Video summary
I’m Sitting in the Best $20,000 New Car You Can Buy
Main summary
Key takeaways
Product reviewed
- 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness (brand-new; purchased for a deal vs the newer 2026 model)
Key features mentioned
Powertrain / drivetrain
- Non-turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (“normally aspirated”)
- Chosen to avoid the faster wear some people associate with turbo setups
- All-wheel drive (AWD) with a 60/40 split (as described)
- CVT transmission
- Described as well-engineered by Subaru
Off-road / “Wilderness” capability
- Higher ride height than a regular Forester
- Drive modes including:
- snow, dirt, deep snow, mud, normal
- Off-road view screen for better visibility
- Heated seats
- Traction control can be turned off
- Automatic vehicle hold
- Keeps the car “locked” in place
- Auto trunk plus power-folding seats
- Automatic up/down operation
- Full-size spare tire (not a donut)
- Described as having automatic closing
Driver tech / comfort
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control
- 3 following-distance settings
- Large touchscreen
- Dual-zone climate controls (heat + A/C)
- Large moonroof/sunroof
Anti-start/stop workaround
- Owner installed an Auto Stop Eliminator to disable automatic start/stop permanently
Real-world usage & performance (incl. gas mileage)
- Gas mileage reported: ~27.5–27.6 mpg
- Performance feel:
- Smooth ride
- Reasonably stiff suspension for off-road use
- “Absolutely nothing wrong with it”
- Stability/safety feel:
- Feels “up high enough” and stable
- Water on the road is less concerning due to vehicle height
Price / value comparisons made
- Price paid: ~$35,000 (stated)
- Toyota comparison (speaker’s estimate): Toyota equivalent could be ~$50,000–$65,000
- Availability vs Toyota (speaker’s claim):
- Subaru units were allegedly on the lot immediately
- Toyota would allegedly require about a 6-month wait
- Deal reasoning:
- Bought the 2025 leftover because the 2026 had changes the owner “wasn’t interested in”
Trade-in / negotiation story
- Dealer initially offered $15k for a Tacoma
- Owner says CarMax would give $20k
- Dealer ended around $19.5k / $19,950
Hybrid comparison
- A regular Forester hybrid (2026) is said to get about ~35 mpg
- Wilderness is not available as a hybrid (yet; possibly later)
Ownership & maintenance pros/cons (most important “fine print”)
Pros
- Non-turbo engine choice to reduce wear concerns
- Strong fuel economy for an AWD Wilderness (about ~27.5 mpg)
- Practical off-road usability
- Includes mode options and visibility tech
- Owner also mentioned installing better skid plates
- Convenience tech
- Adaptive cruise, auto hold, and power cargo/seat features
- Longevity confidence
- Owner believes the non-turbo setup will last “forever” if maintained
Cons / cautions
- CVT maintenance required
- Warning: change CVT fluid every ~30,000–35,000 miles
- Claim: skipping service can lead to breakdown around 100k+ miles
- If maintained: speaker claims 150k–200k+ miles is possible
- No Wilderness hybrid yet
- Hybrid MPG exists on the regular Forester line, but not on Wilderness (as discussed)
- Start/stop annoyance
- Owner installed a permanent eliminator due to dislike of the feature
Other relevant details mentioned
Winter / dealer-lot situation
- Multiple 2025 units sat outside over winter
- Several reportedly wouldn’t start, requiring new batteries
Rust prevention / undercarriage protection
- Owner added oil undercoating via a Massachusetts-area shop
- Cost: $250
- Suggested frequency: about every 2 years
- Rationale: salt/rust risk in northern regions
- Example cited: rust issues on a nearly 10-year-old Corolla undercarriage
Paint protection (additional note)
- Ceramic coating recommended for paint protection
Overall user experience (what it felt like)
- Cabin/comfort: “very nice” seats; heated seats; good creature comforts
- Driving feel: smooth and stable; “plenty zippy enough” without turbo; sport mode available
- Visibility: strong reverse/camera visibility and off-road camera view
- Off-road readiness: feels purpose-built; owner augmented it with better skid plates
Verdict / recommendation
Recommended if you want a capable AWD off-roader with strong value and decent real-world MPG—as long as you’re willing to maintain the CVT properly.
- Speaker strongly advises avoiding turbos
- Emphasizes CVT fluid service every 30–35k miles as critical for long-term reliability
- If you specifically want hybrid MPG, consider the regular Forester hybrid instead, since the Wilderness isn’t offered as a hybrid (yet)
Unique points mentioned (consolidated)
- 2025 Forester Wilderness purchased for a better deal vs 2026 changes
- $35k price; Toyota equivalent supposedly $50–65k
- Subaru availability immediately vs Toyota ~6-month wait claim
- Trade-in negotiation story: Tacoma from ~$15k to ~$19.95k (with CarMax comparison)
- Non-turbo 4-cylinder chosen to reduce wear
- Real MPG: ~27.5–27.6 mpg
- AWD 60/40 split and higher stance for less worry in snow/water
- Off-road features/modes; owner adds skid plates
- Note that 2026 Wilderness is slightly higher but “tiny” difference
- Cabin/storage: dog-friendly; automatic power seat/cargo features; usable rear space
- Full-size spare (not a donut) with automatic closing
- Regular Forester hybrid reportedly ~35 mpg; Wilderness not hybrid (maybe later)
- Rust prevention: $250 oil undercoating, about every 2 years in salty regions
- Ceramic coating recommendation for paint protection
- Auto start/stop eliminator installed; owner wants it permanently disabled
- Traction control can be turned off
- Intelligent cruise control with distance settings (owner uses middle setting)
- Large screen + off-road wide camera view + automatic vehicle hold
- CVT longevity depends on fluid changes every 30–35k miles; otherwise risk around 100k+
- Driving impressions: smooth ride, stable, “zippy enough” without turbo; sport mode available
Speakers / views
- Single main speaker/owner perspective (Mike referenced; most commentary appears from one driver/owner covering purchase, modifications, driving experience, and maintenance advice)