Stock #5667

The rise of the crossover segment in the late 1990's gave Subaru the opportunity to perfect upon a platform they were already well acquainted with, and the SF5 Forester is the result. By taking the already capable Impreza chassis and adding additional ride height, cargo space, and outdoorsy styling, these first generation Foresters were an instant hit in markets across the globe. While the US market had to settle for the anemic 2.5 naturally aspirated powerplant, Japanese models shared a punchy turbocharged 4 banger with the WRX of the time. The result was a compact AWD hauler that was at home both on track and on the trails. Our one-owner 1997 S/Tb model is a fine example, wearing a clean coat of Acadia Green Metallic (64C) with complementary silver two-tone bodywork. An eye-catching OEM lip kit adds an aggressive touch to the otherwise minimalist exterior, and a factory wing, hood scoop, and roof rails perfectly round off the rest of the styling. A set of Ignite Xtrack alloys remain in good shape and are a fantastic complement to this sporty SUV's exterior. Offered with only 30k verified/documented miles these Japanese Classic SF5's are proving to be a fantastic bargain in the ever-competitive SUV market, and this one has the guts to run laps around the rest of the pack!

Much like the exterior, the interior is in great physical condition and stands as a testament to the care of its prior Japanese owner. The wild patterned cloth upholstery shows nicely, with no discernible rips, tears or stains to be found on the seats or door cards. The dash is in good nick, and the dash materials have also held up extremely well, resisting any major cracks or UV damage throughout the years. The pilot benefits from a standard SRS airbag, a MOMO steering wheel attached to a tilt adjustable steering column, and some additional height adjustment on the seat to dial in the perfect driving position! The lower dash trim is clean, framing OEM audio and a fully functional digital automatic climate control unit. The Forester is an all-weather vehicle, so Cold A/C and hot heat are a must, and both work at the push of a button! Power windows, door locks, and even power folding mirrors are standard and work like a charm. The rear seats are versatile, offering plenty of head and legroom for 3 additional rear passengers while also folding completely flat if the driver chooses to haul cargo instead. Overall, this Forester has the space and amenities to keep up with daily duty with no hesitation, and the condition is great aside from a small crack on the upper storage compartment. We've even retained the factory owner's manual, maintenance booklet and carpeted floor mats to further protect your investment, and an optional rubberized boot mat keeps your upholstery safe when hauling supplies in the rear.

The heart of this beast is the same turbocharged flat-four found in the GC8 Impreza WRX. Like the WRX, the Japanese SF5 Foresters offered unparalleled power and driving excitement for the crossover segment, while sharing many interchangeable parts with Imprezas and Foresters offered for sale here in the US! The EJ20G powerplant fires up without a hitch, care of a new 12v battery, and operation is certainly par for the course for such a low mileage SUV. A fresh fuel filter keeps this flat four operating in tiptop shape and acceleration is potent, offering plenty of get up and go for city and highway driving! The automatic transmission is plenty responsive and an excellent choice for anyone looking to daily drive this super SUV. Drivability is second to none, and the suspension offers plenty of ride height and comfort for day to day activities, while still holding strong throughout backroad twists and turns if needed. Subaru's championed Symmetrical AWD works as expected, and with new Falken tires mounted and balanced on all four corners, you'll never have to worry about losing grip for tens of thousands of miles to come!

*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.