New Vs. Used - The 3-Year-Old Used Subaru SUVs That Are No Longer Affordable

Is it cheaper to buy a new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, 2023 Forester, and 2023 Outback than a used model? A new affordability report from iSeeCars reveals new car shoppers should order a new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, 2023 Forester, and 2023 Outback now and wait for it to be shipped to their Subaru retailer rather than buy a used three-year-old model.

One used Subaru SUV will cost nearly $2,000 or more than a new vehicle. A recent study from Kelley Blue Book using insights from Cox Automotive data reveals a new Subaru vehicle increased just 0.3 percent last month and 4.8 percent over the previous twelve months. But used Subaru SUVs have skyrocketed.

photo credit: Boise Subaru

Using its Car Affordability Index, iSeeCars calculated the pricing threshold for affordable cars. They analyzed three-year-old used vehicles that had been affordable between April and December 2019 but were no longer affordable from January to August 2022. The list includes Subaru's top three models, the Crosstrek small crossover, the Outback midsize SUV, and the Forester compact SUV.

The Subaru Crosstrek is still the worst used model to buy

photo credit: Boise Subaru

The report reveals a low mileage 3-year-old Subaru Crosstrek increased 9.3 percent, which is $7,674 more than 2019 prices, and now costs $27,916. You can buy a 2023 Crosstrek Premium trim for $26,020, including dealer fees which is nearly $2,000 less than a used model.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek now comes in six trim levels for U.S. customers. The base trim is priced from $24,870, Premium, ($26,020), new Special Edition ($27,970), Sport ($29,220), Limited ($30,720) and Crosstrek Hybrid ($38.070). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

Subaru Outback

A low mileage 3-year-old Subaru Outback increased 17.5 percent, which is $8,366 more than 2019 prices, and now costs $30,018. You can buy a 2023 Outback Premium trim for $31,920, including dealer fees.

The 2023 Outback now comes in nine trim levels for U.S. customers; the base trim is priced from $29,620, Premium ($31,920), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5 liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520), Touring ($41,070), Outback Wilderness ($39,670), Onyx Edition XT ($39,820), Limited XT ($40,920), and Touring XT ($43,520). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.

Subaru Forester photo credit: Boise Subaru

The iSeeCars report also says a low mileage 3-year-old Subaru Forester increased 16.5 percent, which is $10,016 more than 2019 prices, and now costs $29,759. You can buy a 2023 Forester Premium trim for $30,620, including dealer fees.

All 2023 Forester trim levels increased by $550 in price, including destination and delivery. 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).

Why is a used Subaru Crosstrek more than a new model?

The Subaru Crosstrek small SUV is in the highest demand, and customers who do not want to wait months for a new model opt for the used model now, and dealers know they can get a premium price for the subcompact SUVs.

The same is true for the Subaru Outback and Forester all-wheel-drive models. A new model is nearly impossible to find sitting on Subaru retailers' lots, and customers who need a vehicle now will pay close to new car prices for the popular SUVs.

The good news for new car shoppers is that Subaru increased production and exports of the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Forester models. The wait times for a new model shipped from the factory will now be less. Check out the report below for complete details.

Must Read: The Wait For Your New Subaru Crosstrek And Forester Is Now A Lot Shorter

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: main image Boise Subaru