1999 Subaru Forester

S SUV

2.5 litre H4, non-turbo

Automatic

JF1SF6550XH729177

Clear

Gasoline

This 1999 Subaru Forester S is a fully-loaded model purchased used by myself about two years ago. This is a very clean vehicle which has been looked after and had a large percentage of the major of maintenance items that require attention on them at this age taken care of during my ownership. I'm letting it go due to needing a larger vehicle, and have bills for virtually everything that has been maintained on it while it's been in my possession. Here's the rundown: 4-cylinder, non-turbo, automatic transmission. Green with tan leather; very clean with no rips, tears, or sags in the interior, and owned by a non-smoker. Cold A/C, hot heat. Power windows, door locks (with working remote) and mirrors. Cruise control, fog lights, heated seats, wiper de-icer. Exterior lights (except head and fog lights) have been converted to LEDs; the flasher relay was replaced with an electronic one so the turn signals and hazard lights operate correctly with no fast blinking. All controls, gauges, and switches operate as intended - even the digital clock in the overhead console works, which is a common failure item on these vehicles and expensive to replace directly from Subaru. The car has 155,000 miles on the body with approximately 18,000 miles on a new engine. This was a fully-remanufactured unit, professionally installed by All Wheel Drive Auto in Kirkland, WA. The timing belt, tensioners, and water pump were done of as part of the engine replacement, so these major (and expensive) service items are taken care of. Oil was most recently changed approximately 3 weeks ago, and has been routinely changed throughout this engine's tenure in this vehicle. The car does not leak, burn, or excessively consume oil, and coolant levels and condition are correct. There are no signs of head gasket failure common to these models, and my understanding is that the remanufactured engine used the revised head gasket design that eliminates these issues provided that normal maintenance routines are followed. The transmission shifts well, and has just had complete fluid replacement; the filter was also replaced. AWD works as expected. 5 new tyres (General Grabber A/T2s) were installed as of February; the spare is brand-new and unused. Mileage on them is likely between 3,000 and 4,000 miles; I'd need to check records for a more exact number. The springs were shot when I bought the car with approximately 123,000 miles on it, so they were replaced with Ironman 4x4 1" lift springs. In my opinion, they firmed the ride up nicely without making it harsh, and also improved handling noticeably. That's not to say that the car rides or handles like a WRX or STi - it doesn't - but it does feel better than stock. The extra bit of ground clearance also helps on rutted roads or trails, and works well in conjunction with the tyres. The catalytic converter was replaced approximately 3 months ago; the front oxygen sensor was replaced immediately following engine replacement. The rear sensor has not been replaced. Front CV axles were replaced within the past year. One had worn out so I did both at the same time; they're in good shape with no tears in the boots or clicking on turns, etc. Rears are serviceable with no torn boots or slinging of grease, but may need attention within the next year or so. Brake pads were done all around within the past year. The front discs were replaced at this time; rear discs were (and still are) in good shape, so were left alone. Brakes work as expected, including the ABS system. Stereo is a JVC KD-A815 AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 4-speaker unit with two USB inputs; one has an installed iPod adapter. It also supports Bluetooth streaming audio as well as handsfree phone calls, with a microphone installed on the driver's side A-pillar for handsfree use. A universal phone mount is also installed next to the heater controls, and will hold a smartphone up to at least the size of an iPhone; it's great for using the phone for navigation while driving. Speakers are Pioneer units but I don't remember the exact models. An XM receiver has been installed, but, as is common with the Audiovox units specified for use with this head unit, has died and needs to be replaced; replacement of this is up to the buyer. No XM subscription is included. Neither is an amp installed, but the system sounds quite good regardless. Much more in the way of maintenance has been done to the car, but I would need to go through the bills to supply specifics. Overall this is a good, reliable, solid vehicle that runs and drives well, but if there is anything you would like to know or could use clarification on, please feel free to ask. The registration is current in Washington State, though the car is located in Los Angeles, California. I am selling it with a clean, clear Washington title which is in my possession; registration in other states would be the responsibility of the buyer. Assistance with collection of the vehicle and/or loading if it is being transported are available, but both remain the buyer's responsibility. Also, while I have done my best to represent this vehicle fairly and accurately, it is a used car and as such is being privately sold by the owner in as-is condition with no warranty. Mileage will be slightly higher at time of sale as the vehicle is in regular use.