Vehicle price comparison
Ford Explorer vs Subaru Forester Control Arm prices
Saurabh Kumar
Co-Founder & CTO, Part Price Guide
Built the pricing pipeline that collects and normalizes used OEM part listings from salvage yards and online marketplaces across the US.
Ambika Sharma
Co-Founder & COO, Part Price Guide
12 years of project management and technical operations experience. Reviews price guides for sample size, fitment accuracy, and data freshness.
Price face-off
Median price comparison
Condition comparison
How does the price differ by part grade?
Market analysis
Why does the Ford Explorer control arm cost more?
A used Ford Explorer control arm carries a median asking price of $125, which is 4% higher than the Subaru Forester at $120. Supply also plays a role: Ford Explorer has 3,770 priced listings versus 886 for Subaru Forester, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
Grade A (excellent condition) parts make up 76% of Subaru Forester listings compared to 59% for the Ford Explorer, so buyers looking for top-condition units will find more options on the Subaru Forester side.
The Subaru Forester average ($139) runs 16% above its median ($120), indicating a tail of high-priced listings — likely low-mileage or remanufactured units pulling the average up.
The Ford Explorer control arm is interchangeable across 16 model years versus just 12 for the Subaru Forester — that wider compatibility window means more donor vehicles in salvage yards and tends to push prices lower.
The Ford Explorer has 19 known trim variants compared to 3 for the Subaru Forester, which means buyers need to be more careful about matching the exact engine or drivetrain configuration on the Ford Explorer.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used control arm
- Inspect the arm for subtle bends, hairline cracks, or deep rust scale, comparing geometry carefully against your original unit.
- Examine the rubber bushings for dry rot, tearing, or separation from the metal casing, as worn bushings require pressing out before installation.
- Check integrated ball joints for boot tears and axial play; if non-replaceable, factor in the cost of a unit with a fresh ball joint.
- Verify material type (cast iron, stamped steel, or aluminum) and sway bar link mounting location, which can vary across sub-models and suspension packages.
Full price guide
Ford Explorer Control Arm
$35 – $322 · 3,770 listings
Full price guide
Subaru Forester Control Arm
$34 – $316 · 886 listings
Common questions
Ford Explorer vs Subaru Forester control arm FAQ
Is a used Ford Explorer control arm cheaper than a Subaru Forester?
Subaru Forester has the lower median by $5 (4%). The Subaru Forester control arm ranges from $34 to $316 across 886 listings, while the Ford Explorer ranges from $35 to $322 across 3,770 listings.
Can I use a Ford Explorer control arm in a Subaru Forester?
This comparison describes pricing, not interchangeability. Even when two parts share similar prices, they may require different engines, trims, electronics, or mounting points. Always match the seller's part number against your VIN before purchasing.
How many listings does this comparison cover?
This comparison draws from 3,770 priced Ford Explorer listings and 886 priced Subaru Forester listings — 4,656 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Ford Explorer $125 vs Subaru Forester $120. Grade B (Good): Ford Explorer $162 vs Subaru Forester $159. Grade C (Fair): Ford Explorer $85 vs Subaru Forester $120. Grade A parts are in excellent condition, B is good, and C is fair — always confirm grading criteria with the seller.
Are there different trim variants to choose from?
Yes. The Ford Explorer control arm has 19 trim variants and the Subaru Forester has 3. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
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