Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Decent off-road ability
- Great practicality in a compact package
- Mechanically reliable
We wouldn't...
We'd be cautious
We would...
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...
Based on the second-generation Impreza platform and featuring multiple fine-tune 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.
Based on the second-generation Impreza platform and featuring multiple fine-tune 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.
Based on the second-generation Impreza platform and featuring multiple fine-tune 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.
Body style:
Engine & outputs:
Power:
Torque:
Transmissions:
Fuel use:
Dimensions:
Body style:
Engine & outputs:
Power:
Torque:
Transmissions:
Fuel use:
Dimensions:
Body style:
Engine & outputs:
Power:
Torque:
Transmissions:
Fuel use:
Dimensions:
Warranty:
3 year/unlimited kilometre
Servicing:
6 months or 12,500kms
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.
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.
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Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of July 23, 2021.
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.
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