Used Subaru Cars for Sale — 1,943 listed

Subaru's used cars are clearly categorized by purpose, with a focus on SUVs and crossovers like the Forester and Outback, as well as practical vehicles and sports models. While many models are sold under a common name internationally, it's important to check for regional differences in vehicle names and engines when making a selection.

Driving characteristics combining a boxer engine and symmetrical AWD.

One of the defining features of SUBARU is its horizontally opposed engine, which has cylinders arranged facing each other, along with the Symmetrical AWD, which places the powertrain along the vehicle's centerline. This system is implemented in a wide range of models, including the Forester, Outback, Impreza, and WRX, making it suitable for areas with varying road conditions, such as snowy, rainy, or highway environments. However, the control methods for AWD can differ based on the model and whether it uses MT, AT, or CVT. When considering used cars, it is important to check for unusual noises or leaks in the front and rear differentials, propeller shaft, and drive shafts, as well as ensuring that the tire brands, sizes, and wear on all four tires are consistent.

Differences between generations and the condition of the cameras in EyeSight-equipped vehicles.

EyeSight is Subaru's unique driver assistance system that uses stereo cameras to recognize the road ahead, providing support for features such as collision damage mitigation brakes and adaptive cruise control. It was first introduced in Japan in 2008 in commercial vehicles and has since been adopted in models like the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Levorg. The functionality can vary by generation, model, trim, and sales region, so the name EyeSight alone cannot determine if the same equipment is present. When evaluating used cars, it is important to check the warning history, the condition of the stereo camera and its surroundings, the history of windshield replacements, and any accident repair history, as well as ensuring that necessary inspections and adjustments have been made after any glass or camera replacements.

A selection of SUVs and wagons, focusing on the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek.

SUBARU offers a range of SUVs and crossovers in different sizes and purposes, including the Forester, which has ample cargo space and ground clearance, the Outback with the practicality of a wagon, and the Crosstrek, which is easy to handle in urban areas. They also have the Legacy and Levorg wagons, along with sports models like the WRX and BRZ, making it easy to categorize options based on passenger capacity, cargo volume, and road conditions. It's worth noting that the older XV is sold as the Crosstrek in North America, and the Legacy is known as the Liberty in Australia, highlighting some differences in naming. When searching for parts, be sure to match not only the Japanese names but also the chassis number, model, sales region, and engine type. Additionally, for SUVs, checking the condition of the undercarriage, plastic exterior components, and roof rails is advisable.

Here are 10 models of SUBARU cars easy to compare as candidates for import from Japan, including SUVs, wagons, sedans, sports cars, and light commercial vehicles.

Forester

The Forester debuted in 1997 and is Subaru's toughest SUV. It has several generations, including SF, SG, SH, SJ, SK, and the latest SL model, with a wide range of specifications such as naturally aspirated, turbo, e-BOXER, manual transmission, automatic transmission, and CVT. While it is suitable for everyday use and outdoor activities due to its spacious cargo area and high ground clearance, when considering used models, be sure to check for underbody rust, history of off-road driving, AWD system, CVT, and oil and cooling systems in turbo models. Also, note that features like EyeSight and X-MODE differ by model year and trim level.

Legacy Outback / Outback (previously known domestically as Grand Wagon / Lancaster)

The Outback was introduced in 1995 as a crossover, initially known in Japan as the Legacy Grand Wagon, later as the Lancaster, and from 2003 onward as the Legacy Outback. Different models such as the Grand Wagon (BG series) and Lancaster (BH series), as well as BP, BR, BS, and BT series, vary in engines and features. The overseas versions have different options, including a 2.5L engine and turbo models that differ from those in Japan. When considering a used vehicle, make sure to check the undercarriage, electric parking brake, CVT, and EyeSight system, and verify that the engine and emissions specifications meet the requirements of the purchasing country.

XV / Crosstrek

The compact crossover Subaru XV made its debut in 2010 as the "Impreza XV (GH model)" before becoming an independent model in 2012, marketed as the Crosstrek in North America. Starting from the third generation, the name Crosstrek has also been adopted in Japan. The model comes in GP, GT, and GU variations, with different options for gasoline, e-BOXER, FWD, and AWD. When considering a used vehicle, it's important to check the plastic cladding and underbody, CVT, AWD, and EyeSight features. For hybrid models, also investigate the diagnostic history of the drive battery and inverter.

Impreza

The Impreza is a compact car that debuted in 1992, available in sedan, wagon, and 5-door configurations. With a rich history of generations including GC/GF, GD/GG, GH/GE, GP/GJ, GT/GK, and GU, it features a mix of EJ and FB engine types, FWD and AWD drivetrains, as well as MT, AT, and CVT transmissions. When considering used cars, it’s important to check the model and drivetrain. Older models should be inspected for timing belts and rust, while newer models require checks on the CVT and EyeSight system. Additionally, be aware that the WRX variant differs in engine, suspension, and component layout.

Legacy / Legacy B4 / Touring Wagon (Australia: Liberty)

The Legacy was introduced as a sedan and wagon in 1989, with the Legacy B4 name used in Japan and Liberty used in Australia. The generations continued from BC/BF to BN/BS, featuring different engines such as EJ20, EJ25, EZ series, and FB25 depending on the region. When considering a used car, please check the engine type, which may include turbo and horizontally opposed 6-cylinder options, as well as the transmission type (AT/CVT), AWD, and electrical components. The Touring Wagon and Outback differ in ride height, suspension, and exterior parts, so it’s important to verify the parts when ordering.

Levorg

The Levorg is a sports wagon that was introduced in 2014 and was sold primarily in Japan, as well as in Europe and Australia. The VM series features 1.6L and 2.0L direct injection turbo engines, while the VN series includes 1.8L and some 2.4L turbo options, both generally equipped with CVT and AWD. When considering a used car, check the turbo, CVT, cooling system, electric parking brake, and the operation of EyeSight. For vehicles with a history of front-end accidents or glass replacements, be sure to review the inspection records for cameras and sensors.

WRX S4 / WRX STI (overseas names: WRX / WRX STI)

The WRX traces its origins back to the 1992 Impreza WRX and has been developed as an independent model line since 2014. The Japanese version, WRX S4, primarily features a CVT, while the WRX STI adopts a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the overseas version of the WRX (such as the VBH type) includes models equipped with a 6-speed manual, resulting in different engine and transmission configurations depending on the sales region. When comparing VAG, VAB, and VBH, please check the differences between the FA20, EJ20, and FA24 engines. For used cars, it's important to inspect for accident history, modifications, track usage, turbo system, cooling system, clutch or CVT functionality, and DCCD operation.

BRZ

The BRZ is a rear-wheel drive sports car that debuted in 2012, with the ZC6 model featuring the FA20 engine and the ZD8 model equipped with the FA24 engine, available in both 6MT and 6AT. Developed in collaboration with the Toyota 86/GR86, there are distinct differences in suspension settings, exterior design, and equipment. When considering a used vehicle, check for accident and repair history, modifications, track usage, oil and coolant condition, clutch, differential, and uneven tire wear. It is also important to verify whether the modifications comply with the noise and emissions regulations of the importing country.

Exiga / Exiga Crossover 7

The Exiga is a 3-row, 7-seater model that was launched in Japan in 2008, and in 2015, the SUV-styled Exiga Crossover 7 was introduced. The YA series comes with a choice of 2.0L naturally aspirated or turbo engines, as well as a 2.5L option, with various configurations of AT or CVT, and FWD or AWD depending on the model year. When considering a used vehicle, be sure to check the third-row seating, air conditioning, areas around the roof, AT/CVT system, AWD, and the suspension. As it is primarily targeted at the Japanese market, it may be difficult to search for parts by the vehicle name alone in importing countries.

Sambar

The Sambar has been a lightweight truck and van since 1961. Until 2012, SUBARU's in-house production models featured a rear-engine design, with the TT, TV, and TW series available in both 2WD and 4WD, as well as supercharged options. After 2012, it became an OEM of the Daihatsu Hijet, resulting in significant differences in the chassis, engine, and parts system. When considering a used vehicle, be sure to check the generation, inspect for rust in the cargo bed, floor, and frame, as well as any oil leaks, cooling system issues, 4WD functionality, and signs of overloading.

Here are five representative models of the horizontally opposed engine adopted in popular SUBARU vehicles, commonly identified in the domestic and international used car markets.

EJ20 (Legacy, Impreza, Forester, WRX STI, etc.)

The EJ20 is a 1.994L flat-four gasoline engine that was used for a long period from the first-generation Legacy in 1989 until 2019. It is available in a wide variety of specifications, including naturally aspirated, single turbo, twin turbo, SOHC, and DOHC, and is equipped in models such as the Legacy, Impreza, Forester, and WRX STI. Even among EJ20 engines, the intake and exhaust systems, turbocharging, controls, and transmission combinations vary depending on the generation and model. When checking used cars, be sure to look for the timing belt replacement history, any leaks or reductions in oil and coolant, unusual noises at startup, and condition of the turbocharger and intercooler. For high-performance vehicles, it's important to verify any modifications, heavy-duty usage, or engine swaps through the vehicle identification number and maintenance records. For manual transmission vehicles, check for wear on the clutch and synchronizers as well.

EJ25 (Legacy, Outback, Forester, overseas-spec WRX STI, etc.)

The EJ25 is a 2.457L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder gasoline engine. It is available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions and has been featured in some Japanese and overseas models of the Legacy, Outback, and Forester, as well as the WRX STI in North America and Europe. Compared to the 2.0L engine, it provides more low to mid-range power, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including SUVs, wagons, and sports models. However, according to the region of sale, the output, emissions control system, and fuel type may vary. When purchasing a used vehicle, it is essential to check the timing belt, oil and coolant, ignition system, and cooling system, and for turbocharged models, inspect the boost pressure, intercooler, and oil management. For vehicles used under heavy loads, also check the compression condition and exhaust smoke. It’s important not to assume that Japanese specification EJ25 and overseas specification WRX STI parts are the same when importing.

FB20 (Impreza, XV/Crosstrek, Forester, etc.)

The FB20 is a 1.995L flat-four naturally aspirated gasoline engine, used in vehicles such as the Impreza, SUBARU XV/Crosstrek, and Forester since the 2010s. Depending on the generation, it features both port injection and direct injection, and vehicles equipped with e-BOXER combine the engine with an electric motor and a drive battery. This engine has a user-friendly output characteristic for everyday driving and is often paired with a CVT. When considering a used car, check the oil level and maintenance history, cooling water, ignition system, idling, and exhaust condition, as well as the CVT’s starting and acceleration performance. Also, verify the condition of the auxiliary belts and the starting battery. e-BOXER vehicles require diagnostics not only for the engine but also for the drive battery, inverter, cooling system, and warning history.

FA20 (BRZ, WRX S4, Levorg, etc.)

The FA20 is a 1.998L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder gasoline engine. In the BRZ, it features a combination of naturally aspirated, direct injection, and port injection, while the WRX S4 and Levorg utilize a direct injection turbo specification. Although they share the same model name, their structures, surrounding components, and output characteristics vary significantly. The naturally aspirated version is suitable for high-revving sports driving, while the turbo version excels in acceleration from low to mid-range speeds. When checking used cars, examine the oil and coolant, start-up performance, ignition system, and any unusual noises. For the BRZ, check for modifications and track history, and for turbo models, inspect the supercharger, intercooler, and intake/exhaust systems. Additionally, review warning history for direct injection systems and the stability of idling, as well as the operation of AT, CVT, and MT transmissions. Parts must be selected based on the vehicle name, model number, and type of forced induction.

FB25 (Legacy, Outback, Forester, etc.)

The FB25 is a naturally aspirated 2.498L flat-four gasoline engine, equipped in models such as the Legacy, Outback, and Forester since the 2010s. It is widely adopted in overseas specifications, including North America, and is also found in some Japanese models. Fuel injection and control vary by model year, and it is primarily paired with a Lineartronic CVT. While it provides ease of handling for heavier SUVs and wagons in daily driving, buyers of used vehicles should check the oil and coolant levels, starting performance, idling, ignition system, and exhaust conditions. For vehicles used in cold climates, it's essential to inspect for underbody rust and the maintenance history of the cooling system. Additionally, be cautious not to assume that CVT, AWD, and exhaust components from overseas models are directly interchangeable with Japanese specifications.

SUBARU vehicles, even with the same model name, differ in engine type, AWD system, transmission, and safety features depending on the model year, variant, and sales region. Please check the vehicle identification number, date of first registration, engine type, drive system, emissions category, and grade. For AWD vehicles, inspect the front and rear differentials, propeller shaft, drive shaft, and tire wear differences on all four wheels. For CVT vehicles, check for vibrations or unusual noises during startup and review maintenance history. For vehicles equipped with EyeSight, it's important to check the camera area and any history of glass replacement or repairs. For e-BOXER models, diagnosing the drive battery and high-voltage systems is crucial. Additionally, research the import year, emissions, right-hand drive, and registration requirements for modified vehicles, along with the availability of diagnostic equipment for the horizontally opposed engine and AWD, as well as the ability to procure parts that match the vehicle identification number.

At UCARWORLD, you can search for used SUBARU cars listed by our partner dealerships across Japan based on criteria such as model, year, and price. You can check the vehicle specifications, engine, drivetrain, and features, and proceed with inquiries to the dealership, verification of the total cost including shipping fees, ordering, invoice issuance, and payment, all online. The purchasing process is easy to navigate even from abroad, so you can compare vehicles that suit your needs while verifying import regulations and local registration requirements.