Problems to Look Out for When Buying a Used Subaru Forester - All Generations

Greg -Your Car Angel - talks about problems to look out for when buying a Subaru Forester. From the dreaded blown head gasket problems to the clogged Banjo bolt, steering rack, ring failure and spark plug tubes. All generations of the Forester are presented and comparisons with the Toyota Rav4, Honda CRV and the Toyota Highlander. Also talked about is the CVT transmission that came on newer Foresters and how that compared with the older 4EAT transmissions. Also symmetrical all wheel drive (AWD) and manual 5 and 6 speed transmissions.
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[@coreylee9504]

Such an underrated channel....

[@dandork20]

Seriously. This guy provides unique, real world information, not found anywhere else.

[@robinmckenzie1125]

@@dandork20 p pop lo

[@robinmckenzie1125]

@@dandork20 by by kll CT CT 6 ft ft get

[@williamstewart3469]

Absolutely, Greg is a voice of reason and a breath of fresh air. It's hard not to respect this man. Well researched facts and honest opinions from a person who does this stuff for a living.

[@YourCarAngel]

Thanks for subscribing and the encouraging words. Other people don’t realize that it takes about 60-80 hours of researching, fact checking, scripting, filming, editing and posting. This is on top of the countless cars that I inspect every day. In the end I feel it’s a good days work to help people with their car buying decisions.

[@williamstewart3469]

Someone here called it, best explanation of lifetime transmission fluid ever. "Technically I could hold my breath for the rest of my lifetime"

[@kingfisherphil]

Mercedes say the same, but those in know disregard.

[@wyomikey65]

Subaru of America seems to be the only ones that follow the lifetime fluid philosopy....Canada and Japan does have service intervals on the CVT.

[@alonsoescarcha]

Seasoned shopmen told me "don't change transmission oil if no issues are observed" . It was the best explanation for the term "lifetime". And agreed , I had never changed it in my Huindai Elantra Supreme 2008 living in a tropical country, Colombia.

[@alonsoescarcha]

* Hyundai

[@gbrantner7382]

I had a 2001 Chevy Malibu with 360,000 miles on it and I never changed the transmission fluid! I drove it to the salvage yard because it was so rusted out.

[@fredjones9853]

Solved the gasket problem by installing Turbo gasket, 3 x's thicker. Zero problem, 220,000 going strong

[@levimagnusson5880]

I will keep this in mind. I work at an auto part store and will suggest that to customers. Where did you get the gaskets at?

[@jovaniortiz8317]

Also how much do they charge to change the headgasket

[@jamesstacey529]

What brand of head gasket did you order I have a naturally-aspirated 2.5? Any help would be appreciated👍

[@fredjones9853]

@@jamesstacey529 Got it from Subaru

[@fredjones9853]

@@levimagnusson5880 Got it from Subaru Dealer

[@juanseaforth5111]

As a Subaru owner this is by far the best explanation on the forester. Well done Sir.

[@Honestandtruth]

NOT 💯% correct... His claim is False

[@atetraxx]

​@@Honestandtruthwhich one

[@Icriedtoday]

Bullshit. Owned 2 and he’s clueless in many areas

[@fredflintstone2234]

THIS was the video I’ve been looking for as a potential buyer.

[@swavekbu4959]

Me too, I've been trying to get the straight talk on the gasket issues for years, thank you Greg for giving it to us straight and telling it like it is, that Subaru messed up.

[@superchanneljim]

@@swavekbu4959 could be blown out of proportion. I had an 08 wrx for 12 years and never had a head gasket issue and it's the same engine as far as I know. I just bought a 2016 forester and it's fine. but it's good to hear the potential issues for sure. Issues like this come on EVERY car.

[@michaelknapp3702]

Frequent (3,000 mile) oil changes sure prevent lots of problems on any car!

[@merrynightwanderer9728]

As someone who is Not a Car Person, I can't tell you how insanely useful this channel is. Have referred this to many friends. Thank you!

[@PatrickRes]

Please never stop making these. Your videos have been massively helpful, and it's knowledge I can't really seem to get elsewhere. Thank you!

[@tienluong4729]

I appreciate your help Greg. Really can't stress it enough.

[@philiplee7604]

Hi Greg, Superb quality videography! and a terrific run down on all the manufacturing and design faults throughout the generations. Just wish you could upload more regularly! Cheers

[@cooper68ns]

Fantastic greg ,so well done your info is well respected and trusted . Thank you very much for your hard work.

[@jamesburke1401]

The Car Angel gives great advice that is user friendly. Keep up the great work!

[@elizabethoconnor1493]

DAMN what a comprehensive video. I've spent hours today trying to compare Forester styles and years, and this was my golden ticket. Thank you Mike!

[@sherrysanmiguel659]

Same!!! Thanks Mike!

[@marshie1337]

i found your channel while i was downsizing from a duramax. ultimately decided on a crv, thanks in part to you. great stuff man, this channel is underrated.

[@nickkemp3646]

Thank you YourCarAngel. Great that you produce these summaries.

[@ayyveezee2079]

Greg! Nice to see you again.

[@sfitz-rp4du]

Hi Greg, I really appreciate your professionalism, knowledge and sharing. Thank you for the detail and research of your videos.

[@mikeb5926]

That was great info, Greg. You did a great job of summarizing the reliability issues, I also appreciated your pointing out that the new model -- while better looking inside -- is a sea of buttons!

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

8:40 OIL CATCH CAN... I installed, greatly reduced oil consumption in my SH Forster. I also run 5W-30 full synthetic oil in the warm weather, as it's listed as an option in the Subaru owner's manual. I change the oil every 4,000 mi, or sooner if it looks really dirty and smells burnt. Great video 👍

[@clarencewhite6053]

VERY INFORMATIVE. GREG HAS THE UPS AND DOWNS ON ALL CAR MODELS.

[@kiroshi76]

Hi Greg, I really thank you for the dense and yet easy to digest information and insights provided. I believe this is the best video I have ever seen about Subaru. Awesome job!

[@zannatulferdous4526]

unbelievably underrated review and Chanel, such fully comprehensive review of different models, trims, and usual problems, I feel it's my one stop reviews Chanel, from now subscribed and would recommend to all who are interested in cars.

[@islandgirl5382]

Greetings Greg! I have to admit that I am just now seeing your channel and am very impressed. Not that I understand everything; but your visual really does explain how a vehicle works.... Thank You!

[@wowcarwow]

Very educational video with lots of research done. Well done!

[@benhuot6852]

I have been working on Subaru engine since 2005, your comments are the best I have seen on KZbin. You know your stuff.

[@mkalamo]

Great to see you posting more!

[@zeevhochman4186]

Thank you Greg, great video as always!

[@ArtClubSuperstar]

I like the summary at the end of your RAV4 (?) video, when you called out specific years to look for by generation. Every review should feature this practice, as longer reviews covering multiple generations tend to overwhelm. That final summary in the other review was helpful.

[@kirkwilliams5740]

Thanks my brother for doing this video, and share it with us, thanks much for this knowledge

[@bosvigos9165]

Such great information, thank you so much! I love Foresters.

[@hananabananarama]

thank you so much - this was SO very helpful. I'm currently considering buying a used Forester. I have never owned one, and have only ever owned VWs. I needed this information, so thank you!

[@bonnysmith6001]

Thank you for making this! I'm looking to buy one right now to keep my baby safe and this video is a great tool!

[@dandork20]

Great video as usual. I watch them all! Keep it up!

[@familyliu5008]

Thanks for the excellent explanation of all the pros and cons of the Froster which other KOL don’t talk about 👍🏻

[@jgg204]

it's shameful that subaru owners will give this company a pass for having head gasket issues for almost an entire decade. i owned a forester and outback, the forester consumed oil like a drunken sailor and subaru claimed 1 qt consumption every 1,000 miles is "normal" for a modern vehicle LOL.... and the outback was recalled numerous times and started falling apart before i even had 3,000 miles. i decided enough is enough and decided to buy a used toyota rav4 and it's been problem free ever since

[@SlavaPunta]

Nope - I've been at war with them since my engine swap (exactly the same story you described). They were so lazy they literally put the old plugs into the new engine. Cylinder misfire almost immediately. On a new engine. Now dealing with a bad gasket. On a new engine. I'm not joking. I can't wait to never drive a Subaru again for the rest of my life.

[@samuelkrinninger3060]

You would have to bring it to a Subaru dealership to do an oil consumption test to see if you qualify for a new engine from Subaru. They will cover it if it's qualified for a new one

[@nicolec7290]

I’ve always been a Subaru man. But not anymore. They got greedy. & started putting cheaper parts 2014 could tow 3200 lbs 2015 only 1100. That tells me there cutting corners & losing a ton of loyal Byers’s

[@kw4294]

Just purchased our first Subaru- an ‘07 forester with 28,000mls. Very glad to find this video!

[@URabout2b]

Someone that knows what they are talking about. Great and informative.

[@Grapesarenice]

Perfect timing! Thank you!

[@alfreddeneumann]

Nice vid. Doesn't change my mind about these cars since I've owned a few of them and never had any of these issues. Anecdotally, neither did anyone I know that owned one.

[@jorgeson3586]

Car angel , you are the best . Such plain and simple yet comprehensive advice without the all so prevalent flaming thumbnail or distraught expression which only serves as click baits.👍

[@abubakargarbashehu9850]

I always liked your videos and explanation about different types of vehicles. Well done keep it up 🙏👍

[@stacieberries]

This was so informative for a first time car buyer like me. Thank you!!

[@fatalsupremacy]

I had a 06 Forester XT, slight tune and exhaust, car was an amazing sleeper.

[@Jade_Channel1234]

I like your explanation for Subaru forester. I saw many videos, and yours are the best. Thanks

[@enriquelagunay7720]

Thank you so much, Greg! We have an '08 Chevy Captiva which we will be replacing. This review of the Subaru Forester is really helpful! We are looking at getting either a '13 to 17 Subaru Forester, a '13 to 17 CRV, or a '13 to 17 RAV4. :)

[@mmjackk]

You can't get a more professional review than this one. Great job!

[@user-ps5xw3zt6w]

Thank you for your hard work and helping us to understand the forester engine behavior...

[@katylowe3504]

Great video. Once more, I am glad I got the top of the line 2.0 Turbo 2018 model. Mechanics and dealerships keep on wanting to buy it - almost 4 years old and only 27,000 miles.

[@Shawn-pk4hc]

Thank you, your videos are so concise! I appreciate it

[@williamstewart3469]

This man is a shining light of genuine in a sea of fake. Another insightful and thoroughly well researched video thanks Greg. It must be hard to distill all the information down in to such a short video, yet you do it exceedingly well. A fan from Straya. (The land down under)

[@travishartzler9155]

This is the most useful Subaru video I've ever watched. Thanks!

[@vteckicksinyo1188]

you saved me from buying a 2014 mode. thank you so much car angel!

[@amberbleu1598]

Thanks so much for posting this video with excellent knowledge. Very helpful

[@PacificBlue51]

Most excellent video. Thank you. I've been looking for a late model Forester. They are sure expensive. This will help a lot.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

For reference: 2002 Forrest S. At 130,000 miles the valve gasket went, as did the oil pan gasket. At 160,000 head gasket started to externally leak, but very, very slowly. Around 190,000 miles the catalytic converter would cause the check engine light to go on, and off. I timed it right for three years to get past emissions. Around 225,000 miles the external HG leak had not changed, but a very small external water leak from the HG started. I used a couple stop seals, which worked pretty good. Just over 240,000 miles (yes, 80,000 miles with a small external HG oil leak!) the struts on the rear were shot, the alloy rims started to finally wear, and the water pump started to crap out. At this point, I'm considering the car near the end of it's life, and looking for a new(er) Subaru. Great video, btw.

[@scaldon2]

Very informative channel. Tells you the truth.

[@forcedcobra]

I have a 2011 that had most of the engine replaced at 75K miles. At 119K it was found to have a blown head gasket, which was replaced at the 75K mark. Somewhere north off $4K to replace a head gasket through Subaru. Subaru of America offered me a $500 voucher for the work to be done. It's a great little car in the snow, especially when we lived in Colorado, but after this and other QC issues we've had I'd take a hard look at the RAV4 or the CRV.

[@waynebinky]

Replacing ours with a RAV4 soon. Did not even look at the Subaru line-up after owning this one.

[@el_italo_rd9955]

Sometimes is cheaper to replace the whole engine you can find it for around 1000$ to 1500$depend on miles and while you there change the timing belt and water pump wich is way easier with the engine out...and you will have no worries for at least 80k miles or more...buying another car is not always the best...you never know what you are into...and you loose more selling and buing than just replacing engine and keeping the car that you already knows what you did fix and what not👌🏻

[@RoseRose-ly3ff]

Awesome presentation Greg! Hope the same kind of review about Honda Pilot will add soon.

[@robertmeister]

Thank you, man!! Great video

[@rallysauruswrex]

Owner of a first-gen and fifth-gen Forester, everything you said is 100% correct. Great vid!

[@maximiliantetzer1872]

Hello CarAngel This was a very helpful video, thank you very much Greetings from Austria

[@peterpeters1110]

As someone shopping for a vehicle. This has been an excellent and informational video.

[@roarer20]

Oh wow..I'm now listening in to the first 3 mins and you're so detailed..I'm excited to get the information because I'm looking to potentially to buy a Forester

[@mtkhan577]

Love your videos and in depth analysis

[@blade316_]

Fantastic video mate!! Well done 😊👍🏼

[@kathyxiong-kaczorowski1311]

Thank you for this video. So helpful for sure.

[@awiegwa]

Still driving my 1998 Forester...she's rock solid steady and I love her!

[@WKaliberr]

Good to know, about to buy my First Forester

[@lenanaH]

lol looking to buy one..the 2004 sg5 though

[@abdollahgilani4119]

Thank you for the truly intelligent advice!

[@Yushmantha]

Thanks a lot for the awesome review!

[@BEASTxMODE]

Very informative. Thanks 🙏

[@clyde9659]

Thanks for all these details

[@JayaLove]

Came for the car info. Ended up relaxing and enjoying the bird sounds. 😊

[@osore3171]

Phenomenal information.

[@mj-personal2426]

Great vid, keep them coming.

[@ashaw6960]

Clear, helpful information

[@jakeco438]

Great video! Very informative.

[@marcopolo51]

Great job !!! Gerg #1 car Angel.

[@desertedpyro3238]

i was able to snatch up a 2011 5-speed manual last year, probably one of my best purchases

[@lars.from.norway_]

Interesting and informative. Forester owner from Norway.

[@zamfully]

Great review. So informative.

[@OldLongboarder65]

Excellent and very informative video -- thank you! Liked and subscribed.

[@zachz699]

Hey you helped me alot in buying my first decent car last year. A 2009 CRV Thank you sir :)

[@MJs-85]

just got forester 2018 premium 2.5i and so much relieved to hear this 14:17

[@xoxpriscilla]

How’s your forester doing now? Any issues?

[@MJs-85]

@@xoxpriscillagot totaled in dec 2022 brakes never worked in snowy/icy conditions :( when I was driving at 35 to 40 mph. No safety feature worked before collision like collision assist or automatic ABS braking bla bla bla.. both air bags were deployed though. Bottom line is no matter what car you're driving crv or forester or tacoma, if the conditions are deadly your car can't save you. You just have to drive below 30 mph or even below 25 mph to make sure you don't lose traction. Yes the car had braking issues and I was going to take it to Subaru dealership but I guess I should have done that sooner Also, my search tells me that forester models only starting 2020 onwards are most reliable. So I won't recommend anyone buying any forester model earlier than 2020.

[@javaman8895]

I’ve been looking at used 2014 and 2015 models. This video is helpful as I’m evaluating available cars. I’m beginning to doubt a Forrester as my next purchase.

[@JonWiilde]

You’re the man! Thanks for the info ♥️👊

[@manulasvegas6045]

Good explanation angel Sir

[@kimdiedrich9712]

Greg, amazing job, thank you so much! I wish the volume was a bit higher. Have you heard anything about the windshield issue? It was cracking from no impact on the 2015 and newer models, just wondering how people have fared with that issue as Subaru was not helping to pay for replacement.

[@skycar2508]

As always, great review of Subaru Foresters. I have 2nd generation Forester, and I love driving it. It’s so much fun. It feels confident on any surface. Subarus have their weak points, but if you take care of them, they will last.

[@Dreaman7777]

Thank you very much for this video pleinty of explanations about the problems of the Subaru Forester. I just bought a 2011 and I will follow all your recommandations. I love my "new" car... So...

[@dixieannhamilton6663]

I’m glad I found your channel thanks

[@Dakiraun]

Wow - that comment on "life time" transmission fluids is the best way I've ever heard it put! This was a great video; Subaru has always been one of those brands were you tend to get highly polarized opinions one way or the other, and this explains in great detail how the truth is sort of in the middle, and reliability has a _lot_ to do with the specific model year and equipment choices. On the bit about oil changes, I always cringe at manufacturers continuing to recommend these "extended" oil change intervals as if it's some sort of positive selling point about their engines. Oil is cheap, engine rebuilds are not - that is the simple truth that will never change. Even in my modern vehicles I stick to changing it ever 5000km or every year.

[@Mike_44]

I currently own a first gen ‘01 Forester which I do every single repair on myself, including overhauling its engine with MLS head gaskets. After doing so, the car has been a tank! I love this car! ❤️

[@robertsims9201]

Wish I can say the same. I have a 02 that needed head gaskets. Have no time or much experience to attempt myself.

[@Mike_44]

@@robertsims9201 Are you in Florida? Lol

[@robertsims3759]

@@Mike_44 Nah dude I'm in IL. I got em done a while ago. It was an arm and a leg. She's purring now though.

[@Mike_44]

@@robertsims3759 That’s great!

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

Good stuff Greg

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Thanks for posting. Very interesting. I bought the 2022.

[@jasonmislivets2101]

i own a 2015 2.5 cvt with 173k miles and no issues. A lot of how problematic a vehicle is depends on how its driven. I drive mine like a family car. no racing, no offroading and no problems at all with the cvt or engine. I do change my oil at about 4k and keep a eye on my fluid levels. Forester still runs like its new for the miles. Bottom line don't beat the shit out of your car thinking its a racecar and it will last for years.

[@Gopinathk17]

Agree but sometimes it doesn't matter how you drive there would be engineering mistakes which need to be fixed.

[@atetraxx]

Any oil consumption issues?

[@carloszavala2992]

You're RIGHT, the best u take care of it si what you get.

[@carloszavala2992]

@@Gopinathk17 u're right too. Unfrecuently but right.

[@axiomic]

probably the comment that convinces me not to buy a Forester... I like to drive like it's a race car

[@jackiewang7725]

I have a 2010 Forester. Small problems (mostly air conditioner problems) occur almost every year but no major problem until now.

[@lerch122]

an excellent review and worthy of getting off my couch to write this

[@emr8219]

good job & great info, thanks!!

[@returntofind]

Thank you, great information.

[@miaeba]

This is an amazing video

[@21dolphin123]

Top quality review