Is the Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?
The Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability, practicality, and all-wheel-drive capability. However, when considering purchasing or owning one, many drivers wonder about the cost of maintaining this vehicle. In this article, we’ll explore whether the Subaru Forester is expensive to maintain and provide insights into what you can expect as an owner.
Understanding Maintenance Costs for the Subaru Forester
When evaluating the cost of maintaining a Subaru Forester, it’s important to consider several factors, including routine maintenance, potential repairs, and the vehicle's overall reliability. Subaru vehicles, including the Forester, are generally regarded as reliable, but like any car, they require regular upkeep to stay in top condition.
Routine Maintenance Costs
Routine maintenance for the Subaru Forester includes services such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and fluid replacements. These are standard for any vehicle and are not typically more expensive than maintenance for other compact SUVs. Here’s a breakdown of common maintenance tasks:
- Oil Changes: Subaru recommends synthetic oil, which can cost slightly more than conventional oil. Expect to pay around $50-$100 per oil change, depending on your location and service provider.
- Tire Rotations: Regular tire rotations are essential for even wear, costing approximately $20-$50 per service.
- Brake Inspections: Brake pads and rotors may need replacement over time. Brake pad replacements typically cost $150-$300 per axle.
- Fluid Replacements: Coolant, transmission fluid, and differential fluid changes are necessary at specific intervals, with costs ranging from $100-$300 depending on the service.
Reliability and Repair Costs
The Subaru Forester is known for its durability and reliability, which helps keep repair costs manageable. However, like any vehicle, it may experience issues as it ages. Common repairs for the Forester include:
- Head Gasket Repairs: Older Subaru models were notorious for head gasket issues, but newer models have improved significantly. If this issue arises, repairs can cost $1,500-$2,500.
- Timing Belt Replacement: For older Foresters with timing belts, replacement is necessary around 100,000 miles and costs $500-$1,000. Newer models use timing chains, which are more durable.
- Wheel Bearings: Some Forester owners report wheel bearing issues, with replacement costs ranging from $300-$500 per wheel.
How the Subaru Forester Compares to Other SUVs
When compared to other compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester’s maintenance costs are generally in line with the competition. Its reliability and longevity often offset the slightly higher costs of certain repairs, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. Additionally, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides excellent performance in various weather conditions, which many owners find worth the investment.
Tips to Keep Maintenance Costs Low
To minimize maintenance expenses for your Subaru Forester, consider the following tips:
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to prevent costly repairs.
- Use high-quality parts and fluids to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
- Address minor issues promptly to avoid more extensive damage.
- Work with a trusted mechanic who is familiar with Subaru vehicles.
Conclusion
Overall, the Subaru Forester is not considered expensive to maintain compared to other vehicles in its class. While some repairs can be costly, the Forester’s reliability and practicality make it a worthwhile investment for many drivers. By staying on top of routine maintenance and addressing issues early, you can enjoy years of dependable performance from your Subaru Forester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Subaru Forester a long lasting car?
With the proper care and maintenance, Foresters can usually last on average 200,000 to 250,000 miles which can be about 13 to 17 years based on a driving average of 15,000 miles per year. While the Forester's mechanics play a large role in its longevity, so does the quality of its body.
Does the Subaru Forester hold its value?
A Subaru Forester will depreciate 32% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $24,705.
Are Foresters good on gas?
Yes, the new Subaru Forester SUV gets good gas mileage. Most of the 2025 Subaru Forester trim levels earn an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).
Are Subarus high in insurance?
Subaru vehicles are generally less expensive to insure than luxury or sports car brands, but insurance rates can vary depending on the specific model and your personal driving history.
Is it expensive to maintain a Subaru Forester?
A Subaru Forester is third on the list and will cost about $8,337 for maintenance and repairs during its first ten years of service. This is more than the industry average for popular SUV models by $87.
Are Subarus known for engine problems?
Subaru engines are known for their reliability, but feature several recurring problems across various models and years of production. These problems are often identified by a ticking or grinding engine sound.
Do Subarus last longer than Toyotas?
And, Toyota was awarded the most reliable brand at the 2021 Auto Trader New Car Awards. Also, Toyota's can last well past 300,000 miles (think of the million-mile Tundra), while Subaru typically lasts around 200,000 miles.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?
A list of some of the most common issues Forester owners have to deal with.
- CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery.
- Unintended Acceleration.
- Brake Light Switch Defect.
- Cracked Windshields.
- Lineartronic CVT Reliability.
- Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires.
- Subaru EyeSight Problems.
- Subaru Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags.
Are Subaru Foresters expensive to run?
Unfortunately, thanks to the fuel-sapping demands of its permanent four-wheel drive system, the Forester isn't especially frugal – figures on the WLTP average cycle are 34.7mpg; CO2 emissions sit at 185g/km. The majority of the Forester's rivals will be cheaper to run.
Do Subaru Forester hold their value?
According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2022 Subaru Forester is in the top 10-25% for depreciation among all 2022 SUVs. Over the last 3 years it retained 74% of its value. How much does a 2022 Subaru Forester depreciate each year?
