Subaru’s turbocharged engines aren’t affected by the head gasket problem, but Consumer Reports notes that the turbos themselves are trouble-prone; read more here. One theory is that small screens used to filter the oil routed to the turbo to keep it lubricated are coming loose and damaging the turbo’s sensitive bearings. Read about that here and here (note that those threads deal with similar filters in the oil lines that provide hydraulic pressure to the variable valve timing system).

Used Vehicle Review: Subaru Forester, 2003 2008 subaru
Used Vehicle Review: Subaru Forester, 2003 2008 subaru
2006 Subaru Forester. Click image to enlarge

A hard-shifting automatic transmission is common in cold weather, before the car has warmed up.

Consumer Reports notes the exhaust system’s catalytic converter as a common trouble spot. The most obvious sign of trouble would be an illuminate check-engine light, and/or a failed emissions test (in jurisdictions that require regular testing).

The Forester tends to eat front CV joints (short for constant velocity; these are the joints that allow the front wheels to turn with the steering and articulate with the suspension). Foresters are also known for fairly frequent wheel bearing failures, something this model shares with the Impreza. The failures don’t tend to be catastrophic, but are characterized by an audible moaning/grinding/humming sound when the car is in motion.

Water leaks into the interior are common, causing soaked carpets. Depending on the case, the water either comes in around the windshield, or through unplugged holes in the floorboard.

Where the Forester might be most likely to impress is in the safety department. Both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) think highly of the Forester, which earned a “good” rating in the IIHS’ frontal offset and side impact crash tests and 2003 and newer models get five stars all around in the NHTSA’s frontal and side impact tests. This is significant in the sense that these two organizations’ individual crash testing standards often yield vastly different results for similar vehicles.

Used Vehicle Review: Subaru Forester, 2003 2008 subaru
Used Vehicle Review: Subaru Forester, 2003 2008 subaru
2003 Subaru Forester; photos by Laurance Yap. Click image to enlarge

According to the Canadian Black Book, used values for the second-generation Forester range from $7,500 for a 2003 X model with manual transmission, to $21,225 for a 2008 turbocharged XT with and automatic. Typically, a used Forester should be less expensive than other small Japanese SUVs, but keep in mind that the Forester is smaller than a CR-V and the 2006-and-up RAV4. The second-generation RAV4 and the Ford Escape are two of the Forester’s closest competitors, size-wise; the RAV4 tends to be far pricier, while the Escape should come in at a similar value, or slightly more.

The turbocharged Forester XT is a compelling vehicle for enthusiasts looking for a quick SUV; a 2005 XT with manual transmission is worth $14,625. The Forester’s similarity to the Impreza/WRX/STi means that there are loads of aftermarket options available designed to boost the car’s performance.

Despite the Forester’s appeal and Subaru’s reputation for building durable cars, this one’s not without its trouble spots. Before you buy any Forester, ask for evidence that the car has been maintained according to Subaru’s guidelines (more frequent oil changes and cooling system flushes might help delay head gasket issues), and determine whether the head gaskets in a non-turbo version have been replaced recently. If you’re looking at an XT model, make sure the turbo is working well. As always, best to have a trusted mechanic look over the car for evidence of any of the common problems listed above.

Pricing

Black Book Pricing (avg. retail) July 2010:

Year
Model
Price today
Price new
2008
XS automatic
$20,175
$32,395
2007
XS automatic
$18,275
$32,395
2006
XS automatic
$15,800
$32,395
2005
XS automatic
$13,575
$33,795
2004
XS automatic
$11,675
$33,495
2003
XS automatic
$10,475
$33,295

Online resources
  • Subaru as an automaker has a strong following on the web, so there are a few different places to go for Forester information. SubaruForester.org is a terrific starting point, owing to its single-vehicle focus. For a site that covers the whole Subaru line, try the forums at NASIOC.com. This started out as an Impreza enthusiast site but has expanded to include the rest of the Subaru lineup, and there’s a section dedicated to the Forester too.

    Recalls
  • Transport Canada Recall Number: 2002200; Units affected: 11,597

    2002-2003: On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, the parking pawl actuating rod (”parking rod”) spring retainer may be defective. The parking pawl may not engage the parking gear fully and could cause the vehicle to move if the parking brake is not applied. Correction: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Replacement parts will not be available until January 2003.

    Transport Canada Recall Number: 2003054; Units affected: 44

    2003: On certain vehicles, the seat belt tongue plate may become disengaged with the seat belt buckle latch with a force less than the value specified in CMVSS 209. This condition is caused by a slight lack of parallelism between the latch and the buckle body stamped section. Correction: Dealer will replace the front seat belt buckles.

    Transport Canada Recall Number: 2005344; Units affected: 485

    2006: On certain vehicles, a wire for the Immobilizer Control Module was pinched between the two halves of the ICM security cover. As a result, the engine may not start, or may stall while driving. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair damaged wiring.

    Transport Canada Recall Number: 2007033; Units affected: 1,279

    2006: On certain vehicles, the wiring harness for the airbag occupant detection system in the front passenger seating position might have been pinched during vehicle assembly. Pinching of the wiring harness between the floor cross member and the seat mounting bracket could result in an electrical short which would blow the circuit fuse. If this happens, the passenger airbag would be unable to deploy during a crash, leaving the seat occupant susceptible to increased injuries. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, repair wiring damage.

    Crash test results
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

    Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.

    For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

    For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

    For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.

    • Related posts:

    1. Used Vehicle Review: Subaru Forester, 2003-2006
    2. Used Vehicle Review: Subaru Forester, 1998 – 2002
    3. First Drive: 2003 Subaru Forester
    4. Subaru Canada announces pricing for 2010 Forester
    5. What’s New: 2010 Subaru Forester
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