Subaru Forester 2008-2012 used car review

The Subaru Forester is a small SUV that is good on the road and better than most in rough conditions. It's great value.

Richard Edwards

Expert Reviewer | Auto Media Group

Exterior

Drive

Safety

Value

Interior

Overall score , 3.6 out of 5

The good

Comfortable, spacious and airy interior
Better in tricky conditions than other small SUVs
Good record of reliability

The not-so-good

Cambelt is costly to replace
Standard Japanese models could use more power
Imports lack the safety features of NZ cars

Inside and out

On the road

Safety

Reliability

Cost of ownership

Buyers’ guide

Japanese imports

New Zealand-new

Timeline

Details

Review vehicle

2009 Subaru Forester XS

Price

$8,500 to $12,000 for models that have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km

Transmission

Four-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

Engine

2-litre four-cylinder, 109kW/196Nm (claimed)

Fuel economy

8.2-litres per 100km (claimed)

Fuel type

Regular

Safety rating

Four-star Used Car Safety Rating

Servicing

10,000km or 12 months

Spare wheel

Full-size spare

Length

4559mm

Width

1781mm

Height

1674mm

Towing capacity

720kg (unbraked), 1400kg (braked) (NZ model)

Turning circle

10.6m

Image gallery

Richard Edwards

Expert Reviewer | Auto Media Group

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