Subaru Forester-2

Used Subaru Forester (SG) review

2002 - 2008

Likes

  • Excellent value for money
  • Decent off-road ability
  • Great practicality in a compact package
  • Mechanically reliable

Dislikes

  • Low levels of safety compared to rivals
  • Susceptible to mechanical issues
  • Not all that fuel efficient
  • Turbo models may be badly modified

Stuff you should know

Based on the second-generation Subaru Impreza platform and featuring multiple fine-tuned improvements over the previous generation, the second-generation Forester offers something practical, capable and reliable, while also being affordable, fun and enjoyable to drive.

Produced from 2002 to 2008 and substantially updated in 2005, the Forester was available in primarily three different trim levels in Australia with the fire-breathing STi variant becoming recently available thanks to changes to Australia’s vehicle import laws.

However, Subarus of this generation can be guilty of certain mechanical unreliability, excessive oil and fuel use and a recommendation to purchase requires some homework first.

Subaru Forester-2 Subaru Forester-3 Subaru Forester-4 Subaru Forester-5 Subaru Forester-6 Subaru Forester-7 Subaru Forester-8 Subaru Forester-9 Subaru Forester-10 Subaru Forester-11 Subaru Forester-12 Subaru Forester-13 Subaru Forester-14 Subaru Forester-15 Subaru Forester-16 Subaru Forester-17 Subaru Forester-18

What goes wrong

  • Oil cooler gasket leaks on XT and STi variants
  • Oil filter and cam seals can leak oil
  • Check for all oil leaks, if they seem major, do not buy that Forester
  • Wheels bearings known to wear at as early as 60,000kms
  • Rear suspension components (especially self levelling) can wear heavily. Check for excessive rear-end squat
  • Check for worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, wheel bearings and CV joint boots
  • Timing belt needs replacing at every 100,000kms (this is a critical change)
  • Along with the timing belt, the water pump, thermostat, the platinum and iridium plugs, belt tensioner and all the idler pulleys for the belt should also be replaced
  • Foresters fitted with 2.5-litre EJ series of engines are more likely to suffer a head gasket failure than their 2.0-litre counterparts. (Contrary to popular belief, the turbocharged DOHC 2.5-litre EJ255 and EJ25 power units are less prone to a head gasket failure than the SOHC 2.5-litre EJ253)
  • Automatic transmissions at 200,000kms can have catastrophic failures
  • If the turbocharger in one of the XT or STi variants fail, it can send fine metallic particles all throughout the intake system and in some cases take the entire engine with it. Failure is generally caused by a bearing in the turbo. (Check for distinctive blue/grey smoke, the engine burning lots of oil, slow acceleration or if the boost pressure comes on late
  • Oil cooler gasket leaks on XT and STi variants
  • Oil filter and cam seals can leak oil
  • Check for all oil leaks, if they seem major, do not buy that Forester
  • Wheels bearings known to wear at as early as 60,000kms
  • Rear suspension components (especially self levelling) can wear heavily. Check for excessive rear-end squat
  • Check for worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, wheel bearings and CV joint boots
  • Timing belt needs replacing at every 100,000kms (this is a critical change)
  • Along with the timing belt, the water pump, thermostat, the platinum and iridium plugs, belt tensioner and all the idler pulleys for the belt should also be replaced
  • Foresters fitted with 2.5-litre EJ series of engines are more likely to suffer a head gasket failure than their 2.0-litre counterparts. (Contrary to popular belief, the turbocharged DOHC 2.5-litre EJ255 and EJ25 power units are less prone to a head gasket failure than the SOHC 2.5-litre EJ253)
  • Automatic transmissions at 200,000kms can have catastrophic failures
  • If the turbocharger in one of the XT or STi variants fail, it can send fine metallic particles all throughout the intake system and in some cases take the entire engine with it. Failure is generally caused by a bearing in the turbo. (Check for distinctive blue/grey smoke, the engine burning lots of oil, slow acceleration or if the boost pressure comes on late
  • Oil cooler gasket leaks on XT and STi variants
  • Oil filter and cam seals can leak oil
  • Check for all oil leaks, if they seem major, do not buy that Forester
  • Wheels bearings known to wear at as early as 60,000kms
  • Rear suspension components (especially self levelling) can wear heavily. Check for excessive rear-end squat
  • Check for worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, wheel bearings and CV joint boots
  • Timing belt needs replacing at every 100,000kms (this is a critical change)
  • Along with the timing belt, the water pump, thermostat, the platinum and iridium plugs, belt tensioner and all the idler pulleys for the belt should also be replaced
  • Foresters fitted with 2.5-litre EJ series of engines are more likely to suffer a head gasket failure than their 2.0-litre counterparts. (Contrary to popular belief, the turbocharged DOHC 2.5-litre EJ255 and EJ25 power units are less prone to a head gasket failure than the SOHC 2.5-litre EJ253)
  • Automatic transmissions at 200,000kms can have catastrophic failures
  • If the turbocharger in one of the XT or STi variants fail, it can send fine metallic particles all throughout the intake system and in some cases take the entire engine with it. Failure is generally caused by a bearing in the turbo. (Check for distinctive blue/grey smoke, the engine burning lots of oil, slow acceleration or if the boost pressure comes on late

Should you buy it?

Buying a Subaru Forester (SG) depends on the Forester you’re looking at.

A Forester with a full and thorough service history, in excellent condition, preferably with low kilometres, being sold by someone that seems honest and trustworthy, should be a good buy.

The right Forester is an excellent car and we cannot say this enough, if it has been maintained and cared for correctly, it should be a very reliable vehicle.

However, if the Forester you’re looking at has no or minimal service history, has clearly not been looked after, is drenched in red flags and the person selling it seems even slightly dodgy, no, do not buy it.

Buying a Subaru Forester (SG) depends on the Forester you’re looking at.

A Forester with a full and thorough service history, in excellent condition, preferably with low kilometres, being sold by someone that seems honest and trustworthy, should be a good buy.

The right Forester is an excellent car and we cannot say this enough, if it has been maintained and cared for correctly, it should be a very reliable vehicle.

However, if the Forester you’re looking at has no or minimal service history, has clearly not been looked after, is drenched in red flags and the person selling it seems even slightly dodgy, no, do not buy it.

Should you buy it?

Buying a Subaru Forester (SG) depends on the Forester you’re looking at.

A Forester with a full and thorough service history, in excellent condition, preferably with low kilometres, being sold by someone that seems honest and trustworthy, should be a good buy.

The right Forester is an excellent car and we cannot say this enough, if it has been maintained and cared for correctly, it should be a very reliable vehicle.

However, if the Forester you’re looking at has no or minimal service history, has clearly not been looked after, is drenched in red flags and the person selling it seems even slightly dodgy, no, do not buy it.

Need help with finance?

Personalise your quote

What is the car's build year?

2020

Loan Amount

$5,000

Finance estimate ~

$30

Per week*

8.49%

Comparison rate p.a#

*#Based on $5000 loan. 5 years, $0 deposit

Personalise your quote

More info

Models, pricing & features

Subaru Forester-2

GX

Price when new: $26,050 - $27,690

Price used: $1,700 - $2,900

Equipment

  • 4 Speaker Stereo
  • Body Colour – Bumpers
  • Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
  • Cruise Control
  • Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
  • Disc Brakes Rear Solid
  • Nudge Bar – Front
  • Power Door Mirrors
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows – Front & Rear
  • Radio Cassette
  • Roof Rails

MY99 update

  • Engine Immobiliser
  • Trim – Velour

MY00 update

  • Dual Range Transmission
  • Independent Rear Suspension
  • Intermittent Wipers

MY01 update

  • Woodgrain – Centre Console

MY02 update

  • Mudflaps – rear
  • Rear Wiper/Washer

Limited

Price when new: $30,280 - $31,990

Price used: $1,700 - $3,600

Adds

  • ABS (Antilock Brakes)
  • Air Conditioning
  • Airbag – Driver
  • Airbag – Passenger
  • Suspension – Auto Levelling

GT

Price when new: $35,450 - $38,700

Price used: $2,400 - $5,100

Adds

  • 16″ Alloy Wheels
  • Fog Lamps – Front
  • Leather Gear Knob
  • Leather Steering Wheel

MY00 update

  • Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
  • CD Player
  • Leather Hand Brake Lever

MY01 update

  • CD Stacker – 6 disc In Dash/Cabin

Special Edition Limited

Price when new: $33,190 - $33,800

Price used: $1,700 - $3,600

Adds

  • 15″ Alloy Wheels
  • Paint – Metallic

MY01 update

  • Air Cond. – Climate Control

Special Edition GX

Price when new: $28,750

Price used: $1,700 - $2,900

Adds

  • Paint – Two Tone

GX Special Edition

Price when new: $28,440

Price used: $1,800 - $3,000

Adds

  • CD Stacker – 6 disc

Limited Special Edition

Price when new: $32,740

Price used: $2,300 - $3,800

X

Price when new: $30,990 - $31,990

Price used: $2,200 - $6,800

Adds

  • Armrests – Front (Driver & Passenger)
  • Body Side Mouldings
  • Calipers – Front 2 Spot
  • EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
  • Independent Front Suspension
  • Integrated Security System
  • Intermittent Wipers – Variable
  • Limited Slip Diff
  • Metallic Finish Centre Console
  • Power Steering – Speed Sensitive

MY04 update

  • Chrome Grille Surround
  • Data Dots – Part Identifiers
  • Headrests – Active 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats

MY05 update

  • Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
  • Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
  • Sunvisor – Illuminated Vanity Mirrors Dual

MY06 update

  • Cup Holders – 1st Row
  • Cup Holders – 2nd Row
  • Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
  • Seatback Pockets – 1st Row (Front) seats
  • Sunglass Holder x2
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Driver
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Passenger
  • Trim – Cloth
  • Viscous Coupling

XS

Price when new: $34,490 - $34,990

Price used: $2,400 - $7,900

Adds

  • Body Side Mouldings – Colour Coded

MY05 update

  • 7 Speaker Stereo

MY06 update

  • Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)

XS Luxury

Price when new: $37,990 - $38,490

Price used: $2,600 - $8,800

Adds

  • Leather Trim (Incl. Seats
  • inserts)
  • Sunroof – Electric

MY06 update

  • Multi-function Steering Wheel

XT

Price when new: $39,490 - $40,990

Price used: $3,900 - $10,000

Adds

  • Cargo Blind – Rear
  • Drive By Wire (Electronic Throttle Control)
  • Headrests – Integrated 2nd Row
  • Seatbelt – Pretensioners 2nd Row(Rear Outer seats)

MY05 update

  • Steering Wheel – Sports
  • Sunroof

MY06 update

  • 17″ Alloy Wheels
  • Headlamp Washers
  • Headlamps – High Intensity Discharge

XT Luxury

Price when new: $42,990 - $44,490

Price used: $4,400 - $10,400

Adds

  • Leather Inserts in doors
  • Leather Seats

X Special Edition

Price when new: $31,990

Price used: $2,600 - $4,100

Adds

  • Cargo Liner
  • Floor Mats

X Weekender

Price when new: $31,990 - $33,790

Price used: $2,900 - $5,600

Adds

  • Cargo Mat
  • Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted

X Luxury

Price when new: $33,340 - $33,990

Price used: $3,900 - $6,100

Adds

  • Rear Windows – Extra Dark/Privacy

X Sports

Price when new: $32,490

Price used: $4,300 - $6,100

X Columbia

Price when new: $33,490

Price used: $5,800 - $7,800

Adds

  • Rear Step bumper
  • Storage Compartment – In Cargo Area

Tech specs

Body Styles

  • 5 door Wagon

Engine Specs

  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 90kW / 176Nm (GX 1997 – 1998, Limited 1997 – 1998)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 92kW / 184Nm (GX 1998 – 2002, Limited 1998 – 2002, Special Edition Limited 1999 – 2001, Special Edition GX 2001, GX Special Edition 2002, Limited Special Edition 2002)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 125kW / 240Nm (GT 1998 – 2000)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 130kW / 245Nm (GT 2000 – 2002)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 112kW / 223Nm (X 2002 – 2005, XS 2002 – 2005, XS Luxury 2002 – 2005, X Special Edition 2004, X Weekender 2005)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 155kW / 320Nm (XT 2003 – 2005, XT Luxury 2003 – 2005)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 121kW / 226Nm (X 2005 – 2008, XS 2005 – 2008, XS Luxury 2005 – 2008, X Weekender 2006, X Luxury 2006 – 2007, X Sports 2006, X Columbia 2007 – 2008)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 169kW / 320Nm (XT 2005 – 2008, XT Luxury 2005 – 2008)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (GX, Limited, GT, Special Edition Limited, Special Edition GX, GX Special Edition, Limited Special Edition, X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Special Edition, X Weekender, X Luxury, X Sports, X Columbia)
  • 4-speed Automatic (GX, Limited, GT, Special Edition Limited, Special Edition GX, GX Special Edition, Limited Special Edition, X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Special Edition, X Weekender, X Luxury, X Sports,

Body Styles

  • 5 door Wagon

Engine Specs

  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 90kW / 176Nm (GX 1997 – 1998, Limited 1997 – 1998)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 92kW / 184Nm (GX 1998 – 2002, Limited 1998 – 2002, Special Edition Limited 1999 – 2001, Special Edition GX 2001, GX Special Edition 2002, Limited Special Edition 2002)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 125kW / 240Nm (GT 1998 – 2000)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 130kW / 245Nm (GT 2000 – 2002)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 112kW / 223Nm (X 2002 – 2005, XS 2002 – 2005, XS Luxury 2002 – 2005, X Special Edition 2004, X Weekender 2005)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 155kW / 320Nm (XT 2003 – 2005, XT Luxury 2003 – 2005)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 121kW / 226Nm (X 2005 – 2008, XS 2005 – 2008, XS Luxury 2005 – 2008, X Weekender 2006, X Luxury 2006 – 2007, X Sports 2006, X Columbia 2007 – 2008)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 169kW / 320Nm (XT 2005 – 2008, XT Luxury 2005 – 2008)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (GX, Limited, GT, Special Edition Limited, Special Edition GX, GX Special Edition, Limited Special Edition, X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Special Edition, X Weekender, X Luxury, X Sports, X Columbia)
  • 4-speed Automatic (GX, Limited, GT, Special Edition Limited, Special Edition GX, GX Special Edition, Limited Special Edition, X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Special Edition, X Weekender, X Luxury, X Sports, X Columbia)

Fuel Consumption

  • 7.7 – 9.5 / 100km (GX, GX Special Edition)
  • 8.7 – 9.5 / 100km (Limited, Limited Special Edition)
  • 7.9 – 10.5 / 100km (GT)
  • 7.8 – 9.5 / 100km (Special Edition Limited, Special Edition GX)
  • 7.4 – 10.0 / 100km (X Special Edition)

Length

  • 0mm – 4530mm (All Models)

Width

  • 0mm – 1735mm (All Models)

Height

  • 0mm – 1595mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2525mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1320kg – 1495kg (All Models)

Towing

  • Unknown kg (unbraked) – 1800kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • Not tested (GX, Limited, GT, Special Edition Limited, Special Edition GX, GX Special Edition, Limited Special Edition, X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Weekender)
  • 4 stars, tested 2002 (X, X Special Edition)
  • 5 stars, tested 2003 (X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Weekender, X Luxury, X Sports)
  • 5 stars, tested 2008 (X, X Columbia, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Wagon

Engine Specs

  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 90kW / 176Nm (GX 1997 – 1998, Limited 1997 – 1998)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 92kW / 184Nm (GX 1998 – 2002, Limited 1998 – 2002, Special Edition Limited 1999 – 2001, Special Edition GX 2001, GX Special Edition 2002, Limited Special Edition 2002)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 125kW / 240Nm (GT 1998 – 2000)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 130kW / 245Nm (GT 2000 – 2002)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 112kW / 223Nm (X 2002 – 2005, XS 2002 – 2005, XS Luxury 2002 – 2005, X Special Edition 2004, X Weekender 2005)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 155kW / 320Nm (XT 2003 – 2005, XT Luxury 2003 – 2005)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 121kW / 226Nm (X 2005 – 2008, XS 2005 – 2008, XS Luxury 2005 – 2008, X Weekender 2006, X Luxury 2006 – 2007, X Sports 2006, X Columbia 2007 – 2008)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 169kW / 320Nm (XT 2005 – 2008, XT Luxury 2005 – 2008)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (GX, Limited, GT, Special Edition Limited, Special Edition GX, GX Special Edition, Limited Special Edition, X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Special Edition, X Weekender, X Luxury, X Sports, X Columbia)
  • 4-speed Automatic (GX, Limited, GT, Special Edition Limited, Special Edition GX, GX Special Edition, Limited Special Edition, X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Special Edition, X Weekender, X Luxury, X Sports, X Columbia)

Fuel Consumption

  • 7.7 – 9.5 / 100km (GX, GX Special Edition)
  • 8.7 – 9.5 / 100km (Limited, Limited Special Edition)
  • 7.9 – 10.5 / 100km (GT)
  • 7.8 – 9.5 / 100km (Special Edition Limited, Special Edition GX)
  • 7.4 – 10.0 / 100km (X Special Edition)

Length

  • 0mm – 4530mm (All Models)

Width

  • 0mm – 1735mm (All Models)

Height

  • 0mm – 1595mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2525mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1320kg – 1495kg (All Models)

Towing

  • Unknown kg (unbraked) – 1800kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • Not tested (GX, Limited, GT, Special Edition Limited, Special Edition GX, GX Special Edition, Limited Special Edition, X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Weekender)
  • 4 stars, tested 2002 (X, X Special Edition)
  • 5 stars, tested 2003 (X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Weekender, X Luxury, X Sports)
  • 5 stars, tested 2008 (X, X Columbia, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury)

Warranty & servicing

Warranty

  • 3 years / unlimited km (GX, Limited, GT, GX Special Edition, Limited Special Edition, X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Special Edition, X Weekender, X Luxury, X Sports, X Columbia)
  • 3 years / 0 km (GX, Limited, GT, Special Edition GX, Special Edition Limited)

Servicing

  • 12,500 km / 6 months (X, XS, XS Luxury, XT, XT Luxury, X Weekender, X Luxury, X Sports, X Columbia)

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Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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