2015 Forester 2.0

[richard_crl032]

On 4/8/2026 at 2:50 PM, Stratovarius said:

Great. So nothing wrong with mine. TC cut cost.

I tot I am oreli anal in my forester ... this one you win 😅😅

[richard_crl032]

On 3/6/2026 at 1:56 PM, flikmy said:

Curious, any 2015-2017 Forester (NA & XT) owners thinking about replacing your cars with the new Forester strong hybrid once your COE is up?

Personally, will find it a hassle as current apartment doesn't have chargers and I do not drive to work. Mainly use my car for school runs, going out on weekends and a bit of travels into Malaysia. So, switching to an EV will be a hassle from a charging perspective.

Among possible new cars, the new Forester seems to be a good candidate for an SUV under SGD 230k, with similar size to the 2016 Forester while still being a hybrid rather than EV. Toyota SUVs seem to be more expensive, Corolla Cross is more expensive than the Forester but is lower spec-ed and slightly smaller. Rav4 isn't out yet (but likely more expensive) while Harrier is a lot more dough. Honda CRV is over-priced for the 1.5T version in Singapore. So is the Mazda CX-5.

Kia and Hyundai  seemingly aren't selling their Sportage or Tucson at the moment (yet to be released?). But understand reliability might be worse compared to Jap makes.

Wondering what others have decided on since I assume most have bought their foresters close to the same time?

Think Kia and certainly Hyundai not worse reliability than our Subaru SJ with some teething issues.

For me if getting new but unlikely, my wish will the latest and great .. plug in hybrid for the beat of 3 worlds.

Just read thar BYD released their latest Sealion plug in hybrid with 200 or 300km options on pure EV vs current owners/potential buyers (sorry !) of still selling in Singapore previous version of just 80km .. all other makes, including Toyota, BMW etc. plug-in hybrid can only do <100km on pure EV mode .. BYD wins again !

Cheers.

https://carnewschina.com/2026/04/06/byd-sealion-05-dm-i-piles-up-at-dealers-in-china-with-305-km-of-ev-range/

Edited April 9 by richard_crl032

[flikmy]

On 4/9/2026 at 10:02 AM, richard_crl032 said:

Think Kia and certainly Hyundai not worse reliability than our Subaru SJ with some teething issues.

For me if getting new but unlikely, my wish will the latest and great .. plug in hybrid for the beat of 3 worlds.

Just read thar BYD released their latest Sealion plug in hybrid with 200 or 300km options on pure EV vs current owners/potential buyers (sorry !) of still selling in Singapore previous version of just 80km .. all other makes, including Toyota, BMW etc. plug-in hybrid can only do <100km on pure EV mode .. BYD wins again !

Cheers.

https://carnewschina.com/2026/04/06/byd-sealion-05-dm-i-piles-up-at-dealers-in-china-with-305-km-of-ev-range/

Yeah, PHEVs are tempting. Though my worry (can be unfounded) that since there's a petrol engine on top of their electric motors, this adds to additional complexity and possible worse reliability. After all, chinese cars are still fairly new and update models really quickly. The Jaecoo J7 PHEV was quite interesting as FC was quite good even without charging daily and powerful as well. Could even use it as a pure Hybrid.

But I agree, things are continuing to change, and we might even see much more impressive chinese cars in the next few years at even better values.

[richard_crl032]

On 4/11/2026 at 2:01 PM, flikmy said:

Yeah, PHEVs are tempting. Though my worry (can be unfounded) that since there's a petrol engine on top of their electric motors, this adds to additional complexity and possible worse reliability. After all, chinese cars are still fairly new and update models really quickly. The Jaecoo J7 PHEV was quite interesting as FC was quite good even without charging daily and powerful as well. Could even use it as a pure Hybrid.

But I agree, things are continuing to change, and we might even see much more impressive chinese cars in the next few years at even better values.

Think reliability of byd is fine and plug in hybrid is not new to byd .. had not heard or read any damning issues so far on this current best selling brand in Singapore.

Indeed added complexities but you also get ICE part of a plug in hybrid in tip top condition or even its hybrid system since moderately used with 200 or 300km pure EV i.e. will last longer than an ICE or hybrid or even an EV ? 

Pricing by mfgrs of plug in hybrid will no doubt be higher but I am also sure not in terms of 2-3x for 2-3x complexities and hence vfm imho ... just prepare 2nd COE $ .. lol !

Cheers.

Edited April 12 by richard_crl032

[therock]

If you’re doing short distance punts, the EV portion should be doing the bulk of your running 

their battery warranty should is now ten years? And the good part is as the battery is worn down, you should have a solid engine to keep the car running 

[richard_crl032]

@flikmy  400km on pure EV mode ... wow !!  Local byd phev offering is kachang puteh at 70-80km  😅😅 

1.5 yr to go on my forester xt for 2nd COE cos many new parts and mods but decision shaken liao and will be watching closely 😓😓

PS: EV is no no for my ICE but hybrid and phev will be fine 🥳🥳