Used 2005 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
Used Forester for sale
Great for the money
Kevin, 11/20/2009
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for the price/gas mileage rating and room for "work stuff" in the back. I did no background checking. Now with 111000 miles logged I have had no problems with this car. I do wish the gas mileage was a bit better but I live in the CO Rockies, lots of hill climbing. I like all the storage compartments but they took those out in the new 2010 model. Too bad. Over all a great car for this class, price & size.
Fun Subaru
John_vree, 09/13/2006
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Overall fun car to drive due to 200+ hp. Outstanding in bad weather (Des Moines in January) and lots of acceleration and good handling. We have hauled SUV loads of products from Sam's Club, etc, so interior storage is good. I don't get the 20 mpg from a 2005 4-banger. Highway mpg is about 25. Interior legroom for a 6'2" guy is limited. I guess you can't have it all.
Engine leaks and crappy transmission
Camelot, 01/01/2017
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought my Forester L.L. Bean from the original owner and got a very good price on it, but for most people I think Foresters are over priced and over rated. Made an annoying high pitch whistle after I first got it, that went away after a few months. Recently the head gasket blew so it's burning anti-freeze which smells awful but runs OK once warmed up. When it's cold it makes a chugging sound. Also leaks oil. I'm told this is common with old Subarus. The Boxer engine is expensive to repair. The whole thing needs to be pulled out of the car, and new gaskets put in. Not worth it to me. I'll just keep adding oil and anti-freeze. Automatic trans seems outdated and sometimes clunky. Has to down shift a lot because the engine doesn't make enough power.
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The costliest 40,000 miles I've ever put on a car.
Ugghh, 01/11/2018
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
18 of 25 people found this review helpful
I've wanted a Subaru for a while. I finally had the chance to buy one and it sure was a mistake. The car had a rebuilt engine at 120,000 miles. I bout it with 124,000 miles. Since then I've had to replace Radiation, Radiator Hoses, Power Steering Pump, Oil Cooler Gasket, Valve Cover Gaskets, AC Gaskets, Knock Sensor, Brakes and Rotors all around, Rear Wheel Bearing. The harmonic balance failed and I had to replace timing cover, belt, tensioner, pulleys, and water pump. Lower Ball Joints. Front Sway Bar End Links. At around 142,000 miles the car started to get really loud when warming up in cold weather. Took it to Subaru and was told it is Piston Slap. Nothing I can do. I was quoted $3500 for lower end rebuild or $5200 for a used motor. It is now at the dealer again for another coolant leak. It is on top of the engine block. It's either $160 to put in a 4 inch elbow hose or if the line going to that hose is bad $500. I'm over this lemon. Also my valve covers are leaking again and my head gasket is seeping oil. I'll never buy a Subaru again. Every time I have to research a problem I find out all of the other horror stories that others have experienced. I can't believe I thought American cars were junk. I should have kept my 94 Silverado. It only got 13 mpg, but I could buy a lot of gas with the $6000 I've spent on repairs on this car. Please avoid Subaru Motors at all cost.
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Great small SUV
aquapong, 03/19/2009
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Forester while looking for a small SUV. I thought about a Forester several years before, but passed on it. When I came back for another look, I knew it was for me after the test drive. Personally, I love the interior and the I4 engine is good enough for it. It's not going to go roaring down the interstate, but it's got more pep than many other I4's seem to have. I've had it for a year and I'm completely satisfied with it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a moderately priced small SUV without all the frills. All the usual convenience features are there.