Subaru Forester First generation (SF) (1999 - 2000)
Custom-fit Add-ons
First generation (SF) of Subaru Forester has been in production since 1999 by 2000.
Subaru Forester First generation (SF) dimensions and specs
Compare two Subaru Forester generations
| First generation (SF) | |
|
|
|
| Body style | SUV, Crossover |
| Engine options | EJ251, 2.5L H-4, 165 HP, 167 lb/ft |
| Length | 175.20 in |
| Width | 68.30 in |
| Height | 62.8 - 65 in |
| Wheelbase | 99.40 in |
| Curb weight | 3058 - 3125 lbs |
| Number of doors | 4 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Front hip room | 51.40 in |
| Rear hip room | 50.90 in |
| Front Headroom | 40.60 in |
| Rear Headroom | 39.60 in |
| Front shoulder room | 53.50 in |
| Rear shoulder room | 53.60 in |
| Fuel tank capacity | 15.90 gal |
| MPG (City/Highway) | 21/27 - 28 |
| Towing capacity | 2000 lbs |
| 0-60 mph / 0-100 kph | 7.15 - 7.3 sec |
| ¼ mile time | 15.4 - 15.6 sec |
Subaru Forester Common Problems generations
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a perfect car. Each car has its own design flaws and problems that the user has to deal with. During the Subaru Forester First generation (SF) production period from 1999 to 2000 drivers have reported 204 complaints. The most common problems are AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WHEEL BEARING, REAR.
| Model Year | Complaints |
| 2000 Forester |
74
|
| 1999 Forester |
130
|
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
| AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN on a cold start generally the vehicle will go forward when shifting it into drive but after it is warmed... |
23
~ 52204 miles |
| WHEEL BEARING > FRONT > SUSPENSION reapeaded wheel bearing failure. *ak... |
20
~ 26234 miles |
| REAR > SUSPENSION had to have wheel bearings on both sides of the rear replaced at only 44 000 miles on my 2000... |
14
~ 40434 miles |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru forester. while driving 55 to 65 mph the engine began to over heat.... |
12
~ 63250 miles |
| TIRES the vehicles tires were showing signs of balding at only 23000 miles and was told they would only last another... |
11
~ 21209 miles |
| ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING engine had a porous block. subaru of america has acknowledged this as a manufacturing defect. experienced catastrophic loss of transmission... |
9
~ 91942 miles |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL the vehicle accelerated to 100 mph while engaged with cruise control because the cruise control is defective. yh ... |
8
~ 17963 miles |
| ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC new vehicle became uncontrollable veering from side to side then going off the road within first 7 miles of driving... |
8
|
| POWER TRAIN began noticing and complaining of clutch chatter at 20 000 miles. mentioned at every service visit and told by dealer... |
7
~ 39000 miles |
| GASOLINE > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING the oxygen sensor switch is not operating. the dealer is willing to replace it however he cannot get the part... |
7
~ 16429 miles |
| MULTIPLE AXLE > SUSPENSION the rear wheel bearings on the passenger side burned due to the wrong lubricant for the seal. the noise in... |
6
|
| FILLER PIPE AND CAP > TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE the fuel filler design is such that it is to complicated for gas station attendants to correctly put on. it... |
6
~ 31000 miles |
| CLUTCH ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN chattering clutch on 2000 subaru forester. this constantly happens when the car is cold and continues all the way through... |
6
~ 17239 miles |
| FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC design of the throttle/pedals creates difficulty in having a smooth acceleration placement of the pedals also create a potential hazard |
5
|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE failure of oxygen sensor that was replaced due to recall caused gasoline to be dumped into catalytic converter. our mechanic... |
4
~ 61591 miles |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER engine check light keeps coming on once started and would stay on until vehicle is shut down. taking vehicle to... |
4
~ 6250 miles |
| WHEELS no summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak... |
4
~ 4000 miles |
| AXLE SHAFT > AXLE ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN engine rebuilt due to failure had to be completely replaced due to failure of rebuilt unit. mjs... |
4
|
| MANUAL TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN vehicle pops out of fifth gear into neutral on the highway. this has happened approximately 12 times over the past |
3
~ 85641 miles |
| AXLE ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN repeat premature failure of rear axle bearing. rear axle bearing on both sides became noisy when car was 35k mi... |
3
~ 29333 miles |
| EQUIPMENT failure of oxygen sensor that was replaced due to recall caused gasoline to be dumped into catalytic converter. our mechanic... |
3
~ 25566 miles |
| SIDEWALL > TIRES four of the 5 original tires have had sidewall blowouts although i carefully maintain tire pressure. in this last event... |
3
~ 64000 miles |
| EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING the oxygen senor failed which caused the vehicle to stall. the senor was replaced three times. *jb... |
3
~ 56167 miles |
| EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING the oxygen sensor switch is not operating. the dealer is willing to replace it however he cannot get the part... |
3
~ 2333 miles |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC consumer complaint concerning 1999 forester gas mileage. *ts the consumer stated he experienced problems with the transmission brakes a knock |
3
~ 33397 miles |
| STRUCTURE paint peeling off right rear side and rear bumper. *ph *nlm **dimsii ivoq entry posted 12/12/02 after cut over to |
3
~ 32000 miles |
| SEAL > AXLE SHAFT > AXLE ASSEMBLY defective seal on the transmission caused transmission fluid to leak into exhaust assembly. yh ... |
3
~ 17011 miles |
| ENGINE note: below is an extract from a message i sent to an attorney in wisconsin in 2011 regarding the problems... |
2
~ 125700 miles |
| MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT 10/19/04 right rear wheel bearing replaced on my 2000 subaru forester at 56 886 miles (previous maint performed on 3/2/04)... |
2
|
| STEERING steering locked up twice while driving both times shortly after making sharp right turn out of home driveway. the first... |
2
~ 35000 miles |
| SEATS the consumer stated the drivers seat frame wore out. the dealer was notified. *ak the consumer noticed the cushion assembly... |
2
|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM components of vehicle that rely on electrical system operate erratically and will turn on and off on their own. engine |
2
~ 87500 miles |
| FRONTAL > AIR BAGS while driving 35 mph had a frontal impact and driver's/passenger's air bags did not deploy which did not protect the |
2
~ 25500 miles |
| RETRACTOR > FRONT > SEAT BELTS design of belt whenever getting into vehicle consumer complained that he always was seating on top of seat belt before... |
2
|
| SUSPENSION dealer reported vehicle was not aligned at time of manufacturing caused prematurely wear tires which subaru of america is only |
2
|
| WINDSHIELD > VISIBILITY no summary... |
2
|
| HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 2000 subaru forester with fuel problems. customer states that the dealer said the rust was not covered under warranty. dealer... |
2
~ 50500 miles |
| COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING consumer complained about engine head gasket leaking coolant and mixing with the oil. instead of replacing the head gasket dealer |
2
~ 65600 miles |
| TREAD/BELT > TIRES pe-00-020 tires are original equipment bridgestone ht dueler tire size 15 inch dot number not available tires have seven thousand... |
2
|
| HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM > STEERING at 60 to 70 mph the car can suddenly loses handling control. it starts to bob and rock and i... |
2
|
| ANCHORAGE > FRONT > SEAT BELTS rear seat belts do not fit child safety seats properly. mjs... |
2
|
| DIFFERENTIAL UNIT > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN front differential unit failed from lack of lubrication subaru stated that independent facilities mistakenly drained the differential fluid instead of... |
2
|
| SERVICE BRAKES why is the brake line corrosion recall wqk-47 only for 2009-2013 foresters? i own a 1999 forester which has just... |
1
~ 80000 miles |
| LINES AND FITTINGS > LPG SYSTEMS > RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER 200 subaru forester blows head gasket for third time. fixed twice under manufacturer's recall. third time subaru reports they will... |
1
~ 125336 miles |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER tl*the contact owns a 2000 subaru forester. while driving between 35-40 mph the check engine light illuminated on the instrument... |
1
~ 46792 miles |
| INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM about 3 years into owning this '99 forester the illumination for my gear shifting column between the front seats went... |
1
|
| MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE > EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING dt: the contact stated since purchase of the vehicle there has been antifreeze smell. he would periodically check the reservoir... |
1
|
| AIR CONDITIONER > APPLIANCE > EQUIPMENT my 1999 subaru forester's air conditioner stopped working right after 5 years. i left the car at the dealership over... |
1
|
| AIR BAGS during a 35 mph rear collision front air bags did not deploy. vehicle was towed. consumer suffered minor injuries. dealership |
1
~ 72000 miles |
| TUBE > TIRES in late march of 2004 i purchased 4 bridgestone dueler h/l tires for my 2000 subaru forester. during the following... |
1
|
| CATALYTIC CONVERTOR > EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM while driving the engine light illuminated. the mechanic repaired the catalytic converter once but the consumer continued to have the... |
1
~ 100000 miles |
| LUBRICANT > MANUAL TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN multiple major and costly repairs to a vehicle that is driven on hard road services only and in a safe... |
1
~ 53000 miles |
| ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT > MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT unsafe original equipment jack provided with 1999 subaru forester l and in all likelhood with subsequent models. when attempting to... |
1
~ 26340 miles |
| AXLE HUBS > POWER TRAIN 99 subaru forester l after 50 000 miles rear axle bearings and hub broke. steering on corners was affected.... |
1
~ 51032 miles |
| SWITCH > IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM consumer having problems with ignition switch and it will be hard for consumer to startvehicle. dealer notified.*ak... |
1
|
| FRONT > SUSPENSION both rear tires are wearing only on outer edge. dealer has done alignment but it has not fixed the problem.*ak... |
1
|
| INTERIOR/UNDER DASH > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM blower switch was on high number 4 when electrical smoke came out from the climate control panel. blower would not... |
1
|
| DRIVESHAFT > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN the failure probably occurred thousands of miles earlier since i heard a noise that i though was tire noise but... |
1
|
| LATCH > DOORS > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES driver's and passenger's doors intermittently won't close. doors have approximately a big gap opening. consumer has this problem nearly once |
1
|
| MASTER CYLINDER > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC owner received recall notification (99v-040) however dealership refused repair dealership not informed. *mjs... |
1
|
| PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH > AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN consumer parked vehicle on a 5-degree incline and in in 1st gear. 10-15 minutes later consumer heard car alarm going |
1
|
| COOLING UNIT AND LINES > AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN engine had a porous block. subaru of america has acknowledged this as a manufacturing defect. experienced catastrophic loss of transmission... |
1
|
| DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC i have detected that within the speed range of 5 miles per hour up to 70 miles per hour the... |
1
|
| REAR/OTHER > SEAT BELTS rear seat belts do not fit child safety seats properly. mjs... |
1
|
| RECLINER > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS while approaching a highway toll booth i raised my hips to remove my wallet from my back pocket. this obviously... |
1
|
| ACCELERATOR PEDAL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL due to the design of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal driver hit the accelerator pedal while braking. vehicle |
1
|
| BUCKLE ASSEMBLY > FRONT > SEAT BELTS rear seat belt anchors/assembly on 1999 subaru forester do not allow for acceptable secure installation of child seat (have tried... |
1
|
| LINKAGES > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL vehicle will accelerate quickly in forward or reverse gears and without warning which has already caused one crash. consumer has |
1
|
| BEAD > TIRES chevron receipt of 4/20/00 reads: all four bridgestone tires are unsafe due to bead problems - had to put studded... |
1
|
| LABELS > OTHER > EQUIPMENT front differential unit failed from lack of lubrication subaru stated that independent facilities mistakenly drained the differential fluid instead of... |
1
|
How to improve the appearance of your Subaru Forester and to make it look younger?
Time goes on, and the automobile industry does not stand still. The cars that were trendy just a few years ago no longer make people look at you with such enthusiasm. However, you won't love your car any less because it's getting old. But if you want your Subaru Forester to stand out from the crowd and still catch the eye, transform its appearance. Put on nice rims - it'll make it more noticeable right away. Install coilovers - lowered cars always look cooler. Add fender flares to the kit and you get a sportier look. Put decals on it and people passing by won't be able to take their eyes off of you.
However, you can not only change the appearance of your car beyond recognition, but also to rejuvenate it. If you want, you can make your car a couple of generations younger. To do this you should buy a body kit - a set of body elements that repeat the outlines of cars of later versions. It won't make the car go faster, but it will be extremely difficult to notice the differences externally.
Body kits
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GOOACC 240PCS Bumper Retainer Clips Car ...
- UNIVERSAL FIT KIT - Great Assortment Push Retainer Kit with 12 popular size, fitting for door trim, radiator shield yoke, fender, bumper and splash shield retainers replacement for Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and more.
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Xotic Tech Front Bumper Lip Chin Spoiler...
- 【Material】Made of updated durable and sturdy ABS, no deformation in long-term use, physically strong firm and durable, anti-collision and scratch-resistant
- 【Special Design】DIY installation, different cool style reveal no matter you install the White spoiler or...
-
Xotic Tech Universal Front Bumper Lip Ch...
- [Model] - Universal fitment for most vehicle front bumper lip.(Please measure and check the position you are going to install the spoiler, and make sure these splitters will fit your vehicle before purchase.)
- [Material] -...
-
Bumper Trunk Quick Release Front Rear Bu...
- Need to attach and detach your bumper quickly? Quick release fasteners are great for front bumpers, rear bumpers, and hatch lids that need to be frequently removed. They are perfect for people who go to...
-
2 PCS Car Rear Bumper Guard Diffuser Spl...
- ✔ Material: Made of premium quality PP material with carbon fiber pattern coating, the product is enough to prevent cracking with gloss powder-coated finish with an easy bolt-on underneath installation, superior craftsmanship and durability.
- ✔...
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6Pcs M6 x16mm Bolt Square Nut Kit, Motor...
- Material and Size: This product is made of high quality stainless steel, corrosion resistant and durable, Thread: Thick 6mm; Screw Length: 16mm; Square Nut Size: 8 x 4mm (L x D).
- Ease of installation: M6...
Fender flares
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EZ Flares – The Original Universal Fle...
- ENHANCE & PROTECT YOUR RIDE – The universal fender EZ Flares are a fast, easy, and low-cost way to give your car an aggressive, off-road look! Universal compatibility allows it to be installed on virtually...
-
EZ Flares XL – The Original Universal ...
- MAXIMUM PROTECTION & TIRE COVERAGE – The universal EZ Flares XL are fast, easy way to give your truck an aggressive, off-road look and stay legal! Universal compatibility allows it to be installed on virtually...
-
![GOOACC Blind Rivet,Fender Flare & Rocker Moulding Clip,Bumper Shield Retainer Clip Assortment 6506007AA 68039280-AA 6030441 for Jeep Wrangler Chrysler Ford GMC [60 Pcs] + Bonus Fastener Remover](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51afRFQF3wL._AC_QL90_UL90_.jpg?ezimgfmt=0)
GOOACC Blind Rivet,Fender Flare & Rocker...
- 20 Pieces of Nylon Blind Rivets: Replaces GM: 10184895, 20452072 Ford: N803862-S, Chrysler: 6501559, 6506007-AA
- 20 Pieces of Fender Flare & Rocker Moulding Clip:Replaces Chrysler: 68039280-AA Jeep Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK 2007 -
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Mean Mug Auto 23181-6133A 50x Fender Fla...
- Precision-engineered to push firmly into a 10 mm hole and lock into place.
- Ready to fit snuggly into your vehicle with the 14 mm stem length and the 38 mm head diameter.
- Compatible with Chrysler:...
-
50PCS Fender Flare Clips, Push Door Trim...
- [High quality material]: Fender Flare Clips are made of high quality Nylon material, which is wear-resistant and corrosion resistant. It is equipped with black foam for better sealing, smaller swing, and is not easy to...
-
A-Premium 4 Pcs Black Universal Splash G...
- Upgraded Universal Mud Flaps Splash Guards; Drilling Holes Required
- Compatible Makes: Universal; For All Body Styles: Car, Pickup, SUV, Van, Truck, etc.
- Package Includes: 4 Pcs (1 Set) --- Front and Rear
- Color: Black; Material:...
Rims
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All-Fit Rim Trim Wheel Protection Strips...
- Car Wheel Rim Protection Strips Available In 7 Standout Colors ?
- 25 Feet of OEM Grade Wheel Rim Material That Won't Rip Or Tear
- Package Includes Enough Rim Trim Wheel Protection For Four 24 inch...
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Tallew 4 Pcs Push Through Wheel Center C...
- Quality Material Selection: made of quality stainless steel, the wheel center cap is sturdy and solid, reliable and long lasting, strong enough against breakage, deformation and abrasion, serving you for long
- Notable Size Details: the...
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VARGTR 4 Pcs Tire Valve Stem Caps,Lumino...
- [Material] The valve dust cap is made of high-quality and durable ABS plastic, which is dustproof and waterproof and can be used for a long time.
- [Fluorescent Design] The wheel tire valve absorbs light when...
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4 Pcs Wheel Cleaner Brush Wheel Barrel B...
- Practical Combination Set: you will receive a total of 4 pieces of wheel cleaning brushes, including 3 pieces of rim brushes for cleaning wheels in 3 different sizes, 1 piece of long soft bristle truck...
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8 Pcs Wheel Rim Decal Stripes Car Decals...
- Quality Materials: these rim decals are made of reflective PVC material, which is waterproof and windproof, can resist rain erosion and sunlight, not easy to fade, good adhesion, not easy to fall, and can be...
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Ouzorp Car Wheel Scratch Fix Rim Touch U...
- If you are parking sideways, your wheels are easily scratched, the kits help you repair scratches and slight dents.
- It has never been easier to repair your wheels quickly! No need to take your wheels...
Coilovers
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Xotic Tech Front Bumper Lip Chin Spoiler...
- 【Material】Made of updated durable and sturdy ABS, no deformation in long-term use, physically strong firm and durable, anti-collision and scratch-resistant
- 【Special Design】DIY installation, different cool style reveal no matter you install the White spoiler or...
-
maXpeedingrods Coilover Adjustable for S...
- 【Fit Perfectly】 For Subaru Forester (SF) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
- 【24 Rebound Force Levels for More Control】 Level 0-8 suggest for race tracks use；Level 9-16 suggest for mountain anfractuosities use；Level 17-24 suggest for street...
-
Godspeed MSS0157 compatible with Subaru ...
- Compatible With Subaru Forester (SF) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002; Excludes Self-Leveling Suspensions
- Spring Rate (Front/Rear) : 8 kg/mm/6 kg/mm; Damping Levels: 16 Rebound Force Levels
- 52mm Mono-Tube Stainless Steel Shock With 16 Levels of...
-
![Xotic Tech 2pc Adjustable 6'-9' Front Bumper Lip Splitter Diffuser Strut Rod Tie Bars Compatible with Most Vehicles [Silver]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uS6tYSLrL._AC_QL90_UL90_.jpg?ezimgfmt=0)
Xotic Tech 2pc Adjustable 6"-9" Front Bu...
- ?2 pieces of front bumper lip splitter rod strut tie bars, universal for cars use.
- ?Package includes fully articulated top and bottom joins which allow them to be installed at any angle.
- ?Made with premium...
-
Yaruicar Custom Car Floor Mats Automotiv...
- Car Floor Mats fit for Honda, Toyota, Ford, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Buick, Porsche, Acura, etc. Model,Click the customize button start your order
- All the colors are in stock. The processing will be...
-
Compatible With/Replacement For Brightt ...
- Fits 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Subaru Forester(SF)
- 52mm Mono-Tube Stainless Steel Shock With 32 Levels of Damping Adjustment Corresponds to Daily Driving Scene To The Sunday Track
- Performance Internal Piston With Koyo Japan 6204z...
Decals
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24 x 6.6 Inches Giant Car Bumper Sticker...
- What Will You Get: this package contains 2 pieces 24 x 6.6 inches of large size car stickers for easy replacement and sharing, this will be the ideal present option, and if you have a...
-
Arrow Reflective Stickers for Car, 24PCS...
- 【Safety Warning Stickers】: This car sticker is designed with a diamond-grade, high-brightness reflective prism structure, which can have a good reflective effect even in low light. It is not only a cool decorative item, but...
-
Frienda 6 Pieces Small Flame Decals Stic...
- Adorn your cars: these transfer decals are the fastest and easiest way to customize your car, can add more shine and personality to your vehicles and win more compliments from others
- Easy to use: the...
-
3D Aluminum Alloy American US Flag Decal...
- Note: Please refer to picture 2 for size. The size of each shape is different. Please confirm the shape and size you need carefully before purchasing.Waterproof, light, no shrinkage, no fading, no rust.
- Quality: High...
-
7 inch Snow Mountain Tree Stickers for C...
- 【Works for A Long Time】: This forest snow mountain sticker is made of high quality PVC material, not only waterproof and anti-fading, but also not easy to fade very durable. We use a high level...
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SINGARO 4PCS Aluminum Valve Stem Cap, Gr...
- High quality: High quality aluminum alloy is used to replace the original bad valve cap of the tire, which can keep the wheel working well.
- Convenience: The valve cover is easy to install and disassemble....
Subaru Forester specs
Compare
Performance
| Engine |
| 0-60 times |
| Horsepower |
| Upgrades |
Exterior
| Wheels |
| Wheel Interchange |
| Bulbs |
| Dimensions |
| Ground clearance |
| Weight |
| Upgrades |
Interior
| Steering wheel |
| Speakers size |
| Upgrades |
Maintenance
| Towing Capacity |
| Oil Capacity |
| Wipers size |
| Fuses |
| Gas tank size |
| Battery size |
| Gas type |
| Cargo space |
| Safety ratings |
| Complaints |
| Generations |
| Upgrades |
| Manuals |
| Mpg |
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