How Long Do Subaru Foresters Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan
Subaru Forester by Kevauto - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that has carved a niche in the automotive world. Well, that niche happens to be a plain, practical SUV. Introduced by Subaru in the late 1990s, the Forester quickly gained traction among consumers, especially those seeking an outstanding balance of practicality, performance, and off-road capability.
One of the primary reasons for the Forester’s surge in popularity is its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system – a signature Subaru feature. This feature, combined with its higher ground clearance, makes the Forester a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and those living in regions with challenging weather conditions.
What truly sets the Forester apart from its competitors is its commitment to safety and reliability. Subaru has consistently prioritized these attributes, and the Forester is no exception. Many owners vouch for its long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance issues, making it a trusted choice for families and outdoor junkies alike.
But how long do Subaru Foresters last? The Forester is known for its ruggedness, but what about its longevity? Today, we talk about the longevity of the venerable Subaru Forester and determine if it’s a good long-term investment for used car buyers.
Just How Reliable is the Subaru Forester?
A vehicle’s reliability directly influences its lifespan, and may offer insights into its long-term performance and value. Simply put, a reliable car consistently performs without unexpected breakdowns. Fewer mechanical issues mean less wear and tear on the parts, which can extend its operational life.
With that said, despite its reputation for ruggedness, the Forester is hardly the most reliable vehicle, let alone in its segment. As per RepairPal, the Forester ranks near-bottom at 21st out of 26 compact SUVs and has a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5.0. In addition, the SUV has an average annual repair cost of $632, putting it squarely into the average territory. Meanwhile, WithClutch gave the Forester a slightly less generous reliability rating of 51.2, and it came up short in the average score.
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Despite the Forester’s surprising reliability ratings, many owners swear by it over the long haul. Many Reddit users have shared their anecdotes regarding their Foresters. As such, several users have had multiple Subarus for years without experiencing significant engine or transmission problems. More importantly, while Subaru has an image of reliability, it’s essential to differentiate between actual reliability and public perception. All brands can have specific models or batches with issues, but overall, Subaru is considered to be built well and offers a balance between affordability and quality.
True enough, not all Subaru Foresters are created equal, as some years are more problematic than others. Based on available information, you’ll want to have a double-take when considering an older Forester model since they tend to have major issues and lots of complaints.
How Long Do Subaru Foresters Last?
Despite the aforementioned reliability ratings, the Subaru Forester is known to be a long-lasting workhorse. Throughout its more than two decades of production, the Forester has gained a reputation for easily crossing the 200,000-mile threshold. Based on various sources and owner accounts, Foresters can last 200,000 and 250,000 with proper TLC – nothing short of impressive.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE SUBARU FORESTER
The Forester has been in production since 1998, so there are a lot of models to choose from. So what is the most reliable year of the Subaru Forester?
Various websites like MotorBiscuit add a vote of confidence to Forester’s longevity and its ability to hit the 200k mark. Similarly, many Redditors have also shared their high-mileage Foresters. One user claimed that their 2012 Forester had reached 210,000 miles with the original engine and transmission, while another with a 2007 Forester X has approximately 228,000 miles and needs its second head gasket replacement. Most impressive is the user that shared their 1998 Forester S with almost 320,000 miles on it with the same engine and transmission.
Overall, while individual experiences may vary, a well-maintained Subaru Forester has the potential to last for several hundred thousand miles. There’s a reason why Subaru has such high consumer loyalty, and it’s safe to say that one of the main reasons is the impressive vehicle longevity.
How Many Miles are Too Many for a Used Subaru Forester?
While the Forester can potentially last beyond 200k miles, we won’t recommend buying such a high-mileage unit. Unless you’re using it as a beater car, it’s not worth it because you’ll likely run into significant issues that require costly repairs or replacements down the line. When buying a used Forester, a good rule of thumb is to draw a hard limit of 100k miles. As long as it’s properly maintained, it might still have much life left.
Many Subaru owners echo this sentiment. Some Reddit users have a personal limit of 100k miles for used cars, believing vehicles tend to start having issues around this mileage. Another user expressed caution, stating that “all bets are off” at such high mileage, especially if one cannot afford potential engine replacements. Another person mentioned their 2009 Forester had its head gaskets changed at 150k miles and is now at 170k miles, suggesting that maintenance can extend the vehicle’s life. On the other hand, another user mentioned being comfortable buying cars over 100k miles, as they find used vehicles under 100k miles overpriced.
Again, this highlights the importance of immaculate service records. If the service records are accurate and the car has been well-maintained, the Forester’s gearbox would be a primary concern for a vehicle with over 200k miles.
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Is a Subaru Forester a Worthy Investment?
How long do Subaru Foresters last? We hope this quick guide has helped answer your questions about the Forester’s longevity. As for the matter of whether a used Forester is a good long-term investment, it will depend on several factors, including your intended use case and needs.
As mentioned, Subaru has one of the highest brand loyalties in the industry, and it primarily has to do with high consumer satisfaction. Subarus are known for their no-nonsense practicality, and the Forester is no exception. Be mindful of high-mileage units, and invest in pre-purchase inspection before finalizing.
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