A fast estate you say? Subaru Forester STI

[PomBstard]

themanwithnoname said:

Wait a sec, you have a Forester now? I thought you sold a Liberty/Legacy not long ago?

Anyway, what I mean to say is that while I'm a reasonably confident spanner wielding ape, with some care and a laptop or tablet to hand on the driveway, it's really simple.

Have had a 2007 NA 2.5 Forester from new, the Lib was just an appropriate partner, and one that seems to be missed by the whole family. Have just caught myself looking at Gen4 Lib STIs as a fun car...

As for having a go at the belt, about 10 years ago, I'd have been straight at it, but small children are not entirely convenient with maintenance that takes any longer than about an hour. Which means it would take me about a week. I've tried getting the kids interested, but they sort of lose interest once covered in oil and refuse to follow precise instructions. Mrs PB doesn't help, chiming in every now and then with comments such as, "She's only five." and "He's had a poo, can you change his nappy while he's out there with you?"

I'll have a go at it next time - no intention to sell, so should have it in around seven years...

Regardless, continue posting, it reminds me of what a proper wagon should be about and helps me forget my own, temporary, predicament!!

[Shotaro]

Absolutely stunning Forester! I have a classic Impreza estate and have been trying to convince the other half that one of these is needed next

[Big Pants]

Loving this thread. Brilliantly written, Clint. I have absolutely no need for a Forester STi, or even a wagon, any more, but I'm still sorely tempted to trade in my Spec B if I can find one of these.

[Ryvita]

Just dropping a note on here so I'll be able to find this thread. Great write up of some very useful stuff.

My own list of "to-do's" include a stereo swap (and investigating why the subwoofer isn't working), and putting in a Whiteline 22mm adjustable rear anti-roll bar.

Also, one suggestion for your mod list. I have one of these on mine - http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/dump-val...

Not sure if it's your kind of thing, but it's a simple mod (perfect fit, bolt on replacement) that allows under-bonnet hand turn adjustment between silent full recirc as per factory and full on hooligan atmospheric dump, which will be accompanied by fireworks from the rear end (Due to the map temporarily overfuelling because of the air lost to atmosphere).

I usually run with a middling setting that gives a discrete-ish hiss on lift and a bit more snap, crackle & pop on full bore gear changes.

[Ryvita]

themanwithnoname said:

Do you have an amp installed? I may be able to answer your sub query very easily.

...that might do it. I have no idea what's in there, not touched it since buying the car.

GFB kit is really nice. If I ever get a boost controller (which is on my xmas list!) it will be GFB.

[jonesof63]

Love it......best read in a while, There's something about Subaru that becomes addictive, I've had them for 30 years.

[leglessAlex]

That was an excellent write up!

I'd love one of these or a Stagea at some point, but I think I'd prefer one of these as they aren't quite as ugly

[leglessAlex]

themanwithnoname said:

Legless, you know there is a Stagea RS4-Four i.e. a factory manual for sale at the moment? More on that in a moment.

Quality update there Mr Noname, I may have LOLed a couple of times.

The Legless part of my username is literal, which means an auto and hand controls are needed. Intensely annoying when you're a fan of old, Japanese, go-faster cars which tend to be only worth buying in manual form. Oh, and I'm a poor as hell student so lucky for me I can't be tempted by that rather lovely Stagea

Someone needs to buy it though, what a car.

[TotalControl]

Love this thread and have enjoyed reading it.

Many a time I keep coming back to the Forester for all round fun and capability but simply can't afford it at the moment with the amount of driving required.

Being pretty much an impreza underneath, can a different turbo be added to these without much work bar a remap and maybe slightly bigger injectors?

[vMPM]

Very cool car, hideously ugly though

[MDMA .]

I like the look of them ! very purposeful


Not biased in anyway.

[binka1000]

I know this type of car you do not buy for economy but roughly what mpg do you get? I have a BMW 320d with a remap but it's a bit to boring for me and as a coupe is rather rubbish at getting dogs and mountain bikes in the car at the same time. cheers

[bobski1]

Loving this, really tempted by one of these & hopefully a reduction in mileage might mean I can get one.

Any tips/places to look for?

[MDMA .]

binka1000 said:

I know this type of car you do not buy for economy but roughly what mpg do you get? I have a BMW 320d with a remap but it's a bit to boring for me and as a coupe is rather rubbish at getting dogs and mountain bikes in the car at the same time. cheers

TMWNN might be best to answer. I don't use mine so wouldn't know. it can do 30+mpg, it can also do 15mpg. all depends how you use it, like everything else. will be a big difference to a BMW 320d I expect though.

[Pints]

themanwithnoname said:

If I had to guess and I try not to. Maybe average 22/23 or so, but I've also had it down to less than 2mpg (two, not a typo)

I drive on average 250 to 300 miles a week and use about 65l of super.

Reading that makes my eyes water.

[MDMA .]

themanwithnoname said:

If I had to guess and I try not to. Maybe average 22/23 or so, but I've also had it down to less than 2mpg (two, not a typo)

I drive on average 250 to 300 miles a week and use about 65l of super.

so based on 300 miles to 65L, that's 20.95mpg.

[MDMA .]

themanwithnoname said:

MDMA . said:

so based on 300 miles to 65L, that's 20.95mpg.

You can go off people you know...
Seriously though thats ok by me.

I managed 256 miles on 43 litres once... Boring journey.

Edited by themanwithnoname on Monday 8th February 13:27

Edited by themanwithnoname on Monday 8th February 15:06

so 27.06mpg. loads better. 6th @ 68mph ?

ps, I'm in Wigan, next time you passing. you MCR way ?

[MDMA .]

3 sisters not a bad day out. Turned into a fair weather car at the moment! Need to get out more in it. RaceRetro next ride out. Will keep my eye out for yours knocking about.

[eric twinge]

I am now looking at these on Ebay thanks to this thread!
I keep changing my mind with regards to possible purchases, Avantime, CL500, 750i and now one of these!

[jimjam92]

Great Thread! A real pleasure to read (although I'm not sure my boss will be as enthused when he realizes how much time I have spent doing exactly that!).

Really love the car, have always had a soft spot Stageas but now if pushed I think I would really struggle to make a decision between a one and a Forester. Think I need to watch another MCM Double V8 Unicorn episode to sort my head out.

Anyway can't wait to see what you and Aoki get up to next.