How many miles will a 2004 Subaru Forester XT last?

In general, a well-maintained 2004 Subaru Forester XT can reliably reach roughly 200,000 to 300,000 miles, with some examples pushing past 350,000 miles. The exact number depends on maintenance, driving conditions, and how the vehicle has been cared for over its life.

The 2004 Forester XT is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and, like many aging performance Subarus, will run longer if it receives consistent, preventive maintenance. Longevity hinges on routine upkeep, rust prevention, and timely repairs to wear-prone systems such as the engine’s cooling and lubrication circuits, the turbocharger, the transmission, and the all-wheel-drive drivetrain. Below is a look at expected lifespans, how to maximize them, and what to watch for as mileage climbs.

Expected lifespan ranges

The following ranges reflect common outcomes for well-maintained examples of the model, noting that individual results vary widely based on maintenance history and environment.

• Approximately 200,000 to 250,000 miles: A solid baseline for a Forester XT that has received regular oil changes, timely belt and gasket service, and attentive cooling-system care.


• About 250,000 to 300,000 miles: An above-average outcome often seen in cars with meticulous maintenance records, careful driving, and fewer major repairs.


• Beyond 300,000 miles: High-mileage outliers exist, particularly when the owner has stayed on top of preventive maintenance and addressed issues promptly. These are less common but achievable with consistent care.

These ranges are useful benchmarks, but they reflect general experience rather than a guarantee. The Forester XT’s longevity will hinge on how well the engine, turbo, transmission, suspension, and corrosion-prone areas are preserved over time.

Maintenance habits to maximize lifespan

Regular, proactive maintenance is the single most important factor in extending a Forester XT’s life. The list below highlights key practices that help the vehicle reach higher mileages.

• Follow the timing belt replacement interval (typically around 105,000 miles, but check your manual). Replacing a belt before it fails protects the entire engine.


• Perform routine oil changes with the correct viscosity and consider synthetic oil if recommended for your engine. Regular oil changes protect the turbo and bearings.


• Keep the cooling system in good order: coolant flushes, radiator and thermostat inspection, and ensure proper thermostat operation to prevent overheating.


• Inspect and maintain the head gasket integrity, especially as the car ages; address leaks or overheating promptly.


• Maintain the turbocharger: monitor for boost loss, unusual noises, or oil leaks; allow a proper cooldown after hard driving.


• Regularly service the transmission and differential fluids as recommended, particularly in AWD models that stress the drivetrain.


• Address rust prevention and repair; older Subarus in salty climates need attentive underbody care and frame/rocker panel maintenance.


• Replace belts, hoses, and other wear items before they fail; keep belts tight and pulleys in good condition.


• Adopt prudent driving habits: warm up the engine, avoid aggressive throttling on a cold start, and minimize short trips that prevent full engine warm-up.

Adhering to these maintenance practices can significantly improve the likelihood of reaching higher mileages while keeping repairs manageable.

What to watch for as mileage increases

As the odometer climbs, certain symptoms may indicate maintenance is overdue or impending failures. Early detection can prevent costly damage and extend life.

• Unexplained oil consumption or leaks around the engine bay, particularly near the turbo and gaskets.


• Overheating or irregular cooling system behavior, including rising temperature gauges or coolant loss.


• Power loss or unusual turbocharger noises, whistles, or smoke during acceleration.


• Transmission or AWD drivetrain symptoms such as slipping, hard shifts, or unusual vibrations.


• Rattles, knocks, or misfires that could point to ignition or fuel-delivery issues needing diagnosis.


• Rust progression on the undercarriage, floor pans, or frame members, which can affect structural integrity.


• Check engine light activation with codes related to emissions, sensors, or fuel systems—address promptly.

Regular inspections by a qualified technician, especially one familiar with Subaru all-wheel-drive systems and turbo engines, can help catch problems early and extend the vehicle’s useful life.

Summary

A 2004 Subaru Forester XT can last a long time with disciplined maintenance and careful driving. While 200,000 to 300,000 miles is a common expectation for well-kept examples, reaching beyond that range is possible for owners who stay ahead of wear and tear, perform timely repairs, and protect against rust and overheating. Prospective buyers or current owners should review the vehicle’s maintenance history, budget for expected turbo and cooling-system service, and have a trusted mechanic assess the car’s current condition to gauge its remaining life expectancy.

Is the 2004 Subaru Forester XT reliable?

The 2004 Subaru Forester XT is generally considered reliable, especially with proper maintenance, but has some specific potential issues. Common problems include the possibility of head gasket leaks (a known issue for many Subarus of this era), potential fragility of the 5-speed manual transmission, and exhaust system components. However, its robust engine, comfortable interior, and capable all-wheel-drive system are frequently praised by owners.
 
This video discusses common issues and reliability of Subaru Forester XT models: 1mDave ChangYouTube · Aug 26, 2020
Reliability factors

• Engine: The turbocharged 2.5L engine is praised for its performance, but requires diligent maintenance. It can be a reliable engine, but head gasket issues can be costly to repair. 
• Transmissions: The 5-speed manual is considered less durable and prone to failure, even with stock power levels. The automatic transmission is generally more reliable, though both can fail around 200,000 miles if not properly maintained. Upgrading to a stronger 6-speed transmission from an STI is a common modification for those seeking more power. 
• Common issues:
  • Head gaskets: A common and expensive repair for this generation of Subarus. 
  • Exhaust system: Owners have reported issues with exhaust leaks, mufflers, and catalytic converters. 
  • Other potential problems: Some owners have reported issues with AC compressors, wheel bearings, and various suspension components like shocks, struts, ball joints, and tie rods. 
• Maintenance: Routine maintenance, particularly on the timing belt, is critical for longevity and can be expensive, especially on a turbocharged model. 

What to look for when buying

• Maintenance records: Prioritize cars with thorough maintenance records, especially proof of regular timing belt and head gasket maintenance. 
• Transmission: The 5-speed manual can be a weak point. If you plan on modifications, an STI 6-speed swap is a more durable option. 
• Condition: Look for rust, especially in areas like the exhaust system. 
• A/C: Check the air conditioning system to ensure it's functioning properly, as AC compressors can be a source of costly repairs. 

How long will a Subaru Forester XT last?

On average, a well-maintained Subaru Forester can last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles. For perspective, this means if you drive about 12,000 miles per year, your Forester could easily last 16 to 20 years!

What is a 2004 Subaru Forester XT worth?

A 2004 Subaru Forester XT Sport Utility 4D has depreciated $399 or 12% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $2,861 and trade-in value of $1,593.

Are Subaru Forester XT reliable?

The reliability of the Subaru Forester XT is mixed, with the turbocharged engine and CVT transmission being potential weak points, although they can be reliable with proper maintenance. Owners report that while the engine can be prone to issues like turbocharger failure or oil consumption if neglected, it's generally considered robust in stock form with regular service, particularly on models from 2015 onward. The CVT transmission is often cited as less reliable than a manual and requires timely fluid changes, despite the "lifetime" fluid designation. 
This video explains the common problems and reliability of the Subaru Forester XT: 59sReDrivenYouTube · Nov 17, 2023
Engine and drivetrain 

• Turbocharged engine: The turbocharged engine (EJ255 in earlier models, DIT in later ones) is powerful but can have issues like turbocharger failure, especially if oil change intervals are neglected. 
• Oil consumption: Some turbo models can consume oil, so regular checks are necessary. 
• CVT transmission: The CVT is a common concern, as it's considered less reliable than a manual and requires fluid changes around every 100,000 miles, despite Subaru's "lifetime fluid" marketing. 
• Maintenance is key: Many potential engine and transmission issues can be mitigated with diligent maintenance, such as changing the oil regularly and replacing the CVT fluid. 
• Oil feed line filter: A preventative measure for turbo failure is to replace the banjo bolt on the oil feed line with one that has no filter to prevent clogs. 

You can watch this video to learn about the Subaru Forester XT's engine and transmission: 1mMrSubaru1387YouTube · Feb 27, 2022
Other reliability factors

• Suspension: Some owners have reported front-end issues like tie rods and control arms, though this can vary by vehicle condition. 
• Head gaskets: Unlike older, non-turbo models, head gasket issues are not as common on the XT models. 
• Overall reputation: When well-maintained, Forester XTs are considered reliable, especially when left in stock form without aggressive tuning. 

This video provides a review of the Subaru Forester XT's performance and features: 57sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Sep 6, 2018