looking to purchase my first Subaru.

If you can afford the extra 2 grand I would probably go with the 17 car. Without inspecting them you really don't know which one is better.

The odds are HUGE that the '17 is the better chariot. Its 2.5i DOHC motor is fuss-free, and the newer CVTs are more reliable. Simple possible flaws are a worn-out (really noisy) CVT...or if stalling at stops a needed CVT internal valve body ($700 + 2hrs labor). Also inspect FRONT of motor in the rare case that it's leaking oil, as that's a 10hr job! But I'm simply not a Forester fan due to their wonky handling, noise, and that they have FAR more idiosyncratic and truly weird problems that just don't seem to plague their Indiana- production quieter and better-handling Legs and OB sisters. But F's are decent urban and mountain goats, and ok for smaller stature drivers. Some folks actually like the older ones better because they're rougher and more Jeep-like. That to me is silliness. Good luck. (Disclaimer: I service and resell 2016+ OBs/Legs in Boston).