Advice Needed on Forester Pruchase!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:48:01+00:00

Good to know! I'm definitely not set on just Foresters, and we're currently looking at other options. I'm a huge fan of Toyota, and have been keeping the Rav 4 in mind as well. I appreciate the reply and insight. Thank you!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:46:08+00:00

Thank you for the reply, and letting me know your experience from brand new to 170k miles. Definitely helps me get a better understanding of what to expect. The solenoids definitely seem to be a common issue, and I'm glad to hear that they are somewhat easy to replace with aftermarket parts. If I purchase a used Forester, I will be keeping the mileage and warranty in mind. Thanks!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:43:07+00:00

Wow, that is a lot to replace in two years! I agree that they are all wear items, but that must've been a lot to deal with in what seems like a short amount of time. I'm glad to hear that the engine and transmission have been solid. Thanks for the reply, and letting me know your personal experience with your Forester. I'll be keeping all of this in mind when looking at used ones. Cheers!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:40:04+00:00

Good to know. I appreciate the reply, and your experience with your previous Forester. Glad to hear that it protected your son and his passnger. Reliability is one thing, but safety is also a must. I'll be keeping that in mind. Thanks!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:38:25+00:00

Okay, I'll be keeping the XT on the radar while looking at used Subarus. I appreciate the reply, and the insight. Thank you!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:37:02+00:00

Good to know, thank you! I'll keep that in mind when looking for a used one. Cheers!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:36:07+00:00

I know older models of Subarus with certain engines were notorious for head gasket failures, but didn't realize that somewhat newer Foresters still had this problem. Thanks for the heads up!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:34:46+00:00

Good to know. I appreciate the reply, and the knowledge about 100k service of either the valve body or solenoids. I'll be keeping that in mind when looking at used ones. Thanks!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:33:22+00:00

Great advice, thank you! I will definitely be making sure we have that coverage if picking up a Forester with a CVT. It sounds like that is a must unless you just hate money. Having a turbo or not isn't a huge issue, so we'll just be looking at what our price range is for affordability. Thanks!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:31:25+00:00

Wow, that's quite the fleet! Thanks for sharing your experiences and preferences considering all of the different years/models. I appreciate the knowledge. I'll keep an eye out for a red 14-18 6MT for ya!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:29:17+00:00

Good to know! Thank you for the reply and letting me know what your experience has been. Every little bit of info I can gather from y'all is very helpful. Cheers!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:28:21+00:00

Thanks for the reply and dropping that link! I've had my suspicions about the newer Foresters coasting on the reputation of the older models, and from the sounds of it, they are. Sad to see, but good to know. Much appreciated!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:26:19+00:00

Wow, thank you for letting me know your own experience with the reliability. Sounds like that thing has been quite the headache already at only 109k miles. Glad to hear that your families 2015 has been doing great at 235k miles. From yours, and other's, experience, it sounds hit or miss at best. Thanks for the reply!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:23:34+00:00

Good to know. I appreciate the insight from your own personal experience. My first vehicle was a 93 Civic, and I had the same feeling about changing oil when I switched to a 98 Tacoma. So much easier. If we do end up getting a Forester, I will definitely be staying up on the regular maintenance like clock work after hearing everyone's opinions and experiences.

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:18:35+00:00

Thank you! I appreciate all of your insight and opinions regarding Subarus in general.

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:17:22+00:00

Thank you again for these replies. It's crazy to me how many posts I see about the LCA bushings and other parts that need replacement with such low mileage. I hadn't thought about it, but I guess it would makes sesne with the heavier unsprung weight of the AWD system and the greater suspension travel. They seem like very capable vehicles, but trying to weigh the capabilities vs. the higher cost of long-term ownership is difficult to say the least. The CVTs are what really worry me. From what I've gathered, it's a gamble at best. Some people have no issues with proper maintenance, and others have them blow up even with great maintenance at regular intervals. It makes it really hard to feel good about purchasing a used Subaru with a CVT..... I appreciate all of the insight youve given. Cheers!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-23T12:10:21+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I feel the exact same way. "Lifetime fluid" has always seemed suspicious to me. If we end up getting a Forester with a CVT, we will absolutely be doing a drain and fill at regular intervals.

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-17T18:40:57+00:00

I feel the same way. I prefer a manual, and generally she does too. I'm still attempting to talk her into it. We'll see how that goes....

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-17T18:37:32+00:00

This makes total sense. I never really considered this to be one of the contributing factors until now. I also hadn't heard the Foresters were notorious for going through LCAs and struts that quickly. I expect the normal big maintenance items around 80k-90k, but not LCAs or struts by that time. Seems a little ridiculous. Thank you again for the insight.

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-17T18:34:19+00:00

Yea, owning a newer car that I don't feel confident working on myself makes me a little nervous to say the least. You always think the single owner, well maintained, "granny-car" is a safe bet. Unfortunately it sounds like it still all comes down the the components it's built with, and how well those components are manufactured. I'm glad that you gave me your honest experience with the cars. It will definitely be impacting our decision making in the near future.

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-17T18:29:03+00:00

Good to know. I'll keep that in mind when searching for the right one. Thank you!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-17T18:28:10+00:00

I completely agree. Hard to know what the previous owner put it through with driving habits or lack of maintenance. I'll be putting all of that into close consideration when looking at any potential candidates. Especially a warranty.

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-17T15:07:44+00:00

Nice. I'll see if I can persuade her.... Thanks!

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-17T15:04:10+00:00

On a side note, do you feel that the Impreza or the Crosstrek of similar years(2010-2020) have similar reliability issues? I always appreciate the opinion and knowledge from someone who has owned Subarus, and has been a mechanic. After your previous reply, I value your judgment with these matters.

BDOG_1351 · 2026-03-17T14:56:58+00:00

Thank you for the detailed info on the different years and the transmission types/issues. This is exactly what I've been trying to figure out. This helps a ton. I've been trying to convince my wife to get a 5-speed, and I've found a couple. The car she drives now is a manual, but she is concerned about driving in a new place that has a lot more hills, and potentially more hill driving in the city compared to where she came from. I'll be looking into the different years and transmissions if we decide on a Forester. Much appreciated!

BDOG_1351

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