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10 Best Used SUVs Under $10K, Subaru Outback Or Forester And The Pick You Should Steer Clear Of

What are the best used SUVs you can buy for under $10,000? Check out Kelley Blue Book's ten best picks. I also included more used models that are in U.S. News rankings. But there's one KBB Subaru pick you may want to steer clear of.
2012 Subaru Forester

If you can find a good, clean, reliable SUV for around $10,000, you should jump on it. But there are so many to choose from. Which model is best? Kelley Blue Book recently released its 10 Best Used Cars Under $10,000. 

Let's examine two of KBB's Subaru models they say are best and see which one you should avoid. 

KBB's 10 Best Used SUVs Under $10,000

  1. 2012 Toyota RAV4
  2. 2013 Honda CR-V
  3. 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  4. 2013 Honda Pilot
  5. 2014 Subaru Outback
  6. 2014 Mazda CX-5
  7. 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5XT
  8. 2013 Ford Expedition
  9. 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
  10. 2013 Nissan Murano

Is the 2014 Outback an SUV or a Wagon?

KBB says, "The 2014 Subaru Outback straddles the line between SUV and wagon. Because of that, it benefits from a comfortable, car-like interior and loads of cargo space. In addition, the Outback's high ground clearance and standard AWD make this a good choice for all-season travel and outdoor adventures."

My Take

In my experience with Subaru, the 2014 Outback is an excellent choice for used SUV shoppers. You can get a 2.5-liter engine or the 3.6R trim with a six-cylinder Boxer engine upgrade. 

All-Weather Performance

It's a reliable pick and features Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather and severe-weather performance. 

What Does KBB Say About The #7 2012 Subaru Forester?

"Compact and efficient, but with standard all-wheel drive and plenty of ground clearance, the 2012 Subaru Forester is a great all-around choice. The Forester's boxy proportions give it plenty of utility in the form of more cargo space and headroom. Look for the turbocharged 2.5XT model for a 224-horsepower 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder."

Why You Should Steer Clear Of The Forester

In my experience with Subaru, the 2012 Forester is the one year you should avoid. 

According to Consumer Reports, the 2012 Subaru Forester is the fifth most likely vehicle to need an engine rebuild. CR says, "The typical mileage for this to happen is between 81,000 and 129,000 miles."

One Forester customer said: "Oil consumption was measured, proved to be excessive, and the engine block was replaced (by Subaru). This did fix the issue."

I have documented Subaru's oil consumption problem in specific engines. The 2011-2014 Forester (2.5-liter engine) is the Forester model most affected. 

What Are The Best Used Forester Years?

If you are looking for a used Forester, you'll have to spend more than $10,000. Consumer Reports says the 2020 and 2021 Subaru Forester have the best overall reliability rankings. The 2019 model year is rated slightly lower but still excellent and reliable.

There Are More Used Picks From U.S. News

U.S. News Best Used Cars Under $10,000

  • 2013 Volkswagen CC - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 80/100 | $7,927
  • 2013 Mazda Mazda6 - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 80/100 | $9,852
  • 2013 Mazda Mazda3 - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 81/100 | $9,766
  • 2015 Chevrolet Sonic - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 81/100 | $9,700
  • 2013 Subaru Legacy - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 83/100 | $9,851
  • 2016 Nissan Versa - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 83/100 | $8,796
  • 2013 Hyundai Accent - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 83/100 | $7,927
  • 2014 Kia Soul - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100 | $9,852
  • 2013 Chevrolet Malibu - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100 | $9,766
  • 2014 Nissan Sentra - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100 | $9,700
  • 2014 Chevrolet Cruze - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100 | $9,612
  • 2013 Kia Forte - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100 | $8,161
  • 2013 Hyundai Sonata - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100 | $7,306
  • 2013 Honda Fit - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 85/100 | $9,859
  • 2015 Kia Rio - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 87/100 | $8,987
  • 2013 Buick Verano - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 91/100 | $9,851

What Does U.S. News Say About Subaru Legacy?

U.S. News says, "The Legacy is in the top half of our 2023 affordable midsize car rankings. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, so it's an excellent choice for drivers who need extra traction in rain, ice, or snow."

What Engine Does The Legacy Have?

"A four-cylinder engine with 173 horsepower is standard, and a 256-horsepower six-cylinder is available. The base engine is underwhelming, so the six-cylinder is the recommended choice."

What Are Legacy's Standard Features?

"Standard features include manually adjustable seats, projector-beam headlights, and keyless entry. Available amenities include navigation, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and satellite radio."

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this used Subaru Outback, Forester, and Legacy report. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

MORE USED SUBARU MODEL NEWS

CR’s 9 Most Popular Used SUVs, Why Subaru Forester, Outback Are Your Best Picks Now

5 Reasons Why The Subaru Crosstrek Is Your Best Used SUV Pick Under $25K

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 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 The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time. 

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