1999 Subaru Forester, SF5

ide skirts, and rear apron. Aside from few light scuffs, dings, and chips the paint is in good nick and this five-seater is fresh off a recent service. Offered with only 82k verified and documented miles, this SF5 has logged a fraction of the use of most American examples. Safe, simple, and sturdily built, this Japanese Classic just makes sense! The cabin has been cared for in Japan and is in good nick. Functional keyless entry makes access to the cabin seamless, and head, leg and shoulder room is much better than the Impreza. Dual SRS airbags are standard and add some peace of mind for those who may be safety conscious. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column with a sporty OEM MoMo wheel. To make daily use more enjoyable, power-folding mirrors, electric locks, and power windows work in typical Subaru fashion. Faux wood accents break up the cabin and frame the center stack and the air vents. The automatic digital climate control blasts cold A/C and piping hot heat for those living in more seasonal climates who plan year-round use. Below an upgraded Kenwood head unit provides some tunes to supplement your commute. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading and is low-slung, providing a decent view of the road ahead. The front seats include integrated armrests and are comfortable on longer cruises. The blue and gray upholstery lacks any major rips, stains, or tears and is mirrored in the door cards. The rear seatbacks fold flat and split fold for additional cargo stowage. Even the OEM security shade is on hand to obscure items in the hatch that might be of interest to sticky-fingered passers by on the street. Aside from a few minor scuffs on the headliner, this Subaru is in really good shape overall and the new American owner will surely agree. Sharing a chassis with our domestic Fozzies, parts and service is a snap. The EJ20 under the bonnet is fresh off an oil and filter service. A new 12v battery aids ignition and should last for a few more years to come. The boxer engine is linked to stout automatic gearbox. To keep it operating tip top we resealed the transmission pan. Power is sent to both axles through the Subaru’s trademarked symmetrical AWD system. It accelerates nicely, even considering it is missing the hood scoop and snail, and sustained highway cruising is effortless. To shore up the driveline we replaced the right front axle seal. The adjustable suspension is brand new and can be height and damping can be changed to suit the owners preference. The power steering is light yet on point and we have installed new rack boots for Virginia police safety inspection. The ABS brakes feel confident and this Forester tracks straight as an arrow thanks to a fresh alignment and new inner and outer tie rods. Grip is handled by four new grippy Toyota all terrain tires. Mounted and balanced here in the shop, they look mean and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come.