How many miles will a 2013 Subaru Forester last?
In general, a well-maintained 2013 Subaru Forester can be expected to reach about 200,000 miles, with many owners reporting 250,000 miles or more and some exceeding 300,000 miles.
What affects how long a 2013 Forester lasts
The longevity of a 2013 Forester depends on a combination of routine maintenance, how and where it’s driven, and how early issues are addressed. Below are the main factors that influence how far this model can go.
- Maintenance history and how consistently service items are addressed (oil changes, fluid flushes, timing components, etc.).
- Driving conditions and climate—highway miles tend to be gentler on components than stop-and-go city driving, and extreme heat or cold accelerates wear.
- Quality of parts and timely replacement of wear items such as brakes, tires, belts/hoses, and batteries.
- Engine and transmission health, including the CVT fluid condition and any cooling-system issues.
- Corrosion control and rust prevention, especially in regions with salted roads or high humidity.
- Accident history and the quality of repairs after incidents, which can affect long-term reliability.
When such items are properly managed, a 2013 Forester is capable of maintaining road readiness for many years and miles.
What the real-world data shows
Owner surveys, independent reliability studies, and used-car data consistently point to strong longevity for Subarus, including the Forester. The following milestones are frequently observed among well-cared-for examples, reflecting typical lifespans reported in the field.
- 100,000 miles: A common milestone where many vehicles have undergone routine maintenance and are still performing reliably, but it’s a good time to reassess wear items and fluids.
- 150,000 miles: Many systems remain robust with timely service; some owners replace aging components such as belts, hoses, and spark plugs as a precaution.
- 200,000 miles: Considered a high-mileage benchmark; ongoing maintenance and component health determine whether service costs rise.
- 250,000 miles: Achieving this level usually reflects meticulous upkeep; the car may begin to show wear in suspension components or the exhaust, requiring attention.
- 300,000 miles and beyond: Though less common, there are documented cases of Foresters reaching or surpassing this mark with consistent maintenance and practical driving.
These real-world data points underscore that longevity is possible but not guaranteed; the key is adherence to maintenance and proactive problem-solving as miles accumulate.
Maintenance tips to maximize life
To push a 2013 Forester toward higher mileages, routine care and preventive maintenance matter most. The tips below offer a practical approach that aligns with Subaru’s general maintenance philosophy.
- Follow the official maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual for oil changes, filter replacements, and major service intervals.
- Use quality fluids and parts, and address warning lights promptly to prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs.
- Keep the engine cooling system in good condition with regular coolant checks and flushes as recommended to avoid overheating.
- Have the CVT transmission inspected and serviced per Subaru’s guidelines to reduce wear and extend life.
- Inspect and replace spark plugs around the manufacturer’s recommended interval, typically around 100,000 miles for many Subaru engines.
- Monitor tires, brakes, suspension, and steering components; replace worn parts before they cause additional wear elsewhere.
- Address rust and underbody corrosion, especially in regions with heavy road salt or moisture exposure.
With disciplined maintenance and careful driving, a 2013 Forester can deliver many miles of dependable service.
Summary
The bottom line is that a 2013 Subaru Forester can last well beyond 200,000 miles with diligent maintenance and responsible driving. Real-world owner data show many units reaching 250,000 miles or more, and some exceeding 300,000 miles. Longevity is strongly influenced by maintenance habits, driving conditions, and timely addressing wear and repairs. Prospective buyers and owners should plan for regular service, prudent part replacement, and careful inspection as the odometer climbs.
