SUBARU FORESTER (1997-02)

The SUBARU FORESTER (1997-2002) is a versatile and practical SUV that has long been valued for its comfort, reliability, and capability. As a compact yet spacious vehicle, it is well-suited for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a dependable vehicle that can handle a variety of driving conditions. Known for its rugged design and strong build, the Subaru Forester stands out in the competitive SUV segment, offering a comfortable ride with decent fuel economy and excellent all-wheel drive performance—making it ideal for rural routes, city commuting, or weekend adventures. This particular model from 1997 to 2002 is celebrated for its durability and practicality, often favored by first-time drivers and those looking for an affordable, reliable used car. The average usage seen in the data suggests most owners drove around 5,000 miles annually, with an average mileage of approximately 129,000 miles, indicating a vehicle that’s generally gone the distance and can continue to perform well. Its popularity and high sample size on MyCarCheck.com reveal that many owners appreciate its sturdy construction and versatility, making the Subaru Forester (1997-02) a compelling choice for those seeking a dependable, all-rounder vehicle in the used car market.
average use
average use
mycarcheck
The data shows that for Subaru Forester (1997-02) vehicles, the most common recorded mileages are between 110,000 and 130,000 miles, accounting for around 19.5% of observations. The next most frequent ranges are 130,000 to 150,000 miles and 160,000 to 170,000 miles, each representing roughly 8-10%. Notably, the distribution has a significant concentration in mid-range mileages, with fewer vehicles recorded at very low (0-10,000 miles) or extremely high ranges (over 200,000 miles). The presence of some records at over 960,000 miles suggests a very small number of exceptionally high-mileage vehicles. Overall, most vehicles fall within the 80,000 to 170,000-mile range, indicating typical usage for this model period.
vehicle values
vehicle values
mycarcheck
The data indicates that a significant majority of Subaru Forester (1997-2002) vehicles sold privately in the UK are valued at or below £1,000, accounting for approximately 68.2% of sales. Conversely, only about 31.8% of these vehicles are priced between £1,000 and £2,000. This suggests that most of these models are affordable and tend to be on the lower end of the price spectrum in private sales, reflecting their age and potentially higher mileage or condition factors.
production years
production years
mycarcheck
The data for Subaru Forester (1997-2002) indicates that the majority of vehicles from this model range were manufactured between 2000 and 2002, accounting for a combined total of approximately 99.9%. Notably, the highest proportion is from 2002 at 39.5%, followed by 2001 at 36.9%, and 2000 at 23.6%. This suggests that these vehicles are predominantly from the later years of the model's production, which may be relevant for assessing their age and potential condition.
colour popularity
colour popularity
mycarcheck
The data indicates that for the Subaru Forester (1997-2002), the most common main paint colours are Silver (23.2%) and Grey/Silver (14.2%), collectively accounting for a significant proportion of vehicles. Additionally, Green/Grey (18%) and Green (2.6%) also represent notable shares, suggesting a preference for subdued, earthy tones among owners. The palette includes a variety of colours such as Blue/Grey, Red, Black, and more distinctive shades like Gold and Maroon, though these are less common. Overall, the colour distribution shows a tendency towards neutral and muted tones, with metallic finishes being broadly popular.
ownership cycle
ownership cycle
mycarcheck
The data shows that for the Subaru Forester (1997-02), the majority of vehicles have been kept by a small number of registered keepers. The most common number of keepers is 4, accounting for 16.7% of the vehicles, followed closely by those with 5 keepers (16.3%) and 3 or 6 keepers (13.7% and 10.7%, respectively). A notable observation is that a significant portion of vehicles have had only 1 or 2 keepers, indicating some vehicles may have remained with a single owner or changed hands infrequently. Conversely, a relatively small percentage of vehicles have had many keepers, such as 10 or more, representing a minor share (around 3% or less). Overall, the data suggests that this model tends to have consistent ownership, with most vehicles changing hands a moderate number of times rather than frequently or rarely.
engine choices
engine choices
mycarcheck
The data shows that nearly all Subaru Forester vehicles from 1997 to 2002 are equipped with petrol engines, with 99.1% using petrol and only 0.9% being bi-fuel gas models. Regarding engine capacity, the majority of vehicles (97.9%) are from 1994, with smaller proportions from earlier and later years—1.3% from 1990, 0.4% from 1998, and 0.4% from 2000—indicating that most vehicles in the sample are likely to be older models predominantly from the early to mid-1990s.