How much should you pay? That depends on whether you're buying an 'L' or 'S' model in the early years, or stretching for a 'Limited' later on. The dollar gap can be massive, with asking prices for 1998 Foresters ranging from between $11,900 to $22,995 - almost double. Obviously mileage and condition would be factors in this cost disparity. A chart averaging prices for all models respective to their model years is detailed below, but keep in mind that as the years progressed very few used examples were available to make up the asking price average. It's easy to see a major price increase occurs for 2001 model year Foresters, due to a mild redesign that saw an updated front fascia, taillights, dash and console, plus improved rear seats. All in all, Subaru vehicles traditionally offer better than average reliability and hold there value when its time to resell, so expect to pay a premium. These attributes could be a couple of the reasons Consumer Guide, an American consumer information publication, chose the Forester for its 'Top-Ten Buy-and-Own Vehicles' list. I have to agree with them. It may not be the prettiest SUV on the block, but it's a vehicle I'd feel comfortable taking home to meet mom.