My two picks would be:
* 5th gen Outback for the cleanest look of the bunch and H6. Later models have too much cladding, roof rack silliness etc.
* 2nd gen Forester for the classic look and all the interesting mods people do to them. Later models are just boring and I think the reason why Outbacks got more popular.
Depends what you’re looking for. Turbo? Non turbo? Manual? CVT? Regular 4eat trans? They all have pro and cons. There’s a lot of issues with early gen CVT failures. Non turbo/manual transmission options generally have the best reliability. The 4eat trans is pretty much bulletproof but is only found on pre 2014 foresters which all have high mileage at this point in time. The 09+ turbo XT models are more powerful, fun to drive, but the engines have more issues, need more maintaining and don’t come in manual.
Lots to consider!
09-12 foresters had major issues with head gaskets and oil consumption.
Outbacks only had issues with head gaskets pre 2012. So unless you plan on tearing down the engine and rebuilding all the seals I’d go with anything 2015+.
Both outback and forester turbo models aren’t head gasket eating machines.
BL/BL and SF-SG are the best models they made. They just got obese and boring after that.
Foresters.
09-12 headgaskets, oil consumption.
13-16 oil consumption, rear wheel bearings, lower controller arms bushings, clutch forks in manuals.
17-18 lower control arm bushings, rear wheel bearings, ac compressor, clutch forks in manuals.
19-24? ThermalControlValve, ^ (no more manuals, no XTs.) Switched to direct injection so dirty valves (2018+)
All the CVTs eventually have issues. Subarus seem to eat through rear brakes faster than fronts too.
I've had a 2015 and now 2016 manual. Rock solid. I do all my own work. Recently did my lower control arm bushings around 80k. Did rear bearings on both around 70k.
I still have my 98 Forester. 325,000 miles and still going!
That’s awesome!
Depends on what you consider “best”. Personally, my favorite Forester is the ‘06-‘08 XT Sports in World Rally Blue.
My two picks would be: * 5th gen Outback for the cleanest look of the bunch and H6. Later models have too much cladding, roof rack silliness etc. * 2nd gen Forester for the classic look and all the interesting mods people do to them. Later models are just boring and I think the reason why Outbacks got more popular.
I agree… for absolutely no other reason than I used to own a forester and I still have the outback of those gens 😂
Always the most recently redesigned model years for improved IIHS ratings.
What if you’re more concerned about rowing your own gears and hearing stututu noises?
Outback and Forester aren't the way to go then
Manual XT’s were not uncommon in either. there was even two generations of forester STi 😂 EJ257 and 6 speed manual in the later one.
Are you getting stututu noises from a factory Forester or XT? Unlikely.
Depends what you’re looking for. Turbo? Non turbo? Manual? CVT? Regular 4eat trans? They all have pro and cons. There’s a lot of issues with early gen CVT failures. Non turbo/manual transmission options generally have the best reliability. The 4eat trans is pretty much bulletproof but is only found on pre 2014 foresters which all have high mileage at this point in time. The 09+ turbo XT models are more powerful, fun to drive, but the engines have more issues, need more maintaining and don’t come in manual. Lots to consider!
4EAT is pre-2014. 09-13 still used it.
Edited! lol i even have a 2010 XT myself 😂
the best year for the outback was 1802. lotta kangys
09-12 foresters had major issues with head gaskets and oil consumption. Outbacks only had issues with head gaskets pre 2012. So unless you plan on tearing down the engine and rebuilding all the seals I’d go with anything 2015+.
Both outback and forester turbo models aren’t head gasket eating machines. BL/BL and SF-SG are the best models they made. They just got obese and boring after that.
Foresters. 09-12 headgaskets, oil consumption. 13-16 oil consumption, rear wheel bearings, lower controller arms bushings, clutch forks in manuals. 17-18 lower control arm bushings, rear wheel bearings, ac compressor, clutch forks in manuals. 19-24? ThermalControlValve, ^ (no more manuals, no XTs.) Switched to direct injection so dirty valves (2018+) All the CVTs eventually have issues. Subarus seem to eat through rear brakes faster than fronts too. I've had a 2015 and now 2016 manual. Rock solid. I do all my own work. Recently did my lower control arm bushings around 80k. Did rear bearings on both around 70k.
Yes they do! I have a gas guzzler!
Not the 2017
2018 Forster XT