Hi all. I'm considering getting a mid-sized used SUV that's less than 10yo. Within my budget, I've narrowed it down to 2017/18 Subaru Forester or 2017/18 Hyundai Tucson.

I was hoping to get some insights from owners, past and present, on the reliability, common issues and cost of maintenance/replacement parts for these 2 vehicles.

Some pros and cons;
Subaru:
Pros:-
-Comfortable n spacious
-Great off-road potential
-High mounted air intake (I live in flood prone area, so it's important)
-best CVT in the market

Cons:-
-outdated interior n infotainment
-4wd n boxer aren't the easiest to maintain (need to go specialist)
-its a CVT

Hyundai:
Pros:-
-looks great
-modern interior and spacious
-more normal layout, so probably cheaper to maintain??

Cons:-
-FWD n low mounted air intake (relatively)
-parts are (relatively) expensive to get
-older version of the 6speed can have issues?

Appreciate your discussion and corrections on any of my assumptions. I'm open to other suggestions and sedans as well (as long as less than 10yo and below 50k).

If u enjoy stable ride, Forester. The low center of gravity is really a joy to drive which is a major flaw in most SUV.

Specialist wise, kind of, if u live in KV there is one who is really good and offer affordable rate, u can find in Subaru thread. Other area u might want to check with your regular mech if they comfortable servicing Subaru.

I'm guessing you are referring to SBR Technic Subaru specialist? Haha yes I have contacted them. My regular workshop is a Nissan specialist, don't really have specific knowhow for Subaru.

you already flood prone area, looks like you already made up your mind.

If you're open to one more option, can consider the 2017/18 Mazda CX-5. Reliable, looks good (subjective la), and best part, no CVT. I'm using a CVT car now and honestly, if it's already making you think twice, might as well just take it out of the picture. CX-5 comes with proper 6-speed auto, drives smooth, maintenance also quite straightforward compared to Forester's boxer engine or Tucson’s potential gearbox issues. Not as spacious as Forester maybe, but overall very balanced and less fussy to own. Worth checking out.

ive thought about it, but I've had some negative feedback about the SkyActiv gearbox


This post has been edited by leon1937: Apr 18 2025, 05:35 PM

CX-5 2.2 diesel macam not bad. 2nd hand price very tempting.

SOrento 2.2 UM also not bad.

Oh damn, I didn’t know the SkyActiv gearbox got issues. Somehow today mazda still has this ATF Lifetime thing

Yeah both are torquey engines, but honestly I wouldn’t go near the Mazda 2.2D. quite a few horror stories out there. That engine’s notorious for issues, especially with carbon build-up and reliability long-term.

Avoid Mazda diesel engine like a plague.

And conversely, Hyundai/ Kia has very good diesel engine.

Get the 2.0 petrol engine. That engine is super reliable

Best AWD tech a Subaru.

dont think suv is good against flooded prone area, of course is better than sedan.

subaru's air intake is slightly higher but the engine position alot lower, confirm kena coilpack and electrical stuff first if really flood.

parts wise both is relatively expensive and time consuming to get i guess?
but labour wise i know subaru is alot more.

Nowadays most electrical plugs/connector in engine bay are quite water proof. My mechanic bought few flooded cars (Toyota/Mazda cars) and usually the connectors in engine bay no issue, while the one in the interior cabin got most of the issues as they are not design to withstand harsh environment as compare to outside engine bay. Every year Subaru group got off-road camping trip and sometime the ride need submerge thru river in order to get to the other side, until today still less heard of ignition coil or electric stuff got issue after crossing the river or flooded area, only missing is the no. plate as wash away by river current.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Apr 22 2025, 01:43 PM

If you ask me for long term ownership - Subaru

Why? -> Japanese SUV, spare part is not an issue. You can get new, aftermarket & half-cut easily. I drive Xv and can assure you spare part until today never let me waited like some Proton owners even their group keep saying volume can help bring more spare parts availability but in reality...

If you live in big city like KL or Penang, no issue with Mechanic. Join related Subaru group in facebook or forum ask for nearby reputable Subaru mechanic. Usually only major service need them, but normal oil change can be anyone.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Apr 22 2025, 01:50 PM

Repeated

This post has been edited by littlefire: Apr 22 2025, 02:04 PM

Another good thing is safety features on the Forester also more better, get the one with Eyesight as that is the only SUV with good rating last year.

https://www.topgear.com.ph/features/feature...-a5100-20240605

Advanced driver assist systems aren’t spared from the IIHS’ tougher standards. In a recent test, it gathered 10 popular compact crossovers sold in the US equipped with ADAS. These are the, in alphabetical order, the Chevrolet Equinox. Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Taos.

The sole 'Good' SUV

At the top stood the Subaru Forester as it was the only one that alerted the driver early and stopped in time at all speeds. Whether it was with a car, motorcycle, or semitrailer, the Forester effectively avoided a potential crash. It was also the only one with an effective autonomous emergency steering. The IIHS noted that the car began slowing down even before the autonomous emergency braking system went in full effect.

Almost there

The Ford Escape came in fourth as the IIHS had to knock off points for the late alerts. It performed well in the 50 and 60kph test, but hit the (foam) motorcycle at 70kph. The Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Compass also received the same rating of ‘Marginal’ like the Escape.

Playing catch up

Rated as ‘Poor’ were the Chevrolet Equinox, the Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi's Outlander, and Volkswagen Taos. These SUVs were noted for alerting the driver late and poor detection for motorcycles. The ADAS in these vehicles barely kicked in, per the IIHS, barely shaving off speed until it was too late. The Equinox was a special mention, sadly slowing down and decimating the dummy motorcycle.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Apr 22 2025, 02:03 PM

Dude,
Official M'sia Foresters did not have EyeSight until d 5th gen that came in 2019. TS's candidate is the previous CKD version, now selling below rm50K whereas its successor (with EyeSight) is going from about rm70K used now.

TS,
How bout a 2015-2017 facelift CRV? If you dun need the 4wd function, there is even a 2wd-fwd version without sacrificing height while having slightly lower fuel consumption. I have the earlier generation that shares d same 2.0L engine but with d 4wd 5-speed transmission (2wd is also 5-speed). Air intake is just behind d headlight, and mechanically considered very simple for ease of maintenance. CRVs also have d biggest cabin (if not always) compared to its competitors.

Another candidate is either d 2WD or 4WD Misubishi Asx. Shares many mechanicals with Inspira/Lancer and bigger Outlander, and paired to a CVT that have not heard much issues with. When launched the 4wd variant was pitted against d smaller Subaru XV so it should almost be as good off-road. D later 4wd versions also has a very generous moonroof although do take note that it does feel hot if parked under d sun for a long time.

There is also the urban HRV 1.8L and BRV with CVT, or Perodua Aruz around the rm50K mark with ground clearance that should still get you thru most minor floods.

This post has been edited by Deja Vu: Apr 22 2025, 03:06 PM

Ya, also to top up. If want to buy used Forester get the XT 2.0T version (Mostly CBU or Recon units). Used market for it also very value (small price difference compare with local CKD) but better get SBR or Subaru specialist to go check it out before confirming the purchase. Some recon XT units also got eyesight ready.

TBH, I personally really don't like the CRV. Is a personal thing I just feel that CRV, while a great car, is smtg I cannot be seen driving in. Idky, I've never liked any CRV ever.