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 🥳🥳

[richard_crl032]

Hmmmh .. so quiet and guess need last few of the mohicans as original owner to share a bit of update.

My forester xt is having a sleepover party tonite since 9.30am appointment at MI for major svc at 200k km .. new engine oil, new eo filter, new spark plugs, new cvt oil/gasket, new brake oil/replacement, coolant replacement, new fan belt, new front/rear wiper replacement etc. This is the last 5 of 5 service under my 4th svc package that I always believe vfm sgd1.4-1.6k since 9 yrs at 50k, 100k and 150k km ago.

MI nicely informed my on notable visual concern on the usual lower control arm bushings wear n tear but at sgd1.4k including complete arm replacement and alignment, time for my appointment at bks to just replace the bushings at then sgd280 and Kenny shop for realignment at sgd80.

Exactly one more year to go on 1st 10 yrs COE and looking ever more likely or 2nd COE especially since last year's major refurbishment of almost all major parts .. complete aircon system, alternator, starter, fans, timing belts, water pump, engine block, gaskets (both engine and cvt), upgraded cvt cooler etc. ... with completed planned recap of 4x masterstroke amps, bewith psu etc. and can only think of still stock turbo and stock cvt left ... cheers.

Edited June 22 by richard_crl032

[Rachdanom]

Just renewed COE in June for my 102km XT, no major accident, no major repairs, fully serviced by MI except for a aircon and radiator change in its life time.  Had side door dent repaired and full car repaint and coated by Revol Carz after 2 minor accidents/grazes for $3k plus package.  Installed new black view.  Feels like a brand new car.  Was told possible major repair cost in the 2nd COE lifetime is the overhaul of enginee which will be almost $10k, so I will have to make decision then when (not if) it happens.

A thought crossed my mind, seeing the XT has somewhat of a cult following, whether it may become a collectors item maybe a few years time when ICE starts to phase out?  Haha...

[Tohto]

On 6/25/2026 at 2:11 PM, Rachdanom said:

Just renewed COE in June for my 102km XT, no major accident, no major repairs, fully serviced by MI except for a aircon and radiator change in its life time.  Had side door dent repaired and full car repaint and coated by Revol Carz after 2 minor accidents/grazes for $3k plus package.  Installed new black view.  Feels like a brand new car.  Was told possible major repair cost in the 2nd COE lifetime is the overhaul of enginee which will be almost $10k, so I will have to make decision then when (not if) it happens.

A thought crossed my mind, seeing the XT has somewhat of a cult following, whether it may become a collectors item maybe a few years time when ICE starts to phase out?  Haha...

Very low mileage.

When I traded in my 8.5yrs XT in Oct 2024, it was 240k km.

Base on your low mileage, if you maintain low mileage and keep to regular oil change and CVT oil change, I don't see any reason need major overhaul.

Might need to change some of the gasket for engine and CVT.

Edited Friday at 01:53 AM by Tohto

[Rachdanom]

On 6/26/2026 at 9:50 AM, Tohto said:

Very low mileage.

When I traded in my 8.5yrs XT in Oct 2024, it was 240k km.

Base on your low mileage, if you maintain low mileage and keep to regular oil change and CVT oil change, I don't see any reason need major overhaul.

Might need to change some of the gasket for engine and CVT.

Thanks for the input bro.  My next 10 years will likely be even less than the first 10 years, and plan to go MI for ad hoc servicing every 9mths to 1 year.  Previously for the service package at 6 mths intervals I would hit 5000 km or less only (instead of the recommended 10,000) so 6 monthly was too close interval for me.