Ever wonder what kept those previous Subaru Forester owners with over 150,000 miles going well, about to break, or have already beaten those same miles? Foresters never get stranded, have best-in-class visibility, and just plain dependable, combat-tested familiarity. Stiffen up that chassis, quiet down the insides, treat the passengers and the driver to a screen update, and everything you loved about the other Forester can stay the same and still make the Forester a fun-to-drive machine with all the fixings, all standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and the same sensation that the North Texas thunderstorms can’t hurt us. This compact SUV has been sticking to the reliability rumor mill, huh? That’s $60,000 beater truck money.
You don’t need a spreadsheet to decide. The Forester is pretty much good to go in every form – AWD, eye-sight, roof rails, big windows – at its entry-level price point, so core experiences like these start with the base and premium trims perfect for commuting and first-car buyers.
Owning a Forester is a commitment – and Ewing Subaru of Plano is ready for it. Our non-commissioned sales team will walk you through trim levels and options without pressuring you to buy features you won’t use, arrive at a trade-in value backed by market data, then help you match budget with finance and lease options.
Our factory-certified service shop will care for your Forester from oil changes and software updates to hail damage repairs (a good thing during North Texas storm season) with loaner vehicles and genuine Subaru parts to keep your SUV in the field, and the same sales staff will be here to help when it’s time to trade it in for another. Check out our inventory online today and schedule your test drive at Ewing Subaru of Plano.
Is the Subaru Forester really as safe as everyone says?
Yes – the Forester is a repeat IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winner (their highest rating) with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist tech that features adaptive cruise, pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning on every model. Top trim levels include blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and a driver-alert monitoring system. The Forester’s 4WD system, good driver visibility, and comprehensive active-safety system keep it number one on many family-safety lists. No vehicle safety feature can substitute for a safe, alert driver, but the Forester gives you a better chance.
What is the deal with all these people talking about the Forester’s visibility?
It’s not marketing speak – it’s engineering. Subaru has a low beltline, big side and rear windows, skinny A-pillars, an extra quarter window, and a tall seating position so you can look out without looking down. In everyday terms, that means you can see a kid chasing a ball in the street, a bicycle in your blind spot, or a pole in the parking lot that most other drivers would never have seen. For first-time drivers, seniors, and anyone who has tried to squeeze into a tight Legacy West garage, this view frees the mind and genuinely prevents accidents. Most other automakers make sacrifices with glass; the Forester doesn’t.
What’s the difference between the Forester Wilderness and a normal trim?
Choose the Wilderness if you frequently travel on loose or difficult terrain, tow more than 1500 lbs, own a boat or RV, or need upholstery that laughs off water, waterlogged gear, and fur. In addition to the above benefits, the Wilderness offers 9.3 more inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a higher final-drive ratio, a front skid plate, and 3500 lbs of towing capacity. Your busy life is 90% on trails and highway; get a Premium, Limited, or Touring trim for a more comfortable ride, few MPG gains, and a lower price – you’re paying for capability you don’t need. Test drive the two trims on the trails and highways you actually use.
How does it measure up to the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4?
Outback is longer and more of a wagon, has a turbo engine upgrade, and can tow more – might be more advantageous if you often carry long loads or you want a larger rear seat. Toyota RAV4 has punchier acceleration, more trim options, but adds cost for all-wheel drive on most trims. Forester bests the others in visibility, all-wheel drive standard across the board, headroom at the back, safety ratings, and ease of parking in city parking lots – if those things are what you want most from an SUV, it’s Forester.
How much does a Forester cost in Texas? How much does it cost to maintain a Forester?
Resale value and ownership cost are where you’ll see the Forester shine year after year, as these often reach 200,000 miles on just regular maintenance. Everything from oil, tires, and brakes is competitively priced with mainstream models, and the BOXER engine only requires routine service around every 3,000 miles. In Texas, the two main elements are the hot-climate coolant and battery test, as well as hail protection, easily done at Ewing Subaru of Plano. No vehicle requires zero maintenance, but over 10 years, Forester owners can expect to pay less than their competitors.
