Subaru Forester and Impreza: CVT, oil and all-wheel-drive care

Most Foresters and Imprezas imported since about 2012 have the FB boxer engine and the Lineartronic CVT. Both are reliable when maintained, but they're less forgiving of neglect than older Subarus.

The CVT

• Change the CVT fluid about every 40,000 km with genuine Subaru CVT fluid (the correct type for your model). Many judder and whining complaints start with the wrong fluid.
• A judder when pulling away, especially when cold, is common. A fluid change and a software update from a Subaru specialist fix many cases before anything is replaced.

Engine oil

• Change it every 5,000 to 7,500 km with the grade in the manual (usually 0W-20 or 5W-30).
• Check the dipstick every two weeks. Some FB engines use a little oil between changes, and running low is what causes damage.

All-wheel drive: keep the tyres matched

Subaru's permanent AWD needs all four tyres to be the same make, size and similar wear. Replacing just one or two can strain the centre coupling. If one tyre is ruined, ask your tyre shop whether the others are close enough in tread depth, or replace all four.

Also

• Spark plugs around 100,000 km. On a boxer engine this is a longer job, so budget for it.
• Check the CV joint boots for splits; a torn boot lets dirt in and the joint fails soon after.