How Long Do Subaru Foresters Last – Accurate Resource & Tips
Forester is one of the most popular and top-selling models from Subaru. This model has a large fan base due to its space, reliability, mileage, and longevity. Besides, the quality, finish, and all-wheel capacity are extraordinary as well which make it a good option for family or personal use.
Are you planning to take one for your family or yourself? Then you probably want to know how long do Subaru Foresters last?
Subaru Forester lasts around 13-17 years lifespan with an average of 15,000 miles driven every year. However, you will see some Foresters last from 20 to 25 years. A few models from 1997 are still available and they are running well.
It depends on the models, maintenance, use, and luck. Sometimes, proper maintenance cannot save the car from accidents. Or sometimes, everything goes well but in the end, the car might not last as expected.
How Many Miles Can a Subaru Forester Last?
But how many miles can a Subaru Forester last? A Subaru Forester lasts about 200,000 miles to 250,000 miles. That means you can expect an average of 15,000 miles driven every year. However, you will see some Foresters last from 300,000 to 350,000 miles. Similar to years, the mile varies from model to model. It also depends on your use, maintenance, and of course, luck.
How long do Subaru Foresters last?
The answer to how long do Subaru Foresters last varies from model to model. Let’s see the Subaru Foresters life expectancy for each model separately. Remember that it is an estimation and it varies from car to car and person to person. Also, these are the
1998-2002 (1st Generation)
- 1998 Subaru Forester – 5 years/80,000 miles
- 1999 Subaru Forester – 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2000 Subaru Forester – 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2001 Subaru Forester – 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2002 Subaru Forester – 5 years/80,000 miles
2003-2008 (2nd Generation)
- 2003 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2004 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2005 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2006 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2007 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2008 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
2009-2013 (3rd Generation)
- 2009 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2010 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2011 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2012 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2013 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
2014-2018 (4th Generation)
- 2014 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2015 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2016 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2017 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2018 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
2019-2021 (5th Generation)
- 2019 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2020 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
- 2021 Subaru Forester- 5 years/80,000 miles
These are the Certified Pre-Owned program benefits. As mentioned earlier, it varies from person to person and model to model. Also, it depends on many other things mentioned above.
Source: Cars
How much is a Subaru Forester?
Now let’s see how much a Subaru forester. Since the price varies from model to model and year to year, we will check all the years and models.
1998-2002 (1st Generation)
- 1998 Subaru Forester – starting from $18,695 to $22,195
- 1999 Subaru Forester – starting from $18,695 to $22,495
- 2000 Subaru Forester – starting from $20,095 to $22,595
- 2001 Subaru Forester – starting from $20,295 to $22,895
- 2002 Subaru Forester – starting from $20,295 to $22,895
2003-2008 (2nd Generation)
- 2003 Subaru Forester – starting from $20,845 to $23,095
- 2004 Subaru Forester- starting from $21,020 to $25,095
- 2005 Subaru Forester- starting from $$21,445 to $26,545
- 2006 Subaru Forester- starting from $21,795 to $27,895
- 2007 Subaru Forester- starting from $21,195 to $27,895
- 2008 Subaru Forester- starting from $21,195 to $26,995
2009-2013 (3rd Generation)
- 2009 Subaru Forester- starting from $19,995 to $28,195
- 2010 Subaru Forester- starting from $20,295 to $28,495
- 2011 Subaru Forester- starting from $20,495 to $29,995
- 2012 Subaru Forester- starting from $20,595 to $29,895
- 2013 Subaru Forester- starting from $21,295 to $29,995
2014-2018 (4th Generation)
- 2014 Subaru Forester- starting from $27,995 to $32,995
- 2015 Subaru Forester- starting from $28,495 to $33,095
- 2016 Subaru Forester- starting from $29,195 to $33,795
- 2017 Subaru Forester- starting from $22,595 to $34,295
- 2018 Subaru Forester- starting from $22,795 to $36,090
2019-2021 (5th Generation)
- 2019 Subaru Forester- starting from $24,295 to $34,295
- 2020 Subaru Forester- starting from $24,495 to $34,595
- 2021 Subaru Forester- starting from $24,795 to $34,895
How reliable are Subaru Foresters?
Subaru Foresters have earned good reliability to the users. Let’s compare them with some top-class brands in the industry.
Subaru Forester vs outback reliability
Subaru makes both the Forester and Outback. So no wonder that both the models will have the same reliability. The good news is yes, both of them offer great reliability. So it will not be a fair comparison between these two.
However, according to repairpal, Subaru Forester rates 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability. It ranks 21st out of 26 for compact SUVs. On the other hand, Subaru Outback rates 3.5 out of 5.0 and it ranks 10th. So, outback might be one step ahead of Subaru.
The average annual repairs and maintenance cost for Subaru Forester is $632. Where the Outback offers $607 cost.
Subaru Forester vs rav4 reliability
When it comes to Subaru Forester vs rav4 reliability, Toyota RAV4 wins clearly. The Reliability Rating of Repairpal for rav4 is 4.0 out of 5.0 and it ranks 3rd out of 26. Besides, its average annual repairs and maintenance cost is $429 which is excellent for any car owner.
Subaru Forester vs Mazda cx-5 reliability
The Reliability Rating of Repairpal for Mazda cx-5 is 4.5 out of 5.0. Also, it ranks 1st out of 26 for midsize SUVs. Besides, its average annual repairs and maintenance cost is $447 which reduces the cost of the owner and provides peace of mind. Mazda cx-5 is the winner here.
Subaru Forester vs honda cr v reliability
The Reliability Rating of Repairpal for Honda CR-V is 4.5 out of 5.0. It ranks 2nd out of 26 for compact SUVs. Besides, its average annual repairs and maintenance cost is $407. You can easily assume how reliable this one is. So clearly, Honda CR-V is the winner here.
Are used Subaru Foresters reliable?
Yes, the used Subaru Forester is reliable. You will find tons of the oldest Forester models running on the road still now. So you can assume how reliable it can be. However, the annual repairing cost might be a little bit higher than some top-class mid-SUVs.
Best years for Subaru Forester
Now the question comes, “what year Subaru Forester should I buy?” Well, you can pick one based on your preference.
2021: The best year for the latest model with maximum reliability and advanced features. Compared to Subaru Forester 2020 vs 2021, 2021 is a clear winner.
2017: If you need a 4th generation Forester, pick 2017 for its minor restyling, advanced braking, and some additional safety features.
2013: For the 3rd generation Forester, 2013 year is perfect for the Bluetooth capability and lots of other useful features. Compared to other models in this generation, 2013 offers maximum safety and reliability.
2008: This year, the company brought stability control along with all the other features.
2002: If your concern is to get the oldest yet quality Forester, go for the 2002 model as it was the most advanced among the other years of the first generation.
Best year for used Subaru Forester
But if your concern is to get a used Subaru Forester, then follow the years.
2019 – 2019 is the first model of the latest generation of Subaru Forester. The classic look, beautiful exterior finish, advanced tech features make it a perfect choice. However, it is tough to find since it is the first of its generation.
2018 – If not 2019, 2019 is an obvious choice for its expansive windows, ample head- and legroom, fuel efficiency, and maximum reliability.
2016 – When your concern is to get a budget-friendly yet quality Subaru Forester, go with the 2016 year. It offers a high-quality cabin, potent engine options, a standard touchscreen infotainment system, and lots of other advanced features you will love.
Subaru Forester years to avoid
Unfortunately, the high mileage Subaru Forester has some drawbacks in some years. It is better to avoid those years including:
1998-2002: Yes, it is obvious to avoid all the first-generation Subaru Foresters since they lack reliability. Also, you will not get any advanced features but some common problems. So it is better to avoid.
2003-2008: Like the previous generation, this generation does not offer much for you. Also, these cars of these years cannot cope up with the modern vibe. They lack reliability as well.
2009-2010: When it comes to the third generation, you should always avoid 2009-2010. Though these two years offer good safety to the users, they lack reliability.
2014-2018: The company tried hard back then to ensure more safety. And they were successful. However, when it comes to reliability, maybe they were unaware of the problems.
2019-2020: When you have the latest model of 2021 with all the problems found in 2019-2020, why should you not avoid these years?
All Subaru Forester by Year
Let’s see all the models year by year.
1998-2002 (1st Generation)
- 1998 Subaru Forester
- 1999 Subaru Forester
- 2000 Subaru Forester
- 2001 Subaru Forester
- 2002 Subaru Forester
2003-2008 (2nd Generation)
- 2003 Subaru Forester
- 2004 Subaru Forester
- 2005 Subaru Forester
- 2006 Subaru Forester
- 2007 Subaru Forester
- 2008 Subaru Forester
2009-2013 (3rd Generation)
- 2009 Subaru Forester
- 2010 Subaru Forester
- 2011 Subaru Forester
- 2012 Subaru Forester
- 2013 Subaru Forester
2014-2018 (4th Generation)
- 2014 Subaru Forester
- 2015 Subaru Forester
- 2016 Subaru Forester
- 2017 Subaru Forester
- 2018 Subaru Forester
2019-2021 (5th Generation)
- 2019 Subaru Forester
- 2020 Subaru Forester
- 2021 Subaru Forester
Major recalls on the Subaru Forester
Here is the full list of recalls:
- 1998: 1 recalls
- 1999: 1 recalls
- 2003: 3 recalls
- 2004: 2 recalls
- 2006: 2 recalls
- 2009: 16 recall
- 2010: 15 recalls
- 2011: 14 recalls
- 2012: 13 recalls
- 2013: 10 recalls
- 2014: 3 recalls
- 2018: 2 recall
- 2019: 1 recall
What is the most common problem with Subarus?
One of the most common Subaru Forester problems is vibration from the engine. Basically, most of the Subaru problems are related to engines. Apart from that, Denso fuel pump failure, drain on battery problem, unintended acceleration, and brake light switch problem are common. Every day, customers complain about these problems.
Subaru vs Honda maintenance
The maintenance cost of Honda is way less than Subaru. You may wonder why the maintenance cost is higher. That is because the Subarus are more expensive than Honda to repair. At the same time, the reliability score of Honda is higher than Subaru, which tells us about the low maintenance of Honda.
How To Increase The Lifespan Of Subaru Engine
You know how long Subaru Foresters last. But do you know how to increase the lifespan of the Subaru engine for added longevity? Follow the tips below.
- Make sure to maintain the car and car engine regularly and follow the routine.
- Change the SUV oils on a regular basis. Follow the recommendation by the manufacturer.
- Run a complete maintenance check for your car to know the condition.
- Always hire a trusted and skilled mechanic even if he costs more.
- Try to observe any problem signs in the car.
5 Best alternatives to the Subaru Forester
Despite all those benefits Subaru Forester offers, it might not be a good match to your taste. So let’s check out some alternatives to it.
1. Toyota RAV4
Toyota Rav4 is the best alternative to Subaru Forester. It is stylish, good-looking, fuel-efficient, and most importantly spacious. Besides, the hybrid powertrain offers maximum output from every gallon. Apart from that, the reliability is way higher than Foresters. You can also save your money since the maintenance cost is lower than Forester is as well.
2. Chevy Equinox
Why should you invest so much money on the Subaru when you are getting the same features at an affordable cost? The Chevy Equinox features some advanced features same as the Foresters. The look is awesome and the maintenance cost is affordable too.
3. Mazda CX-5
When it comes to reliability, nothing comes close to the Mazda CX-5. It offers maximum reliability and lower maintenance cost. The lifespan of this classic-looking SUV is higher as well compared to Foresters. You will also have two engine options to pick from.
4. 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan offers enough space and comfort for the users. The reliability is decent. However, you should not expect a smooth acceleration like the Foresters. Also, the fuel efficiency is not as good as the Subaru. The last part of this car is suitable for children only for its tight space.
5. 2020 Jeep Cherokee
When your concern is off-road performance, consider this Jeep Cherokee. It offers superior performance compared to Foresters when it comes to off-road adventure. However, for other purposes, this one might not be a good option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have anything in your mind? Then have a look at these questions.
The rust resistance of the forester is the same as any traditional car. So it may rust as easily as any neglected car.
Yes, Subaru Foresters are expensive to maintain.
Yes, Subaru Foresters are expensive to maintain.
The Length of the Forester is 182.1 inches with a width of 71.5 inches. Its Height is 67.5 inches without roof rails and 68.1 inches with roof rails.
Subaru tires can last up to 50,000 – 60,000 miles depending on the use.
You can expect between 3-5 years lifespan from Subaru batteries though it varies with driving, weather, and other factors.
The spark plugs can last between 1.5 and 2.25 years depending on the using quality.
Subaru Forester is built in Japan.
You can expect a 26/33 city/highway mpg and a 29 average combined mpg from 2021 Forester.
The Subaru CVT transmissions can last up to 100,000 miles or more depending on the use.
If you replace the CVT with a new one, it will cost $7,000-8,000. You can do it at a cost of about $1,000-3,000 if you use an old one.
30-35 is the high mileage for a Subaru Forester.
Yes, Subaru Forester is dependable. According to repairpal, the rating of reliability is 3.5 stars out of 5.
2005, 2007, and models of first generations have head gasket problems.
Yes, Subaru Forester offers enough space so two people can sleep here.
It may take up to 5000$ for you to rebuild a Subaru engine.
Is Subaru Forester Worth Buying?
Well, it depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a spacious, good-looking, and smooth acceleration with good overall performance, consider this one. On the other hand, if your purpose to buy it is for off-track or better reliability, this is not an option. Consider the alternatives for those purposes.
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