Many users have the intention to own a Subaru car, but are still hesitant because this brand is not yet popular and the cost to “maintain” a car, including maintenance, care, and warranty, is usually higher than other Japanese brands. This article will introduce you to the maintenance process of a Subaru car in the first 3 years, along with the cost for each basic item.
One thing to note is that Subaru cars, such as the Subaru Forester, sold in Vietnam are all eligible for a 5-year or 100,000 km warranty. Therefore, in the first few years of use, drivers do not need to worry too much about warranty costs, and we will only need to pay attention to the maintenance costs at each interval of vehicle usage.
The Subaru Forester does not require too much maintenance and care in the first 3 years.
To facilitate your reference, we will provide information about the maintenance costs at the main usage intervals in the first 3 years (equivalent to about 40,000 km) of a Subaru Forester. There may be some slight changes for other Subaru models, but they are not significant.
| 1,000 km | 5,000 km | 10,000 km | 20,000 km | 30,000 km | 40,000 km | |
| Maintenance labor cost | 220,000 | 220,000 | 418,000 | 506,000 | 418,000 | 980,000 |
| Oil filter | 335,000 | 335,000 | 335,000 | 335,000 | 335,000 | 335,000 |
| Engine oil (5 liters) | 980,000 | 980,000 | 980,000 | 980,000 | 980,000 | 980,000 |
| Exhaust bolt | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| AC filter | – | – | – | 1,430,000 | – | 1,430,000 |
| Engine air filter | – | – | – | 535,000 | – | 535,000 |
| Total cost | 1,585,000 | 1,585,000 | 1,783,000 | 3,836,000 | 1,783,000 | 4,310,000 |
| VAT | 158,500 | 158,500 | 178,300 | 383,600 | 178,300 | 431,000 |
| Total payment | 1,743,500 | 1,743,500 | 1,961,300 | 4,219,600 | 1,961,300 | 4,741,000 |
Maintenance costs for a Subaru Forester at the main usage intervals in the first 3 years (equivalent to about 40,000 km)
(*) Unit: VND
Oil change and oil filter replacement
One of the signs that helps customers know when it’s time for regular oil change is the oil change indicator, which is preset to notify when the car has reached a certain number of km. The process of oil change and oil filter replacement is usually quite simple. The mechanic will lift the car, remove the oil drain bolt to drain the engine oil, then remove the oil filter and check its dirtiness.
Inspect and clean the engine air filter
The engine air filter can be considered as an important part. It helps to condition and filter the air before mixing with the fuel to enter the combustion chamber. If the air filter is damaged, it will somewhat affect the engine’s performance and can even cause damage to the engine. If it gets too dirty, it will get clogged, and the air will have difficulty entering the chamber, resulting in a lack of air to mix with the fuel and create an ideal air-fuel mixture.
Therefore, at each small maintenance interval, the technician will clean the engine air filter to ensure optimal operation. However, at the major maintenance intervals of 20,000 km and 40,000 km, customers will need to replace the engine air filter.
Inspect and clean the AC filter
This is also an important component. The AC filter helps to filter out pollutants from the outside air before it passes through the evaporator, providing cool and fresh air inside the car. Similar to the engine air filter, if the AC filter is not cleaned regularly, it can get clogged with dust, causing an unpleasant odor in the car.
Therefore, at each maintenance visit, the AC filter will be cleaned, and the AC filter will be replaced every 20,000 km.
Inspect and clean the brake system
The brake system undergoes a lot of stress and pressure during the car’s operation. Therefore, it needs to be regularly inspected and maintained to detect any brake system problems and abnormal signs. At each maintenance interval, the mechanic will remove the wheel, then remove the brake parts to check, check the brake fluid, clean the brake caliper if it is dirty, and lubricate the brake pad before reinstalling. In the case of worn brake pads, they should be replaced to ensure maximum safety.
Total maintenance cost in the first 3 years (about 40,000 km) for a Subaru Forester
As can be seen, at each regular maintenance interval according to Subaru’s regulations, customers owning a Subaru Forester will have to spend from 1.7 million to nearly 2 million VND for each maintenance visit. Specifically, the maintenance costs for the major intervals of 20,000 km and 40,000 km are over 4 million VND. Therefore, after about 3 years of use corresponding to 40,000 km, customers will spend a little over 15 million VND on regular maintenance and care according to the manufacturer’s standards.
In addition, at each maintenance visit, customers can choose to add some recommended additives for cleaning the combustion chamber, cleaning the fuel injectors to help the car run smoother and more quietly. However, customers are completely free to choose whether to spend extra on these additional items.
Hai Yen
October 2023: Buy a Subaru Forester, get up to 280 million VND discount
MIV Co., Ltd., the exclusive importer and distributor of Subaru products and services from Japan, is pleased to announce the Subaru Kansha Customer Appreciation Program, available nationwide from today until October 31, 2023.
October 2023: Get up to 280 million VND discount when you purchase a Subaru Forester.
From today until October 31, 2023, MIV Co., Ltd., the official importer and distributor of Subaru products and services from Japan, is excited to introduce the Subaru Kansha Customer Appreciation Program, which is now available across the country.
