Used 2009 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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major engine repairs needed at only 45,000 miles
Caitlin Urie, 03/29/2016
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
It had just over 45,000 miles on it when there was a knocking noise coming from the engine, so I took it to the dealership. They told me the short block needed to be replaced, and quoted me almost $5,000 for the repair. When I asked about a trade in or what my options were they asked me if I had driven the car without oil in it or something! I doubt they would have asked my husband if we had driven the car without oil in it. We have taken good care of maintaining the car, that is how we noticed that it was using way more oil than it should. They told me that without the repair it would only trade in for $3,500. I told them we needed time to make a decision and they did give us their loaner car for the weekend which was nice. When I returned the loaner car they said they would split the repair cost, they pay 70% I pay 30%. I did some research and found several other reviews of 2008-2009 Forester's needing the short block replaced. I plan to fix it then trade it in before anything else goes wrong.
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Bad Subaru Story
pick417, 07/05/2015
updated 07/06/2016
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/Premium Pkg,VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
21 of 24 people found this review helpful
This past April, I purchased a 2009 Subaru Forester from Byers Subaru, Dublin OH and eagerly anticipated the ownership experience Subaru promises and proudly bases its reputation. Contrary to the Subaru promise, my experience over the first 3 months has been a nightmare. The first service was performed within a few weeks of purchase ($700). A month later the vehicle stopped running and required a tow to a Subaru dealership. Initial thoughts were a timing belt failure. $600 dollars later, we learned it was a timing belt pulley failure and would require extensive engine repairs or an engine replacement ($2500 to $6000). The timing belt was not due to be replaced for 10,000 miles. Continuing saga .....check engine light came on.....traced to faulty brake booster 300.00 repair cost. Does this kinda of crap ever end? Subaru is selling the public snake oil regarding how reliable their cars are!!
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2009 Subaru Forester for sale near you
Showing 3 of 250 listings
- 2.5X 4dr SUV w/Premium Pkg, VDCMSRP: $7,5902 mi away
- 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV w/VDCMSRP: $5,99810 mi away
- 2.5X 4dr SUV w/All Weather, Premium Pkg, VDCMSRP: $9,98844 mi away
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The Bru' is true
Jim, 05/14/2016
updated 11/18/2019
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This has been a very dependable, safe car. We've had it for 70k miles and it is very cheap to operate. I really have no complaints of a seriuos nature. the sound of the opposed 4 cyl motor with it's 4 spped automatic is less than inspiring but that's a minor thing. the fuel economy has been around 23 mpg around town and i suppose it could be better, but everything else has been so cheap to fix that I really don't mind it. All in all it's been a good car for short trips and grocery getting, etc. a good grocery-getter, no excitement though. a sue bore rue'
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Solid car--not splashy
slydog39, 09/22/2012
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this Forester used several months ago. I have driven 8500 miles. Here are a few observations: It is obvious the car is well built and, if maintained, will be around a long time. The mileage is fair. Hwy is 26.2 City is 21.5 The all wheel drive gives a nice feel in tight turns and in wet weather. The engine has some pep, but I do not use it as a sports car. The interior is somewhat spartan or utilitarian. It will not be mistaken for a luxury car. It is all functional. The seats are comfortable, but not for extremenly long travels.
Great small SUV
Alberto, 05/18/2018
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/Premium Pkg,VDC (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Very comfortable seats and roomy rear seat. Decent acceleration and great snow traction. Highly rated crash tests and very good resale.
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