Used 2012 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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Great value, decent mileage
hdlarkin, 01/03/2013
2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
The Forester replaced a 2006 Mazda5 plagued with rear suspension problems. Tempted by the 33 mpg claim, I looked at the new Escape, but couldn't find real-world mileage reports and, in August, dealers were asking $25K+ for 2WD. I found a 5-speed Forester for $18.5K, and bought it. The 27 mpg estimate didn't thrill me, but it's actually done much better; at 4K up to 31 highway and ~22 city, though highway mileage drops quickly above 65 mph. This is a little better than the Mazda got, plus, with AWD, I can get out of the garage when there's more than 3 inches of snow, which was tough for the Mazda. I had a '96 Outback that held up very well for more than 100K miles, and hope this will as well.
Lots of room
azrebel51, 07/19/2012
2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
34 of 36 people found this review helpful
I checked out some other choices before I decided on this car. I am 52, I have bought 11 new vehicles so far in my life.This is great my best so far. Very little road noise, very smooth ride. Doors are solid. Great visibility. Basic stereo sounds very good. The clearance is terrific, great for exploring in rural Arizona, where 4 x 4 is not needed but added clearance is. Seriously this is the most happy I have ever been with a vehicle in my life. My first Subaru, my first Japanese vehicle.
oil consumption resolved
Ray, 08/14/2015
updated 02/12/2016
2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I have a 2012 Forester. My own EXACT oil consumption test revealed a1qt loss per 1500 mi. My Subaru dealer did their own dipstick test which came in a little less. Solution...a new short block, within the week. The car had 98,000 mi at the time,and who knows if they would have been as nice if I had been over my 100,000 mi warranty. The new engine has hardly burned a drop of oil and it seems like a real powerhouse now. They might very well get my business again, but I'll do a bit of research first.
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Starting Issues
raf1801, 03/16/2014
2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Random starting issues at 5000 miles. Dealership can't duplicate the problem so the issue remains unsolved. Am afraid to drive this vehicle very far anymore.Am afraid of being stranded . Vehicle is also reluctant to start when the temps get below freezing. The owners manual gives instructions how to try to start the vehicle if these random starting issues occur. I wonder sometimes if they knew in advance these problems might occur with this type of vehicle. Therefore the need to put these instructions in the manual.If had known in advance about these problems I never would of bought this car. I'm stuck for now with a car I hate and am afraid to drive very far if it even starts. Buyer beware
My 6th Subaru
subiedriver6, 05/21/2012
2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
25 of 27 people found this review helpful
This is my 6th Subaru and my 4th Forester. The last one was a 2009 that I put 84K trouble free miles on. The Forester isn't necessarily the best car out there, but it is one of the best to fit all of the necessary categories of AWD, mpg, cost, space, style, and reliability. I have recommended Subaru to my family and friends, and no one has been disappointed. I would like them to update the automatic transmission, but Subaru engines seem to operate better at higher rpm's. The 2012 seats also seem more comfortable than previous years. The maintenance program of 7500 mile oil changes does make a difference in cost of keeping it on the road and trouble free.
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