How much does the 2018 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 3.22% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,026 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $15,894.97, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 4.75/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction. Drivers consistently praise the spacious interior, safety features, and smooth driving experience, and many also like the comfortable seating and user-friendly technology. That lines up well with the Forester’s practical, roomy, all-weather focus, especially if you want a compact SUV that prioritizes everyday usefulness over flash. With 26.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.75/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers’ feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with reliability and practicality coming through as recurring strengths. The same owner comments that praise comfort and usability also suggest this is a vehicle many people feel confident keeping for the long term. For used buyers, that usually means lower ownership anxiety, but you should still verify maintenance history and condition before you commit.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Subaru Forester?

At 67.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report so you can separate clean examples from cars with prior damage or repeated claims. After that, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on the body, suspension, and interior controls, since condition can vary widely from one listing to the next. Focus on how the vehicle presents in person, because a strong price only matters if the car’s actual condition supports it.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Subaru Forester?

This is a moderate market, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay selective.

• Deal availability: 26.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,026 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.22% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 67.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,894.97, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Subaru Forester's resale value?

The current average of $16,607 sits slightly below last year's $17,160.

That softer pricing suggests the market has become a bit more buyer-friendly, which can also affect what you recover later as a seller. If you buy at a strong price now, you may have a better chance of protecting your value when it’s time to sell. The model’s broad appeal should help support demand, especially among shoppers who want a practical, confidence-inspiring SUV.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.75/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 26.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.22% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $14,710, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $16,607 average.
• It offers a simpler, value-focused take on the Forester.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $18,941, the 2019 costs more than the current year's $16,607 average.
• It emphasizes all-weather practicality with easy-to-use tech.

The bottom line: The 2018 is the best all-around choice if you want a well-liked Forester with strong owner satisfaction and a softer market price. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2017 is the better value play; if you want to spend more for a newer-feeling alternative, the 2019 is the natural step up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.