Stock #6228
Stock #6228
The first generation Subaru Forester was beloved in the US for a lot of good reasons. The full time symmetrical AWD carried families through snowy winters, the spacious interior supported many a road trip, and the compact dimensions offered increased maneuverability over the SUV's of the time. They were also terribly slow, and if we received models like this JDM 1998 T/TB stateside we'd probably remember their performance fondly! Sporting the same turbocharged boxer four as the WRX models, this SF5 is chock full of rare factory equipment and finished in Light Silver Metallic (406). Set off by a choice factory graphics package, this Forester is accented by OEM rainguards, an optional front brush guard with dual driving lamps, optional side steps, roof cross bars, and a neat rear hatch handle and bumper applique. Save for some slight paint imperfections and loss of gloss on the hood scoop, this crossover SUV is a real looker and the 85k verified and documented miles on the clock do a lot to justify that. Capable, easy to own, and deceptively quick, this Forester checks all the boxes for a great Japanese Classic!
The exterior has a lot to flaunt but the interior is much more subtle. The patterned cloth upholstery has resisted the past 25 years without succumbing to any serious wear and tear, and the same can be said for the vinyl dash that also houses dual SRS airbags for good measure. The digital automatic climate control is easy to operate, and cold air conditioning and hot heat are on standby for year round cruising. The adjacent OEM Kenwood audio works like a charm, and while you won't reach our full range of FM frequencies here in the US you can still listen to NPR at above average quality. The dash plastics have resisted cracks and fading, and the door cards, headliner, and carpets are in good nick as well. The standout of this interior has to be its massive panoramic moonroof, which powers open easily and works in tandem with the power windows to funnel ventilation throughout the cabin. Additionally, the power locks and folding side mirrors are in good working order, as well as a factory keyless entry system. Rear passengers gain a reclining bench, and cargo capacity is more than adequate in the boot. The carpets are tidy, the headliner looks good and overall this cabin really impresses for an all-season hauler!
Stateside enthusiasts rejoice, the EJ20G under the bonnet is easy to service, modify, and maintain with parts readily available in the USA! This flat-4 is also fresh off a tune-up here and we went ahead and replaced the 12v battery with a new unit to ensure reliable ignition. An oil and filter service keeps this boxer well lubricated and we changed out the engine air filter and fuel filter to rid this 2.0 of any pesky contaminants. We also went through the work of replacing the leaky valve cover gaskets with new units, and dropped in new spark plugs while we were in there. With the maintenance performed she runs right as rain and boasts deceptively quick acceleration and smooth shifting up to highway speeds. The automatic gearbox does a swell job at throwing power to all four wheels after a front differential fluid service, and this Forester laughs in the face of snow and sleet. We replaced a drive axle at the front left to get the drivetrain in compliance and the updated Tein struts handle well even over rougher terrain. The ABS brakes chomp down hard when called upon and we wrapped the factory "snowflake" alloys in fresh Falkens to not only increase comfort, but to get the most out of Subaru's legendary all wheel drive system!
*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.
