Spokane Buyer’s Guide: 2016-2020 Subaru Forester

Last Updated: Summer 2025

Why the Subaru Forester Rules Spokane’s Family Vehicle Market

The Subaru Forester has become the quintessential Spokane family vehicle, seamlessly blending practical daily transportation with the capability to handle our region’s outdoor adventures. With its generous cargo space, excellent visibility, and standard all-wheel drive, the Forester perfectly matches Spokane families who need to haul everything from sports equipment to camping gear while maintaining reliable performance through our diverse weather conditions.

However, the Forester’s popularity as both a family hauler and outdoor adventure vehicle means these SUVs often live demanding lives. Spokane’s temperature extremes, combined with frequent mountain driving and varied terrain usage, can create specific issues that won’t surface during a typical dealer lot test drive. Understanding these regional concerns is crucial for making a smart purchase decision.

Critical Spokane-Specific Issues for the 2016-2020 Forester

1. CVT Transmission Challenges in Temperature Extremes

Spokane Impact Factor: HIGH

The Forester’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) faces unique stresses in Spokane’s climate, particularly in vehicles used for family hauling and outdoor recreation:

• Heat Stress from Load Hauling: Spokane families often load their Foresters with bikes, camping gear, and passengers, which can cause CVT overheating during mountain drives to recreational areas
• Cold Weather Engagement Issues: During Spokane’s sub-zero winter mornings, some Foresters experience delayed engagement or hesitation when shifting from park to drive
• Mountain Driving Strain: Frequent trips to Mt. Spokane, Schweitzer, or towing duties can accelerate CVT wear beyond normal parameters
• Warning Signs: Listen for whining noises during acceleration, hesitation when climbing South Hill, or vibrations at highway speeds

Foresters can show early CVT wear patterns, often related to heavy loading and mountain driving that’s common in our outdoor-oriented community.

2. Cooling System Performance Under Load

Spokane Impact Factor: HIGH

The Forester’s cooling system faces significant challenges from Spokane’s varied usage patterns and temperature extremes:

• Radiator Debris Accumulation: Vehicles used for camping and outdoor access often accumulate debris in the radiator and condenser, reducing cooling efficiency
• Coolant System Stress: Temperature swings from below zero to over 100°F, combined with mountain driving, accelerate coolant breakdown and system component wear
• Fan Operation Issues: Heavy loading and towing during hot Spokane summers can reveal fan clutch problems that only manifest under stress
• Head Gasket Considerations: While less common in newer Foresters, monitor for any signs of coolant loss or overheating, especially in high-mileage examples

Test the cooling system by running air conditioning while idling and observing temperature gauge behavior during extended idling periods.

3. AWD System Wear from Diverse Terrain Usage

Spokane Impact Factor: MEDIUM

Spokane Forester owners frequently transition between urban driving and outdoor recreation, creating specific AWD system wear patterns:

• Tire Wear Monitoring: Uneven tire wear from varied terrain can damage the AWD system—check all four tires carefully for consistent wear patterns
• Center Differential Health: Look for binding or unusual noises during tight turns, which could indicate center differential issues from mixed driving conditions
• CV Joint and Axle Wear: The combination of city driving and mountain access accelerates wear on these components
• Transfer Case Fluid: Mountain driving and temperature extremes break down transfer case fluid faster than standard maintenance schedules suggest

When test driving, pay attention to any vibrations, noises during turning, or unusual AWD engagement behavior, particularly on inclines or during parking lot maneuvers.

4. Suspension System Impact from Spokane Roads

Spokane Impact Factor: MEDIUM

The Forester’s suspension faces dual challenges from Spokane’s pothole-riddled streets and off-road recreation usage:

• Strut and Spring Wear: Spokane’s notorious potholes and frost heaves, combined with loaded mountain driving, accelerate suspension component deterioration
• Rear Suspension Bushings: These commonly fail prematurely due to heavy loading and varied terrain usage
• Alignment Frequency: Spokane roads necessitate more frequent alignments, and poor alignment can affect AWD system operation
• Control Arm Components: Check for excessive wear in control arm bushings and ball joints, common in vehicles transitioning between pavement and unpaved recreation access

During your test drive, note any excessive bouncing over bumps, pulling during straight-line driving, or unusual tire noise that might indicate suspension issues.

5. Interior and Cargo System Durability

Spokane Impact Factor: MEDIUM

The Forester’s role as Spokane’s go-to family adventure vehicle creates specific wear patterns:

• Cargo Area Inspection: Check rear cargo areas for damage from bikes, camping gear, pets, and outdoor equipment
• Seat Wear Assessment: Look for unusual wear patterns from outdoor gear, pet damage, or heavy family use that might affect long-term durability
• Power Liftgate Function: Test power liftgate operation thoroughly, as frequent heavy loading can cause premature failure
• HVAC System Performance: Dust and debris from outdoor activities can clog cabin air filters and affect system performance

Inspect all interior and cargo systems carefully, as the Forester’s utility often results in harder usage than typical passenger vehicles.

6. Build Quality and Materials Assessment

Spokane Impact Factor: MEDIUM

Despite the Forester’s popularity and capability, buyers should be aware of certain build quality characteristics:

• Interior Materials: The Forester uses cost-conscious interior materials that may show wear more quickly than expected for the price point—check door panels, dashboard surfaces, and seat materials for premature aging
• Body Panel Thickness: Pay attention to how doors sound when closing and overall panel rigidity—some buyers find the construction feels less substantial than competitors in this price range
• Trim Piece Durability: Check plastic trim pieces for looseness or rattling, as these components may not maintain tight tolerances over time
• Paint and Finish Quality: Inspect paint thickness and finish quality, as some Foresters show paint issues earlier than expected for their age

These characteristics don’t affect reliability but may impact long-term ownership satisfaction and resale value.

7. Engine Oil Consumption Monitoring

Spokane Impact Factor: HIGH

A critical maintenance consideration that many first-time Subaru owners don’t anticipate:

• Normal Consumption Range: Subaru considers oil consumption up to 1 quart per 1,200 miles “normal” for these engines—significantly higher than many competing brands
• Monitoring Requirements: Regular oil level checking between changes is essential, as some engines may consume oil without obvious external leaks or visible smoke
• Temperature Impact: Spokane’s temperature extremes can affect oil consumption patterns—monitor consumption during both summer and winter driving
• Long-Term Consequences: Undetected oil consumption can lead to oil starvation, resulting in expensive engine damage that may not be covered under warranty

Ask specifically about the vehicle’s oil consumption history and verify that the owner has been monitoring oil levels regularly between changes.

Local Climate & Driving Condition Effects

Spokane’s Seasonal Impact on the Forester

The Forester’s versatility serves Spokane well, but local conditions create specific considerations:

• Winter Capability: While the Forester excels in snow, verify that the AWD system has received proper maintenance for optimal winter performance
• Summer Loading Stress: Spokane families often heavily load their Foresters for camping and recreation—ensure cooling and transmission systems can handle this stress
• Mountain Access Duty: Many Foresters serve as mountain access vehicles for skiing, hiking, and camping—check for appropriate wear versus abuse patterns

Maintenance Recommendations for Spokane Forester Owners

Based on local driving conditions and usage patterns, Spokane Forester owners should consider:

• CVT fluid changes every 30,000 miles instead of Subaru’s longer intervals
• Coolant system service every 60,000 miles due to temperature extremes and mountain driving
• More frequent air filter replacement due to dust from unpaved recreation access roads
• Annual suspension inspection given mixed urban and outdoor terrain usage
• Transfer case fluid service every 30,000 miles for vehicles used in mountain recreation
• Monthly oil level monitoring: Check oil level monthly between changes due to Subaru’s higher normal consumption rates—never rely solely on change intervals

Out-of-Area Considerations: What to Watch for in Imported Vehicles

Many used Foresters in the Spokane market originate from regions with different usage patterns and environmental conditions:

Coastal Region Vehicles

• Inspect for salt-air corrosion on exhaust systems and undercarriage components
• Check electrical connections for early corrosion signs that might not be immediately apparent
• Verify brake component condition, as coastal humidity affects brake system longevity differently than Spokane’s drier climate

Snow-Belt Region Vehicles

• Look for road salt damage—rust in wheel wells, frame components, brake lines, and exhaust systems
• Inspect suspension components for salt-accelerated corrosion that could cause premature failure
• Check floor pan and cargo area integrity, particularly around mounting points and drainage areas

Urban-Only Vehicles

• These may lack mechanical conditioning from mountain driving that Spokane usage typically provides
• Verify AWD system functions properly, as it may have been rarely engaged in flat, urban environments
• Check for signs of deferred maintenance due to light-duty usage patterns

Undisclosed Damage Analysis

When shopping for a used Forester in Spokane, watch for these common undisclosed damage patterns:

Adventure Vehicle Abuse Indicators

• Underbody scratches and dents from rock strikes or ground contact
• Skid plate damage or missing protective components
• Roof rack mounting point damage from heavy or improperly secured loads
• Exhaust system damage from off-road ground contact

Accident Damage Signs

• Panel gap inconsistencies, particularly around the rear hatch and quarter panels
• Paint variations that might be masked by road dust from outdoor activities
• Frame alignment issues that could affect AWD system operation and handling
• Suspension geometry problems that affect tire wear patterns

Family Use Wear Patterns

• Excessive interior wear that might indicate harder usage than apparent mileage suggests
• Cargo area damage that could affect structural integrity or water sealing
• HVAC system issues from heavy dust exposure or debris accumulation

Spokane Pricing Analysis for 2016-2020 Subaru Forester

Current Local Price Ranges (June 2025)

Spokane Market Factors

Several factors affect Forester pricing specifically in the Spokane market:

• AWD Standard Premium: Spokane buyers pay 6-10% more than national averages for Foresters due to high local demand for all-wheel drive capability
• Seasonal Demand Fluctuation: Prices typically increase 4-8% during October-March when winter capability is most valued
• Adventure Package Premium: Models with roof rails, all-weather packages, and towing equipment command higher prices in our outdoor-oriented market
• Condition Variability: Given Spokane’s outdoor lifestyle, condition varies significantly between examples, affecting pricing more than in typical markets

Value Assessment for Spokane Buyers

Based on local conditions and usage patterns:

• Best Value Point: 2018-2019 Premium models offer optimal balance of features, updated design, and depreciation protection
• Avoid High-Mileage Mountain Vehicles: Foresters with mountain recreation history may require more maintenance despite lower purchase prices
• Mileage Sweet Spot: 30,000-50,000 mile examples typically offer best value before major service intervals
• Trim Level Considerations: Premium and higher trims retain value better in Spokane due to cold-weather and convenience features

The Value of a Professional Inspection

Cost vs. Risk Analysis

Consider these potential costs when deciding on professional inspection:

• CVT transmission repairs or replacement can exceed $4,000 if problems aren’t detected early
• Cooling system failures often cost $1,500-2,500 to address comprehensively
• AWD system repairs frequently run $1,200-2,800 depending on component failure
• Hidden accident or abuse damage can reduce vehicle value by 20-40%
• Suspension work typically costs $800-1,800 in Spokane due to our challenging road conditions
• Engine damage from undetected oil consumption can result in $8,000+ repair costs

What Our Inspection Uncovers

A professional Spokane Preinspection service includes:

• Comprehensive diagnostic scanning of all vehicle systems, including CVT-specific codes
• Thorough evaluation of AWD system functionality under various conditions
• Oil consumption assessment and engine condition evaluation
• Expert assessment of how the vehicle will perform specifically in Spokane’s varied conditions
• Complete documentation with video evidence of all findings for your review
• Evaluation of wear patterns to determine if they’re consistent with reported usage

Our Inspection Service

Spokane Preinspection is a mobile used car inspection service operating throughout the Greater Spokane area, including Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Mead, and Airway Heights.

How It Works

1. Schedule your inspection online
2. Provide vehicle details (Year/Make/Model/VIN/Location)
3. Our inspectors travel to the vehicle’s location
4. We complete a comprehensive inspection with video documentation
5. You receive a detailed digital report + video with findings

You don’t even need to be present for the inspection—we work directly with sellers or dealerships to access the vehicle.

Schedule Your Forester Inspection Now

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Forester’s CVT perform under Spokane’s demanding conditions?

The Forester’s CVT is generally reliable, but Spokane’s combination of temperature extremes, mountain driving, and heavy family loading can accelerate wear. Our inspection includes comprehensive CVT evaluation and thermal testing to identify early wear signs.

Are there specific concerns for Foresters used as family adventure vehicles?

Adventure-used Foresters often show accelerated wear in cooling, transmission, and suspension systems. Our inspection specifically evaluates these components and determines whether wear is normal for recreational use or indicates potential problems.

Can you inspect a Forester if the seller is a private party?

Absolutely! We work with private sellers throughout the Spokane area. Most sellers appreciate the professional approach and transparency of our inspection process, and it often facilitates smoother transactions.

What’s different about inspecting Foresters versus other Subaru models?

Foresters require specific attention to cargo area condition, power liftgate function, and systems affected by heavy loading. We also evaluate the vehicle’s suitability for your intended usage patterns in Spokane’s environment.

How do I know if a Forester has been properly maintained for Spokane conditions?

Our physically evaluates component condition to determine if the vehicle has received appropriate care for local driving conditions. This can help identify deferred maintenance that might cause expensive problems later. Critically, we also assess oil consumption patterns and specifically look for signs of oil starvation.

Should I be concerned about Subaru’s oil consumption characteristics?

Subaru engines can consume significantly more oil than many competing brands—up to 1 quart per 1,200 miles is considered “normal.” Our inspection includes oil consumption assessment and engine condition evaluation to determine if consumption seems to be within acceptable ranges and whether the vehicle has been properly monitored.

Spokane Preinspection is an independent service not affiliated with Subaru or any dealership. We provide unbiased, expert evaluations to help you make a confident buying decision.

This guide contains general information based on industry data and is updated regularly. All pricing information is current as of June 2025.

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