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With 15 Subaru Forester used cars for sale, you can compare model years, variants and Subaru Forester prices to find the right SUV for your lifestyle and budget.
A used Subaru Forester is a smart choice for Australian buyers looking for a versatile SUV that can comfortably handle school runs, road trips and unsealed roads alike. With its roomy interior, standard all-wheel drive and reputation for dependable ownership, the Forester continues to be one of the country’s most trusted family SUVs.
A second-hand Subaru Forester is well suited to families, outdoor enthusiasts and commuters. Whether you need extra cargo space for weekend trips or a capable SUV for country roads, a used Subaru Forester delivers versatility at a lower price than buying new.
You can also explore our wider range of used SUVs for sale if you are comparing similar family SUVs before making your decision.
The Subaru Forester has been offered with naturally aspirated petrol and hybrid (e-Boxer) powertrains in Australia, depending on the model year.
The most common option is the 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine, producing 136kW and 239Nm. Paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, it offers a smooth driving experience with claimed fuel consumption of around 7.4/100km, making it well suited for families, commuters and long-distance touring.
Buyers looking to reduce fuel costs may prefer the Forester Hybrid (e-Boxer). It combines a 2.0-litre Boxer petrol engine with an electric motor to improve efficiency, with claimed consumption of approximately 6.7/100km. The hybrid is particularly well suited for city driving and stop-start traffic while retaining Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive capability.
Some older models also offer 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines with claimed fuel consumption of 6.3L/100km. All Subaru Forester models feature all-wheel drive as standard. Most used examples are equipped with CVT automatic transmission, while some older entry-level models are also available with 6-speed manual transmission.
The Subaru Forester has remained one of Australia’s favourite family SUVs for many years. Here’s why buyers continue to choose it.
Standard all-wheel drive: Every Australian Forester comes with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, providing extra confidence on wet roads, gravel tracks and during weekend adventures.
Excellent safety reputation: Many recent Forester models carry a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and include Subaru Eyesight driver assistance technology on higher variants.
Practical family SUV: A roomy cabin, comfortable seating and generous luggage space make the Forester well suited to growing families and active lifestyles.
Strong reliability: Subaru’s Boxer engine and proven mechanical package have helped the Forester earn a reputation for dependable long-term ownership when serviced regularly.
Variant | Best suited for |
AWD | Buyers looking for an affordable family SUV with AWD |
Premium | Buyers wanting extra comfort and additional functional features |
Sport | Drivers looking for sportier styling and better-equipped cabin |
Hybrid | Buyers prioritising fuel efficiency while enjoying AWD performance |
Touring | Buyers seeking the most premium trim of Forester |
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Standard all-wheel drive: Unlike many rivals that offer AWD only on selected variants, Forester comes with all-wheel drive as standard. It provides reassuring grip on wet roads and gravel tracks.
Practical and spacious interior: The Forester is known for its roomy cabin and generous rear-seat space, making it an excellent choice for pet owners and buyers with an active lifestyle.
Comfortable ride and strong safety features: Buyers consistently praise the Forester for its comfortable suspension, easy-to-drive nature and comprehensive safety features. Many recent models also include Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system and carry a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Built for more than city driving: With generous ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode on many variants, the Forester is more capable on unsealed roads than many conventional mid-size SUVs, making it well suited for camping trips.
Performance isn’t its strongest trait: Its naturally aspirated Boxer petrol engine prioritises smoothness and reliability over outright performance. Buyers wanting quick acceleration may find it less responsive than some turbocharged competitors.
Fuel economy trails some rivals: Forester petrol models can consume more fuel than hybrid competitors, particularly during city driving. Buyers focused on lower running costs may prefer the newer e-Boxer Hybrid variants.
Check the service history carefully: As with any used SUV, confirm that scheduled servicing has been completed, especially for the CVT transmission and all-wheel drive system. Also inspect the suspension and tyres for signs of frequent rough-road use.
Technology may feel dated on older models: Earlier Forester models have smaller infotainment screens and less modern cabin tech features than some competitors, while some owners find the driver monitoring and safety alerts intrusive on newer models.
Step 1: Browse used Subaru Forester models
Compare available used Subaru Forester models by model year, variant, price, kilometres, features and colour.
Step 2: Review the vehicle condition
Every used Subaru Forester includes a vehicle condition report and verified history report to help you buy with confidence.
Step 3: Explore finance options
Eligible buyers can apply for finance online through a simple application process.
Step 4: Complete your purchase
Choose home delivery where available or arrange collection. Cars24 also manages registration transfer and roadworthy requirements.
Every second-hand Subaru Forester listed on Cars24 undergoes a detailed inspection process before being listed for sale.
Buying your used Subaru Forester from Cars24 also gives you access to a range of benefits, including:
Verified PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) and vehicle history
Fixed, no haggle pricing
Finance options
Home delivery available
Registration transfer assistance
Roadworthy Certificate (where applicable)
3-month roadside assistance
Referral benefits of $1,000+
Still browsing for more options? Buyers who consider a used Subaru Forester also frequently look at the used Toyota RAV4 for its hybrid efficiency or the used Mazda CX-5 for its premium interior and engaging driving experience. Comparing similar mid-size SUVs can help you choose the right vehicle for your needs.
Yes, the Subaru Forester is a popular used SUV, known for its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, excellent safety reputation and dependable reliability. It's well suited to families, commuters and buyers who regularly travel beyond sealed roads.
Every used Subaru Forester sold through Cars24 includes a detailed condition report and access to Cars24's 30-Day Return Guarantee*, giving buyers added confidence after purchase. Buyers should also check whether any remaining manufacturer warranty applies, which can add further peace of mind on newer, lower-kilometre examples.
Used Subaru Forester prices at Cars24 generally start from around $14,890 for older models and can exceed $30,590 for newer, low-kilometre Hybrid and higher-spec variants.
Subaru recommends servicing the Forester every 12 months or 12,500km, whichever comes first. When buying a used Forester, check the logbook for consistent servicing intervals, particularly around CVT fluid changes and timing chain inspections, since a well-documented service history is one of the strongest indicators of a reliable long-term ownership experience.
Insurance costs vary by insurer, driver history and location, but the Forester's strong safety ratings and widespread parts availability generally keep premiums competitive against rivals like the RAV4 and CX-5. Getting quotes from two or three insurers before purchase is the best way to confirm costs for your specific postcode and driving profile.
The Forester Sport typically adds darker exterior trim, unique badging and a more driver-focused cabin than the base AWD 2.5i, without moving to the higher-spec Touring. Buyers wanting a sportier look without paying flagship pricing often find the Sport variant the best middle-ground choice among used listings.
Yes, with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and generous ground clearance, the Forester handles gravel roads, campsites and light off-road tracks confidently. While it is not a hardcore four-wheel drive, it is more capable than many conventional two-wheel-drive SUVs.
Yes, Cars24 offers home delivery on eligible used Subaru Forester listings in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. You can browse, apply for finance, and complete your purchase entirely online, with the vehicle delivered to your door or available for collection, along with registration transfer and roadworthy support handled for you.
Yes, Subaru introduced the Forester Hybrid (e-Boxer) in Australia, combining a petrol Boxer engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency while retaining Subaru's standard all-wheel-drive capability.
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