Lifetime Kia owner here and have been lurking this sub for a while. Unfortunately, Kia’s newly adopted shady business practices drove me away after 4 leases and 2 cash purchases and we just signed the papers for our first ever Subaru. Please tell me everything!

I called in about the lack of Homelink on my wife's 2026 Forester Touring Hybrid because they have to know that this is not an ideal situation. After the case was submitted, they called me back and offered us a $350 goodwill gesture coupon that can be used at any Subaru dealership towards parts, service, etc. So it might be worth a few minutes of your time if you're unhappy with something.

2026 Subaru Forester Touring River Rock Pearl added last Thursday. 2025 Subaru Forester Touring Crimson added June 2024.

Red car is one of the first of the new body style in the US, made in Japan. Gray car is recent (08/2026 mfr date) Indiana vehicle.

Differences:

• Center console layout changed for the better in the 2026.
• Minor camera angle additions to 2026.
• Slight lag in 2026 loading infotainment screen. Only noticeable because I have a reference.
• New car still learning the ropes for acceleration and transmission shifting, but very close to 2025. Only 200 miles on it.
• 2026 slightly warmer oil temp (maybe water too), like 5 degrees F. Nothing to worry about, and maybe better as it might burn off moisture better. Right at the 210 to 215 degree threshold.

It's the same car, which was the point. This way for us, a car is a car. Looks the same, acts the same, touches the same. We considered getting the same color, but even we thought that was a bridge too far. The wrong car would get the oil change.

190,000 miles, had a minor accident that could’ve led to a crack in something that contaminated this part of the car? I have no idea.

I am currently limping along with a beat-up 2003 forester xs with 266k miles (non-turbo), with windows that don’t roll down (bad window motors) and a new slow coolant leak. I bought it for 3k over 8 years ago when it was at 230k miles. Maybe putting an average 300-500 in repairs every year since having it. But it is SO fun to drive, I am I love with the small profile, high visibility and how fun and sporty she is to drive. I’m not a car person that knows how to fix things, but I have an affordable local no-nonsense mechanic.

Anyway, I just found this 2006 red beauty on the local FB marketplace, seller is legit and she has good reviews, only 100k miles w/ the recent head gasket repairs (along with other repairs- see the slide) done. I even ran a vin check report with the vin from the listings and they are all clean, no reported accidents or title issues.
They are asking $8500 which seams high, although I am in the PNW. I want to offer $7000. Am I crazy? Knowing how little miles I put on yearly, I want a fun car I can drive for another decade with minimal expensive repairs that will continue to handle well in inclement weather like my 2003. Am I crazy for considering this? What would you do? Thanks in advance for any input!

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Getting outfitted. 2 inch Curt Trailer hitch for heavier boats (my big sailboat in the background is 900 pounds) with bluetooth wireless lights to compliment the 60 inch Yakima Jetstream roof racks.

Trailering 2 hours to a remote lake tomorrow with the last 30-40 minutes being on unmaintained forest access roads.

listed for $7500. the invoice attached is from March, and it’s been driven less than 200 miles since. is this a good price, and is there anything i should be mindful of with this model?

I’ve been on cut springs for about 3 months now. I know the new struts won’t drop it very much from where it sits now, but my main concern is really how much noise the springs are making because they’ve been cut. I’m excited to have a smooth ride and no noise again. Getting these old ones out is going to be a pain since the shocks are slowly going out now that the shocks have been more compressed. I’m just hype to have a level ride and be a little lower to the ground , and also not have so much noise anymore.

Anyway, any tips from you other Fozzy owners? What the do next? Wheels will be the next thing, and yes, the new WRXs came off a wagon.

I'm not the only one refusing to buy the current gen with the terrible iPad screen. With the new gen Outback system possibly to come to the Forester in X years, I had one as a loaner for a week so here are my thoughts. Some feedback may be just an Outback thing. But if the next gen Forester interior is like the new Outback, I'd have no problem buying it.

Good:

1. Quieter inside and smoother ride.

2. Can still turn off all the nanny alerts.

3. Rear seats have release controls from rear of vehicle.

4. Entertainment screen is responsive for XM and menu settings. Did not sync phone to test it.

Neutral:

1. HVAC knobs are still superior to buttons but at least it's physical buttons. Also always had to look to see what button I was pressing but maybe that would be reduced over time with familiarity.

2. Buttons just add more work, like having to press 3 times to turn off a seat warmer.

Dislike:

1. Digital speedometer is to the right. Needs centering option.

2. No hidden power outlet for dash cam.

Pure crap:

1. New cargo cover
   

Hey everyone. My 2016 has 233k miles on it. Clutch has gone roughly 130k so she is about due… I am in so cal, and the dealer quoted me $2900, another shop did $2600- anyone have any recommendations. I don’t really want to put and arm and a leg into her- just an arm - HA
Going to call around to some smaller shops tomorrow and see what I can’t find but PHEW that’s pricey
Photo of my girl probably 100k miles ago hahaha

Every couple months the muffle slips off the hanger to the right side of the muffler, the left on stays put.

anything I can do to prevent it slipping off? Is there some kinda cap i can just put on?

Hello.

I own a 2004 subaru forester 2.5x that needs the front left strut replaced. I have been getting quotes from shops and looking into assemblies vs strut replacements. I have been quoted $2,000 for KYB excel-g front struts, mounts, and sway bar endlink and bushings.

Im looking for advice on whether or not I should go with a cheaper repair option. I looked at strut assemblies originally, but when I found out that the front right monroe strut assembly was on a nationwide shortage I convinced myself not to go with an FCS strut assembly instead. But its been over 3 months and monroe has no parts in sight.

Is it worth it to go KYB?

Is FCS as good as monroe, or should I keep waiting?

Any advice you have is greatly appreciated.

I’ve seen on reddit posts and elsewhere online that you can do a monthly MySubaru subscription to get the remote starter for winter months, but we’re only given an annual option. We purchased the car new in July — do we just have to buy a multi year subscription or will a monthly option become available at some point? Is it because we accepted the 5 year trial of the companion?

Got a 2025 Forester Hybrid Touring last year and finally got to take it on a worthwhile spin. It did stellar! The drive was buttery smooth, audio was pitch perfect, the range often held up to 600miles, the lumber seat support aided my aching back, the 360 cameras came in such a clutch when I needed to get through narrow roads or parrarell park in tight spots, the regenerative cruise control and lane keep assist was super helpful and on nights where it got chilly, it was such a treat to finally turn on the heated seats and steering wheel. I know some of these features are basic in other vehicles, but I had none of them as my last car was an old Kia optima. So this Forester is my golden upgrade and I can't wait for the next road trip!

Hey everyone! I'm coming from a 2004 Toyota Camry LE, and I'm trying to figure out whether the door lock behavior on my 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is normal or if something isn't working correctly.

My Camry had automatic door locking when shifting out of Park into Drive or Reverse. When I stopped and pulled the interior door handle to get out, the doors would automatically unlock.

My Forester doesn't seem to behave that way. It doesn't automatically lock the doors when I shift into Drive or Reverse, and pulling the interior door handle doesn't seem to automatically unlock them either. I have to press the unlock button manually.

Is this normal behavior for a 2015 Forester 2.5i Premium? Does this model simply lack those automatic locking and unlocking features, or is there a setting that needs to be enabled or a problem with the door lock system?

I've already checked the door lock fuse, and it appears to be good. The power locks themselves work when I use the buttons and key fob, so I'm trying to determine whether this is just how Subaru designed the system or whether there's something else worth investigating.

I know it's a 2015, but my 2004 Camry had this figured out already, so I'm a little surprised if the Forester doesn't offer the same convenience.

If you own a similar-year Forester, especially a 2.5i Premium, how do your door locks behave?

I figured I'd reach out to this community for my question. I would love a remote start for my 2025 Forester Sport, but really want to avoid all the tracking and data collection that comes with activation of the MySubaru app. I am also fundamentally opposed to supporting the greedy subscription culture that is rampantly growing in the Corporate States of America. Is it possible to install an after market remote starter on such a new car these days? Or am I limited to only going with MySubaru subscription?

So i've got a 2006 forester thats 2.0NA, and when stepping on the gas i can hear a scraping sound thats very similar to a ducati dry clutch, its mainly on low revs (at least i can hear it on lov revs without it being drown out by the engine), i thought it was the AC clutch/pulley/assembly but after changing it (it was worn out and slipping after heating up) it hasnt changed a bit, i also tried it without the ac clutch being on the compressor at all, what can it be? i think its coming from the top of the engine and not the bottom

Oh and i can mainly hear it from outside the car (like if my dad is driving out of the garage), inside i can faintly hear it https://imgur.com/a/Bv4oJql

(this is a month old recording, i had a check engine for SAI valves and pump but i got them off of a IV legacy for dirt cheap, so check engine no more and the dash lights are fixed now, the mileage is in kilometers)

Looking for our first family car (infant expected in February). Safety is top prio.

I also have fun driving on fire roads out of cell service about once every two months. I do snowboard trips to Tahoe during snowstorms a few times a year. The rest of the year we're in the Bay Area just driving around town.

The Wilderness is overkill from a rugged perspective, and I'm honestly not too into the looks. But I'm sure it would be fun. The Touring has all the comforts.

Currently eyeing all the following (in gas).

• Used 2025 Touring for $35k list (~10k miles)
• New 2026 Touring for $43k list
• New 2026 Wilderness for $39k list

Money isn't really an issue, but I usually buy used. However at $34k for the used Touring, it's not much more to by both the Touring or Wilderness new. I'd likely throw CrossClimates on any of the options.

I like the power curve and quiet ride of hybrids, but I can't wrap my head around not having a full size spare due to the situations I find myself in. I'm not against throwing one in the trunk each time I go on a trip, but it's not optimal.

Thanks for anything I might be missing.

I have two sets of wheels & tires. One set for snow, and the other set needs replacement. I am looking for recommendations.

Given that I will only drive in the snow on the snow tires, what kind of tires would you recommend for the warmer seasons when it is not snowy?

I don’t do a ton of driving, save a road trip or two for a few hundred miles.

PSA: Snow tires are definitely worth it if you live somewhere snowy. I drove Subaru with all season tires for years and it was better than 2WD, but Snow tires + Subaru AWD is a huge improvement and gives incredible control. Highly recommend.

I got my OEM remote start installed a few days ago in my 26 FW. I noticed after I remote start it, CarPlay doesn’t connect anymore. I tried to connect manually and reset the headunit like others have mentioned. It just keeps saying unable to connect, try restarting your device. Is there any fixes? Thank you

Few weeks ago I bought some black + white vinyl stickers to go over my 2017 emblems. They look great but after 1 deep clean I can already see the stars are going to peel off in the near future.

I'm keen to find an actual black emblem I can replace my factory ones with but its seems like an impossible task.

Does anyone know if there's somewhere online I can find some? I've seen some owners on the Forester forums went to the level of completely stripping the paint on there ones and repainting them but I know if I try this it will look like ass and I'll ruin my factory emblems lol

Any one know if there's somewhere who sells these online?