I Took My Subaru Forester In For an Oil Change, They Tell Me I Need the 60K Check-In, My Oil Change Just Cost Me $1,000, A Fatal Flaw, Never Take It To a Dealer

My oil change costs how much?

This is the question that often leaves Subaru Forester and other model owners like Jaclyn in shock and disbelief.

This story plays out countless times at Subaru dealers nationwide every day. A day in the life of a service advisor is brutal, to say the least. It's one of the hardest jobs in the service department. 

Imagine pulling your Subaru Forester into the service drive, getting out, walking over to the service desk, and asking if you can get an oil change. "Sure we can get you in if you can wait," says the service advisor.

You are willing to wait because you get the oil changed regularly and want to keep your vehicle running well. 

Perfect, how much will it cost? you ask. "Let me take a look at your vehicle," he says. He turns on the ignition and sees that your Forester has 61,800 miles on the odometer.

The advisor walks back to his desk, checks his computer, types in your Forester's information, and says. You need to have the 60,000-mile check-in done. It's going to cost around $1,000. 

You can't believe your ears. Did you say $1,000 for an oil change? He says yes because you need to have the 60K service done, which includes other essential services, to keep your Forester in good shape. If not, you could have more expensive repairs later. 

What does the 60K check-in include, you ask? He says it consists of an oil and filter, replacing the transmission and brake fluid, engine and cabin air filters, spark plugs, and wiper blades. We also rotate the tires, inspect the drive belts, and top off all your fluids. It's the most comprehensive service we do on your Forester.

This is the scenario that played out for Jaclyn Couch (@jaccouchh). As you can imagine, she vents her frustration because she is unprepared to pay $1,000 to change her oil. 

Jaclyn is not happy with Subaru. Here is her story.

Jaclyn says, "Well, I have officially seen it all. My oil change was $1,000, y'all. I'm ticked off with Subaru. My battery died last week, and it was $350 to have my battery changed. I don't know why it's so expensive, but it was."  

"I also had to buy coolant because my coolant was low. Then, I took my car to the Subaru dealer for a standard oil change. A fatal flaw, so never take it to a dealership even though I wanted to take it in." 

Jaclyn explained why she had taken her Forester to the Subaru dealer.

"Because I just changed my brake pads, and I wanted to make sure everything was fine. So, I took it to the Subaru dealership. So, when I'm telling them I want an oil change, the service advisor says, I need the 60K service check-in done." 

"60,000 mile check in? I don't know anything about any of this stuff. Why don't you tell me about any of this in advance? Because, oh my gosh, I don't have the money to be dropping like this."

"Every time I try to save money, some crap like this happens. I'm pissed because the 60K check-in includes an oil change, new filters, new spark plugs, a transmission flush, and a brake flush - $1,000. I had to pay $1,000 to get my oil changed." 

"I have no words. It is ungodly expensive to have a car. And I, like, cannot not have a car. I need a car because I have to get to and from work. Oh, happy Monday," she says in frustration.

Is this a normal Subaru dealer charge for the Forester 60,000-mile service?

Was the Subaru dealer trying to pull a fast one over on Jaclyn? The answer is no. The Subaru Forester and all Subaru models are more expensive to maintain, especially at 60,000 miles. 

A 60,000 mile service for a 2019 Subaru Forester includes: 

• Oil and filter: Replace the engine oil and oil filter
• Transmission fluid: Replace the transmission fluid with Subaru OEM High Performance Fluid
• Brake fluid: Replace the brake fluid
• Air filters: Replace the engine and cabin air filters
• Tires: Rotate the tires and check the tire pressure
• Belts: Inspect and adjust the drive belts to factory specifications
• Spark plugs: Replace the spark plugs
• Wiper blades: Replace the wiper blades
• Fluids: Top off any fluids
• Recalls: Check for any open service campaigns or recall notices

If the Subaru service department quoted her $1,000, that's a great price. The 60K Subaru Forester service is typically closer to $1200 because Subaru recommends synthetic oil be used in the compact SUV's Boxer engine. 

Is Subaru maintenance more expensive than other car brands?

Yes, because of its distinct powertrain design, Subaru's maintenance is unique. All vehicles, except the BRZ sports coupe, come standard with all-wheel drive. Additionally, Subaru is the only automaker that exclusively uses a horizontally opposed Boxer engine in all its vehicles, setting it apart from other car brands. This uniqueness in design contributes to the higher maintenance costs. 

Some Subaru maintenance needs to be performed more often. Because of Subaru's unusual powertrain, owners can expect to perform differential fluid changes more often than they would with a conventional vehicle.

Subaru recommends changing the spark plugs every 60,000 miles, which is an adventure for the Subaru tech.

The engine mounts are disconnected and lifted slightly to allow the technician access to the plugs, which are snugly situated against the sides of the engine bay.

Subaru CVT Fluid Change

Another exceptional service is the continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid change. The vehicle must be running while on the lift to change the fluid. You'll also need OEM Subaru CVT fluid when you do this service. 

Subaru's regular maintenance services are more expensive because they are more comprehensive and involve Subaru's unique drivetrain. However, if they are performed as recommended, your vehicle's life will be prolonged. Understanding these reasons can help Subaru owners like Jaclyn make informed decisions about their vehicle maintenance.

Jaclyn is upset with Subaru for not telling her that at 30,000 miles, especially 60,000 miles, her Forester would require extra maintenance and be $1000 or more. 

Subaru should better inform their customers.

The salesperson who sold her the all-wheel-drive vehicle should have let her know the cost when she purchased the compact SUV. During the purchase of a new car, the maintenance details are often overlooked, and the customer has to find out by reading the owner's manual. 

The last thing Jaclyn was expecting was a huge bill on her Forester. She says sarcastically, "$1,000 for an oil change? Thanks, Subaru."

What if you delay or don't get the 60K service done on a Subaru vehicle?

Read what happened to Amanda's Subaru Forester when she didn't get the 60,000-mile service done. It did not go well.

Amanda's Subaru Forester Has 100K Miles and Already Needs A New Transmission, "I Bought It With the Understanding That Subaru's Last Until 300,000 Miles Or More." Read Amanda's sad story here.

How about you?

Have you had a similar experience with your Subaru? Share your story in the comments below. Your experience can help others understand the potential costs of owning a Subaru and how to manage them effectively.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Jaclyn and Subaru