Why a 2014 or Newer Subaru Forester Is the One to Buy Used

Subaru has a strong reputation for reliability, but older Foresters have a well-known weak spot: head gaskets. 5-liter EJ25 engine, were prone to gasket failure at around 150,000 miles. The single-layer graphite-coated gasket was almost guaranteed to blow, and while keeping coolant fresh and avoiding overheating could delay the issue, the repair was eventually unavoidable.

Swapping in a multi-layer steel gasket could cost up to $3,500 professionally, or about $500 for a DIY job.

Later second-gen and all third-gen Foresters used multi-layer steel gaskets, but problems persisted. Complaints from 2010 models show failures at an average of 97,450 miles, with repair costs around $2,920. The real fix came in 2014, when Subaru switched the Forester to FB and FA engines.

These use multi-layer stainless steel gaskets with a specialized sealant, making them far more durable. With proper care, head gasket failure is no longer a common issue in 2014 or newer models.

That said, fourth-gen Foresters have their own quirk: excessive oil consumption. Subaru built these engines with looser tolerances for fuel efficiency, which means they burn oil as a normal part of operation. The automaker says using a quart every 5,000 miles is acceptable. Some owners have found that switching to a higher-viscosity synthetic oil, like 5w30, slows the loss, though it may slightly reduce fuel economy.

It's a trade-off worth considering, especially if you're out of warranty.

If you're shopping used, the advice is clear: stick with 2014 or later. Entry-level 2014 models are trending around $9,080, down from a $21,995 MSRP. 5i Premium with 96,690 miles for $8,995. 5i Limited can be had for $6,450.

Annual ownership costs for a 2014 Forester are estimated at around $632 for maintenance, $2,035 for full coverage insurance, and $2,300 for fuel, totaling just under $5,000 per year for a typical driver. Common repairs include transmission fluid changes ($443, $487) and AC recharges ($250, $336).

With low-mileage models priced reasonably, there's little reason to take a chance on a pre-2014 Forester with a ticking head gasket clock.