10 Best Used SUVs Under $5K, Subaru Forester Checks The Most Boxes

Which model year is the best if you are looking for a used Subaru Forester?

The Subaru Forester is an excellent used SUV for many reasons, which I will explain in this report. First, which year is the best? A new report from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says there are ten used SUVs under $5,000 that you should consider. The 2007 Subaru Forester, with its unique features, stands out among the rest. 

KBB says, "Buying any used vehicle for less than $5,000 can be a real challenge these days, let alone a used SUV — although prices are better now than they were a few years ago. Finding a quality used SUV at this price point is as much about the individual example as it is about the brand, model, or trim, as how the vehicle was cared for can have a much greater impact on your ownership experience than the amount of equipment fitted or whether it comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD)."

Forester has all-wheel-drive

That's where the Subaru Forester lives and shines. Whatever year you are looking at, all Forester compact SUVs come standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. It's a full-time system, so you won't have to get out and lock in the hubs to engage all four wheels. 

I'll explain more about Forester's benefits, but first, here are KBB's top ten used SUVs under $5,000. 

• 2006 Honda Pilot
• 2006 Toyota Highlander
• 2006 Honda CR-V
• 2006 Toyota RAV4
• 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
• 2006 Nissan Xterra
• 2007 Subaru Forester
• 2010 Mazda CX-7
• 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
• 2008 GMC Acadia

What does KBB say about the 2007 Subaru Forester?

"Somewhat smaller but with a surprisingly spacious cargo area, the 2007 Subaru Forester makes the most of its size, seating five occupants and holding up to 68.6 cubic feet of cargo. The Forester is a great choice for those who regularly drive gravel roads or who deal with winter weather, as it comes with standard all-wheel drive and also offers 8 inches of ground clearance. If you find a high-mileage example, make sure the timing belt has been replaced and there are no head gasket issues."

What sets the Forester apart from the other SUVs on the list?

I have already mentioned Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology. Here's another unique Forester characteristic.

Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive tech distributes torque to all four wheels all the time and is tailored to the specific vehicle's engine, suspension, and transmission. Subaru's AWD reduces the load on each wheel, preventing tire slip, especially on slippery or loose surfaces. Read more about it in my report here. 

Subaru is the only automaker that offers a unique Boxer design for every one of its vehicles. 

The Subaru Boxer engine, with its unique flat and low design, provides a lower center of gravity than the Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Chevrolet, Mazda, and GMC models. This design keeps the Forester stable on steep inclines and uneven terrain, an often overlooked vital advantage.

Forester's top safety rating 

The 2007 Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. So, if you have a young family member driving a Forester, you have confidence in the Forester's crash scores. 

What is the Forester's fuel mileage?

The 2007 Forester, with a 2.5-liter engine and automatic transmission, gets an EPA-estimated 20/25 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg. Forester is not only affordable to buy, but also economical to run, making it a great choice for those on a budget. 

Check out this older Subaru Forester story. 

Two brothers took a 20,000-mile road trip after purchasing a 1998 Subaru Forester with 184,000 miles. They only paid $2,000 for the Forester. 

They took the Forester on a 24-day road trip. Subaru says, "For brothers Ben and Max, these were the building blocks for a life-changing, cross-country road trip." 

Check out Dear Subaru | Episode 1: Road Trippin' in a '98 Forester YouTube video. 

Forester reliability

Consumer Reports says some Forester models are worse than others regarding reliability. However, the 2017, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Forester model years are less likely to have reliability issues, providing a sense of security for potential buyers.

A newer Subaru Forester can be a good choice.

If you are looking for a newer used Forester and have more to spend, Consumer Reports says the 2020 and 2021 Subaru Forester have the best overall reliability rankings. The 2019 model year is also a good choice and rated only slightly lower.

Note: Make sure you check out any used Subaru model with a certified Subaru technician before you buy it.

KBB has good advice when you are shopping for any used vehicle. 

"Look for well-kept models with good service history and an accident-free report, and even these sub-$5,000 SUVs can keep you on the road for years to come. Tip: With a vehicle this age, you may want to get a used car inspection from a mechanic before you buy."

Do you have an older Subaru Forester? Tell our readers about your experience. Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know. We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with the Forester.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru