We are scheduling test drives by appointment so we can better serve you and ensure a safe, personalized experience.
Please call us at (415) 945-9293 or text us to (415) 265-4374. We will be happy to answer your questions or set up your appointment!
LOW-MILEAGE Forester 2.5 Premium AWD - Manual Transmission - Excellent Condition - Checked out and Ready to Go!
Enjoy features including Heated Seats, Moonroof, Backup Camera, Bluetooth, CD, Keyless Entry and much more! Clean Title and CARFAX Vehicle History Report Available.
GREAT VALUE!
Kelley Blue Book Value: $17,700.00
CARFAX History-Based Value: $16,530.00
Our Price: $17,500.00
Special Internet Price: $16,635.00
Advertised price includes $135 for Dealer document processing charge, emission testing charge, excludes government fees and taxes, any finance charges and electronic filing charge.
Our vehicles are subject to prior sale. Please call to confirm availability.
Financing with competitive rates may be available, subject to approved credit. Financing terms, rates, and availability vary based on creditworthiness, lender requirements, vehicle age, mileage, and other factors.
Optional Extended Service Contracts are available for an additional charge. Purchase of an extended service contract is not required to purchase or finance a vehicle.
WE SELL YOUR CAR ON CONSIGNMENT - ASK US HOW!
We are a local family-owned business - Established in 1999! Great Selection of quality pre-owned vehicles reasonably priced! Friendly no-pressure atmosphere!
Thank you for supporting a local business and shopping with us. We look forward to serving you!
AWD; MANUAL TRANSMISSION; 2 KEYS; OWNER'S MANUAL; KEYLESS ENTRY; CLOTH INTERIOR; POWER SEAT; HEATED SEATS; LUMBAR SUPPORT; BLUETOOTH; SUBARU *LINK; AM/FM, SATELLITE HD RADIO; CD; AUX/ USB; TELESCOPING/ TILT WHEEL; STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS; HEATED MIRROR; MOONROOF; ROOF RAILS; REAR SPOILER; BACKUP CAMERA; METALLIC PAINT; HID LAMPS
If you've been searching for a 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium for sale in Novato, CA, your search may be over. Active Auto Sales has this well-maintained all-wheel drive SUV in stock right now — a rare find that checks every box for Northern California drivers who want practicality, capability, and long-term dependability without the new-car price tag.
About This 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium
At 85,331 miles, this 2017 Forester is sitting squarely in the sweet spot for a used Subaru purchase. These vehicles are well-known for running strong well past 150,000 miles with proper maintenance, which means there's a lot of road left in this one. The 2.5i Premium trim sits a comfortable step above the base model, adding features that make everyday driving noticeably more enjoyable — without climbing into the price range of higher trims. Whether you're commuting across Marin County, loading up for a weekend trip, or navigating rain-soaked roads, this Forester is built for it.
2017 Subaru Forester Performance and Engine
A 2.5-Liter Boxer Engine with Real-World Versatility
Under the hood, you'll find Subaru's proven 2.5-liter four-cylinder PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) engine — a designation that means lower emissions without sacrificing performance. The engine produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, which is more than adequate for merging onto Highway 101, climbing Marin's hillier roads, or hauling a loaded cargo area.
What makes this particular Forester especially appealing is the 6-speed manual transmission. This is genuinely a rare configuration for the Forester — most buyers opt for the CVT automatic, but manual Foresters are beloved by driving enthusiasts who want more control and engagement. Combined with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, this powertrain delivers confident traction in wet weather, on gravel, and on light trails. For Bay Area drivers who encounter everything from coastal fog to the occasional Sierra snow run, AWD with a manual gearbox is a compelling combination.
Subaru Forester Features and Interior
What the 2.5i Premium Trim Brings to the Table
The 2.5i Premium trim level adds meaningful upgrades over the base Forester. Expect features like a power moonroof, heated front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology on properly equipped units. The Forester's interior is practical and passenger-friendly — with generous headroom (one of its best-known traits), wide-opening doors, and a cargo area that swallows groceries, gear, and everything in between with ease.
Visibility out of the Forester is exceptional — large windows, thin pillars, and an upright seating position give drivers a commanding, open view of the road that many compact SUVs simply can't match. If you've ever felt claustrophobic in a more car-like crossover, you'll appreciate how different the Forester feels from behind the wheel.
Subaru Forester Reliability and Ownership
One of the Most Trusted Nameplates in the Used SUV Market
The Subaru Forester has consistently earned high marks for long-term reliability, and the 2017 model year is no exception. Consumer Reports has repeatedly recognized the Forester as one of the most reliable compact SUVs available. Owners across the country report that with routine oil changes, coolant flushes, and timing component maintenance, these vehicles regularly surpass 200,000 miles without major mechanical issues.
One item worth being aware of with this generation's 2.5-liter engine is the potential for head gasket wear in very high-mileage examples — a well-documented trait in older Subaru flat-four engines. At 85,000 miles, this vehicle is well within the range where a properly maintained example should have no such concerns. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always recommended, and the vehicle history report via the VIN is available to qualified buyers.
Why Buy From Active Auto Sales in Novato, CA
Active Auto Sales has been serving buyers throughout Novato and the greater Marin County area with an inventory of quality used vehicles. Located conveniently in Novato, the dealership is easy to reach whether you're coming from San Rafael, Petaluma, or elsewhere in the North Bay. The team at Active Auto Sales takes pride in transparent, pressure-free sales — the kind of experience that keeps local buyers coming back and sending referrals.
When you're investing in a used vehicle, who you buy from matters just as much as what you buy. Active Auto Sales offers personalized attention and honest answers — a straightforward approach that fits the community it serves.
Financing a Used Subaru Forester Near Novato
Buying a used vehicle shouldn't mean navigating a complicated financing maze. Active Auto Sales works with multiple lenders to find competitive loan options for buyers across the credit spectrum — whether you have excellent credit, are rebuilding, or are purchasing your first vehicle. Buyers throughout Marin County, Sonoma County, and the broader North Bay region regularly work with the Active Auto Sales finance team to structure affordable monthly payments.
Bring your trade-in, ask about down payment options, and get pre-qualified before you even step on the lot. Financing a used Subaru Forester in the Novato area has never been more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a good buy?
Yes — the 2017 Subaru Forester is widely considered one of the best used compact SUVs in its price range. It offers genuine all-wheel drive (not just a traction-assist system), strong long-term reliability, and one of the most practical, well-designed interiors in its class. Buyers who prioritize real-world usability over flashy styling consistently rate the Forester very highly.
How many miles is too many for a used Subaru Forester?
With documented maintenance history, a Subaru Forester can reliably run to 150,000-200,000 miles or beyond. At 85,331 miles, this 2017 model is well within a comfortable ownership window with years of dependable driving ahead. The key factors are service history, proper coolant maintenance, and timing belt/chain condition.
What does the 2.5i Premium trim include?
The 2017 Forester 2.5i Premium adds features over the base trim including a power moonroof, heated front seats, a rearview camera, an upgraded audio system with Bluetooth, and additional safety and convenience features. It strikes a balance between value and comfort that makes it the most popular trim in the Forester lineup.
Is a manual transmission Subaru Forester rare?
Yes — the manual transmission Forester is significantly less common than the CVT automatic version. Buyers who prefer driver-focused, engaging vehicles specifically seek out manual Foresters, and they tend to hold their value well in the used market for exactly that reason.
Does the 2017 Subaru Forester have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All Subaru Forester models come standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This isn't a part-time or on-demand AWD system — it's always active, distributing power to all four wheels continuously for better stability on wet roads, gravel, and variable terrain.
Serving Novato and Surrounding Areas
Active Auto Sales, located in Novato in Marin County, is proud to serve buyers from across the North Bay and beyond. Whether you're coming from San Rafael, Mill Valley, Fairfax, Corte Madera, or making the drive from Petaluma or Rohnert Park in Sonoma County, this Forester is worth the trip. Novato's location along Highway 101 makes Active Auto Sales easy to reach from virtually anywhere in the region.
Marin County drivers in particular tend to gravitate toward all-wheel drive vehicles, and for good reason — the county's winding roads, coastal microclimates, and unpredictable wet-season conditions make AWD a smart choice year-round.
Contact Active Auto Sales Today
Ready to get behind the wheel of this 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium? Contact Active Auto Sales in Novato, CA by calling (415) 945-9293 to schedule a test drive or ask about availability. Stock number 7996 is available now — and manual transmission Foresters in this condition don't last long on the lot. Come in, take it for a drive on local roads, and see why this is one of the most sought-after configurations in the used SUV market.