Buying A Used Subaru Forester?! Here's The Good And Bad Over The Last 20 Years!

Summary

This 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

00:00

🚗 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.

05:00

🛠 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.

10:01

🌲 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.

15:02

🏞️ 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.

Keywords

💡Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru since 1997. It is known for its standard all-wheel drive and boxer engine. In the video, the Forester is the main subject, with the discussion focusing on various generations and their respective features, strengths, and weaknesses.

💡Supply Chain Issues

Supply chain issues refer to disruptions or inefficiencies in the process of moving goods from suppliers to end consumers. The video mentions that new Subarus are hard to come by due to such issues, which makes the used car market more attractive for buyers looking for a Subaru Forester.

💡SG Chassis

The SG chassis refers to the second generation of the Subaru Forester, covering model years 2003-2008. It is based on the Impreza platform and is praised for its appearance and reliability in the video. The discussion highlights the engine options and common issues like head gasket problems.

💡EJ Engine Series

The EJ engine series is a line of horizontally opposed four-cylinder engines used in Subaru vehicles. The video discusses the EJ251, EJ253, and EJ255 engines, detailing their horsepower and the unique issues they faced, such as head gasket failures and oiling problems.

💡Head Gasket Issues

Head gasket issues refer to problems with the seal between an engine's cylinder head and the engine block, which can lead to coolant and oil leaks. The video explains that certain EJ series engines in Subaru Foresters are notorious for these issues, particularly around 120,000 to 150,000 miles.

💡Oil Consumption

Oil consumption in an engine refers to the amount of oil that is used up during normal operation. The video mentions that the FB25B engine in later Forester models faced oil consumption issues, which were addressed through recalls and short block replacements by Subaru.

💡Transmission Options

Transmission options in the Subaru Forester include different types of gearboxes that transfer power from the engine to the wheels. The video discusses the 4EAT automatic and 5-speed manual transmissions, noting their reliability and issues when paired with turbocharged engines.

💡Rust Issues

Rust issues are common in vehicles, especially in regions with harsh weather conditions. The video highlights that Subaru Foresters, particularly older models, can be prone to rusting, especially around the rear wheel wells and other areas, which is a concern for potential buyers.

💡X-Mode

X-Mode is an electronic driving aid in Subaru vehicles that assists in off-roading and inclement weather conditions. The video explains how X-Mode works by adjusting the engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system, and vehicle dynamic control system to improve traction and control.

💡Eyesight System

The Eyesight system is a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies in Subaru vehicles that includes features like pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control. The video discusses the pros and cons of the Eyesight system, noting that it can be intrusive and has limitations in certain weather conditions.

💡Auto Stop Start

Auto Stop Start is a feature in modern vehicles that automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, such as at traffic lights, to save fuel. The video mentions that this feature has been added to newer Forester models but is often seen as annoying by Subaru owners due to its impact on the driving experience.

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