# Subaru Forester 2009–2013 Pre-Purchase Checklist

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> Printable pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2009–2013 Subaru Forester: the generation-specific checks that separate a good one from someone else's problem.

Case file · SUBARU-FORESTER-2009-2013 · Field document

# Subaru Forester 2009–2013 · Pre-purchase checklist

Bring this to the inspection. Every check below is specific to this generation's documented failure modes, not generic used-car advice.

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Check 01

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup. Confirm the Takata passenger-airbag inflator and the 2014 brake-line corrosion recall (salt states) were both completed.

Check 02

On 2011–2013 (FB25): check the dipstick cold and ask directly how much oil it uses between changes. More than about 1/3 quart per 1,200 miles was Subaru's own threshold for 'excessive.' Ask whether a short block was ever replaced under the settlement.

Check 03

On 2009–2010 (EJ253): look along the bottom of the block where the heads meet it for oil weep or coolant crust, the classic external head-gasket seep. Check coolant level and condition.

Check 04

On the 2.5XT: demand oil-change records. Ask if the turbo oil-supply banjo-bolt screens were ever cleaned or removed. Walk away from a turbo car with a patchy history.

Check 05

Listen for a droning hum that rises with road speed on a test drive. Wheel bearings are a routine wear item on these.

Check 06

Watch for a check-engine light with P0420/P0171-family codes. Catalytic converters and front air-fuel sensors are known failure points.

Check 07

On cars from the rust belt, get it on a lift and inspect brake and fuel lines even if the recall was performed.

Check 08

Confirm the timing belt was done on schedule (EJ engines, ~105k intervals). The FB25 uses a chain, so no belt service, but chain noise at high mileage is worth a listen.

Walk-away signals

2011 (worst of the FB25 oil-consumption years) · 2009–2010 only if head gaskets are unverified at 100k+ miles

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