Here's a real solid ride with manual shift. It's a 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5x Premium in Sage Green Metallic with 205k, a 157k transmission, and a complete engine rebuild, which consisted of reboring the cylinders; new pistons & rings; new main bearings & rod bearings; a new crankshaft; new block seals, crossover tube seals, & rear main seal; new head gaskets & valve cover gaskets; new oil pan gasket and water pump gasket. We resurfaced the heads before putting everything back together.

Also gave it a new starter, CV axle, cat converter, and LH rear wheel bearing.

Front brake pads are not far from new, with 8mm thickness (10mm is new for front pads). Rear pads are over 50%, with 5mm thickness (8mm is new for rear pads).

--> Gave it our signature 300+ mile test, and it passed.

16" alloy wheels with a set of 4 Mohave CUV Crossover all-season tires have 7/32" tread remaining (10/32" is new, and 2/32" means Replace Now.)

Manual transmission. Its double wishbone rear suspension makes for a smoother ride.

High quality floor liners.

Of all Subaru models, the Forester has a bit more headroom: it's an inch or two higher than the Outback. Driver's seat height (adjustable) averages about 25" off the ground. Its ground clearance of 8.7 inches makes it not only easy to get in and out of, but along with the all-wheel drive, makes it a great vehicle for all seasons, including Midwest winters.

Cargo volume with the rear seats up is 30.8 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded, it's 63.0 cf.

Powered Sunroof with generous dimensions: 28" x 31.5".

All-Weather Package includes heated front seats, plus defrosting outside mirrors & windshield wiper de-icers which turn on when rear defrost button is pushed. Rear flip-down armrest and flip-out tray with 2 cupholders. Rear seats recline as well as fold down for more cargo space. Retractable rear cargo cover. WeatherTech cargo mat.

Audio and cruise control buttons are on the steering wheel. A 1/8" aux jack is in the center console under the armrest, as is one of 3 12v power outlets: the other two are in the front console and the rear cargo area.

A trip computer in the dashboard / instrument panel measures fuel economy: it's gotten 23.7 mpg (combined) over the last 728 miles.

For stability and safety, Subaru's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system monitors the direction of the car compared to the intended steering direction. It compensates by braking individual wheels and/or altering fuel flow to the engine. Also, the Traction Control System (TCS) senses if any wheels are skidding and redirects power only to those wheels having the best traction.

The Forester was a Top Safety Pick for 2009 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It comes with six airbags (including side-curtain ones) as well as Brake Assist. Also, the Forester was one of only four SUV models that year to earn the top IIHS rating of "Good" for roof strength.

Imperfections (see photos): small dents in RH fender; TPMS light is on even though all tires are inflated to recommended pressure.

But of course this Forester has Subaru's signature All-Wheel Drive transmission!

No hidden fees. Find us at Strictly Subie, 303 E. Bradford, West Union, Iowa 52175, right on Hwy 18. Contact Aaron at 563-380-4739 to try this out, or to find out what else is available or up and coming. For more info, see our website strictlysubie.com or our Facebook page "Strictly Subie LLC" and look under Photos/Albums. Thank you!

VIN: JF2SH63609G786795