2019 Subaru Forester: True Cost of Ownership (5-Year Breakdown)
The 2019 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV built around practicality, standard all-wheel drive, and a reputation for longevity — making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, families, and commuters in all-weather climates. At around $20,000 on the used market, it sits in a sweet spot where most of the steep initial depreciation has already been absorbed by the first owner. This guide breaks down exactly what it costs to live with one over five years so you can buy with confidence.
Monthly cost breakdown
The 2019 Forester holds value reasonably well for a compact SUV — expect it to retain roughly 45-50% of its value after five more years of ownership from the $20,000 purchase point, aided by strong Subaru brand loyalty and consistent used-market demand. Depreciation slows significantly on a vehicle already four years old at purchase, which is one of the key financial advantages of buying used at this stage.
Pros
- Depreciation curve has already flattened significantly at the $20,000 price point, meaning you lose far less per year than the first owner did
- Standard Symmetrical AWD adds minimal insurance penalty while delivering genuine all-weather capability without the cost of a truck-based 4WD system
- Maintenance costs are low compared to European compact SUVs — routine services average $60–$120 at independent shops and parts availability is excellent
- Strong parts availability and a huge DIY community keep repair costs manageable; most independent mechanics are very familiar with Subaru drivetrains
Cons
- All-wheel drive and a 2.5L non-turbo engine combine for mediocre fuel economy of around 26–28 MPG combined, adding roughly $170/month in fuel at average US gas prices
- Comprehensive and collision insurance costs are slightly above average for the segment because Subaru AWD vehicles attract higher repair labor rates after accidents
- The CVT transmission requires strict fluid change intervals (every 30,000 miles is recommended by most experts, not the 60,000 Subaru suggests) adding a hidden maintenance cost
- Oil consumption issue means neglected examples can suffer serious engine damage — a pre-purchase inspection by a Subaru-familiar mechanic ($100–$150) is essentially mandatory
Common problems to watch for
- Oil consumption — the 2.5L FB25 engine is known to consume oil between changes; plan to check levels monthly and top off occasionally
- Head gasket seepage — while less severe than older Subaru engines, the FB25 can develop minor seepage around 100,000–130,000 miles; inspect carefully at purchase
- CVT transmission reliability — the Lineartronic CVT can be costly to replace ($3,500–$5,000) if neglected; ensure fluid has been changed per schedule
- Infotainment glitches — the 2019 StarLink 8-inch system has known Bluetooth and touchscreen responsiveness complaints that may require software updates or unit replacement
- Rust on undercarriage — Foresters driven in salt-belt states are prone to undercarriage and subframe rust; inspect thoroughly before buying in the Northeast or Midwest
The verdict
At $20,000, the 2019 Subaru Forester is a genuinely smart used buy for the right driver — most of its depreciation pain is behind it, running costs are predictable, and it has the AWD capability that justifies its slight fuel economy and insurance premium over a comparable FWD compact SUV. The oil consumption quirk and CVT maintenance requirements are real but manageable if you stay on top of service intervals and buy a well-documented example. Overall, it scores well on cost-of-ownership relative to competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 at similar used price points, particularly in higher-mileage, all-season use cases.
Best for: The 2019 Forester is best for a driver who regularly deals with snow, rain, or light off-road terrain and wants a reliable, practical SUV under $25,000 without the ongoing ownership anxiety of a European brand.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester reliable enough to buy used?
Yes, with caveats — it's generally reliable if maintained properly, but you should verify oil consumption history and confirm CVT fluid has been changed. A pre-purchase inspection by a Subaru-familiar mechanic is strongly recommended.
How much does it cost to insure a 2019 Subaru Forester?
Expect to pay roughly $1,400–$1,800 per year (around $117–$150/month) for full coverage on a 2019 Forester for a driver with a clean record, though rates vary significantly by state, age, and driving history.
What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Subaru Forester?
The 2019 Forester with the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine is EPA-rated at 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway / 29 MPG combined, though real-world driving typically averages 26–28 MPG combined.
How much will a 2019 Subaru Forester depreciate over the next 5 years?
Purchased at $20,000, you can expect it to be worth approximately $9,000–$11,000 after five more years and 60,000 additional miles, representing roughly $160–$220 in depreciation per month.
What are the most expensive repairs to watch out for on a 2019 Forester?
CVT transmission replacement ($3,500–$5,000) and potential engine work from ignored oil consumption are the two costliest risks; both are largely preventable with diligent maintenance and a solid pre-purchase inspection.
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester a good value compared to a 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The Forester offers slightly lower purchase prices and comparable reliability but trails the RAV4 in resale value and fuel efficiency; the RAV4 Hybrid version in particular beats the Forester on long-term fuel costs, though it commands a higher purchase price used.
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Estimates are AI-generated guidance based on typical costs for this year, make and model.