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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Subaru
Few small SUVs enjoy the loyalty the Subaru Forester commands in North America.
Model profile
For today's importer the relevant Foresters are the fourth generation (SJ, 2014–2018), the fifth generation (SK, 2019–2024) and the sixth generation (SL, from 2025). The SJ was the first to make the Lineartronic CVT mainstream and, importantly, offered a proper turbocharged 2.0XT.
Powertrain and equipment
The core engine across the SJ and SK is the 2.5-litre FB25 flat-four, naturally aspirated, producing roughly 170–182 hp depending on year, driving all four wheels through a Lineartronic CVT.
The Forester is a five-door wagon-style SUV. US trims typically run Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring, with the rugged Wilderness added from 2022 on the SK — raised ride height, all-terrain tyres, revised gearing and protective cladding.
Vehicle selection
Supply is strong and spread across years and trims.
A used Forester suits a buyer who wants a practical, safe, all-weather family SUV with real all-wheel-drive credibility and excellent visibility, rather than outright speed or luxury.
Vehicle data
| Body style | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): 5-door compact SUV |
|---|---|
| Length | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): approx. 4,625 mm |
| Wheelbase | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): approx. 2,670 mm |
| Curb weight | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): approx. 1,560–1,640 kg |
| Cargo (seats up) | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): approx. 764 L |
| Engine | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): 2.5 L FB25 flat-4 (boxer), naturally aspirated |
|---|---|
| Power | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): approx. 182 hp (136 kW) |
| Torque | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): approx. 176 lb-ft (239 Nm) |
| Transmission | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): Lineartronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): Symmetrical all-wheel drive (standard) |
| Fuel economy (EPA comb.) | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): approx. 29 mpg (US) |
| Fuel type | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): Petrol (regular unleaded) |
| Generation | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): 5th gen (SK), 2019–2024 |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): approx. 8.5–9.0 s |
| Ground clearance | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): approx. 220 mm |
| Assembly | Detail (5th gen SK, 2.5i): Ōta, Gunma (Japan) |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The Forester is broadly reliable, but its boxer engines have a few well-documented quirks worth checking. Some FB-series 2.5 engines from around 2011–2018 were subject to oil-consumption concerns, so confirm oil level and top-up history and watch for a car that burns oil between services. Older EJ-series engines (SH and earlier) are known for head-gasket weeping over time.
Germany and Europe
US Foresters typically lack a rear fog lamp, which Germany requires, and use US-pattern headlights that need ECE-compliant units or adjustment.
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Typical Einzelabnahme work: fitting ECE headlights (or a documented adjustment), adding a rear fog lamp, confirming the km/h speedometer, and verifying tyre and lighting compliance.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The import process for a Subaru Forester is planned around the specific listing, location, documents and commissioned service scope.
Questions and answers
Yes. It is a dependable all-weather SUV; just check the engine's oil-consumption history and the CVT's condition on the specific car.
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
The 2019–2024 SK 2.5 is the balanced choice; the 2014–2018 2.0XT for performance; the Wilderness for light off-road use.
Yes. Symmetrical AWD is standard on every US Forester — there is no front-wheel-drive version.
Oil consumption on some 2.5 engines, head gaskets on older EJ engines, CVT service costs, and rust on salt-region cars.
Yes, the SJ-generation 2.0XT (2014–2018) with about 250 hp. The SK dropped the turbo.
Typically several weeks, mainly shipping and the TÜV appointment. USCar Trader manages the timeline.
Regular unleaded petrol for the 2.5; the 2.0XT turbo prefers premium.
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