By Josh RosenbergIn today's very high-priced car market, many buyers are looking for "older" vehicles that have aged well as a way to save a chunk of hard earned dollars. Of course, this only has a chance of working out well if the buyer selects a model that has already proven its reliability over the long-term.
Subaru as a brand is known for producing vehicles with robust engineering and durability, and the Forester, in particular, has been praised for its reliability over the years. That said, history seems to have also proven that the 2010 Forester has more of a mixed reputation for reliability.
While many 2010 Forester owners were very satisfied with their experiences while putting on high mileage with little more than regular maintenance, there's also a significant minority that were disappointed by the need for significant or recurring repairs.
So here, ...
- We'll list the more common mechanical problems that some owners have experienced which should be checked before buying one today.
- Next, we'll take a look at the overall pros and cons of buying a 2010 Forester all these years later.
- Then we'll review its features as it was originally released in 2010.
- And finally, we'll suggest ways of buying one today at a low price.
But first, two very important suggestions ...
1. Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Forester:
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
2. Know How To Get The Lowest Used Car Price:
Get Dealers To Compete For your Business: When you are searching vehicles to possibly purchase, the following is the absolute best way to get the lowest price, and it is extremely easy and stress-free.
Just go to a national car listing site, (I happen to prefer CarsDirect.com for their massive dealer participation and ease of use, although others will get the job done as well) and find several listed vehicles that you may be interested in.
Then write something like the following in the "Check Availability" box or "Contact Dealer" box or whatever the site you are using uses.
"Hello, I've contacted several dealers about cars I am interested in and am looking for the best value. I am also a serious buyer planning to make a decision soon. Please send me your best out-the-door price. Thank you.
After receiving the offers, follow up by explaining that based on the price, you're leaning in another direction but still really like their car and would certainly consider another offer. When dealers drop out, you'll know you're at the best price.
Using the internet to get dealers to compete for your business is extremely important. More details on this and how to intereact with the dealers can be found here at Best Used Car Buying Techniques.
2010 Subaru Forester Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
The 2010 Forester has had a somewhat mixed reputation for reliability. Many owners have been pleased, while others have reported issues. Here are some of the more common problems reported by some owners that should be included in an inspection before buying:
Head gasket issues: Subaru engines, especially those around this time, were known for head gasket problems that could lead to oil leaks or overheating.
Rear wheel bearing failure: Some owners reported premature wear or failure of the rear wheel bearings, leading to noise or vibration.
Excessive oil consumption: Some Foresters experienced higher-than-normal oil consumption between oil changes, which could be due to piston ring wear.
Transmission issues: Some drivers reported problems with the automatic transmission, such as rough shifting or slipping.
Catalytic converter problems: Some owners report hearing a rattling from inside the converter which led to a loss of power and poor fuel efficiency.
Oxygen sensor issues: Cracks in the oxygen sensor, or failure, have been reported, leading to a rough running engine and a decline in fuel economy.
Suspension problems: Premature wear of suspension components like struts or control arms was reported by a few owners.
It's important to note that not all vehicles of this model year experienced these issues, and the severity can vary from car to car. Regular maintenance, timely inspections, and addressing issues as soon as they arise can often prevent or mitigate potential problems.
2010 Subaru Forester Pros
Lower purchase cost: Older models like the 2010 Forester generally have a lower upfront cost compared to newer models, making it a more affordable option for those looking to save money.
Depreciation: The older the vehicle, the less it will depreciate compared to a newer car. This can mean that the resale value might hold relatively well, especially if it's well-maintained.
Availability of spare parts: Being an older model, spare parts for the 2010 Forester might be more readily available and affordable compared to newer models, which could contribute to lower maintenance costs.
All-wheel drive: Subaru's AWD system is renowned for its capability in various weather conditions, providing excellent traction and stability.
Spacious interior: Compared to some competitors, the Forester offers ample passenger and cargo space, making it practical for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Good ground clearance: It sits higher than a typical car, giving it better off-road capability and ease in navigating rough terrain.
Safety features: Typically, Subaru models prioritize safety, and the Forester is no exception, often scoring well in crash tests and equipped with standard safety features.
2010 Subaru Forester Cons
Aging technology: The 2010 model will lack some of the newer technological features found in more recent models. This includes advancements in safety, infotainment, and driver-assistance systems.
Potential maintenance costs: An older vehicle might require more frequent maintenance or repairs due to wear and tear, which could eat away at the upfront savings over time.
Safety features: While the 2010 Forester has standard safety features, it does not have the latest safety advancements found in newer models, potentially impacting overall safety.
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Engine power: Some drivers find the Forester's engine to be underpowered, especially when carrying a full load or towing.
Interior materials: While spacious, the interior might feel less refined compared to some competitors, with materials that are not as high-quality.
Road noise: At higher speeds, road noise can be noticeable, which might detract from overall comfort, especially during long drives.
Fuel efficiency: Depending on driving conditions and engine choice, fuel efficiency might not be as impressive as some other vehicles in its class.
Styling: Opinions on the design can be polarizing. Some find it attractive and rugged, while others might see it as boxy or uninspiring.
2010 Subaru Forester Review
With its roomy interior, capable engines, standard all-wheel drive, comfortable drive and excellent safety scores, the 2010 Forester was once again among the leaders in the compact SUV segment.
After a total redesign for the 2009 model year, the Forester became larger than its earlier wagon-like models and closer to a more traditional SUV. Styling also took a more aggressive and rugged look, but the 2010 Forester still largely maintained its car-like performance due to a new double-wishbone rear suspension, wider front and rear tracks, and improved chassis rigidity.
There was also a few minor equipment changes. The previous Premium package became a separate trim level and also added a standard power driver seat. And gone was the L.L. Bean Edition trim level. Bluetooth connectivity was also added to the optional navigation system.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 Forester is available in a choice of five trims: 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Limited.
The base 2.5X is already quite decently equipped with standard features that include full power accessories, keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, 16 inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, a trip computer, a tilt steering column and a 4-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
The Forester 2.5X Premium then adds a panoramic sunroof, steering-wheel audio controls, 17 inch alloy wheels, an 8-way power driver seat, reclining rear seatbacks and roof rails.
Standard features added to the 2.5X Limited include leather upholstery, the All-Weather package (heated front seats, heated mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer), automatic climate control and a 6-speaker audio system with a 6-disc CD changer.
The Forester 2.5XT Premium model is very much like the 2.5X Premium but has a larger engine, a tilt and telescoping steering column, foglights, upgraded cloth upholstery and a 6-way manual driver seat (not power). The 2.5XT Limited then adds the power driver seat as well as the 2.5X Limited's additional features.
While the optional All-Weather package can be found on some 2.5X Premium models, stand-alone options to be found include satellite radio, an iPod interface, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and several exterior trim accent add-ons. And found on some Limited models is a navigation system with a touchscreen interface, Bluetooth, a single-CD player and an auxiliary audio/video input jack.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
All 2010 Foresters come with standard all-wheel drive, as do all Subarus. Under the hood of the 2.5X models is a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (flat) four-cylinder engine that pumps out 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. It's mated with a standard 5-speed manual transmission on the 2.5X and 2.5X Premium models, while a 4-speed automatic is an available option on these trims and standard on the 2.5X Limited.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for a Forester with this engine and automatic transmission is 20 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. It should be noted that the 2.5X models sold in California-emissions states have also earned a super-clean PZEV emissions rating.
The 2.5XT comes with a turbocharged version of this engine that's good for 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque. It's available with the 4-speed automatic transmission only. In performance tests, a 2.5XT was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in a very impressive 6.8 seconds. And gas mileage for this engine decreases only slightly to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Safety:
Standard safety equipment for all 2010 Foresters include antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front seat side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags.
The 2010 Subaru Forester also excelled in government crash tests by earning perfect five-out-of-five-star ratings in every frontal and side-impact protection category for both driver and passengers.
Interior:
The cabin of the 2010 Forester is well-designed, very functional and attractive. It's also one of the more spacious contenders in its class, as it falls in between a compact and midsize SUV (like the Toyota RAV4 And Honda CR-V). Passenger room is ample for an SUV this size and cargo capacity is an impressive 33.5 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seatback raised and 68.3 cubic feet when folded.
Drive:
While the bigger and taller Forester may have sacrificed some of its driving sportiness, it still possesses precise steering and a conveniently tight turning radius. And with its car-like maneuverability, it's provides one of the most comfortable drives in its class. Most drivers will likely find the tradeoff worth it.
Both engines are also quite competitive when it comes to power and fuel efficiency, although it would be even better with an automatic transmission with more than four gears. Overall, however, the 2010 Subaru Forester is a very capable performer, particularly in 2.5XT form.