Which Used Year Model of Subaru Forester Is The Best Value?
We compare average used cost of each year model of Subaru Forester vs. what they originally cost when new
The Subaru Forester is a five-door subcompact hatchback known for its reliability and versatility. Whether you’re looking to navigate city streets or load up for a camping trip, the Forester is a great car for both day-to-day life and adventure.
The best news? You don’t need a brand new model in order to get a reliable Subaru Forester with the latest features – there are several “like new” used options available which boast low miles and many of the same features as the 2020 Forester for up to 36% less than original MSRP listing price.
If you’re looking to purchase a used model Subaru Forester, here are some things to know about how recent editions stack up against each other.
How much are you saving buying a used Subaru Forester vs. new?
You’ve probably heard that cars lose about 10-15% of their value the minute you drive them off the lot, but how much total value have they lost since they were new? We make it easy to compare the current listing values of Subaru Foresters vs. what they cost when new, so you’ll know how much the price has dropped from their original listing prices over the years.
Subaru Foresters: What they cost now vs. what they cost when new
A 2020 Subaru Forester has an average MSRP of $31,939. When it comes to features of the 2020, Apple CarPlay enables you to safely and effectively use your iPhone while you drive, and the auxiliary audio input makes it easy to jam tunes from your phone or another device. And no matter what you’re playing in your Forester, its steering wheel audio controls enables you to manage the sound system straight from your steering wheel. Speaking of the sound system: it’s a premium model, so whether you’re listening to songs or a podcast, the audio will come through crystal clear. Finally, the Forester has a useful back-up camera, so you can get out of parking spots with ease. For the easiest way to compare the 2020 against other models, check out CoPilot.
ARE YOU ABOUT TO BUY A RECALLED VEHICLE?
Factory recalls are issued when a vehicle fails to meet safety or quality standards. If you’re shopping for a used car, see if any factory recalls have been issued before buying.
2015 Subaru Forester: Used vs. New
2015 Subaru Forester: Average Used Listing Price and Mileage
The 2015 Forester has an average price of $14,892 and an average MSRP of $26,547. And you’ll still have auxiliary audio, steering wheel audio controls, a premium sound system, and a back-up camera, just like in the 2020 model. But gone is Apple CarPlay; instead, the 2015 has a remote engine start, so you can get it revved up from a distance. The 2015 also has certified pre-owned availability.
Is buying a used 2015 Subaru Forester a good deal?
Yes: Buying a 2015 will save you about $17,000 off the 2020 MSRP. That’s a 53% discount, with decent mileage: 2015 models have an average of 77,610 on the speedometer. If you want to save money and don’t mind a little extra mileage, the 2015 Subaru Forester is the way to go. Click here to search all the used 2015 Subaru Foresters in your area.
Newer Features the 2015 Subaru Forester lacks
- Apple CarPlay
If you don’t mind missing out on Apple CarPlay (and want to save thousands), the Forester is right for you.
2015 vs. 2016 Models - Which is the better value?
You’ll save about $3,000 if you buy a used model, though that does come with a mileage difference of about 16,00. But if you want to save money, the 2015 is definitely worth it. If reliability is a concern, look for a certified preowned model.
2016 Subaru Forester: Used vs. New
2016 Subaru Forester: Average Used Listing Price and Mileage
The 2016 Subaru Forester has an average price of $17,065 and an average MSRP of $27,612. The average mileage on 2016 models is about 61,858, and they have all of the same features as the 2020, aside from Apple CarPlay – though the 2016 does have a remote engine start. You’ll also find certified pre-owned availability with the 2016.
Is buying a used 2016 Subaru Forester a good deal?
The 2016 model is $14,874 (47%) off the 2020 version, which does make it a great deal overall. However, if you’re buying new, we recommend you save some money and go with the 2015, or if you’re concerned with mileage, spend just $3k more and get the 2017.
Newer features the 2016 Subaru Forester lacks:
- Apple Car Play
2016 vs. 2017 Models: Which is the better value?
The 2017 is only $3,000 more, saves you about 27,000 miles, and comes with all of the features as the 2020. We would recommend the 2020, though both are a great deal.
PICK THE RIGHT USED YEAR MODEL
Every vehicle has a “sweet spot” where it’s cost-to-reliability ratio is best. See how much you can save buying nearly new vs. new with CoPilot Compare, the easiest way to compare different year models of the same vehicle.
2017 Subaru Forester: Used vs. New
2017 Subaru Forester: Average Used Listing Price and Mileage
The 2017 Forester has an average price of $27,094 and an average MSRP of $21,116. The 2017 has all the same features as the 2020, along with certified pre-owned availability.
Is buying a used 2017 Subaru Forester a good deal?
With an average of 34,338 miles, it’s a pretty good deal when you realize you’re saving $4,854 – or 15% – off the 2020. It also has the same features as the 2020 but with a lower price tag than newer models, making it a great deal.
Newer features the 2017 Subaru Forester lacks:
None: It has the same features as the 2020.
2017 vs. 2018 Models: Which is the better value?
The price difference between the two is only around $2,000, and the 2018 has about 5,000 fewer models. While they’re both a great deal, we would recommend the 2018.
NEED EXPERT HELP?
Chat with our team of experts to get help during your car search process. We’ll even answer the hard questions like “What’s a good price for this car?” or “How much can I negotiate with the dealership?”
2018 Subaru Forester Used vs. New: Price and Feature Comparison
2018 Subaru Forester: Average Used Listing Price and Mileage
The 2018 has an average price of $23,440 and an average MSRP of $27,978. 2018 models also have an average of 29,262, along with all of the features you’ll find on the new version. Additionally, 2018 Foresters have the option of certified pre-owned availability.
Is buying a used 2018 Subaru Forester a good deal?
Yes: the 2018 is about $8,500 – or 26% – more affordable than the 2020. It also has all of the same features, and is only slightly more expensive than the 2017.
Newer features the 2018 Subaru Forester lacks:
None - all of the optional features available on the 2018 model are available on the 2020 model.
2018 vs. 2019 Models: Which is the better value?
If you buy a 2019 Forester, you’re essentially buying a like-new car. If that matters to you, it’s not a bad deal to go with the 2019, but overall the 2018 is a better deal.
2019 Subaru Forester Used vs. New: Price and Feature Comparison
Subaru Forester: Average Used Listing Price and Mileage
The 2019 Forester has an average price of $26,889 and an average MSRP of $29,767. It also has the exact same features as the 2020. 2019 models have an average of 17,480 miles and have certified pre-owned availability.
2019 vs. buying new: Which is the better value?
Buying a 2019 means that you save about $5,000, or 15%, for all of the same features as a 2020. If you’re deciding between the two, the 2019 is your best bet.
Newer features the Subaru Forester lacks:
None. All of the features available on 2020 Subaru Forester models are also available on 2019 models.
Is buying a used 2019 Subaru Forester a good deal?
While we recommend getting a 2018 at a larger discount, you can definitely find good deals on the 2019. To search all of the dealerships and listings in your area for used Subaru Foresters, try the CoPilot app.
DOWNLOAD THE APP
The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. Search all listings in your area, get notified about deals, new listings, and price drops, or chat with one of our copilots for some hands-on advice.
Which year model of Subaru Forester is best to buy used vs. new?
“Should I buy a new or used car?” is an age-old question. When it comes to the Subaru Forester, buying a used 2017 model might be your best bet: You’ll get all the features of the 2020, with a 15% savings to boot. If you’re still not sure if you want to buy a new or used Subaru Forester, check out CoPilot Compare, where you can see a direct side-by-side comparison of all models.
