My 2006 Subaru Forester SG5 is Still Going Strong in 2025

‍Welcome to the Money254 Car Series — where we spotlight car owners across Kenya and their experiences behind the wheel. From first-time buyers to seasoned motorists, we dig into the motivations, costs, lessons, and joys of owning different car models in Kenya today.

This week, we feature Eliab Muthui, a Nairobi-based global recruitment professional and proud owner of a Subaru Forester SG5.

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Growing up, I was hooked on Subarus. I had a cousin who drove a loud, sporty blue Impreza, and I knew one day I'd have one of my own. But when the time came, I needed something more practical—a car that could handle Nairobi's bumps and the occasional off-road adventure without a fuss. That’s how I found my perfect match: a 2006 Subaru Forester SG5 Cross Sports Non-turbo.

I bought it from a family friend about two years ago for Ksh 800,000. The fact that he was the owner and had maintained it so well gave me confidence. 

It had about 156,000 km on the odometer then, and now it's pushed past the 184,000 km mark without any major complaints. This car has been a loyal companion, proving that a well-kept older model can be a fantastic investment.

Why I Chose the Subaru Forester Over My Dream Impreza

The beauty of the Forester is its versatility. I’ve done everything with this car. On weekends, it's a family vehicle for outings, and during the week, it's my reliable partner for home and office runs. 

I've used it to carry sheep to the shamba and even transported tree seedlings to plant in my village. This car is a true workhorse.

The higher ground clearance is a game-changer. I no longer have to worry about scraping the undercarriage on speed bumps or navigating a pothole-riddled road. 

It gives me the freedom to explore without constantly being on edge. It's an all-around champion, perfectly suited for the daily grind and the occasional rural escape.

The Subaru Forester on Kenyan Roads: Fuel Economy & Maintenance

Let's talk about the numbers that matter most. My Forester is a 2000cc petrol automatic, and I've found its fuel consumption to be its one downside. In the city, it averages 8.5 km/l. On the highway, it's slightly better, reaching up to 10 km/l. 

The best I've ever managed is 11.6 km/l, and the worst has been 8.2 km/l. With the current fuel prices, I have to be mindful of my trips, but the car’s overall reliability balances this out.

When it comes to maintenance, the Forester shines. I service it every 8,000 km using quality engine oil. The engine, a legendary EJ20, is an absolute beast and lives up to its "bulletproof" reputation. 

Other than the normal wear and tear of an older car, I've had no major issues. A typical service sets me back between Ksh 10,000 and Ksh 15,000, which is very reasonable.

Another huge plus is the availability of spare parts. They're so common in Kenya that it feels like "mama mbogas" are selling them. You can easily find anything you need, which saves a lot of time and money, and is a big relief for a car owner.

Final Verdict: Why the Subaru Forester SG5 is Still Worth It

For a 2006 model, this car is more than decent. It does everything I need it to do and more. While I do wish it were a little more fuel-efficient and had some modern features, I can't complain. 

For the price I paid and the reliability it offers, it has been an excellent investment and a dream car come true. My advice to anyone looking for a reliable, versatile, and well-built car on a budget is to consider a well-maintained older Subaru Forester. It's a decision you won't regret.