Vehicle price comparison
Subaru Forester vs Subaru Outback Engine prices
Saurabh Kumar
Co-Founder & CTO, Part Price Guide
Built the pricing pipeline that collects and normalizes used OEM part listings from salvage yards and online marketplaces across the US.
Ambika Sharma
Co-Founder & COO, Part Price Guide
12 years of project management and technical operations experience. Reviews price guides for sample size, fitment accuracy, and data freshness.
Price face-off
Median price comparison
Condition comparison
How does the price differ by part grade?
Market analysis
Why does the Subaru Forester engine cost more?
A used Subaru Forester engine carries a median asking price of $1,643, which is 10% higher than the Subaru Outback at $1,500. Supply also plays a role: Subaru Forester has 1,952 priced listings versus 996 for Subaru Outback, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
The Subaru Forester average ($1,897) runs 15% above its median ($1,643), indicating a tail of high-priced listings — likely low-mileage or remanufactured units pulling the average up.
At Grade B (good) condition, the Subaru Outback is 28% cheaper ($903 vs $1,250) — the gap narrows compared to the overall median difference.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used engine
- Confirm the VIN-matched engine code — the same model can use different engines across trims and years.
- Ask for the mileage on the donor vehicle. Under 80K miles is ideal; over 120K usually needs a compression test.
- Look for signs of overheating: warped heads, milky oil on the dipstick or filler cap, and coolant residue around the head gaskets.
- Check whether accessories (alternator, A/C compressor, power steering pump) are included or if you need to swap yours over.
Full price guide
Subaru Forester Engine
$430 – $5,699 · 1,952 listings
Full price guide
Subaru Outback Engine
$399 – $5,329 · 996 listings
Common questions
Subaru Forester vs Subaru Outback engine FAQ
Is a used Subaru Forester engine cheaper than a Subaru Outback?
Subaru Outback has the lower median by $143 (10%). The Subaru Outback engine ranges from $399 to $5,329 across 996 listings, while the Subaru Forester ranges from $430 to $5,699 across 1,952 listings.
Can I use a Subaru Forester engine in a Subaru Outback?
This comparison describes pricing, not interchangeability. Even when two parts share similar prices, they may require different engines, trims, electronics, or mounting points. Always match the seller's part number against your VIN before purchasing.
How many listings does this comparison cover?
This comparison draws from 1,952 priced Subaru Forester listings and 996 priced Subaru Outback listings — 2,948 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Subaru Forester $1,800 vs Subaru Outback $1,616. Grade B (Good): Subaru Forester $1,250 vs Subaru Outback $903. Grade C (Fair): Subaru Forester $1,000 vs Subaru Outback $800. Grade A parts are in excellent condition, B is good, and C is fair — always confirm grading criteria with the seller.
Are there different trim variants to choose from?
Yes. The Subaru Forester engine has 4 trim variants and the Subaru Outback has 2. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
More comparisons