Forester 2.0 XT Turbo 2002 Questions

[V8RX7]

Hi,

I'm looking at these for use as a fun(ish) winter hack.

I have a couple of questions:

The one I'm looking at has 120k on it - are these more reliable than the Imprezas which I'm told have crank issues circa 80k

What is the BHP - I thought they were 170 the seller swears it's 219
EDIT - please note it is the LATER VERSION that changed on the 02/03

Any issues with them I should be aware of ?

Thanks

Edited by V8RX7 on Monday 9th September 12:06

[Corpulent Tosser]

Mine was a 2004 model and I am pretty sure it was over 200hp, 217 is the figure I seem to recall.
I liked the car, quick, good handling for what it was, and very capable, I used it as a daily driver and tow car.
I had no issues or reliability problems with mine but sold it at around 40K, what I do remember though was the fuel consuption, that is certainly not a strong point, I don't think I every got more than around 24mpg.

[V8RX7]

Thanks they seemed to change model on 02/03 and this is the later model.

Google is a disaster showing everything from 125 (I presume they've mistakenly picked up the non turbo) to 177 which I believe is the older model, upwards.

I'd be happy with 20+mpg

[Ved]

V8RX7 said:

Hi,

I'm looking at these for use as a fun(ish) winter hack.

I have a couple of questions:

The one I'm looking at has 120k on it - are these more reliable than the Imprezas which I'm told have crank issues circa 80k

What is the BHP - I thought they were 170 the seller swears it's 219

Any issues with them I should be aware of ?

Thanks

I have a 2003 model SG and I think you're looking at a SF. Pretty similar though. It's not 220 it's 174.

They are no more or less reliable than the Impreza as they're 90% the same car. My SG is on 110,000 with no issues other than my thicker ARBs beating up a lower arm requiring a replacement. Thats all I've had to do and get about 28mpg out of it. Magnificent cars.

The only things to look out for are the usual things like knocking at idle, blue smoke on boost, a crunchy gear change at high revs and a full service history.

Edited by Ved on Monday 9th September 12:00

[Sexual Chocolate]

I have a forester S turbo which has 110K on the clock and apart from a few bits of rust underneath seems healthy enough, no strange noises from the turbo or engine and by the looks of the service history neither of these has undergone any serious work. It has a whopping 177BHP but to be honest it feels pretty quick and can keep up with the typical euro diesel box. Boot space isn't as large as I would have liked once you have a dog box in the back of it though and ground clearance can be a problem. So far though I really like it, it does everything I want it to do. It can be a bit thirsty though particularly if you cane it but I reckon I get on average 25 MPG.



Come winter though I have no doubt it will work better than any of the modern 4 x 4s I have had.

[V8RX7]

Ved said:

I have a 2003 model SG and I think you're looking at a SF. Pretty similar though. It's not 220 it's 174.

They are no more or less reliable than the Impreza as they're 90% the same car. My SG is on 110,000 with no issues other than my thicker ARBs beating up a lower arm requiring a replacement. Thats all I've had to do and get about 28mpg out of it. Magnificent cars.

The only things to look out for are the usual things like knocking at idle, blue smoke on boost, a crunchy gear change at high revs and a full service history.

This is the later version so I presume it's the SG too.

So is yours still 174bhp ?

As I have now found 217 quoted on Wiki - which is to be infallible

[Ved]

Mine is not 220 in any shape or form, I can tell you that from driving it. A simple map will get it to 230 though, more if you want to change to a TD04 turbo which can be had for £50 on ebay or good breakers.

Either way, just ensure there's no odd noises and the tyres will last you 6 months and get it bought. They're amazing fun.

Drop me a PM if you'd like any more information.

[Krikkit]

I found the service manuals for the 2001-2002 Forester, they suggest that there were two engine options, a 2.0 in turbo or non turbo form. The latter should be 174hp/250Nm.

ETA: Apologies, didn't read your curiosity is an interim. Have a look here for pretty-much all of the manuals available for all years.

Edited by Krikkit on Monday 9th September 13:28

[Ved]

V8RX7 said:

This is the later version so I presume it's the SG too.

So is yours still 174bhp ?

As I have now found 217 quoted on Wiki - which is to be infallible

Yep I'd say 170bhp in its current state. That'll change next month though I'm fitting WRX 4 pots to the front this week as the standard brakes are pretty poor. Once I can stop, I can give it more go.

[CaptainSlow]

If it is a UK model SG, like the one in my profile, the book power is 177bhp.

Engines are ok on these as they are far less stressed than the Imprezas'. Weak points are leaking rear struts (will need doing 80-100k) and the plastic top part of the radiators (cheap to replace).

Imports and the later 2.5l (avoid) are more powerful.

[markCSC]

The 2.0l XT is 177bhp but with the factory approved Prodrive Performance Pack it is boosted to 213bhp

For all things Forester related check out the Europe bit of the Forester board.
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/

Oh and if it is a JDM car it will be 220bhp

Edited by markCSC on Tuesday 10th September 14:02