Used Subaru Forester for sale in Europe

About the Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV with a raised estate-style body and symmetrical all-wheel drive on almost all versions. It has been on sale since 1997 and is now in its fifth generation. It suits buyers who want a practical, high-seated family car with good visibility, a roomy load area and secure grip on wet, snowy or hilly roads.

Engines depend on the generation. Early cars use horizontally opposed (boxer) petrol engines with a manual or automatic gearbox. A boxer diesel was offered in Europe from the late 2000s. Later cars use 2.0-litre petrol engines with a CVT automatic, and the newest generation adds a petrol-electric e-Boxer hybrid. Some listed cars are aftermarket LPG conversions.

Generations

• SF (1997-2002) — First generation, a compact estate-style SUV on Impreza-based underpinnings, with 2.0-litre boxer petrol engines and turbo versions in some markets.
• SG (2002-2008) — Taller, more SUV-like body with 2.0 and 2.5-litre boxer petrol engines, and turbo versions in many markets.
• SH (2008-2013) — Larger again, and the first Forester offered with a boxer diesel in Europe, alongside 2.0 and 2.5-litre petrol engines.
• SJ (2012-2018) — Brought FB-series 2.0-litre petrol engines and the Lineartronic CVT, with the diesel still available in Europe.
• SK (2018-present) — Built on the Subaru Global Platform; in Europe the range centres on a 2.0-litre petrol e-Boxer hybrid with a CVT.

Typical prices

Asking prices in our listings follow model year closely. Cars from 2010 have a median of €4,100, while 2018 cars have a median of €18,000. Cars from 2026 reach a median of €41,500. Across all years the median is €11,000. Within a single year the spread is wide, because trim, engine, mileage, country and condition all differ. Older generations sit in a low, fairly flat band, and prices rise more steeply from the 2013 model year onward. These are asking prices in our listings on 2026-11-10, not a valuation.

Based on our listings as of 2026-11-10. These are asking prices, not a valuation.

What to check when buying a used Subaru Forester

Start with the service history, then look at the underbody, the drivetrain and the cooling system. Drive the car cold and warm, and on a route that includes slow tight turns.

• Tyres and all-wheel drive

  Check that all four tyres match in brand, size and wear. Mismatched or uneven tyres can strain the centre differential and transmission in an all-wheel-drive car. Listen for humming from wheel bearings and noises on full-lock turns.

• Rust and underbody

  Inspect sills, wheel arches, rear hatch edges, subframes and brake lines, especially on older cars and those from salted-road regions. Surface rust is common. Look for flaking, bubbling or previous patch repairs, and ask what rust treatment has been done.

• Head gaskets and timing belt · SF, SG and SH petrol (EJ boxer)

  Boxer petrol engines of this era are widely discussed for head gasket seepage, especially the 2.5-litre. Check for coolant loss, oil leaks, overheating and a sweet smell. Confirm when the timing belt was last changed, as it is a service item.

• Clutch, flywheel and DPF · SH diesel (boxer)

  On the boxer diesel, owners often discuss clutch and flywheel wear and particulate filter blockage after short trips. Test clutch feel and check for warning lights. Ask for records of oil changes and any engine work.

• CVT behaviour · SJ and SK with CVT

  On the test drive, watch for judder, whining, delayed response or slipping under load. Ask whether the CVT fluid has been changed and when. Check for stored fault codes or software updates at a Subaru workshop.

• LPG conversion paperwork · LPG-converted cars

  Ask for the installer's documentation and the tank inspection date. Check for gas smells, leaks at fittings and smooth switching between fuels. Ask how the engine's valves and servicing have been handled with the conversion.

• Hybrid system checks · SK hybrid (e-Boxer)

  Make sure no hybrid or battery warnings appear on the dash and that the car starts, moves and charges normally. Ask for full dealer service records and confirm any open software updates or campaigns have been done.

Frequently asked questions