2005 forester XT buying advice please !!

[paul n]

Advice please! Viewing this forester XT tommorow to replace my 2002 wrx wagon. It is a 2005 2.5 remapped to 270 and it is running an LPG conversion. Also on wrx suspension and uprated rear anti roll bar. Anything I need to look our for with these cars? Reading up it seems the "chocolate pistons" issue was wirh later models ? Head gasket issues ? Any advice much appreciated.

Also it is running a full de cat set up! The guy currently has a "friendly" mot man but I dont have such luxuary. If I wack the cat back on for mot will it throw a light on the dash? Is it different standard for lpg?

Cheers Paul

[v8250]

paul n said:

Advice please! Viewing this forester XT tommorow to replace my 2002 wrx wagon. It is a 2005 2.5 remapped to 270 and it is running an LPG conversion. Also on wrx suspension and uprated rear anti roll bar. Anything I need to look our for with these cars? Reading up it seems the "chocolate pistons" issue was wirh later models ? Head gasket issues ? Any advice much appreciated.

Also it is running a full de cat set up! The guy currently has a "friendly" mot man but I dont have such luxuary. If I wack the cat back on for mot will it throw a light on the dash? Is it different standard for lpg?

Cheers Paul

Paul, some notes for you.

1. 270bhp is fine, find out who did the re-map, ask for receipts/dyno figures etc.
2. WRX suspension is fine though not the ideal, check the car's geometry is genuinely 'true' and not pulling/odd steering feel as many FXT suspension upgrades muller the cars drivving feel. I'm guessing the RARB has been upgraded to a 22mm unit/possibly Prodrive [any more than that is too much for the road].
3. Chocolate pistons, ignore this...as long as the FXT has a pukka service history all should be fine.
4. Check service history and documentation with a fine tooth comb. Subject to mileage, make sure the water pump, all pulleys and all belts have been replaced. Do check quality engine oil + g'box + diff. Ask the owner what oils he/she uses; this sorts out the men from the boys.
5. Visually check head and rocker covers for any leakage...if engine bay is spotlessly clean it's normally a good sign the car's been looked after.
6. If you have a sympathetic local garage don't worry about the de-cat. If not, and dependent upon who completed the re-map post de-cat, you may have to re-set for MOT. BTW, whose exhaust system is installed? Ideally this will be a stainless H&S 2.5" or 3" system.
7. Other points? Rust in the usual places and just check the car over, inside and out, with a very cold eye. There are always 2.5 FXT's available and be prepared to walk away in order to find a seriously good one. It's always worth paying an extra few £££'s in order to buy a genuinely good FXT.

Good luck with viewing...

[paul n]

Awesome many thanks for the advice! Price is £4400 does that sounds about right ? Cheers Paul

[vxr2010]

lpg can cause engine issues so be careful , and just be aware head gasket wise if there's a fair bit of constant bubbling into plastic non pressure expansion tank then hg are going

[v8250]

paul n said:

Awesome many thanks for the advice! Price is £4400 does that sounds about right ? Cheers Paul

Subject to mileage, condition, history...yes + a little bit of haggling fun.

[paul n]

Went and saw it but it was a state ! Just not been looked after ! And didn't feel like 270 bhp! Will keep looking ! Did see a very nice legacy spec b so that might babe an alternative ! Cheers paul

[paul n]

Went and saw it but it was a state ! Just not been looked after ! And didn't feel like 270 bhp! Will keep looking ! Did see a very nice legacy spec b so that might babe an alternative ! Cheers paul