Buying A Used Subaru Forester?! Here's The Good And Bad Over The Last 20 Years!
Summary
TLDRThis video script offers a comprehensive buyer's guide to Subaru Foresters, focusing on models from the last two decades. It discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each generation, including engine issues like head gasket problems and oil consumption. The script covers transmission options, driveline reliability, and common maintenance concerns. It also touches on the evolution of design, with a preference for earlier, more rugged looks, and the addition of modern features like the EyeSight system and X-Mode. The guide aims to inform potential buyers on what to look for when considering a used Subaru Forester.
Takeaways
- 🚗 Subaru Forester is a top seller with models spanning over 20 years, offering different strengths and weaknesses across generations.
- 🔧 The second-generation Forester (SG) from 2003-2008 is praised for its reliability and appearance, sharing most of its underpinnings with the Impreza.
- ⚙️ Engine options in the SG Forester included the naturally aspirated EJ251 and EJ253, and the turbocharged EJ255, with varying power outputs and issues.
- ⚠️ EJ251 and EJ253 engines are known for head gasket problems, which can be mitigated by checking for replacement or upgrade to multi-layer steel gaskets.
- 🛠 The EJ255 engine faced issues with oiling to the turbocharger, AVCS system, and rod bearings, requiring preventive maintenance.
- 🔄 The third-generation Forester (SH) from 2009-2013 saw a redesign with a focus on increased space, but faced new oil consumption and leak issues with the FB25B engine.
- 🌐 The fourth-generation Forester (SJ) from 2014-2018 introduced new engines and transmissions, including the WRX-derived FA-20F and the TR-580 CVT.
- 👀 The introduction of Subaru's EyeSight system and X-Mode in the SJ generation aimed to enhance safety and off-road capabilities, but had mixed reception.
- 🛡 The latest generation (SK) Forester from 2019 onwards focuses on luxury and modern features, but has received criticism for being too complex and intrusive.
- 🌿 The Wilderness trim of the current Forester offers a more rugged option, but the lineup has moved away from manual and turbocharged options, streamlining the drivetrain.
Q & A
What are the challenges faced by new Subaru buyers due to current global circumstances?
-New Subaru buyers are facing challenges due to supply chain issues, part shortages, and the overall state of the world, making it difficult to come by new models.
Which Subaru model is covered in the buyer's guide video?
-The buyer's guide video covers the Subaru Forester, which is Subaru's best-selling model.
What are the model years covered by the second generation of the Subaru Forester?
-The second generation of the Subaru Forester, also known as the SG chassis, covers model years 2003 to 2008.
What engine options were available for the second generation Subaru Forester?
-The second generation Subaru Forester came with two engine choices: the naturally aspirated EJ251 and EJ253 engines, which produced around 165 horsepower, and the turbocharged EJ255 engine, which produced between 210 and 235 horsepower.
What are the common issues associated with the EJ251 and EJ253 engines in the second generation Subaru Forester?
-The EJ251 and EJ253 engines in the second generation Subaru Forester are known for head gasket issues, specifically the single-layer graphite coated gaskets that can fail around 120,000 to 150,000 miles, leading to oil and coolant leaks.
What is the main issue with the EJ255 engine in the second generation Subaru Forester?
-The EJ255 engine in the second generation Subaru Forester is known for oiling issues to the turbocharger, the AVCS system, and rod bearing issues, which can lead to premature turbocharger failure and oil pressure loss.
Which transmission options were available for the second generation Subaru Forester?
-The second generation Subaru Forester offered two transmission options: the 4EAT 4-speed automatic and the 5-speed manual.
What are some common maintenance items to check when considering a used Subaru Forester from the second generation?
-When considering a used Subaru Forester from the second generation, it's important to check for oil leaks, timing belt and water pump service, and any other maintenance items that may have been neglected.
What changes occurred in the third generation Subaru Forester in terms of engine and design?
-The third generation Subaru Forester, known as the SH chassis, saw a change from the EJ253 to the FB25B engine starting in model year 2011. It also moved away from the boxy styling of previous models and grew in size, gaining more occupancy and cargo room.
What are the new features introduced in the fourth generation Subaru Forester (SJ chassis)?
-The fourth generation Subaru Forester (SJ chassis) introduced new transmission options like the TR-580 CVT and the 6-speed manual, a new engine option with the WRX-derived FA-20F, and new safety features like the EyeSight system and X-Mode for off-roading assistance.
What are some of the interior and technological upgrades in the current Subaru Forester (SK chassis)?
-The current Subaru Forester (SK chassis) features a more luxurious and modern interior, with upgrades like a touchscreen Bluetooth nav radio system. It also includes the EyeSight system as standard equipment and has added features like auto stop-start technology.
Outlines
🚗 Overview of Subaru Forester Buyer's Guide
This paragraph introduces a buyer's guide video series focusing on Subaru vehicles, specifically the Forester model. The video aims to cover the last two decades of Forester models, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and which ones to consider or avoid. It begins with the second generation Forester (SG chassis), highlighting its design and reliability. The SG Forester shared most of its underpinnings with the Impreza and was available from 2003 to 2008. Various trim levels and engine options are mentioned, including the naturally aspirated EJ251 and EJ253 engines, which were prone to head gasket issues, and the turbocharged EJ255 engine, which had its own set of problems such as oiling issues to the turbocharger and rod bearing issues. The paragraph advises viewers on what to look for when considering a used Forester from this generation.
🛠 Maintenance and Engine Issues in Subaru Forester
This paragraph delves into the specific engine issues of the Subaru Forester, particularly focusing on the EJ255 engine and its susceptibility to oiling problems, turbocharger failures, and rod bearing issues. It explains how neglect and poor maintenance can lead to these problems, and provides solutions such as preemptively replacing parts to prevent failures. The discussion also covers the two available transmissions for this generation of Forester: the 4EAT automatic and the 5-speed manual. The paragraph warns about the 4EAT's incompatibility with the turbocharged engine due to power limitations, suggesting the manual transmission as a more reliable option. Additionally, it touches on common issues like wheel bearing problems and rust, especially in regions with harsh weather conditions. The paragraph concludes with advice on inspecting for rust and other maintenance items before purchasing a used Forester.
🌲 Evolution of Subaru Forester: SH and SJ Chassis
The paragraph discusses the evolution of the Subaru Forester with the introduction of the SH and SJ chassis, covering model years from 2009 to 2018. It mentions the growth in size and changes in styling, with a shift away from the boxy design to a more squared-off look. Engine options are highlighted, including the carryover EJ253 and the new FB25B, which addressed head gasket issues but introduced oil consumption problems. The paragraph also covers the transmission options, with the 4EAT and 5MT continuing from previous models and the introduction of new engines and transmissions in the SJ chassis. New features like the EyeSight system and X-Mode are introduced, with a detailed explanation of how X-Mode enhances off-roading and low-traction situations. The paragraph concludes with a note on the improvements in interior and comfort, and the author's personal preference for the SJ model over the SH.
🏞️ Modern Subaru Forester: SK Chassis and Features
This paragraph focuses on the most recent generation of the Subaru Forester, the SK chassis, which spans from model years 2019 to the present. It describes the Forester as the most luxurious and modern to date, with a streamlined drivetrain featuring the FB25D engine and the TR-580 CVT as the only options. The paragraph addresses the controversial EyeSight system and the addition of auto stop-start, which the author finds annoying and unsuitable for Subaru's engine and driveline. It also mentions the discontinuation of the manual and turbo options, and the Forester's continued status as one of Subaru's best-selling models. The author concludes by summarizing the Forester's reliability and capability, and hopes that the information provided will help viewers make an informed decision when purchasing a Forester.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Subaru Forester
💡Supply Chain Issues
💡SG Chassis
💡EJ Engine Series
💡Head Gasket Issues
💡Oil Consumption
💡Transmission Options
💡Rust Issues
💡X-Mode
💡Eyesight System
💡Auto Stop Start
Highlights
Supply chain issues make used Subarus a prime purchase option.
Second generation Forester (SG) is a favorite for its appearance and reliability.
SG Forester shared underpinnings with Impreza, offering a short tall station wagon style.
2003-2008 model years for SG Forester with various trim levels available.
Two engine choices for SG Forester: naturally aspirated EJ251/253 and turbocharged EJ255.
EJ251/253 engines prone to head gasket issues, affecting reliability.
EJ255 engines have oiling issues to the turbocharger and AVCS system.
SG Forester's 4EAT transmission reliable, but not ideal for turbocharged engines.
Third generation Forester (SH) saw a design shift and increased size.
SH Forester introduced the FB25B engine, marking the end of head gasket issues.
FB25B engine faced oil consumption and leak issues, requiring recalls and replacements.
Fourth generation Forester (SJ) returned to a more squared-off design.
SJ Forester introduced new transmission options and the FA20F engine.
Subaru's X-Mode was introduced for off-roading and inclement weather assistance.
Current generation Forester (SK) is the most luxurious and modern to date.
Eyesight system and auto stop-start feature have been controversial among buyers.
Forester remains one of Subaru's best sellers, offering reliability and capability.
Transcripts
with new subarus being hard to come by
due to supply chain issues part issues
in the overall state of the world it's
now prime time to look at buying a used
subaru today we'll continue our series
of buyer's guide videos for subaru
vehicles by covering subaru's best
seller the forester
again as before we'll be covering the
last 20 years or so of models talking
about their strengths their weaknesses
which models you want to buy and which
ones you might want to avoid
[Music]
so to start out the video let's go back
to the second generation of forester the
sg chassis
this happens to be one of my personal
favorite generations in both appearance
and reliability
this generation like the first shared
most of its underpinnings with the
impreza
it's basically a short tall station
wagon the first of the small suvs
the sg forester covered model years
2003-2008
during this model range period you had
several trim levels to choose from of
these you had the forester 2.5 x the xs
premium unlimited the xt premium
unlimited and the top of the range the
ll bean edition these foresters came
with two engine choices the ej251 and
253 splitting halfway through the
generation and the ej255
the 251 253 came in around 165
horsepower and the ej255 with his
turbocharger came in between 210 and 235
horsepower
these engines were reliable but did have
their own unique issues and problems
over the years
let's start with the naturally aspirated
ej251 that then became the ej253
these engines were affected by subaru's
notorious head gasket issues just to
reiterate here subaru only had one
series of engines with bad head gaskets
that being the naturally aspirated 2.5
liter ej series 4 cylinder engines
from around the 97 to 2012 models the
issue has been so overblown that many
people unfamiliar with subaru associate
all subaru vehicles as having head
gasket issues
so yes these engines had the failure
prone single layer graphite coated
gaskets the coating would fail around
120 to 150 000 miles and that's when the
gasket would leak externally oil and
coolant between the head and the block
so in the used car market this is
something to be wary of if looking at
you subarus of this vintage with this
mileage range on the engine don't be
afraid to ask if the head gaskets were
replaced if their documentation of the
replacement etc better here to be safe
than sorry
but just due to the age most if not all
of these cars have had their head
gaskets replaced if not once uh twice
because a lot of people didn't do the
repair correctly the first time
there are ways to check to see if these
head gaskets have been replaced and ways
to see if they have been upgraded to the
multi-layer steel gaskets that aren't
failure prone i have a video on this on
my channel but that's the main point of
failure here in the head gaskets aside
from that you might want to be worried
about oil leaks
checking that the timing has been
serviced timing belt water pump
tensioner etc
and just any other maintenance items you
want to check or know about
before buying on to the ej255 as we
talked about in the outback legacy video
these engines have a few achilles heels
first and foremost the ej255 is not
known for head gasket failures due to
gasket or engine design
that said with neglect abuse hard
driving and poor maintenance these
gaskets can fail just as well as the
failure prone naturally aspirated engine
gaskets the ej255 had oiling issues to
the turbocharger the avcs system and the
rod bearings these vehicles were known
to eat turbochargers around the age that
the naturally aspirated engines blew
their head gaskets 120 000 miles to 150
000 miles
the oil feed line to the turbocharger
had a banjo fitting and the banjo bolt
in this fitting had a small mesh filter
inside with neglect and lack of periodic
oil changes this filter in the bolt
clogged and started the turbocharger of
oil destroying the turbocharger
this mainly happened due to subaru
shrinking the oil filter size in half
causing the pressure relief valve to go
into bypass mode circulating debris in
the engine
when regular oil change intervals are
not followed
the fix here is to preemptively replace
the ball with the new filterless banjo
bolt
this issue is found as well in the avcs
system as the avcs system or active
valve control system uses pressurized
oil and these banjo bolts with filters
in them to feed the system so again the
same corrective measures are needed onto
the rod bearing issues and poor slash
loss of oil pressure there were two main
issues here to be concerned with
cracking oil pump pickup tubes and oil
pump housing screws backing out
some oil pumps had issues with the
housing screws backing out with age and
mileage this cause pressure leaks and
oil pressure drops in the engines
not found on all of them but some of
them it is a good idea when doing a
timing belt service to remove the oil
pump and check these housing screws
the second issue was the brazing on the
factory oil pickup tube cracking sucking
air and causing an oil pressure loss
both can occur but don't always occur
just something to be wary of most people
preemptively replace the oil pump pickup
tube and remove the oil pump and lock
tight the oil pump housing screws that
is the best way to combat this potential
issue as far as driveline is concerned
on this generation of forester you had
two transmissions to choose from the
tried and true 4eat 4-speed conventional
automatic and the 5-speed manual
the 4-e-a-t as we stated before is one
of subaru's most reliable automatic
transmissions ever
they will go for hundreds of thousands
of miles with little to no issues on the
naturally aspirated engines that is
the problem here is when you got the
turbocharged ej255
and an automatic transmission because on
the forester you got the 4eat
instead of the 5e80 and the 4-e-a-t
wasn't meant for that kind of power
there were quite a few for eat failures
when they were optioned with
turbocharged engines so if you want a
forrester xt it's best to get the
five-speed manual or drive it like
you're driving miss daisy
the 5mt was a very reliable transmission
as well especially with the naturally
aspirated engine but it too suffered
early demise at the hands of aggressive
drivers and the power level of the ej255
mostly due to people launching the
vehicle overall this generation of
forester was solid there were some wheel
bearing issues but that seems to be on
par
with all subarus especially in the rust
snow regions of the country
these foresters like the legacy and
outback had frameless windows and
suffered from the torn window gussets
and wind noise they were also prone to
rusting out around their rear wheel
wells as well as other areas
so you viewers in the northeast midwest
and northwest be sure to inspect for
rust before purchasing
the center console cubby door in the
dashboard on these models was known for
cracking and the latch breaking as well
as the center console armrest otherwise
the interior was pretty damn solid
overall one of the best classic
foresters and overall my favorite in
looks handling and ride now on to the
third generation the sh chassis model
years 2009-2013
this range saw the forester grow outward
in size gaining quite a bit of occupancy
and cargo room
it also moved away from the boxy styling
of the past
this is probably one of my least
favorite body styles of the forester
it wasn't very good looking in my
opinion
now during this time period we see a lot
of carryover from the previous sg
chassis with engines we see the ej253
early on switching over to the fb25b
starting in model year 2011.
nearly all the same issues with the
previous chassis ej253 are found in this
chassis
although the head gaskets were
redesigned late making them less likely
to fail
the new at the time fb25b saw the end of
the 2.5 liter engine head gasket issues
but on the other hand saw new issues
these issues were primarily oil
consumption and oil leaks
some not all fb engines had oil
consumption issues
some of them were minor and some of them
were major
subaru issued recalls and replaced a lot
of short blocks under warranty
this remedied a lot of the concerns with
oil consumption but oil consumption can
still be an issue in the used market so
be wary of that when looking at an fb
engine equipped forester
the driveline stayed basically the same
with the four eat and the 5mt male
transmission options at this time
rust is still an issue and you want to
keep an eye out for that on these models
just as any other subaru
an upside of these models is the wind
noise issue
is no more as they no longer use the
frameless window design
overall it was a reliable chassis just
not my favorite now on to the sj chassis
this covers model years 2014 to 2018.
this forester saw a return to the more
squared off looks of the first two
generations
the sj foster continued the trend of
growing size as well
personally i'd own an sj i really like
the look of the interior exterior is an
overall great package
with the sj we see several trims the 2.5
i base premium limited touring in the xt
limited and touring
we see new transmission options and new
engine options as well
the base engine is still the fb25b
175 horsepower but now the xt model we
see a new engine the wrx derived
fa-20f coming in about 250 horsepower
as far as transmissions we have the
tr580
tr690 and the new six-speed male
transmission
for the forester
the tr-580 cvt and the 6-speed manual
being offered as options on the fb25b
engine and the
tr-690 cvt on the turbocharged fa20f
equipped xt model
we see the addition of the eyesight
system for the forester range
eyesight being subaru stereo camera
based pre-collision avoidance system
okay but personally i'm not a big fan of
it i had it on one of my outbacks and
just
i'd rather have not had the system
with eyesight being visually based this
causes issues the system has problems
working when there's snow fog or heavy
rain
any condition that limits visibility
this system was first added to only the
top tier trims
but at the beginning of the next
generation 2019 model year it comes as
standard equipment on all foresters
during this time period we see the
introduction of subaru's x-mode on the
forester x-mode is an electronic driving
aid that helps in off-roading situations
in inclement weather
x-mode works primarily in five ways
one your engine throttle during normal
driving when you press on the
accelerator pedal the throttle opens and
engine power is delivered but during x
mode the throttle input is nerfed and
you don't get that super quick
acceleration it kind of numbs the
throttle to keep you from applying too
much power too quickly and helps avoid
you slipping your wheels
number two with the transmission
with x-mode on the cvt is kept in a
lower gear ratio allowing you more
torque and more power for low-speed
driving off-kilter situations or
slippery situations you deliver more
power to the ground number three your
all-wheel drive system during x-mode the
coupling between the front and the rear
is increased to deliver power more
evenly front and rear and give you the
most all-wheel drive traction possible
number four the vehicle dynamic control
system or vdc
the vdc system when in x mode includes a
specifically enhanced lsd control
for example if the left and right wheels
are behaving differently the system
applies brakes only to the wheels that
are slipping
compared to ordinary operation of the
brakes
where when you press the brake pedal the
brakes apply to all four wheels the vdc
system can apply braking to only the
slipping wheel and apply power to those
that have traction and number five hill
descent control
at low speeds under 12 miles per hour
hill descent control helps to maintain
vehicle starting speed for safer
maneuvering
it manages the throttle and the braking
allowing the driver to fully concentrate
on steering
this generation of forester also got a
big upgrade in its interior and comfort
one complaint of the interior was the
touchscreen bluetooth nav radio system
although i have this same head unit in
my 2013 crosstrek and i haven't had any
major issues with it the system's a bit
dated but other than that it works as
should be expected
even with these issues it's still an
awesome forester to own and i would
gladly own an sj
now to the modern day the current
chassis the sk
model years 2019 to current
the modern forester is the nicest and
most luxurious of any forester to date a
truly modern car
if you're into that kind of thing
some people believe the modern forester
especially the upscale models are just
too busy and too advanced with confusing
button layouts and just too much going
on around them in the cabin
the new eyesight revamps have been
called intrusive at the minimum with new
cameras in the system pointed at the
driver to monitor them
subaru has added auto stop start to
these models of foresters as well
said to be a gas saving measure but it's
more of a rage fueling starter killing
measure in my opinion
a very annoying feature that isn't
suited for the subaru boxer engine or
cvt driveline
and a lot of buyers are very
very aggravated with the system and
having to disable it every time they
start their car
the drivetrain is pretty streamlined now
with the fb25d engine as the only engine
option and the tr-580 is the only
driveline option
the forester wilderness gets a revamped
cvt but it's still based on the tr-580
no more manual option and no more turbo
option
the forester is still one of subaru's
best sellers going neck and neck with
the outback trading spots regularly for
the number one spot
the forester is a reliable and capable
vehicle
hopefully now you have the information
you need to be an informed buyer and
have the ability to get a great forester
for yourself
thank you all so much for watching hope
you enjoyed the video and i'll see you
in the next one
[Music]
[Music]
you
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