What year is this forester?

[HowAboutThat]

This car is parked in my neighborhood, and I walk by it almost every day on my walk. I don’t get too close because I don’t want anybody thinking I’m a theft risk, but I have peaked inside, it has tan leather and automatic.
Should be OK to post these photos because I have obscured the license, but if this is verboten, let me know.
I’ve narrowed it down to first generation, but I don’t know the specific year, I’m posting because, by golly, it’s beautiful, and it’s got to be near 25 years old.

 

[Dick Foster]

Well it's a non turbo model because it doesn't have the hood scoop for the intercooler.
Can you make out any badgeing on the tailgate?
I had a 2004 forester limited (maxed out trim code back then) it had the turbo and hood scoop.
It was a good car before I totaled it. If I had not wrecked it, I'd still be driving it. Nothing wrong with it but it needed premium gas because of the forced induction. You appreciate the turbo at higher altitudes were non turbos or supercharged engines start to pant for lack of air.

 

[HowAboutThat]

There’s no trim badge on the back at all, but it has the AWD badge on the left side.
I don’t need it, but it’s so clean, I’ve considered asking my wife if we could buy it just because…

 

[bmart]

Just grab a shot of the vin and run it. You'll get all of the info.

 

[HowAboutThat]

Just grab a shot of the vin and run it. You'll get all of the info.

That’s a good idea. I will try and do that surreptitiously.

 

[bmart]

I'm here to help, despite my actions...

 

[Dick Foster]

There’s no trim badge on the back at all, but it has the AWD badge on the left side.
I don’t need it, but it’s so clean, I’ve considered asking my wife if we could buy it just because…

I think it's a first gen Forester. Likely a colIectors item now. I think it got very high marks with the press back then and was a success on the rally circuit or at least Suburus were. I had a second Gen as it had the turbo which didn't come out till the 2nd generation.

 

[HowAboutThat]

It is a Japan-made 2002 S with leather and Auto. But the vin photo was incomplete so I couldn’t get any additional info, and I felt a bit awkward getting a photo.
Nice car, though…I wish my wife would let me have some toys…

 

[Dick Foster]

Maybe go knock on the door and see if it's even for sale before you fret over it anymore. Sounds I like you may have more problems with your wife though.

 

[HowAboutThat]

Maybe go knock on the door and see if it's even for sale before you fret over it anymore. Sounds I like you may have more problems with your wife though.

Ha.
No, she’s great.

 

[Dick Foster]

Well then take good care of her.
I lost mine after 50 happy years last year and it leaves a very big hole in your life. Not complaining because I was lucky to have that many years.

 

[HowAboutThat]

Well then take good care of her.
I lost mine after 50 happy years last year and it leaves a very big hole in your life. Not complaining because I was lucky to have that many years.

We were just driving home from the supermarket a few minutes ago, and I suddenly put my hand on her arm and told her how lost I would be without her, so you have my extreme sympathy.

 

[Dick Foster]

Savor the moment.
Like I said I consider myself lucky to have had what I did. If anything she was spared what I've been through and continue to experience. I don't think I'll ever truly get over the loss but I do cherish the many memories.