A 2025 Subaru Forester Owner Bought a Base Trim and Now He Regrets It - He Says, “The Salesperson Must Have Seen Me Coming a Mile Away, Guess I’m Too New To the Brand To Know Better”

Buying a 2025 Subaru Forester base trim might seem like a budget-friendly win at the dealership, but many first-time owners are finding out the hard way that saving a few thousand upfront can lead to a lifetime of "bare-bones" regret.

Imagine driving off the lot in your shiny new SUV, feeling like you scored a deal, only to realize later that you’re missing the essential comfort and safety tech that actually makes a Subaru a Subaru. It’s a sinking feeling when you discover the "deal" was really just a stripped-down version of the car you actually wanted.

A 2025 Forester owner on the SubaruForester.Org page says,

“I have read a few of these forum posts, enough to be concerned about my lack of Subaru knowledge. I have never owned a Subaru until now. So, I bought a 2025 Subaru Forester base trim model, enough to keep going to the grocery store and Dr. appointments. Now, I hear ‘Don’t ever buy the Forester base trim because it doesn’t have the key features I’ll need and want.’ The Subaru salesperson must have seen me coming a mile away. Now I regret buying it. However, since I’ve never owned a Subaru before, and I’m stuck with this Forester base model, I need to know how to maintain it. Someone on this forum said 'pretend it is a BMW' (a car I don't care for), would you be so kind as to expand on what a person should do, especially maintenance-wise? I have read a lot here and have watched the 'experts' on YouTube. I need to keep this vehicle running, so what are the best maintenance tips?”

Why the 2025 Subaru Forester Base Trim is the Model to Avoid

As a Senior Reporter at Torque News with 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, I have seen every trick in the book. The 2025 Subaru Forester base trim features often serve one primary purpose for the manufacturer: it allows them to advertise a "starting at" price under $30,000 (even though, with destination fees, that number quickly disappears). For a first-time buyer in Texas or anywhere else, the Base trim looks like a bargain, but it is the one trim level I consistently tell my readers to avoid.

When you step into a Base model, you are losing more than just leather seats. You are missing out on the 11.6-inch Starlink multimedia screen, the All-Weather Package (heated seats and mirrors), and even basic LED fog lights. More importantly, the Base trim lacks the dual-function X-Mode for off-road driving, which is the heart of Subaru’s go-anywhere capability. Without it, you essentially have a tall wagon that lacks the electronic "brains" to handle deep mud or snow effectively.

If you are currently cross-shopping models, you should check out my report on the 2025 Subaru Forester, The Trim To Avoid, where I break down exactly why the Premium trim is the actual "sweet spot" for value.

The "Pretend It’s a BMW" Strategy: 

The forum advice to "pretend it is a BMW" might sound like a joke, but from a mechanical perspective, it’s actually sound wisdom. Subaru’s Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system are precision-engineered components.

Unlike a basic domestic sedan that might tolerate a skipped oil change, a Subaru requires strict adherence to its schedule to avoid the dreaded Subaru Forester CVT transmission problems or head gasket issues down the line.

Here is my blueprint for keeping your Forester running for 200,000 miles:

1. The 5,000-Mile Oil Ritual

Subaru officially recommends 0W-20 synthetic oil changes every 6,000 miles. However, in the heat of Texas or for those doing short "grocery store" trips, that interval is too long. I recommend changing your oil every 5,000 miles. The Boxer engine’s horizontal layout means oil sits differently than in a standard inline-four; keeping that "lifeblood" fresh is non-negotiable. You can find more of my specific advice in Keep Your Subaru Thriving: Top Engine Oil Care Tips.

2. Respect the CVT

Your Forester doesn't have a traditional geared automatic; it has a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While Subaru calls the fluid "lifetime," my 30 years of experience says otherwise. If you want to avoid a $7,000 transmission replacement, have the CVT fluid inspected and replaced every 60,000 miles.

3. The Forgotten Filters

Don't let the dealership charge you $150 for something you can do in two minutes. The cabin air filter is located right behind your glove box. Especially in dusty environments, a clogged filter puts a massive strain on your HVAC system. To save money and your A/C, read my guide: Don't Forget To Do This Critical Maintenance On Your Subaru Before Summer.

What Forester Owners Are Saying

The sentiment regarding the Base trim and maintenance is echoed across the owner community. On Reddit, one user warned about the lack of features in the entry-level model:

"Had a base model and couldn't wait to get rid of it... the base model on them has the smaller split screen stereo, and all the other trim models have the full-size screen." u/AgueDesigns, Reddit

Regarding the high cost of dealership service, another owner noted:

"Paying almost $500 for what essentially boils down to an oil change, tire rotation, and filter swap... makes me seriously consider just avoiding the dealership altogether." u/DorkyStud, Reddit

Key Takeaways for 2025 Forester Owners & Buyers

• Skip the Base: If you haven't bought yet, the Premium trim offers $5,000 worth of value for a $2,300 price jump.
• Synthetic is Key: Always use 0W-20 full synthetic oil to protect the Boxer engine's unique internals.
• DIY Small Tasks: Cabin and engine air filters are easy DIY projects that save hundreds over the life of the car.
• The 30,000-Mile Milestone: This is your first major service. Expect to pay for brake fluid flushes and differential gear oil changes. Do not skip these!

Conclusion

Buying a Base trim doesn't mean you own a "bad" car, but it does mean you have to be more vigilant. The 2025 Subaru Forester's reliability depends entirely on how you treat it in these first few years. While you might regret missing out on the "bells and whistles," following a strict maintenance schedule will ensure that your Forester remains a loyal companion for your medical appointments and grocery runs for years to come. Don't let a salesperson’s "easy sell" turn into a mechanical nightmare later. Stay educated and stay on top of those oil changes.

Tell Us What You Think: Did you buy a Base trim Forester and regret it, or do you find the simplicity refreshing? Click the red link below to write your comment and join the community in sharing experiences.

Next Up: Is the new Hybrid model the better choice for long-term owners? Check out my breakdown of why the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid might be the future of the brand.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.

Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl