2011–2024
Is a used Subaru Forester a good deal?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-12
Quick answer
A used Subaru Forester is a capable all-weather buy with two documented soft spots: oil consumption on 2011–2015 FB25 engines (subject of a class action — check for top-off habits) and CVT reliability on 2014–2018 cars, for which Subaru extended the warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles. 2019+ models mostly trade those for minor annoyances like windshield cracking and battery drain. Verify head gasket history on anything older you're cross-shopping.
Subaru Forester years to avoid (and best years to buy)Known issues to check first
- 2011–2015: FB25 oil consumption — check the dipstick now and ask how often oil is added between changes
- 2014–2018: CVT failures led Subaru to extend coverage to 100,000 miles — confirm whether the CVT was serviced or replaced
- 2019+: windshield stress cracking and parasitic battery drain complaints — ask about replacements
- AWD system needs four matched tires — mismatched tread depths cause drivetrain wear
How much mileage is okay?
200,000 miles is attainable, but Subarus punish neglect more than Toyotas. An oil-fed, CVT-serviced Forester at 120,000 miles beats a vague-history one at 70,000.
Common questions
Which used Forester years should I avoid?
Be most careful with 2014–2016: they combine the oil-consumption engine with the early CVT. 2019+ models have the cleanest record.
Is the Forester CVT a dealbreaker?
No, but it's a checkpoint. Subaru's extended warranty acknowledgment means you should ask directly: serviced, replaced, or original? Factor the answer into price.
Why do tires matter so much on a used Subaru?
Full-time AWD needs all four tires within about 2/32" of each other. A seller who replaced one or two tires cheaply may have quietly stressed the drivetrain.
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