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Subaru Forester S4 (2013-2018)
2.5i-S, 2.5i-L, XT Premium, etc...PetermPerth, WA
- 5 reviews
- 1 like
the best for this category of car
After test driving a number of other vehicles in this category including the Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Rav 4, we concluded that the Forester had a lot more bang for buck and drove much nicer than the other cars. The Nissan X-Trail came closest and was a very quiet and smooth ride but the Forrester just came with more tech and had really good vision from the enlarged front, rear and side windows. We had a battery fail and Subaru covered this under warranty without any issues.
The transmission (CVT) is great and shifts real...Read more
Purchased in June 2021 at Subaru Dealers for $30,000.00.
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Daniel
- 3 reviews
- 2 likes
Ticks many boxes, very versatile.
With baby on board we decided to upgrade the Impreza to a Forester as we needed the extra space and enjoy heading out on camping trips. The sedan wasn't cutting it any longer. I've been generally unimpressed with the performance of previous cars so this was an opportunity to pick up something with a bit more oomph. I test drove the current version and whilst nicely packaged, the performance was lacking and reminded me of the Impreza and some engine whine. With a bit of searching and test driving, I managed to pick up one of the very last XTs fu...Read more
lly optioned for a great price down at Subaru Docklands. Good sales process overall. About 3.5 months in now, the car is going well. I ensure to warm it up each time and most of the driving has been city based which is not great on the fuel efficiency side TBH. Over 12 litres per 100, with some motorway driving into the high 9s. Have had a couple longer country trips and this brings the fuel consumption into high 7s. So I think the official numbers are not accurate but that's usually the case with most cars from what I've read. But on the other hand, the performance is there on demand and it really goes. Not many cars in this category and price range that can complete. Also it's very sturdy and a comfortable ride on rough roads. Lots of features in the XT premium category. I like the adaptive cruise, lane assistant is good, autonomous breaking a little too sensitive but has helped me on a couple occasions at the start. Excellent sound system. Great outward sight (including huge sunroof) and easy to judge dimensions so it feels like a nice and compact SUV. Stepping up to a proper 4WD would be a bit too much for city parking and was not preferred by my partner. Overall, I really enjoy driving the car and it's perfect for a small family. Time will tell but the experience so far with Subaru has been positive and their cars seem reliable.
Purchased in May 2021 at Subaru Docklands.
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AnonSydney, NSW
- 5 reviews
Love this car.
Great for everyday use in suburban and off road. So great for camping because high ground clearance (same as land cruiser). AWD is great.
If serviced regularly it's a Good reliable car.
Purchased in February 2021.
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RaresenseSydney, NSW
- 8 reviews
- 22 likes
- Forester S4 XT Premium
- Verified purchase
Safe, Reliable and wonderful car to drive! Highy Recommend!
I have a my18 XT Premium Forester, for the uninitiated that’s means a petrol turbo charged, symmetrical All Wheel Drive vehicle with leather interior. I owned it since new for nearly 18mths with over 32,000 km travelled.
Coming from a Highway Patrol background and presently being a National Road Safety and Compliance Manager for a global company, I have over 30 years experience in road safety and collision investigations, I cannot give a higher recommendation than I personally entrust this vehicle to convey my most precious cargo of two kid...Read more
s 9 and 7, .... alright and the minister for war and finance (wife) as she’s hovering around me as I write. It is often brushed over or dismissed by reviewers that don’t understand crash dynamics the actual benefits of “Symmetrical” AWD that only Subaru offer standard from a general road handling and holding in all conditions but it seriously rises above all others in adverse conditions where the traction is second to non. Add to this all the safety technology and wizardry and you have an amazing vehicle for the money. From a safety background it’s the attention to detail to safety that makes this car a true champion of champions. The seating position and driver ergonomics are in a word “brilliant” giving excellent all round vision even to the placement of side mirrors to minimise obstruction in usual blind spot at the front in some other brands. The “eyesight” features along with all the other multifaceted safety features come together in concert to deliver a premium safety package far beyond the price paid delivering true value for money. I must mention here that impact forces in collision are massive that I’ve seen Subaru handle in real world collision situations extremely well protecting the occupants from potential serious or fatal injuries. This is due to Subaru’s clever design and impact crumple zones again often overlooked by reviewers. Let me explain, they have a boxer motor (flat) that it actually designed go under the vehicle not into front seat occupants as normal raised engines do in frontal impacts, as I’ve seen previously in serious or fatal collisions. I would not dismiss this fact, seriously clever and smart. You only need one collision whether you are in the right or wrong the laws of physics and impact forces come into play and it is always better to put the odds in your favour as you can’t have a dress rehearsal. I have also been towing an Adria caravan since December 2018 that’s 1.6 ton fully laden albeit to my wife that appears to be trying to impersonate a gifted prophet of carry enough food to feed as well as clothe the 5000 whilst allocating me enough space for 1 pair of underpants, singlet and socks...although I still waiting for her to turn water into wine for medicinal purposes only to no avail! So, I recently towed it for 4,200 Klm over 3 weeks up steep hills in extreme temperatures 45 degree heat and all terrains and with the turbo model these hills were not noticed. It is extremely comfortable for all passengers and my two kids under 9 love it, especially albeit perfectly their back seat driving techniques vide watching all instruments inciting entertaining back seat driving conversations genetically passed on by the mobile handbrake aka Clayton driving instructor that has had more prangs than Evil Kaneval in front passenger seat (wife)- but seriously they all love the seat and door pockets. It has the perfect carry space for our “soccer” kit.... yes dad.... alas our AFL gene was not dominant here compared to the dark side (in-laws)! That said, the Forester has never failed us for room.Purchased in October 2021 at Trivett Subaru Paramatta for $47,500.00.
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Clark KentSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 27 reviews
XT: Amazing ride quality, effortless torque, Swiss Army knife of SUV’s
I researched for 3 months solid prior to this Subaru Forester XT purchase, looking at all options in the market.
Why did I arrive at this decision?
1. Off-road capability was one of the better among its peers( 220mm ground clearance, LSD effect on both axles using suitable parameters on the ABS, and centre proportioning diff. Excellent approach, departure and ramp over angles.
2. The Subaru Forester XT’s Ability to engage ourselves with its driving dynamics via its chassis balance, solid power down ability under all conditions via it's perman...Read more
Purchased in January 2021 at Subaru Dealers.
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Marco NiereGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- 17 reviews
- 1 like
TERRIBLE is an Understatement: AVOID Poor Quality and Over Hyped
AVOID like the plague Poor Quality and Over Hyped: Where do I start. I seriously can not believe how many people are brainwashed and suckered into thinking Subaru are a high quality brand.
First of many negatives: Crap build quality, aesthetically UGLY and multiple faults both before and after the warranty expired. Seriously I can't believe its a Japanese company ( I recon its an Indonesian company posing as a Japanese brand). Never again will i consider this brand (unless they gave me the car for free!), and pity the suckers (like me) who ge...Read more
t sold on all the hype. I had multiple problems: Radiator only lasted 5 years and had to be replaced at high cost, power window motors died out after 4 years, constant electrical problems and the fuel economy is like a V8. Resale value was poor. My cousin also had a Subaru and after the warranty expired the manual transmission packed it in: $10K to repair. Everyone I know who has owned them has has complained about multiple problems. Be warned Service and spare parts are an absolute rip off, the brand is way way over rated hence my new name for the brand Junk-aru. Would only recommend to my enemies and politicians. If there was a negative 5 star rating that would be generous. Do your self a favor buy a real Japanese brand like Mazda or Honda not this imposer. They are really the most overrated hyped up brand would only have one if it was free.Purchased in October 2021 for $41,000.00.
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AliG
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Serious Design Flaws and Product Issues
I have a 2012 Forester which I have always looked after it and now having head gasket leaking issues after only 40,000km!!!
always serviced it in the dealership and let me tell you, log book service is really expensive, major ones costed me ~$900 and it is every 6m.never been off road and never towed anything with it…they reported the leak first service after warranty was finished. Now call me cynical but I have a feeling that they kindda ignored it while it was under warranty…I’m finding now it is a common problem due to design and material o...Read more
Purchased in May 2021.
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mike4005
- 2 reviews
This is a fantastic car
A great and very safe car, ideal in traffic or on long intercity drives. Its very economical, very comfortable. I would recommend this vehicle to any person looking for a safe vehicle. Its also great value, cheep to insure and has a 10year warranty great boot, in fact I love it
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ALixBrisbane
- 4 reviews
- Forester S4 2.5i-S
- Verified purchase
Best family car
I got this car because I was starting a family and it hasn’t disappointed me yet. It’s a smooth drive and is the perfect size for the fam.
It is super spacious - I think because there is many windows and it’s a boxy-ish car now like the slick back type Rav 4 (which I was going to get).
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DavidAH
- 4 reviews
- 5 likes
- Forester S4 2.5i-S
- Verified purchase
Perfect for us
This is our third Forester and have had it for almost 3 years now. It's been excellent with absolutely no issues. I find it's performance more than adequate and is so much better than competitors AWDs on indifferent quality roads (and I've driven most of the competitors for my work in rural areas) with the full-time all wheel drive being a major benefit. I see no reason to change it for many years to come (although the new model looks a bit enticing).
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sarahGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- 13 reviews
Spacious functional wagon
Bought our Forester in 2014 and nothing has ever gone wrong since. It is very spacious for transporting large teenage boys around which is the best thing plus lots of boot space.
It cruises very well on long journeys, absorbs the bumps, and seems fuel efficient.
The only two annoying things are the automatic engine switch off which I find very irritating and you whilst you can turn it off for each journey, the default is always on. The other thing is it's not that attractive looking, a bit boring in my opinion but, it does the job and I'd highly recommend it for a family car with great safety features.
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AbbaCaboolture
- 5 reviews
- 1 like
Perfect car for the family
I brought this car on 2015 and I love it.Its perfect car for my family and we have been in this car for few long trips and it is absolute pleasure to drive this car.The safety features are terrific.And then again,it efficiency is great and gives great mileage, its very smooth to drive around.
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KarenMelbourne
- 15 reviews
- 16 likes
Absolutely love the Forester
I bought my 2016 Subaru Forester 5 months ago after looking at several different make of cars. I had previously driven ford falcons for the last 20 yrs I love the Forester. Its fun to drive, smooth and very stable on the road in all weather conditions. It has plenty of pep and excellent vision all around. The seat is at the perfect hight for me, I just slide in and out which puts no strain on my arthritic knees as do cars that are lower or higher to get in and out of. I'm not very tech savy but have had no trouble using the interface. It did take a while to work out what all the controls do but they are all easily accessed from the drivers seat. Fuel economy is around 6.4 country/freeways and 8.4 city.
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FordAdelaide
- 10 reviews
- Forester S4 2.5i-L
- Verified purchase
Good vehicle wife loves it!
Recently upgraded to the new Forester from our older Outback. Second Subaru and love the dependability of the car, it has taken a bit of getting used to the key less entry as previous cars all had keys. The drive of the car is faultless and comfortable and teaching our daughter on her "L"s to drive in the new car has been quite easy and she is more than comfortable with its size.
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TristanBurpengary
- 9 reviews
- 4 likes
Love it
really good handling love it I totally love it not a lot of noise in the car comfortable seats, average legroom, good Dashboard not expensive at all for a car! quite hard to connect up with bluetooth, didn't like the stereo, so it is an average car i reckon. ok
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TravisPerth, WA
- 9 reviews
Terrible stereo can only be paired to 1 phone!
The vehicle is a good solid ride. People who want to spice it up and select sports mode, or switch to economy mode, there is none of that. Put it in drive and there is only one setting. The stock tyres Geolanders seemed to generate a bit of road noise. The biggest annoyance is the stereo. It is crazy hard to setup and pair bluetooth and the system only has room to store one phone. The bluetooth always disconnects 5 minutes into the drive but switching off the stereo and doing some random things seems to reconnect it. Thank goodness it is relatively easy to replace it really is well below expectations from a modern vehicle.
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RazaSydney
Very Disappointed !
Extremely disappointed after purchasing new XT Premium 2016 model.
Very very annoying CVT transmission, jerky, you cant able to control the slow speed.
Very very bad steering and poor handling, have to hold steering with both hands all the times because it always shaky.
Bad Fuel economy
Bad road control, vehicle shakes alot on highways.
Sat NAV is totally useless
Herman Cardin speakers are not impressive, it sounds like pretty standard speakers.
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Shantell W
- 5 reviews
- 4 likes
Perfect car for everyday.
I love my forester. I purchased it just under 1year ago and I couldn't be happier. Previously I owned and Mitsubishi outlander, I wasn't never 100% happy with it but I have now found my perfect car. It has got everything I have wanted in my car and I and able to use it for my daily drive as well as taking it camping and fishing in the weekend with my major adjustment. The biggest down fall would have to be the fact that it has Pandora installed but is no longer available in Australia and no way of removing it or adding other apps to replace it. I have also be unable to sync my new phone to the Bluetooth system which is a huge inconvenience for me, as I spend a lot of time in my car daily.
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2014 forester
Great car, love it, paid 37k for a car that we thought would last 10 to 15 years or at least 150k . but at 12k had to have a new motor fitted due to failed main bearings. At 0k we complained that the new motor sounded like the old one, at 34k another new motor, failed main bearings,cams and supports, Now number 3 new motor at 0km make same bottom end rattle as the other 2, glad for the 5 year warranty but what happens when that runs out, CVT trans has a lot to be desired as wll, slow shifting from R to D, lurching at lite throttle, will never buy another Subaru
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SarenaSydney
- 8 reviews
- 1 like
MY18 Forester XT - best decision ever
With Bub arriving, it was time for an upgrade. This was the best decision ever. The seats are really comfortable, especially sitting at the back with Bub. I am easily car sick and the forester was sturdy enough for me that I wouldn’t be sick in the back even if I was travelling for an hour. Favourite features are the front arm rest in the middle, leg room at the back, and keyless lock and unlock technology.
Only negative I can say is the GPS isn’t great and sometimes gives a route that doesn’t make sense. Otherwise we’re very happy
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Questions & Answers
Hussainasked
Hi guys,
I am about to purchase a outback or forester in next few weeks. But I am really confused which one I would go for, pretty much I know ab both the vehicle specifications.
Though I want to know which one be more reliable to use for a family trips and cit driving all?
I am looking for top of the range model in both model, can anyone help me in this case?
3 answers
I think it all depends on what size you want and which model suits your needs best. I drove both but prefer the Forester. It just felt more comfortable to me.
Thank you Karen, anyway I’ll test drive the forester and decide which one I go for
Just bought the top of the range 2022 forester in December abd I am 100% happy. Have done almost 5000kms already. Easier to drive and park than my previous Ford Focus due to much better visibility, height and of course the cameras. The auto transmission is much smoother. I was worried initially about getting another CVT after my experience with the Focus. Fuel consumption currently 8 4/100kms. I feel safe, drives smoothly and is quiet. The driver recognition camera seems a bit glitchy as it doesn't always recognize me when i get it but my son who also drives it never has the same problem despite this I haven't regretted my purchase.
Ronasked
2015 Forester 2.5Si. The touch screen is not visible in the sunlight, and the reverse camera at night shows static. Is there a fix or replacement of a better quality? Is so, where from and how much? Cheers
No answers
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