Why the Forester Suits Victorian Buyers

The Subaru Forester is a practical choice for Victorians who want a compact SUV capable of suburban driving and weekend trips to the High Country or the Surf Coast. Symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard across every variant, ground clearance is generous compared to most crossovers in its class, and running costs are generally predictable once you know what to look for.

This guide covers the two generations most commonly found on the Victorian used market: the fourth-generation SJ (2012–2018 in Australia) and the fifth-generation SK (late 2018–2024, before the sixth-generation SL arrived for 2025). Both can be found readily on the secondhand market; the SK has been discontinued in favour of the SL, so it is no longer a current model.

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Generation Overview

Generation	Years (AU)	Engine Options	ANCAP Rating
SJ	2012–2018	2.0L NA (FB20), 2.5L NA (FB25), 2.0L turbo petrol (FA20, XT/XT Premium), 2.0L turbo diesel (EE20, 2.0D variants)	5 stars (2013)
SK	Late 2018–2024	2.5L NA (FB25), 2.0L e-Boxer mild-hybrid (FB20 + electric motor, from Feb 2020)	5 stars (2019)

Both generations hold a five-star ANCAP rating. The SJ was rated in 2013 and the SK was rated in 2019, though it is worth noting that the underlying test protocols are stricter in later years — a 2019 five-star result is not directly comparable to a 2013 five-star result.

Note on the SK's status: The fifth-generation SK was replaced by the sixth-generation SL (2025 onward). SK models are now fully secondhand-market cars.

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SJ Forester (2012–2018): What to Know

The SJ launched in Australia in 2012 and ran through three series (SJ.I, SJ.II, SJ.III) until 2018. The Australian range was broader than the draft implies. Early cars were sold as 2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.5i, 2.5i-L, 2.5i-S, 2.0D (diesel), 2.0D-L, 2.0D-S, 2.0XT, and 2.0XT Premium. The Series II (approximately 2015–2016) rationalised the range, dropping the base 2.0i, 2.0D, and 2.5i nameplates. The Series III arrived in February 2016 with restyled front and rear ends, revised suspension tuning, and improved NVH insulation.

The Lineartronic CVT was standard on most 2.5L and XT variants from the start; the 2.0i and all diesel variants were six-speed manual only. The turbocharged XT uses a higher-torque-rated CVT calibrated differently from the naturally aspirated unit.

Engine options — what you need to know:

• 2.0L FB20 (2.0i/2.0i-L/2.0i-S): 110 kW naturally aspirated, manual gearbox. Competent but the least popular variant. Check for oil consumption — the FB-series engines are known to use oil between services, particularly as kilometres climb.
• 2.5L FB25 (2.5i variants): 126 kW, CVT only (no manual was offered on the 2.5L in the SJ). The most common and practical choice for used buyers.
• 2.0L FA20 turbo petrol (XT/XT Premium): 177 kW via a twin-scroll turbocharger and a high-torque CVT. Strong performance, but oil leaks from the timing cover and cam carrier areas are a known fault on higher-kilometre examples.
• 2.0L EE20 turbo diesel (2.0D variants): 108 kW, six-speed manual only. Low sales volumes. Diesel particulate filter (DPF) problems are prevalent, particularly on cars used predominantly in urban stop-start driving. Before purchasing a diesel SJ, independently verify DPF condition and check the turbocharger and intake pipes for splits and leaks. The diesel is generally regarded as the variant to avoid unless you have a specific need for it.

Common issues to investigate on any SJ:

• CVT fluid condition. Many private sellers skip CVT fluid changes. A CVT without a documented fluid service history is a meaningful financial risk on high-kilometre cars. Ask for service records and check whether the fluid has ever been changed. CarsGuide has documented CVT surging and slow gear selection as known SJ complaints; in some cases a dealer ECU reflash addresses the issue, but not always reliably.
• Oil consumption on all FB-series engines. Both the FB20 and FB25 are known to consume oil between services. Check the dipstick at inspection and ask the seller how often they top up. The FA20 turbo has similar oil-leak risks, typically from the timing cover, cam carrier, and head gasket area.
• Recalls. The SJ accumulated a notable number of recalls. Key ones include a wiring harness that could short circuit (affecting 2011–2014 models across multiple Subaru nameplates), a brake-light switch failure on 2013–2015 cars, and a turbo boost issue on 2013–2014 XT models. Before purchase, verify the VIN against Subaru Australia's recall status to confirm all outstanding recalls have been completed.
• Head gasket area leaks (FB25). While the FB25 is generally considered an improvement over the older EJ-series for gasket reliability, oil seepage from the head gasket area does occur on high-kilometre examples. Coolant consumption or oil smoke at operating temperature warrants a cooling system pressure test before purchase.

Typical asking prices in Victoria (indicative only; verify against current listings): A 2015–2016 SJ 2.5i-L in good condition with documented service history typically lists in the $16,000–$22,000 range depending on kilometres and specification. XT variants generally ask $3,000–$5,000 more than equivalent naturally aspirated cars. Prices should be verified against current Victorian listings before negotiating — the used-car market fluctuates.

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SK Forester (Late 2018–2024): What to Know

The SK launched in Australia in late 2018 on Subaru's Global Platform (SGP), which Subaru claims improves torsional rigidity significantly over the SJ. The SK dropped both the turbocharged XT and the diesel variants entirely. Every petrol-only SK uses the 2.5L FB25 engine with a seven-speed Lineartronic CVT, paired with EyeSight driver assistance as standard across the entire range. The SK range comprised the 2.5i, 2.5i-L, 2.5i Premium, and 2.5i-S.

The e-Boxer hybrid variant arrived in Australia in February 2020. It uses a different engine from the standard SK — a 2.0L FB20 petrol (110 kW/188 Nm) paired with a 10 kW electric motor integrated into the CVT, drawing power from a lithium-ion battery positioned above the rear axle. This is a mild hybrid, not a plug-in: the battery charges under braking and light throttle and cannot be plugged in. Fuel economy gains over the standard 2.5i are real but modest in real-world conditions; CarsGuide projected combined consumption of approximately 6.0 L/100 km for the e-Boxer versus approximately 7.4 L/100 km for the 2.5L petrol. The 110 kg of additional hybrid system weight means the e-Boxer is slower than the standard 2.5i despite the electric motor's torque assist.

Common issues to investigate on the SK:

• EyeSight camera calibration. The SK's EyeSight system uses a stereo camera mounted inside the windscreen. If the windscreen has been replaced at any point, confirm with the seller — or directly with a Subaru dealer — that EyeSight was professionally recalibrated afterward. An uncalibrated system can produce false alerts, fail to brake autonomously, or deactivate entirely. This is not a cosmetic issue; it affects active safety systems the car is rated on.
• e-Boxer hybrid battery health. On hybrid variants, ask whether the 12 V accessory battery and the high-voltage hybrid battery have been flagged at any Subaru service. Subaru dealerships can perform a battery health check; request this as part of any independent pre-purchase inspection. The hybrid battery is positioned over the rear axle — also confirm there is no evidence of impact damage or moisture intrusion in that area on cars with higher kilometres or country/coastal use.
• Cargo space reduction on e-Boxer models. The underfloor battery raises the cargo floor slightly, reducing boot volume from approximately 520 L (petrol) to 509 L (e-Boxer). Minor, but worth knowing if cargo capacity is a priority.

Typical asking prices in Victoria (indicative only; verify against current listings): A 2020 2.5i-S with around 60,000 km typically lists between $28,000 and $35,000 through dealers; private listings generally sit a few thousand dollars lower. e-Boxer variants can ask a modest premium over equivalent petrol SKs, though the real-world advantage is smaller than the fuel-cycle figures suggest. All prices should be verified against current Victorian listings.

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What to Run a PPSR Check On

Before committing to any used Forester, run a PPSR check through the Australian government's Personal Property Securities Register (ppsr.gov.au). The official fee is $2 per search by VIN, paid directly through the government portal. Third-party aggregator sites charge significantly more for the same underlying data — use the official site. Specifically verify:

1. Finance encumbrance. A number of Foresters in Victoria are still under finance from previous owners. If you purchase a car with a registered security interest, the creditor may have legal grounds to repossess the vehicle even after you have paid the seller.
2. Written-off status. Both repairable and statutory write-offs are recorded. A structurally repaired Forester is a serious concern with any AWD system, where chassis alignment directly affects drivetrain wear and handling.
3. Stolen vehicle flag. Less common, but the $2 search covers this as well.

The PPSR does not reveal the full service history, odometer fraud, or whether recalls have been completed. A PPSR check is a starting point, not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

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Inspection Checklist

• Bring the car to full operating temperature and check for coolant loss or oil smoke — particularly on the 2.5i FB25 and all XT variants
• Check all four tyres for even wear — uneven wear on an AWD vehicle can indicate alignment problems, differential wear, or a mixed tyre size (replacing only one or two tyres on an AWD Subaru can damage the centre differential)
• Test EyeSight on all SK variants, and on any SJ equipped with it (available as standard on higher SJ grades including 2.5i-S and some 2.5i-L variants, not just the XT), by confirming the system initialises and displays correctly on startup
• Listen for CVT shudder or surging during low-speed manoeuvring — a known SJ fault
• Check the dipstick and look for evidence of oil consumption or milky contamination
• Inspect the underbody for rust, particularly on cars with country or coastal use — the Surf Coast and alpine Victorian roads both accelerate corrosion
• Confirm the service logbook has genuine Subaru stamps or credible independent records, with CVT fluid services noted for any high-kilometre car
• For SJ diesels specifically: verify DPF condition and check the intake and turbo pipes for splits before committing
• For e-Boxer variants: request a dealer battery health report and inspect the boot floor and spare wheel area for any sign of battery damage or moisture
• Verify all outstanding recalls have been completed via the VIN before purchase

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Researching Listings

When comparing prices across Victorian dealerships and private sellers, car-scout.com.au lets you filter Forester listings by year, variant, and region without needing to register, which makes it straightforward to build a realistic picture of what similar cars are actually asking before you negotiate.

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The Bottom Line

The Subaru Forester is a sensible used buy in Victoria provided you focus on service history rather than kilometres alone. On the SJ, the 2.5L CVT variants are the most practical choice; diesel models require additional due diligence around DPF condition and should generally be avoided unless you have mechanical confidence and a specific use case. A well-maintained SJ with documented CVT fluid changes is preferable to a lower-kilometre car with incomplete paperwork.

On SK variants, prioritise confirming the EyeSight system has been calibrated correctly, particularly if there is any evidence the windscreen has been replaced. On e-Boxer cars, request a battery health check as part of your pre-purchase inspection and go in with realistic expectations on fuel economy gains — the real-world benefit is meaningful in urban driving but smaller than Japanese test-cycle figures imply.

Neither generation is particularly fragile, but both reward buyers who verify the details before handing over a deposit.

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Sources

• ANCAP: ancap.com.au — Subaru Forester SJ (2013 rating) and SK (2019 rating) safety reports
• CarsGuide: Used Subaru Forester review 2013–2018; SK generation overview; e-Boxer launch coverage
• Carsales editorial: Buying a used Subaru Forester (2013–2018)
• ReDriven: Used Subaru Forester 4th-gen (SJ) review (australiancar.reviews and redriven.com)
• Carsales: Subaru Forester and XV e-Boxer coming early 2020 (confirmed AU launch date)
• ppsr.gov.au: PPSR search fee ($2) — Australian Financial Security Authority
• Australian Car Reviews (australiancar.reviews): SJ Forester specifications and variant breakdown