steering my post 2013 new Subaru days are over - a shame because they’re the class leader for the AWD system where the rest of the brands are pretenders with this system - I now drive a pre-DPF 2010 Toyota Hilux diesel automatic and only have ABS, steering wheel controls and electronic windows/mirrors - very simple, very reliable and practical.
Wow, redriven you good at reading minds i see, just wanted to request this though the previous model. I had it and got stuck on(the shifting knob stopped working) S# , fuel was horrible at 5.5km per litre.
Looking forward to the SH Forester review.
2013 forester xt. Fast & reliable so far. Good off road capabilities for a family suv. Cant recommend enough 4th gen xt
I think you’re doing a very good job reviewing these cars Redriven team, there is a car that i have in mind that is a mid-size SUV called Haval Julion and i like it but I’m bit anxious to buy it, is there a cheat sheet for it or a video?
Thx again Team.
Not yet mate but we'll look into it for you. - AK
Literally, just last week, I stopped at the pub for a refreshing lemonade on my way home.
I couldn't help but notice one of my lemonade loving mates in distress and quizzed him as to what was troubling him. "Head gasket on the Suby, two grand, that fu@ks me", he replied.
At least the lemonade was cold.
From the sounds of this review and what I've heard from others around the traps, Subaru as a whole are starting to become the Japanese for push with all the problems they've been having.
Will be interesting to see how the older models of the Forester compare to this one when you get to review them 🤔
When you were doing the safety features overview Adam it sounded like you were try to be a mascot for a theme park lol 😆.
Have to admit this video has given me plenty to mull over though I highly doubt that I'll be getting this gen of Forester if I consider buying a Subaru lol.
Good video guys as always and look forward to next week's batch of videos as always. Keep up the good work and have a good weekend 👍.
Cabin noise and the worse-than-having-nothing touch screen infotainment system are my biggest gripes on the MY17 Levorg. Having to raise your voice on the freeway to speak to the person beside you in a mid-market modern vehicle is just baffling (see what I did there?).
Bought a 2015 XT Premium new and still have it. 90K on the odometer, and returning around 9.5L/100km. No issues at all. Think the worst part of ownership was servicing, every 6 months and $300-$330 per service...ridiculous. Beena good car but will be selling in next 6 months...now what to buy next?
I've been driving manual V8s for the last 36 years. The wife prefers something that's good for camping, so after her Adventra was written off we got a Subaru Outback 3.6R my17, full service history and only 40k km a year ago.
Thus far, it's been great, I even like driving it. Roomy, 3.6 engine has plenty of power and uses under 9 lph on the hwy. CVT is better than I expected. Service from the Subaru dealership after 2 services has been excellent.
So far so good.
I should add we did look at the Forrester, but for the same money the Outback was bigger, more powerful engine and more capable off road.
Great candor
I had a 2018 Forester which got both the faulty power windows and 2 dead A/C compressors mentioned in the video. All of which happened when the car was just out of warranty. Luckily Subaru gave me a bit of a grace period and fixed it for me gratis but I got rid of it ASAP after that. It was a shame because it actually drove really well...oh well.
I have a 2004 Forester XT with 5spd manual box, it’s been well maintained and still runs perfectly, very reliable, it’s also slightly modified, surprisingly fast and very fun to drive. I also currently own 3 other cars much newer and not as good as the old Forester and have also owned many other cars over the years, much newer and more expensive including two other newer Foresters, 2010 and 2016, I have moved those cars on and kept the 04 XT because it’s better than the newer ones and you just cannot buy this type of vehicle any more, I’m keeping it.
those were the best year for Forester, I would still buy one today.
I rented a ~2008 version fishing in Vancouver. So impressed. Almost bought one when back home, but a truck and a rock crawling jeep and why do I need this? Today, newer truck, still have the jeep, but I'd swap the jeep for that ride today.
May I suggest as an alternative, the 1978 K5 Chevy blazer.
Never breaks and will climb a tree if you ask it to.
3 outback’s in a row. 2 5th gen and a 6th gen. I do 150,000km in each before moving them on. So far 1 rain sensor leaking it’s fluid down the screen (known fault) 1 front drive shaft at 120,000km. That’s it for 3 cars so far. So maybe not Lexus reliability but I’ll take it.
I own a 2015 2.0 Diesel Forester, which is my third Subaru Forester. It is now 125.000 km and never had a major issue up to now.
I have a 2017 (MY18) XV 2.0s with 125k and still smells, drives and feels like new inside out.
It seems the owner of this car never took good care of it hence the plastic seats, pealed steering wheel and scratched plastic.
This is my second after the 2.5 2016 OB and will buy another one.
What else should I consider in a similar class to this?
I heard a saying, squeak and rattle is the feature of subaru lol. i gave up on fixing most squeak and rattle on my MY21 forster, you just dont know where they come from. And i think i should be happy cos my ave fuel is 9.06L/100km😂😂😂
6:17 Subaru interiors were once premium?? When? Has he not seen the interior of past imprezas?
They were though... Jump into a 2000's Impreza or Liberty and you'll be pleasantly surprised with the interior quality...
Liberty in the late 90's and early 00's was extremely premium for the price point. Many reviews reported it offered a more high end feel than that of BMW and Mercedes. - AK
@@ReDriven Agreed... I'm looking for a 4th gen Liberty or an E90 3 Series with an I6... I'm really not sure what to go with as they're both beautiful cars... I will be doing the mechanical work myself so what are your thoughts, based on driving experience, reliability, etc? Both have their issues...
I bought a new Forrester S last april year, its done 39000 without any failures, I have only experienced the CVT shudder once, and the 'heavy' power steering once. so far no rattles even though I live in the country with the worst roads in the state. My only gripe with the car is that the factory fitted tyres only lasted 29000 kms before needing all four replaced.
American, 2018 Forester, 6MT. At 43k miles, I had to replace the rear right wheel bearing. At 70k miles my AC needed recharged (just freon, no parts replacement). Annnnnnd nothing else. Gas, oil, tires, brakes. So, $600 in repair costs over 5 years? Works for me.
Please please please do a review on the Toyota Aurion!!! Commies n falcons get all the hype but the Aurions are beast!!
It's high on the "to do" list mate. - AK
I have an MY16 SI Forester. It's been a great car, but yes, the warning bells and beeps are tedious and the forward collision sensor takes some getting used. It's not as big as the latest ones which is good. It's just easy to drive whether your on tar or dirt. My only real issue is the leather on the steering wheel is CRAP !
Ive noticed on all Subbies after a few years they start to deteriorate. Best thing to do is slap on a steering cover from the start. If you wanna go with better stuff get leather covers or aftermarket ones that look exactly like the original without breaking the budget.
@@axeya366 Yes I'll have look into a cover. It's very disappointing. I have a 23yr old WRX that's great in comparison........
@@brucenicolle4019 Yes it is. I noticed that in when i was looking to buying that steering and seats were common. So the 1st thing i did was steering cover, a set of floor mats to go over the original ones.
my parents had one from new 1998/7 model and it died in 2014 gearbox was hosed along with a bunch more stuff, this is indeed an older model but i'm sure there are far more reliable vehicles out there worthy of your money. they also had an RX model 2002 bugeye and that had a famous headgasket problem and promptly overheated and resulted in a full engine rebuild. i'll stick with Toyota and Hondas thanks
I own a 2015 Forester XT and it will be the only Subaru I will ever buy. Once I get my kids through college, it's a goner. At 60k check engine light started coming on because of the O2 and Fuel/Air sensors and it comes on every 10-15k with the same code. I now just clean the sensors every other oil change because they're over $300 each for an OEM Subaru part. I replaced the lower control arms at 90k because of worn bushings and one cv shaft. At 115k I had to replace the transmission at $8k because the front differential went bad and it's internal and part of the transmission, plus the other cv shaft. At 145k I replaced all four hub bearing assemblies because they started droning. A friend had a Crosstrek and traded it in after 1 yr of ownership because of the rear hub assemblies kept going bad. The dealership changed them under warranty, but he was tired of the hassle of having the car in the shop every 3-6 months.
2014 XT, Ive also changed front drive shaft. Other issue was the radiator assembly had to get changed from deterioration. Besides that no other issues. Around 100k KM. Its my daily and ive got 19"wheels, custom straight piped sports exhaust, BOV and aftermarket filter. Fun cos it makes a lot of noises. But yeah see how long it lasts, reason to get rid of it if things go south or full mod it with a new trans and etc in future. Yet to decide.
Does anyone know what is the height (headspace) in the boot? I’m considering this to know how comfortable it would be to sleep in the car.
This guy must be a Millenial, the whole video wining about the car wich is best rated by Consumer’s Reports in it’s class…i knew it from the start when he mentioned the head gasket issues, a problem solved in 2014, hello it’s been 10 years!!!
Hi mate, would you please make a video on 2020 Mitsubishi Pajero sport exceed. And is it worth buying it in 2022 or 2023
Thanks
Mate we are on the hunt for one as we speak! - AK
I have 2010 Forester auto 440k on it still runs great. Have had only a radiator. And oxygen sensor. Amazing car. Love them. Tough well built cars. 😁
Yes they were then, but not now.
I owned a used 2010 Forester base model for several years, but upgraded to a new 2018 Forester, which I feel is a much better car than the older one.
Do one on the new crvs these reviews are great
Redriven means they review used older car models. 😄
Older CRV reviews are coming soon mate. - AK
I think the issue here is that its now a mainstream SUV like RAV 4 or CRV, and like you said its bigger than it used to be, the old Foresters were car like, some parts where even transformed from Impreza.
For the value and price-point in the category its still a great vehicle great despite the issues. A majority of modern vehicles are not built too well like in previous years. It's kind of expect now after a few years.
Does anyone else have an issue with the oil level light randomly turning on despite the oil level being fine in their Subaru?
Nice watch
Do a late 80's L series wagon next.
Why do they insist on these CVTs instead of just going back to Torque converter Automatics that are tried and tested? An 8-Speed ZF would do a better job than a CVT
I’ve got a 2017 Forester 2.5 non turbo. 65,000kms and the lower control arm bushes failed. It also has oil consumption issues and the squeaky seatbelt drives me nuts. The lower control arm bushes are a common problem (dealer said this) so it’s worth noting. No other issues with mine and it’s done 73,000kms now.
Somehow driving one of these back to back with a clearly more cheap and cheerful Mitsubiishi Outlander (not the newest gen) I just preferred the Outlander.... I could never fully understand why possibly less tech being shit and steering better?
I've got an MY16 i-S, reliable so far. Steering wheel is poor (already started peeling after 60k), turfed the infotainment in favour of an Android head unit, cvt is dull to drive (would have loved a manual), great for eating up the highway though...
Who wants to see Adam do a review of an MG? I'm sure it will be an honest review 🤣🤣
Lance we're trying to find one to review at the moment. - AK
Subaru ruined the Forester. I had a 2005 mk2 2.5X manual and a 2010 mk3 2.5X manual, both brilliant. Bulletproof, capable, characterful, responsive. Thirsty AF and expensive to repair if something did break, but I put 300 000kms on those two cars, and loved them to bits. I've test driven the two subsequent generations, and while more spacious and refined, they were boring, slow, not as rugged and capable off-road (better software, but worse clearance and the CVT balks if you ask it to do anything hard), mechanically fragile (you could sense it, and it seems my instincts have been borne out), and their handling was soft and wallowy. A damn shame, they used to be awesome. Is it just me, or was the mk3 the best looking, too?
mk3 is definitely the best looking.
Great review! I had a 2004 My05 Forester X auto. One of the nicest cars I’ve owned in 30 years of owning cars but the most problematic. Don’t mention head gasket or timing belt near me. I’d never buy another.
I own a relatively low mileage SG9 Forester XT which was recently written off by the insurer as being uneconomical to repair (headlamp, bumper, fender and grille destroyed). I replaced it with a 2015 XT but ended up also buying the old XT back from the insurer. I’ll be repairing it and keeping it for as long as I can keep it running. Loved driving the old XT over the past 10 years in South Africa. Let’s see how the newer one compares.
Mines a 2006 X auto. 320, 000km and was neglected and never serviced by previous owner. Bought for $1200 and haven't maintained it that thoroughly either and has been problem free for nearly 3 years now. When I bought it I replaced the timing belt, waterpump and rear struts.
We has the 2016 xt turbo, great car for many years and the best suv ever till 2022 when the LED headlights started to go. It turns out they are about 2.5k each to replace because the whole assembly needs to be purchased. Finding a second hand part is also highly improbable as they are rare and if you found one it's approx $1700. So beware the adaptive LED headlights.
True, but that goes for pretty much any car with LED head/taillights
what about a 2011 forester? same issues?
I took a Forrester for a test drive earlier this year, you’re right about the steering.
I bought a Sportage instead.
What's the issue with steering?
So subaru used clippy as the camera monitoring system.
Was this video filmed in the Upper Hunter Valley?
West of Wyong mate. - AK
With the transmission fluid replacement, Subaru is worried that it might be more likely that contamination enters during a service than if you just leave it as is. Id definitely only do it at Wubaru if you are going to do it, but why would you if theyre going to honour and replace the transmission if it fails.
They have a 10 year or 100k mile warranty on the CVTs up to the 2018 model.
Have 2014 model from new with cvt, nearly at the 200,000km and have had no issues other than using some oil. just check it regulary and top it up.
Hey guys. I have an i30 Sedan/Elantra N if you guys wanna check that out. It might be a bit new it’s done only 10,000km so far but just was wondering if you would consider it. If so let me know, I’m in Canberra.
You just don’t like the new Forester. I had them in 2004, 2007 and 2020, also had Impreza in 2017 (had them from new). The notifications once can save life - for 3 years it was worth having them few times for me. I am 62 and was driving a lot of cars. New Forester is not for emotions and sharp reflexes, etc. Do not buy it until you are over 40, or get it for your wife if you care about safety (my one hates it and drives her Landcruiser 70 as she used in Alice Springs).
The 2,5 engine is way more responsive than old model, fuel - about 8L for 100km (settled after 15000k). CVT is Subaru own one, but in NZ we have additional oil cooling radiator on CVT as most are touying something here.
We have a farm and never had problems with off road capability - better than Nissan Navara.
Considering "old ones were better" - all my life I hear that about everything! Especially about colour of the grass.
At least Subaru is made in Japan and not in Russia, like Nissans, Toyotas, and others.
I had an s3 Forester xt, chose it over the s4 because of the stupid electric bongs, and nanny state controls and cvt.
I have a 2007 2.5L XT Premium (XTeN). 130,000 miles plus. Normal wear and tear new radiator and new rear shocks. No problem. Absolutely love it. Sometimes I get a notion to upgrade but I don’t like the new enlarged models and I absolutely detest all the friggin electrics in modern cars. Seems like sometimes you are travelling in a microwave oven with all the darn dings. Mine still drives like a high performance car yet can tackle most terrain and conditions. When I change I’ll probably get another 2007 or 2008 with lower mileage. This is the best model of car I have ever had and this is my third one.
I own a 2018, American edition and no problems, just replaced the battery after four years. No major repairs, just oil changes. All direct injection systems get clogged up, just the way it goes.
Ive had my 2022 top spec forester for a year and half roughly and it’s a hard car to love, imagine driving everywhere with your wifes grandma constantly telling you to keep your eyes on the road and screaming at you every time you go within 50 meters of any other car, then when you go anywhere near a white line she grabs the steering wheel and yanks it. Also its soooo boring to drive .There’s so much I hate about it Im getting rid of it, hello Prado goodbye nagging Grandma!
Sunroof has no tint which is just ridiculous and makes car very hot in Australia
Oil for life is such a mistake by manufacturers. No gearbox oil lasts more than 50,000km. Even at 40,000km oil comes out with viscosity of water.
As a Subaru tragic, this this disappointing.
8:04 you can see where the dog noses have been on the window XD
2017 Forester, all good in general, be a great car except: Suspension components crumple, wheel bearings perish, brake rotors get chewed through, the steering wheel delaminates. Serviced the gear box but jesus that was $$$. Still have it, wouldn’t buy it again, been too expensive for stupid issues with low kms.
I have a 2017 and have none of those issues. The a/c did need service inside of 30k and the ignition link guide plate failed but both were fixed under Canadian warranty. The Bluetooth and stereo is really underwhelming but it is a reliable car worthy of Subaru reputation of old w/o the gasket or consumption issues.
The current generation is actually the Subaru Florister.
Subaru stopped being reliable when they started using the CVT trans in place of the conventional Automatic gearbox, overnight the Subaru lost all of it's off road ability as well (limited as it was to begin with)
That old gearbox was a dog to operate though. Huge reason why I bought a standard on my 08. CVT on my 17 has been flawless.
The ordinary petrol versions with 2 litres are too weak. XT is not sold in all markets so the "ordinary" petrol needs more oomph. They must also fix the heating system so the car get fast warm during wintertime.
Had 1 for 4 years and just sold it for what I paid new. Objectively well made, easy to drive but oh so boring. Exact opposite to my 156 Alfa which I miss.
All the beeps and no spare tyre in the hybrid (and terrible fuel economy) are so frustrating
1st gen subaru forester sti is the best subaru wagon period 🤘🏻
Yeah man, SF Foresters are the best for sure
close, but nah. Legacy S402 Wagon hand down
@@jimmyp1433 forester sti is the firet true subaru boxer wagon..
@@dolguldur4706 not sure i follow. I 'll assumne you mean like, 'suv' style wagon, instead of station wagon
@@jimmyp1433 yeah i forgot to mention that suv style..😅😅 boxy,with boxer engine...looks raw...its legendary
Think I will stick with my Liberty GT with it's old fashioned millennial 5 speed anti theft device 240000 and still going strong
I’ve owned an Outback and two Foresters. They were all brilliant with no issues. I don’t know where the nonsense comes from regarding the CVT transmissions or blown head gaskets. The XT may have had issues but the 2.5 motors were bulletproof. And they were amazing off road.
Kinda seems crazy that anyone would spend $40k on a second hand one with 60,000km when ex-demo 2022 base model 2.5is can be had for about the same price with less than 5000km.
If only Subaru didn't lump these with a crap CVT and that torqueless engine. Bring on the 2.4 turbo!
Thought CVTs don't have gears, hmmm...🤔
Had a 98 Liberty AWD wagon until a year ago. 350k kms on the clock original engine, transmission and head gaskets (EJ22). Older models you could tell were built by engineers - fuel filter in the engine bay 2 minute job, EXTERNAL transmission filter was a spin off one like an engine oil filter, separate fuel pump and level sender units in the fuel tank, METAL fuel pump assembly etc etc most repairs are 5 minute easy access. Even 2 gens later it was all over in the mid 2000's - the 2004 i also had was a pile of trash - ALL bushings needed replacing, door actuators were ALL bad, dash cracks/melting, usual head gaskets (oil and coolant external leaks), wheel bearings. Meanwhile the 98 - none of those issues, older and more miles no problems.
Oh shite. I just bought a 2022 (!).... based on car review videos on TH-cam!!
Change your PCV valve each 30.000 miles it’s a must $5.00 part at dealer. also change your oil at each 5.000 miles and you CVT and Rear oil at 60.000 plugs at 80.000 and your GOOD for MANY YEARS to come. NO BAD CARS JUST BAD OWNERS
Subaru marketed the Forester to Lesbians (also LGBTQIA+) in their famous ad campaigns in the USA. I still think about this every time I see a Forester.