How long is the wait on a 2023 Forester?
The wait for a 2023 Forester varies widely—from days to weeks or months—depending on dealer stock, the chosen trim, color, and your location. Because this model year is largely out of active production, most dealers are working with leftover inventory or shipments from nearby sources, which affects ETA timelines.
This article explains current availability, the main factors that drive wait times, and practical steps you can take to check current estimates and possibly shorten the wait. It’s a snapshot based on recent dealership patterns and can vary by market.
Current Availability and Wait Times
What follows are typical scenarios based on common dealership experiences. Use this as a framework, but know that actual times vary by region and inventory access.
- In-stock units: if a dealer has a 2023 Forester on the lot, you can expect pickup in a matter of days to about two weeks, depending on the specific vehicle and paperwork.
- Dealer-ordered or non-stock trim/color: if you’re requesting a configuration that isn’t immediately available, the ETA generally ranges from several weeks to a few months, depending on allocations and any cross-district transfers.
- Very limited stock or high-demand configurations: when stock is scarce and allocations are tight, waits can extend to longer spans, potentially several months.
In practice, actual times depend on your location, the dealer’s current inventory, and the specific configuration you want. Always verify with the dealership for the most accurate ETA.
Factors Driving Wait Times
Several interrelated factors influence how long you’ll wait for a 2023 Forester. The model year’s production status, regional demand, and dealer allocation play key roles.
Key variables
Production status, regional supply, trim and color popularity, and cross-border or inter-dealer transfers all affect ETA. As a result, some regions see quicker turnarounds on remaining stock, while others must place orders with longer lead times.
How to Check Current Wait Times
To get an accurate read on current wait times, use a combination of online checking and direct outreach to nearby dealers.
- Check dealer inventories online for 2023 Forester stock in your area and neighboring markets.
- Call or chat with several local Subaru dealerships to compare ETAs, available trims, and potential transfers.
- Ask about factory orders and estimated delivery windows if you’re set on a specific trim, color, or option package.
- Consider alternatives such as newer model-year Foresters (e.g., 2024 or later) if you’re flexible, as they may have shorter wait times and similar features.
Being proactive—speaking with multiple dealers, confirming ETA specifics, and staying flexible on trim or color—can help you secure a 2023 Forester faster or find a suitable alternative.
What to Consider If You’re Waiting
If you’re in a waiting period, keep these tips in mind to manage expectations and avoid delays: confirm your order, request a written ETA, ask about possible status updates, and stay ready with financing or trade-in details to speed up the process when your vehicle arrives.
Summary
Wait times for a 2023 Forester depend on local stock, regional demand, and dealer allocations. With production complete for that model year in most markets, dealers largely rely on leftover inventory or cross-market transfers, which can lead to a range from quick pickup to several months. To maximize your chances of a timely delivery, check multiple dealers, consider viable alternates from newer model years, and stay prepared with financing and documentation.
