11 Most Reliable Used SUVs Under $10K - The Best Subaru Forester Year To Buy Now

If you have been shopping for a new SUV, you probably have sticker shock. New car prices are up, and finding a reliable used vehicle is the next best choice. But which models are the best? U.S. News lists the eleven most reliable used SUVs under $10,000. 

If you are looking for a reliable all-wheel-drive model, the updated U.S. News list includes one Subaru SUV, the 2010 Forester compact SUV. Check out the eleven best models below. 

2012 Cadillac SRX - Reliability Score: 84 | Min Avg Price: $9,941

2012 Chevrolet Equinox - Reliability Score: 84 | Min Avg Price: $8,516

2010 Mazda CX-9 - Reliability Score: 84 | Min Avg Price: $8,146

2010 Subaru Forester - Reliability Score: 84 | Min Avg Price: $7,113

2011 Buick Enclave - Reliability Score: 85 | Min Avg Price: $9,599

2012 Chevrolet Traverse - Reliability Score: 85 | Min Avg Price: $8,886

2011 Acura RDX - Reliability Score: 86 | Min Avg Price: $9,480

2011 Nissan Murano - Reliability Score: 86 | Min Avg Price: $9,068

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser - Reliability Score: 86 | Min Avg Price: $8,540

2012 GMC Terrain - Reliability Score: 88 | Min Avg Price: $9,888

2010 Toyota RAV4 - Reliability Score: 88 | Min Avg Price: $8,467

2010 Subaru Forester

U.S. News gives the 2010 Subaru Forester a reliability score of 84; the average price for the used Forester is $7,113.

U.S. News says, "The 2010 Subaru Forester's tall, boxy layout provides terrific driver visibility, plenty of room for passengers, and a generous 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The Forester also comes standard with all-wheel drive and boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance."

Check the head gaskets.

"The Forester and other Subaru models use a common "boxer" horizontally opposed engine. With many vehicles using similar components, brands have plenty of time to resolve issues. That said, when you have to repair one head gasket on a Boxer engine, you often have to fix the one on the other side. Doing so can be complex and costly."

Don't Miss This Related Story: The Best Used Subaru Models To Buy Now And Those To Avoid - Ranked By Year

For the 2010 model year, Forester came with two engine options and five trim levels. The Forester is available in 2.5-liter naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) and 2.5-liter turbocharged models.

The naturally aspirated models are available with a manual or automatic transmission. The naturally aspirated model is available in three trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, and 2.5X Limited.

The 2.5XT turbocharged version was available in two trim levels, the 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT. The 2.5X and 2.5XT turbocharged models come standard with an automatic transmission.

What is the best trim level?

The Forester Premium offers good value. The 2.5X Premium standard equipment included a 10-way power driver's seat, 17-inch Alloy Wheels, 225/55 R17 95H all-season tires, privacy glass, a panoramic power moonroof, roof rails, steering wheel mounted audio switches, reclining rear seatback function, and rear seat retractable rear tray. An optional all-weather package included heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, and heated exterior mirrors.

What is the 2010 Forester fuel mileage?

The Forester with the 2.5-liter engine with the naturally-aspirated engine gets the best fuel mileage. The EPA estimates are 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg with the automatic transmission. The 5-speed manual transmission gets one more mpg highway (27).

2010 Forester safety score

The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick safety score from the IIHS.

When buying a used Subaru Forester or any used vehicle, it is best to consider vehicles maintained according to the owner's manual. Ask the owner or car dealer for maintenance records; getting a vehicle history report is a good idea. AutoCheck and CarFax are excellent sources for this information.

Check Out This Hot Topic: The Most And Least Reliable Subaru Models,Years - The Ones You Should Avoid

Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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