Used Subaru Forester for Sale by Owner on Craigslist
Looking for a used Subaru Forester? CraigsCars searches every Craigslist city at once, so you can compare Subaru Forester listings from private sellers nationwide instead of browsing city by city. Below you will find live listings, the known weak points of the Forester, and a checklist for your test drive.
Used Subaru Forester listings on Craigslist
Live results from Craigslist listings nationwide. Click a listing to open the original ad.
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What to check before buying a used Subaru Forester
- Test 4WD/AWD engagement and listen for grinding or binding in tight turns.
- Check every row of seats, power liftgate and rear HVAC.
- Look underneath for off-road scrapes and rust on the frame or subframe.
- Check the tow hitch: towing history means extra transmission and brake wear.
- Run a VIN history report and compare the mileage with the odometer and the condition of the pedals, steering wheel and seats.
- Make sure the title is in the seller's name, is not salvage/rebuilt (unless priced accordingly), and has no lien.
Subaru reliability: what owners should know
The 2.5L engine in 1999–2011 models is known for head gasket leaks — look for oil or coolant seepage and ask whether gaskets were replaced. Some 2011–2015 FB engines burn oil. CVTs (2010+) need fluid service. Turbo WRX/STI models are often modified and driven hard.
How to get a good price on a used Forester
Compare several Subaru Forester listings with similar year and mileage before contacting sellers — searching all Craigslist cities at once gives you a realistic picture of the market. Private sellers usually leave 5–10% room to negotiate. Point to concrete issues (tires, brakes, upcoming services) found during inspection to justify your offer. See our full negotiation guide.
Other used Subaru models
Find a used Forester in your city
- Los Angeles, CA
- New York City, NY
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Austin, TX
- Miami, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Sacramento, CA
- Portland, OR
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a used Subaru Forester for sale by owner?
This page searches Craigslist listings from every US city for the Subaru Forester. Results include private sellers and dealers; look for "by owner" listings to avoid dealer fees.
What should I look out for on a used Subaru Forester?
Practical compact SUV with excellent visibility. Same head-gasket and CVT checks apply.
Is it safe to buy a Subaru Forester on Craigslist?
Yes, if you meet in a public place, verify the title and the seller's ID, never wire money or use gift cards, and get a pre-purchase inspection. Read our guide on avoiding Craigslist car scams for details.