Used 2012 Subaru Forester SUV Consumer Reviews
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Oil leak both cams and chang (sic) cover
Jean Young, 03/15/2015
2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
60 of 61 people found this review helpful
Oil leak both cams and chang (sic) cover noted by the Subaru technician on Wednesday. My 2012 Subaru Forester has been using huge and excessive amounts of oil since its purchase. First, I was told that it was part of the break - in period. Under no circumstances should a new car or even one with just over 65,000 miles like mine that has been babied and maintained only by the dealer present such major engine issues. This is my second Subaru and it will be my last. The first one, a 2003 Forester, though far from perfect, had over 150,000 miles before needing a new head gasket after exhibiting irregular oil use. This one has clocked with irregular oil usage since its purchase.
A Fine SUV Choice
mr_ruez, 04/09/2012
2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
36 of 36 people found this review helpful
When it comes to finding a small AWD wagon with a sunroof and manual transmission, there are only two choices. One is the Jeep Patriot, but that car had some quality control issues that I'm not sure were overcome, plus it looks like a toaster on wheels. The Forester fits the bill - not too fancy, not too plain, just right! There is plenty of room for full sized people. The black fabric on the seats and doors has subtle copper colored accents that add a nice look. You get easy entry and exit due to the large doors and seat height. Once behind the wheel it drives sporty with very few blind spots, and the huge sunroof brings in the great outdoors!
A lot of car for the money
methuselah38, 04/22/2012
2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
88 of 91 people found this review helpful
As the title says, considering the cost of the vehicle, I'm very pleased. My mileage is always above 31MPG (rural driving & warm weather). I'm surprised by this - but happy of course. Despite what the EPA says, I'm convinced that a gentle driver gets much better mileage with a manual transmission. The car handles like a sports car which is amazing considering its high ground clearance. The ride is quite firm but not uncomfortable. The high sitting position gives the driver wonderful 360 degree visibility. Negligible blind areas. Some road and wind noise which I don't find bothersome.
GReat Value - Best AWD design
pez11, 07/21/2012
2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
37 of 38 people found this review helpful
Love my new Forester. I always wanted an Outback or Forester and finally pulled the trigger in March. Great handling and performance for a sport utility vehicle. Interior is a little plain and lacks the extra bells and whistles that come with the competition, but it makes up for that in cargo room, road feel, engine performance, and reliability. If you are not use to the sound of a boxer engine, it may seem a bit load when the RPMS get above 3500, but this engine produces less vibration and balance. The AWD system is what stands out above the crowd. This system is designed to perform off road, not just in snow. Just look on youtube for comparisons on off road performance vs the competition.
Air conditioning dilemma
Lloyd W. LeCureux, 11/14/2015
2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
43 of 45 people found this review helpful
The 2012 Subaru Forester (VIN: JF2SHAEC8CH447905) has been great overall, until this summer. After only 2 and one-half years of ownership the AC stopped functioning! The Subaru dealer (Fred Beans Doylestown, PA) said it was likely the evaporator ($150 to estimate) and could be repaired for $1100. Our home repair shop (Barry Luff's Buckingham, PA) recharged the system including fluorescent dye and could not find a leak, suggesting it was the evaporator. They removed the evaporator, and saw (I have the part) the dye had leaked from within the evaporator fins by a puncture that was in addition to the place where the thermostat probe was placed. The suggestion was that the manufacturer had accidentally placed the additional puncture upon instillation, making a weakness for the leak to eventually occur, causing premature failure of the evaporator. It would be worthwhile to consider if other 2012 Subaru Forester owners have had this problem.
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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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