Buying A Used Subaru Forester?! Here's The Good And Bad Over The Last 20 Years!

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Intro 0:00
03-08 Models 0:41
09-13 Models 8:48
14-18 Models 10:54
19-Current Models 15:34
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----I assume no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. I recommend safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not myself.----

[@marcrowland10]

04-08 forester xt is the best and there’s absolutely no debate

[@taelee347]

Agreed, but much preferably w/ 5 speed manual. I couldn't stand the 4EAT at all.

[@Michael-0000]

Sigh …. agree! I have the last of the SG9 series - 2008 FXT. Immaculate and relatively low mileage (130,000km). Have loved owing and driving it over the past 10 years and planned to keep it running as long as possible. It was damaged in an accident last week - front bumper, lights and other bits and pieces ripped off. Repairable but has been written off today by the insurance company as uneconomic to repair. I‘d buy the exact same model if it was ever released as a new model despite its age. What an amazing all rounder it was!

[@BaddaBigBoom]

@@taelee347 My Euro spec 2006 "Facelift" has the "Sportshift" option, do you know if that is any different to the 4EAT

[@TheKitMurkit]

Or even better - swapped 6 speed manual

[@harrygoodenough]

Auto or manual? Been looking at a automatic one with electronic shift

[@musicalgreasemonkey]

I love my 2018 Forester 2.5i with 6mt and factory fog lights. I worked hard and saved my money. Ordered mine the last week you could order an 18 forester. Followed a strict break in, it uses no oil during oil changes. I undercoat it every year with fluid film and it has no rust anywhere but the exhaust. In 67k miles its hand calculated lifetime mpg is 30.7. I LOVE this car and will maintain it and get every mile I can out of it.

[@WhyFacetattoos]

I just got a new used work vehicle it's a 17 Forester sport 2.5i with 70k miles I drive quite a bit for work I got it from the south so no rust I will undercoat it and try to get 400k out of it. I live in Nebraska Minnesota Iowa area so an AWD when driving 40 miles each way to work was a must. I had been driving a fusion during the summer and fall spring getting about 34mpg hwy and then a Sorento during winter months getting like 18 hwy now I can drive one vehicle all year and get 35.8 actual mpg on a 127 mile drive to Omaha at 55-70 mph. Having never driven a cvt vehicle it is different though. And Subaru telling me not to change the fluid when the shop I took it to said I have to do it every 25k is concerning

[@owen261]

Inherited a 2003 manual forester with 24k miles on it in 2019. Got so lucky with this car, never want to get rid of it.

[@williamwagner8017]

The 2004 STi had the same banjo bolts with filter screens in the lines going to the turbo and valve control system. Same possible point of failure. Good videos...Thank you.

[@JoshuaGoudreau]

I just got a 2019 and so far I love it. It's a really comfortable daily driver for road trips and such with a nice stiff body but it also crawls over anything I want and the addition of skidplates and rock sliders keep it in good shape when I go off road, which I do regularly

[@chrisboyd4433]

Our 2001 "extra car" Forester is at 189,000. My wife's 2007 is at 185,000. Our son's 2012 is now closing in on 150,000. Other than timing belt and head gasket changes on the older two at 100k, no major issues with any of them.

[@rangerdoc1029]

That's an awfully expensive "other than".

[@chrisboyd4433]

@@rangerdoc1029 Routine maintenance for those years, not failures. About $850 in parts and a weekend in the garage, goof for another 100k or more.

[@jimevard8283]

I have 2009 FXT that has been very good to me. My wife drove it gently for first 200k. I don't drive so nice, but at 255k it's still going strong. We've definitely put some money in it over the years, what saved it was finding a really good mechanic who specializes in subs. It burns oil but not too much. Never had to change head gasket. Personally I like the looks way better than any other gen. It has large hood scoop and sport grill. Looks great coming at you!😁

[@Snake.br549]

I used to do sometimes 2 Subaru head gasket jobs a week but I pulled the motor out and resealed the whole complete engine plus head gaskets really made the customers happy no more oil leaks

[@Maggieismydog]

Fantastic vids mate, really appriciate your time, knowledge and information. Just pruchased a 2014 Forester XT Premium with 180,000 kilometers for $21k AU. This is my 5th Subie, what fantastic machines. We purchased the 2021 Outback Touring for my wife last year (traded in her 2019 Impreza) and I don't think she will be giving that up for many, many years.

[@thomasketelaar3730]

I love my 2005 manual Forrester xs I’m keeping it forever

[@ScottSillis]

Another excellent video! I'm a Subaru owner and some of my family are also, but as you pointed out they have many pros and cons depending on the year of manufacture and the specific model. I've just replaced my 4EAT transmission and now running like it should however I'm sure I need to replace the Coolant temperature sensor as the engine is running rich all the time, 02 and MAP sensor replaced also. Excellent vehicles , reliable and very capable of treated well and serviced regularly. Thanks for another excellent informative video 👍😀🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@agirlwholovesgod1645]

Just bought my first car at 18. 2006 Subaru Forester. I pray it serves me well. I don’t care for luxury or flashy things. I mean it has a moonroof! Taking good care of it & regular maintenance, I hope it lasts me a very very long time.

[@ESeda-lo1dv]

I hope so too!

[@ItchyKneeSon]

How's it doing? If you're in a rust-prone area, make sure to keep an eye on the front lower control arms. They were recalled and can be replaced for free by Subaru if both, or either, have yet to be replaced. Also, keep an eye on the rear shock towers. I crushed my '06 a couple years ago due to a) the front lower control arm snapping as my wife pulled in the driveway before b) finding that the rear shock towers were holier than a hunk of Swiss cheese.

[@WhyFacetattoos]

Drive it like you care about it. Baby your vehicle change your oil with high milage full synthetic and a good filter and you should be good.

[@benjaminbarclay2766]

I wrecked my first 14' FXT and was devastated because it was such a fun but comfortable car to drive. I waited months to go look at new cars and looked on the website and they had the same exact car almost so I bought it.

[@noelwarner1235]

Love your videos thanks for the information and clearing up the confusion my mom has a 98 legacy's that she bought brand new that has 146,000 on it she is 88 years old and still drives it. My daughter has a 2012 Forester that she bought from my aunt and now I am looking for a car for my son. I appreciate your easy-to-understand information especially about the head gasket issue

[@ShawDAMAN]

I have a Crosstrek sport with the auto stop start and I agree it's harsh and a terrible idea probably just to help them boost epa ratings. I've gotten used to pressing the disable button every time I drive and it doesn't bother me that much but it's stupid the system won't retain the setting. Otherwise love the car! This was a great breakdown

[@declansdad]

I've owned 4 Subarus so far: 2000 Forester S; 2005 Forester XT Premium (manual transmission); 2012 Outback Limited 2.5 and 2021 Ascent Touring. I will say, I'm enjoying my wife's Acent, but my FXT was hands down the best vehicle I've ever owned. Throughout my years, I modified the FXT to be a sleeper "F-STi," swapping out the TD04 turbo for the VF39, tiny intercooler for the STi, F-STi springs from Japan, etc., etc. To say this car was bullet proof was an understatement. I never had any mechanical issues with the vehicle, even with all of the extensive mods during my ownership. This vehicle shined on the beaches of Assateague Island, winter storms in the mid Atlantic (even the 36" snow storm in 2010) and was my daily driver. Can you tell I still miss my FXT?

[@Zachariasinc]

LOVE my 05 FXT! were the upgrades you mentioned expensive? looking to do the same to mine. Did you get custom tuned or have an accessport, thanks

[@wildcard9624]

I'm on my second Forester, First was an 04 XS 5 speed and this one is an 05 Xt with the shitty 4eat. I'm about to road trip it across country leaving this week! I miss the 5 speed for sure but this was a low mileage XT clean as a whistle couldnt pass er Up!

[@Zachariasinc]

@@wildcard9624 Thats awesome you've had multiple, love my 05 FXT. The "shitty" 4eat is more reliable than the 5 speed but definitely not as fun. Although I have seen people with a tune make the auto extremely quick or even buy the upgraded torque converter or tranny valve body which make shifts night and day better. Congrats on the purchase!

[@user-yg9cx5bw9z]

You can easily do 4eat much more pleasent to drive: install oil cooler with the thermostat to stabilize temperature, install the valve body. And the most important part: remap your pedal-to-throttle response map, this one is rarely modified but it brings HUGE difference, and don't frget to remove the lag for the throttle-pedal action. You'll not recognize you car I promise.

[@wildcard9624]

@@user-yg9cx5bw9z Damn Ill have to look into these changes! Thank you!

[@bv2010]

Love my 03 forester 2.5X. Bought it dirt cheap 2 years ago with a blown engine. Picked up a used engine, freshened it up then installed. I drive this thing daily and love it. Great video as always.

[@richardharker2775]

So much info to absorb for a used Subie. I'm no mechanic but looking for a Crosstrek. For peace of mind I may just go new (if/when I can get one) and let the dealer take care of the servicing. I have worried about issues you mentioned but dispelling the real problems gives me good reason to go ahead and for that, thank you.

[@RandyX666]

Just bought another Subaru, a beautiful 05 Forster XT 5MT with 88k!!! First thing I did after purchase was check out your channel haha. Amazing video as usual, I’m grateful for your depth of knowledge and professionalism!

[@garrettdraper3609]

Great rundown on forester history, my gf owns a 2018 with only 33k miles and only issue we’ve had is a rear wheel bearing started making noise recently. I own a 2013 xv crosstrek with 108k miles and no major issues for the 40k miles I’ve owned it. Looking forward to keeping up with our services for miles to come with the help of your videos, appreciate all the help and info!

[@DeSoccerRefMan]

If your gf wants to get rid of her 2018 id like to get one, especially of it has the ^MT. Thanks

[@garrettdraper3609]

@@DeSoccerRefMan it has the CVT, it also just needed new head gaskets and re-seal of cam carriers at 46K miles. Thankfully still covered under warranty, I still need to check if the PCV valve is functioning as mentioned in other MrSubaru videos. Looking to trade it in for the new Tacoma at some point though

[@noway_josue28]

My 03 forester is amazing! I'm from Chicago Illinois and I've driven it to Yellowstone National Park, Colorado, New York, New Jersey and Boston.

[@brianmacadam4793]

had a 03 forester, bullittproof, great traction, not the best mileage

[@rocheuro]

2003 xt Here. in manual. what a great car it is. never selling it.

[@somethingmustwork2]

Thank you for this video. Can’t wait to find a rust free manual. Taking Some time to accomplish that

[@ganbatganbold6165]

I love my JDM 2011 NA Forester with FB20 and 4EAT. Drove it for 3 years in Mongolia with no issues. I do the regular maintenance myself. Personally, I like the design and everything.

[@katefoyder506]

Hi, love your channel. I just got a new Subaru Forester Wilderness. I had to wait a few months due to the supply chain issue, but it's been worth it.

[@gsabella4]

Appreciate your video, I'm considering a 2008 subaru forester, owner says recently had head gaskets done, water pump, and full reseal

[@cat_ladynellie2470]

Thanks for sharing this helped me out a lot in my purchase

[@homermago100]

Just bought a 2017 premium trim because of this video. No eye sight, 2.5 cvt. Like it so far.

[@mattheviewer]

Nicely presented info. Unfortunately my '09 XT had auto trans problems, and both my '14 and '17 Forester XT's (they did "tweak" the '17 to take edge off ride and interior) had problematic turbo engines that often ran rough climbing hills and badly carboned their tail pipes, plugs and valves (Subaru seems to have solved that with the 2.4 XT in my Outback).

[@jonk6137]

Robert great video your editing skills are second to none lol adding all them pics

[@slapstick5000]

I have a 2005 Subaru Forester XT that I did a full JDM swap on. 6MT from a JDM Forester, Brembos, body kit, Engine Etc. I love the car, most fun to drive.

[@brianhind6149]

Great video my friend & I learned things I did not know about Subarus. Thank you !

[@rallysauruswrex]

love both of my foresters, 2001 and 2020

[@sheldonrodgers2171]

Thanks for making this video!

[@althunder4269]

I have a 2015 Forester with CVT (built march 2014) with 75,000 KM the only issue is the remote door locks sometimes don't work on the front doors (mostly on the driver's side) but no oil burning or any other problems. We really like the 360 degree visibility and easy access which was the main reasons we bought it.

[@coolcarz-nf5tj]

I have the same problem with my 2014, I was told to replace the door lock actuators.

[@althunder4269]

@@coolcarz-nf5tj oddly enough, ours have been working fine for the last almost year now.

[@billbradley2480]

I bought a new Forester Base model in 2015. No problems at all yet but it only has 30k miles on it.

[@semitrailertechnician4926]

The 14 to 18 engines are so reliable you can buy them used with less then 30k for less than $1000 shipped. I've changed subaru engines since the 1.6 ones from the late 70s and subaru hit a home run with the 2014 base model forester no direct injection, no infotainment system no climate control , no power seats, and gets over 30mpg. The cvt with 30k fluid changes lasted 320k in my 2015 forester and the engine still ran like new. Installed a used cvt and engine with 30k and I'm going to take this car to over 500k.

[@bobmcl2406]

Great overview of the generations. I would like to have heard a little more about the variations within the 2014-2018 generation, such as GDI vs port injection, and how the new transmissions stack up (both 6MT and the CVT). Thanks, and cheers from snowy, rusty Canada.

[@mugsy7773]

Excellent Video ! Thanks for the awesome details

[@CarlosLopez-tm7bp]

Grate info, as usual!

[@jadizzle]

Fantastic video as always. Been on the hunt for an ‘06-‘08 FXT for quite some time, but since I’ve started my search, the used car price surge and the PNW Subie tax has been ridiculous. So the hunt goes on…

[@alilruthlessify]

Take a drive to California. They are everywhere. And no rust issues

[@teh60]

Love my 3 Foresters SF, SH, SK Great video.

[@debbieomalley3451]

I have the 2021 Forester Touring (previously had the 2014 Forester Touring) I nodded when you got to the auto start/stop feature. I always turn this off when I start my car. When I fail to do so it really hacks me off. The eyesight can also be quite the pain the the a--. Other than that I find myself loving the car - many major improvements over my 2014 Touring. Great video and thank you!!

[@MrAtlantafalcon]

Great channel! Thanks for the excellent info!

[@ryanjohnson8581]

Awesome write up keep up the good work

[@themr2guy]

Love the videos and the great info!

[@DIYDad1]

Just got a 2019 this week. Love the thing. Going forward in tech 10 years takes some adjustment. Lots of beeping at me with the cruise control. But I figured out how to disable all of it and just use “conventional” mode. Not a big deal to disable auto start/stop every time I start the car it’s just one button press but I might look into getting a permanent disable added. I’m convinced those systems kill components faster. The current gen is definitely nicer feeling on the inside and drives better compared to my moms 2014 even!

[@joemacdonald3822]

I Really Like MrSubaru1387. Very Good Mechanic, Expert on Subarus. Very Good Presentation, Information and Honest. Thanks!

[@Jason-hv4eu]

Great video! Thanks.

[@lonwillis783]

Mr Subaru after owning a 2019 Forester I love the Eyesight system especially in heavy traffic. Bad wiper blades will cause many Eyesight issues.

[@rileymartin4565]

New subscriber her glad I found this channel. I got a 2016 legacy with 148k on it it runs like a champ.

[@elongatedmuskrat8445]

It's worth mentioning how similar the 04-05 xt engine is to the STI engine. Lots of people put the sti turbo intercooler and a tune on their xt for an extra 70-90 horsepower

[@csechrist1]

In fact, the long block is identical! The only difference is the smaller turbo, intercooler as you mentioned, and some ECU tuning.

[@caodesignworks2407]

@@csechrist1 I recall the bore on them being smaller than on the Impreza as well as the exhaust and air filter not being on par. You don't have to update those things, but your engine will suffer without doing so.

[@ghw7192]

I had an '01 2.5 XTI with a 5 speed and it was the best car I have ever owned. The only engine problem I ever had was the fuel pump going out. Never had a head gasket fail like I have on Datsun/Nissan. Lost it in an accident, but would love to have another one!

[@alexmessina3383]

Great review. thanks! A valiant effort to help Subaru over the hump of it's EJ series engines and the head gasket. I think Subarus are great cars ... but I have to say when a manufacturer has a major issues like a demonstrable and consistent H gasket failure for 15 years of models, something serious has gone wrong at the corporate decision making end re fixing the problem! The reputation blow back on other models is undeserved, by and large, but the fault for the reputation lies with Subaru corporate for dragging the chain for over a decade. But you have great insights on the models and very useful stuff.

[@bradpool127]

Watch Mr. Subaru's video just on the head gasket issue of the EJ series engines. Explains and shows exactly what the issue is.

[@Raevenswood]

I love how your presentation style is akin to a 1980's episode of motor week. 😄👍

[@MrSubaru1387]

Glad you like it!

[@alanmohn4146]

I agree with your assessment of the start/stop feature on my 2020 Forester. It is irritating. I usually remember to turn it off, but I wish I shut it off permanently. The only issue with the Eyesight system was some dust from road mantainance. The brakes locked up as if there was an obsticle in my path. Fortunately, the car behind me was able to avoid a collision. Overall, I like the car. It is comfortable and has got me to some amazing destinations.

[@alsheremeta]

The "only" issue with eyesight.... Luckily it wasn't a semi truck behind you, you could be dead or permanently injured. If that happened to me, I'd be looking into permanently disabling the system.

[@HH-bi8dt]

@@alsheremeta Agreed, any system that can cause your brakes to lock up randomly even in rare circumstances is totally unacceptable imo.

[@atticstattic]

Excellent presentation!

[@subierescue]

I have two stock, 04 FXTs. They are an absolute blast to drive. We love them and treat them well. OE parts only. If allowed, I'd buy another.

[@cayankeelord3730]

Still driving my 1998 Forester S. w/ 240,000 mi+. Dealt with the HG's with 6-star replacements, rear wheel bearings (Koyo Japan), manual shift linkage, a knock sensor, full on Aisin timing belt kit (x-2), clutch & pressure plate (throw-out & pilot bearings), a brake job and a battery. Haven't had to do much more than that over the last 20 years except regular oil and filter changes and the occasional coolant, brake fluid changes. Still runs great, good compression, super to drive in bad weather. A great car, I think I'll keep it a while.

[@subtle.banter]

Great videos man, big fan. I found an ‘06 XT 5 speed rust free and I’m going to get it tmrw. Really looking forward to owning such a great car.

[@Ar0d]

How's it doin?

[@chevyv20]

I think I'm going to hold on to my 2005 outback wagon 2.5i, as long as it's still reliable!

[@incinerate4505]

Thanks for the great info! It's reassuring to hear the 4EAT is very reliable. I've got a beautiful silver JDM 2008 SG5 (10th Anniversary special edition, basically an X with nicer paint job, wheels, and steering wheel) with a 2.0L N/A EJ20 engine making about 140 hp. Yeah, it's less than the US version, but it's totally enough for here in Japan (very slow road speeds), and there are much fewer problems with head gaskets. Then again, I only have about 70,000 miles on it, so I guess I just need to wait and see. I'm going to try to keep this baby as long as possible!

[@cylonred8902]

Just picked up the lower end 2014 Forester for my son to drive as he is 6' 3" is not a bit more. Got 174,200 miles on it and back in the Subaru family again (my parents had several that I eventually got - from a '79 DL sedan to an '85 GL. My mom just got another Subaru recently after years of not owning Subaru. Local dealer in Fairborn. Ohio is fantastic...

[@magsteel9891]

I picked up a used 2011 a few years ago for my daughter, it's been a very good car for her.

[@gregscott344]

Bought a ‘17 XT Touring w/o Eyesight in 2019 with 21,000 miles. Came off a lease. Wife loves it. Her previous car was an ‘05 Toyota Sienna. She wanted something smaller, but with the good visibility. Has 50,000 miles on it now. Doesn’t burn oil, CVT is fine. I did put an AOS on it. I change oil every 3k miles. One odd thing, I just had to replace the control arm bushings on the front suspension. The front bushings were really bad and the compliance bushings were starting to crack. I replaced the ball joints too since I had the front end apart and the left one was a little loose. Other than that, it’s been trouble free. Oh, I didn’t tell my wife about the S & I modes for the first year. 😉 After I showed her S Mode, she said “wow!, it’s easy to merge on the freeway now” which progressed to “well I beat a Ferrari across the intersection, but then he disappeared.” 😆

[@AmirPomen]

And yeah.. clunky eps rack

[@cmhirsch825]

Your videos have been super helpful as we consider adding a 2010 Forester to our family for a teen driver. I know now to ask if the head gasket work was performed. Tha ks so much

[@jtowers6722]

I’m thinking of buying a 2010 with 108k miles

[@CM-ef8fu]

Thank you sir! Very informative!

[@gabrielayala3371]

The wife and I have a pair of 01 SF Foresters. Hers is blue with a 4EAT. Mine is gray with 5MT

[@kdowz934]

SG is the best. I think I agree with every word that came out of your mouth. I have a 20 Ascent and the eyesight isn't wanted.

[@anthonybarnes8500]

Just what I was looking for and I own a 2001 Forester. Looking to upgrade.

[@rodneydecormier1504]

The ‘04 xt 0-60 5.4 sec😳. I had one and messed with sports cars on the way to work and trail riding on the weekends with keepers. Just awesome.

[@ecopennylife]

I have a 2013 turbo diesel 6 speed manual, great performance & fuel economy. Clutch replaced at 7 yr old (wear & year). 3 sets of lower control bushes replaced (2nd & 3rd whole arm unit & bushes done in one go). Door checks hopeless, replaced at 6-7 yrs old, refurbished recently with after market plastic inserts (video out soon). Clock spring gone recently (no horn). Overall still very happy.

[@drewzown6626]

Working on a 2006 forester right now, saving her from the grave yard. Welding rocker panels and new quarter panel. Transmission ran low on fluid and now won’t engage, easy enough, I hope they are as bulletproof as you say!

[@GamerNxUSN]

Just reached 100k on my 16 FXT. Thankfully the CVT valve body decided to go out last week right before I hit 100k so had it replaced under warranty. I've owned the vehicle since 2018 at 42k miles, have had very little problems, it has gotten me in and out of a an extremely muddy hunting area and of course is amazing in the snow. My only complaint with the head unit is the delay in BT audio, makes for watching KZbin in the car on my lunch break impossible through BT because it's like watching a dubbed video.

[@RikerNCC]

I just bought myself a jdm SG9 Sti 2004. loving it.

[@matthubble8245]

Just picked up a 2012 Forester and couldn’t be happier with it. Only had it a couple of weeks but I’m loving it. Glad to be a part of the Subaru community! Edit- it burns so much oil at highway speed I can’t refill it fast enough. Had a 2 hour drive the other day and it started knocking and smoking. Pulled safely off the road to fine there was ZERO oil in the motor. I’d checked and refilled 3 days before and only driven a few miles before my road trip. Boxer engines are garbage.

[@jf7393]

Was this a joke or did you just accidentally and yet perfectly describe the “Subaru community”?

[@williamlock2984]

Im at 380,000, and I'll drive right up the mountain with no problem. The fan under the dash needs replaced no heat or AC. But I'll go places

[@hanglooserecluse]

I go an 07 Forester X non turbo. Have had it since 2015, I just gotta do the valve seal covers now as it’s leaking oil but in 9 years of owning it, it’s been reliable. I’m just gonna keep it til it isn’t worth fixing. For now, it’s still going strong

[@MrRobroy7]

Mr Subaru, my 15 (turns 16 in one week) year old daughter absolutely LOVES the looks of the 2nd gen Subaru Forester and has saved her own money and bought her first car when she only had her learners permit. We drove over 2 hours from where we live in Chattanooga, Tn. to a little town called Hazel Green, Alabama to look at a 2007 Subaru Forester LL Bean edition that was in great shape with the exception of some hail damage on the outside. The interior was in excellent condition and I have already had this car to our local Subaru dealership to find out how the mechanical side of this car looks. I wish we would have lived closer so I could have taken it to the dealership BEFORE she actually purchased this car, because the invoice from the dealership gave us quite a bit of sticker shock as well as disheartened my daughter a little, but she still wants this car! It looks like I will be your best viewer in the future because based on how good your videos are and how you explain things so clearly, I will have to refer to them quite frequently I am sure. This car has 2 main concerns that they put on the “to do” list and both are pretty costly at the dealership ($1600, and $3800). We noticed that the steering wheel was turned to the left a little when you were actually driving straight and then after picking up speed, it would correct itself to the straight position. The other thing was we could smell the “burnt oil” smell a little and found out that the head gaskets both need to be changed out and I believe while they were doing that, they were going to change out a laundry list of things out since that had the motor out and tore apart. This was the $3800 fix and the $1600 fix was the power steering rack (rack and pinion?) If she really wants the car and we bite the bullet for these expensive repairs, do you see this car going the distance without anything else really major? Is this car reliable enough to go ahead and show her some love?

[@wiskatesnow]

No more manual and no more turbo, just excessive tech not needed in the wilderness where a skilled and competent driver should be present. Took my 2001 with the full size spare up plenty of BLM canyon roads and had to use that spare a couple times. Hope the wilderness least comes with a full size spare.

[@UKGBManny]

I have a Subaru Forester STI here in the UK love it! Yes i have had one head gasket replaced which went at 80,0000 but it is a 2.5 turbo so its not just the naturally aspirated engines. all 2.5 seem to have chocolate head gaskets.

[@SqkTap]

My 2003 Gump has 253k same engine same manual transmission Runs great thru mud and snow It’s a beast!

[@Ravzie]

Ej251 and 3 - 165hp. Mainly head gasket issues - Failure prone 120-150,000 miles leak. Replaced once or twice - better type replacements. Timing service. Things to look at on the 2003 Forester. 4EAT transmission low problems, no turbo. Wheel bearing issues. Rust in wheel wells. One of the best Foresters.

[@nabeelahmad9266]

Yeah the Auto Start/Stop on my 2019 Forester Sport is irritating especially when one forgets to disengage it everytime. Not a big fan of the Eyestart as well, excessive fog or rain or makes it disengage itself but more annoying is when attempting to overtake a vehicle on the highway if you get too close from behind trying to overtake the vehicle in the front EyeStart applies the brakes thinking you are going to rear end the vehicle in front so one needs to change the lane real fast to avoid this especially when you are in heavy traffic and can't change lanes in advance

[@Wilderness-qq8ek]

Great video… I have a 2022 Forester Wilderness… Love it.. but like said hate the start stop. Is there anyway to permanently shut that off? Maybe an after market gizmo ? Thanks keep the awesome content coming

[@Snake.br549]

Just like the oil pump tube o-ring on an LS you gave me some advice that I didn't know and I've been doing this for 52 years but I hadn't got all the way into the turbo Subaru motors I did the Toyota supras

[@rafaelj.benero4880]

Had a 2008 Forester...man, I loved that car! Had to choose between my 2000 Impreza RS or my Forester when I move to the Mainland... the RS won!!!...

[@ZeroCool2013]

Got 2002 Forester S model last year at 145k miles on it. Putting new Timing Belt Kit in it this week before i get into fixing a few suspension issues.

[@tarzaan2603]

I have ALWAYS wanted to get my hands on 2008 Forester STI !!! Id put some cool wheels on it and do just a few tasteful mods just to wake it up a little, about 350 hp would be perfect!

[@DENNISHARDY1]

have a 2005, running great, thinking of getting a new one soon...

[@JeremyBanham]

recently got myself a genuine 2004 Forester STi. Absolutely love it. Best car I've owned by far, although I do wish it has cruise control, but being a japanese import it doesn't

[@TimeMakerMusic]

Great xmode detail. Thanks. '17 forester owner

[@Formula400Pontiac]

8:18 Regarding the rust in the rear wheel arch. I found on my Forester 2007 huge gaping holes in the rear strut towers both sides. The rust was discovered when i mounted a 1" lift kit and had the struts removed. It's possible to check this with struts in place but then you need to know where and how to check. The problem area is the plate facing outwards (inner fender). Easiest way to check is by reaching up and outwards into the strut towers. Lots of work repairing this without removing the outer fender but it can be done.

[@loganreynolds263]

The majority of these issues are hugely blown out of proportion. I still don't believe the pickups crack at the braze. Maybe one batch during one year was affected, but it's mostly a BS issue. N/A Subarus from 06+ use the same pickup as the turbo models, but supposedly the N/A models never have that issue.. The SH chassis is based on the 08 impreza platform which is based on the fourth gen Legacy platform, which is my favorite and is what every modern Subaru chassis is based on. Bolt in hubs alone make these much better than the previous version imo. These are probably the best bang for buck Forester imo.

[@Jmanmadness23]

I currently have a 14 Forrester touring which I absolutely love! When it’s time to upgrade, I’d like to get an 18 XT touring. This is by far my favorite version!

[@DeSoccerRefMan]

Will you do a short video on the "starlink telematics unit" that sits atop the radio? I want to disconnect it and put in a "starlink bypass plug" - Keep up the greatly informative videos. You help lots of us Subaru owners, and we appreciate it

[@georgehaeh4856]

My '06 is over 400,000 km, third owner. The dealer did the clutch, head gaskets and timing belt before selling it to owner #2. Needs 1-2 litres oil between changes. Oil is cheaper than another engine. Worst thing was a front axle replacement. The SG is sized just right. I'm waiting for an Impreza with the same interior volume. The Levorg would be just right.

[@eugenegutierrez5106]

Totally I agreed with you about the start/stop engine. It’s annoying.

[@johnnyvegas5681]

wow, guess there are many others besides me with the exact opinion on the different models. Love the old Foresters!

[@vintagetintrader1062]

Have to disagree on the SH Forester. I picked up a cheap 2010 model in Australia, 3000km from home to tow a caravan back. Just a basic X model with the 4EAT. Just gave it a oil change and fitted 4 new tyres/tires. I bolted a 17” Euro caravan to the back and towed this van home without issue including on some of Australians shocking roads. This forester had a hard few years, damaged rear bumper, front guard crushed so you could not open the passenger door, full of dirt in all lower panels, was going to just sell it but have been fixing things and is about to be our main family car, has 280,000km. Drives great

[@jeffwatson2915]

Thanks MrSubaru - as always this is very informative. I have a 2014 2.5i Touring with the TR580 CVT. I would have thought even a high level review like this would mention the CVT issues - especially early failures - Subaru's lifetime CVT fluid recommendation being a recipe for the lifetime being about 100k. Other than the CVT - both how it feels and it being an expensive weak link - I love my Forester. But if I were in the market for a used one, the CVT would be my biggest concern.

[@Matt-bz8te]

In a couple days I’m buying a 2014 2.5i sport legacy with 90,000 on it. It seems to be kept in excellent condition with one original owner who doesn’t seem like a thrill seeker. However I am very nervous about the boxer motor and cvt trans.

[@annholcomb1169]

17:21

[@j.s.3414]

Meanwhile I still have 3 months to wait for my Forester Wilderness...assuming we aren't in a nuclear war next week of course.