Subaru Forester S4 (2013-2018) Questions & Answers

So it would be the 2.0D L, as it doesnt have the sunroof and driver assist etc.

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.

Doesn't this model have a reversing camera with distance marking overlay? If so, you don't need reversing sensors - you can see what's going on back there!

Graeme, in short no, and no. Firstly these expensive extended warranties are really a waste of money and I would not buy one. A lot of them aren't value for money at all, impose conditions in the small print to restrict servicing by dealer only, and really only exist to make more profit for the dealer. Secondly, my previous 2011 Outback did 240,000kms and did not have any issues with electronics or ECU. 65,000km is low, you should not expect any issues and would still be covered by Subaru factory warrantyt.
I have not heard this being an issue at all. My other previous cars (a Toyota Kluger and a Holden Commodore also did 200k + and neither had any problems of this nature. Others may have a different opinion. Hope that helps.

Makes me wonder why they want you to take out an extended warranty, only 65,000 klms on the clock.

Its like those extended warranties on whitegoods, TVs and so on.

Get them to include it in the price, otherwise, give it a miss.

If the car is of the high quality and ratings it claims, why should you have OBD problems?

I wouldn't buy a Forester anyway.

Thank you for your information.

Did you check to see what the oil level was when you first purchased it. If not, there may not have been much to start with.

Look underneath the car to see if there is an oil leak. Perhaps the oil filter has not been screwed in fully. If there is no obvious oil on the outside of the engine, then check the coolant and see if there is any oil in that. If there is no oil leak outside or no oil in the coolant, does it blow blue smoke when first started or at any time. If so it is burning oil.

You should change the oil every 12,500 km or every 12 months. Leaving it longer can result in what has happened to you. Your loss of power could be the result of overheating due to no oil.

Time to take it to a mechanic, cop the cost and change the oil regularly in future.

I have never taken it on to sand or on a beach, but I don't think it would be any problem, it is usual when driving on sand in any vehilce to let some air pressure out of your tyres. Off road, I haven't done any serious off roading in it, just fire trails, dirt / gravel roads in national parks etc, both wet and dry, and over snow covered roads going to ski areas, and it was always sure footed, never got stuck etc. as long as you are driving normally to the conditions. Has better ground clearance than most other jmid size SUV's. Also has X mode to assist with extra traction in difficult conditions, but have not had the need to use it yet.

It handles soft sand very well. I have been on beaches where heavy SUV's have ploughed through the sand making a real mess of it, my Forester travels over it with ease.

Very capable off road, watch some youtube clips, x mode is state of the art, sensing which wheel has traction and sending power to it and not so much to the spinning wheels, it also has downhill descent that does all the braking for you. One gripe, wet soft sand, chugs through it, but sand builds up on the inside of the rim, so when leaving the beach for the open road the wheels are out of balance. Have to get out and manually remove it. Probably a problem with most 4x4s

I have experienced absolutely no such issue - in fact I can report absolutely no issues with the 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5iS. No such issues reported in professional evaluations - http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/2015-subaru-forester-25i-s-review-31273

I am also considering buying a Forester but it seems there is a major problem with the oil control rings on the pistons. Subaru USA have admitted the problem and are replacing complete engine short blocks, but sadly Subaru Australia are denying the problem. Ive been a Mechanic for 27 years and oil consumption for a new vehicle is NOT NORMAL after the 1st 10000kms. Subaru say that 250ml per 1000km is normal. Absolute rubbish! They need to man up and admit the fault. I will definitely not be buying a Subaru now!

Motoring journalists evaluate features, performance, ride, handling, etc but cannot assess long-term reliability and oil consumption in the short time they have the cars so their assessment and recommendations are often contrary to those of long term owners. I have been a car enthusiast for over 50 years and have modified and raced cars in my younger days and still enjoy driving a couple of classic cars I own. I extensively research and drive any new car I buy now and have found many motoring journalists' reports misleading. The "Dog & Lemon Guide" is always worth reading before buying a car for a warts and all evaluation.

Hi, my friends had a 2002 so I know your model. The 2015 is much higher but not as high as a LandCruiser so you don't need a "runner bar". My mum is 86, my mother in law 80 and father in law 91. We take them out in our 2015 model every week. Their heights vary from 4'10", but mum will insist 5' to 6' 4" and they all find it very easy to get in and out of. My husband is about to get his hips replaced and given his height access was very important to us. We find this "mid range" SUV perfect.

In terms of the 2015 and 2016 the safety features are really great as is the economy. There are different models and from memory there is a 2.0l Petrol, 2.5 l Petrol, 2.5l Petrol Turbo and then the diesels. Having researched many websites globally and then going for test drives the 2.5l Petrol is much better than the 2.0l. We didn't go for the Diesel as the research told me that given we leave the car for long periods when we are travelling overseas and because we mainly do small runs around town, the petrol is a better option. We didn't need the turbo because my husband doesn't need anymore speeding fines!

There are base models but we really wanted the extras that were included in the model we bought because it gave us the additional safety features and leather seats (note the sides and backs are vinyl). We didn't think we would need the safety features as much as we now realise are better than expected for example when you are driving on the freeway and have the car in the "auto mode - I forget the right term", it will automatically slow down to the speed in front of you. This means if you have your speed limit set to 100 and the car in front slows for some reason say to 90, your car will automatically slow down. You can set the distance that this kicks in too.

The reversing camera is brilliant but I would definitely add the rear and parking sensors. I would check out the Accessory packages and match what you need for your lifestyle. We didn't get a tow bar fitted because our adult children would have seen it and had us moving their rubbish around every Saturday!

In terms of newer models it is interesting to note that the 2015 model was $10,000 cheaper apparently due to the Free Trade Agreement with Japan. Therefore you will probably find the pricing of secondhand cars may not be that different to the newer model. We also founds that we could negotiate a good price that was equivalent to any demo model pricing.

From my research there haven't been any recalls and apparently faults in previous models have now been rectified.

My only problem is that I don't drive my beemer that is sitting gathering dust in the garage now as I love driving the Subaru.

I hope this helps. Remember, if you don't spend your money your children surely will.

regards ab

Hi Mauricek
Regarding the ride comfort, providing you keep to the standard wheel and tyre size you should be very happy, also forward visionis is excellent. I am very happy with comfort and the ease of entry and exit of the vehicle as I am in the same age bracket as yourself, the hand grab rail above the door is a great help when getting in and out of vehicle.
Live your dream Mauricek, buy the vehicle that suits your needs and comfort. You earned the money now spoil yourself and wife and spend it wizely.

My mother in law was in a wheelchair and preferred manouvering herself into our Forester over our (much lower) Hyundai i30. However I think the new XVs are higher riding than the old ones. Why not drop into a dealer and try getting in and out of the Forester and the new XV? Try before you buy!
Cheers skip

I have not heard about this here, but I always had my car serviced on time so may not have noticed.

A Subaru salesman told me they eat so much oil there is a std policy that you take it to any Subaru dealer and they will top up the oil for free (could be [bad word removed] but it seems to reinforce the oil consumption issue of the boxer mtr)

Well, I have been monitoring my Forester's engine oil level very closely, from service to service and am glad to say it seems to have no oil consumption issue. It has 22,000 on the odometer. I wonder why do they have oil issues in the U.S.? Everything else is excellent on the Forester, acceleration is very good for a 2.5l engine( with 2 people on board)! I like it's performance and finish.
R.P.

Sorry, I can't comment on this one regarding my 2013 diesel and have heard nothing form other Subaru owners re the Forester XT.

Garry

You might have meant to write accelerator pedal and not the brake pedal

No I meant the brake

Hi Alan, I would hate to spoil the reputation of such a solid looking vehicle but my 2013 Forester XS Premium also does the same. Can't figure out what's the reason, as this happens very sporadically.
R.P.

Hi, I would be interested if Alan or anyone else has been able to find out what causes the momentary power lose in 2013 Forester .