Considering moving from WRX Wagon to Forester STI
Discussion
Any advice? I'm looking at going from a standard '03 plate WRX wagon to a modified '04 Forester STI.
I'm expecting a step up in running costs on the consumables and the like, being a bigger heavier tuned car, but is there anything exceptional I should be on the look out for? Do the STIs have the self levelling rear suspension (which I believe can be an issue with the XTs of this era)? Cam belt is I believe 5 years/50K miles? Insurance will be unpleasant but manageable.
I'm half trying to convince myself I shouldn't do it, but I've got a lead on this one particular car which sounds rather special (350bhp/400lbft, current owner works at a subaru garage)...
UPDATED: Seven months later, July 2014 and I've finally got one...
See last post.
I'm expecting a step up in running costs on the consumables and the like, being a bigger heavier tuned car, but is there anything exceptional I should be on the look out for? Do the STIs have the self levelling rear suspension (which I believe can be an issue with the XTs of this era)? Cam belt is I believe 5 years/50K miles? Insurance will be unpleasant but manageable.
I'm half trying to convince myself I shouldn't do it, but I've got a lead on this one particular car which sounds rather special (350bhp/400lbft, current owner works at a subaru garage)...
UPDATED: Seven months later, July 2014 and I've finally got one...
See last post.Edited by Ryvita on Wednesday 23 July 17:02
Edited by Ryvita on Wednesday 23 July 17:03
I've owned tuned and standard cars before, and there's things to be said for both approaches. (A Celica GT-four tuned to about 280bhp, and a standard E46 M3 that miraculously made 343bhp - i.e. bang on the factory figure even at 9 years old)
I've had my current WRX for a year, and basically I just want more of the same - a bit more power, a bit better brakes, a bit less understeer and roll. So I'd already started planning out some mods for the coming year along the lines of, anti-lift kit, whiteline roll bars, fast road pads, Milltek exhaust and probably a K&N typhoon kit and a dump valve (I know it's childish, but I really like the whooshy noises!).
Thing is, as well as this "a bit more of everything" I could also do with "a bit more space" which means buying up into the Forester chassis, and if you're going to do that you might as well go the whole hog and get into an STI with the Litchfield upgrades or equivalent... And then this particular example comes along and does look very interesting given it's provenance. Am budgetting around the 10K mark.
I've had my current WRX for a year, and basically I just want more of the same - a bit more power, a bit better brakes, a bit less understeer and roll. So I'd already started planning out some mods for the coming year along the lines of, anti-lift kit, whiteline roll bars, fast road pads, Milltek exhaust and probably a K&N typhoon kit and a dump valve (I know it's childish, but I really like the whooshy noises!).
Thing is, as well as this "a bit more of everything" I could also do with "a bit more space" which means buying up into the Forester chassis, and if you're going to do that you might as well go the whole hog and get into an STI with the Litchfield upgrades or equivalent... And then this particular example comes along and does look very interesting given it's provenance. Am budgetting around the 10K mark.
Ask the question on http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/ there are loads if STI owners on there.
Great cars,Love mine,no one knows what it is and does'nt have the image problem of impreza's. As well as looking on the above link form mark also look at http://www.ukforester.com/forums/ .My advice would be to look at more than 1 car though,just to make sure the one you think is great is really as good you think. Otherwise same rules as for buying any car apply really always buyer beware!!!! Insurance is ok i pay £400 fully comp and make sure its a jdm on policy.
Love the Litchfield forester STi. Have had mine a while but have decided to scratch the EVO itch that I've had for a while, so mines now for sale. Take a look at
http://www.wynfordmotorsbirmingham.co.uk/used-cars...
It really is a great car, unmodified in any way, looks and drives like new! It's a bargain allready but I will look at close offers.
http://www.wynfordmotorsbirmingham.co.uk/used-cars...
It really is a great car, unmodified in any way, looks and drives like new! It's a bargain allready but I will look at close offers.
estacion said:
Love the Litchfield forester STi. Have had mine a while but have decided to scratch the EVO itch that I've had for a while, so mines now for sale. Take a look at
http://www.wynfordmotorsbirmingham.co.uk/used-cars...
It really is a great car, unmodified in any way, looks and drives like new! It's a bargain allready but I will look at close offers.
I've been drooling over that one for a few days myselfhttp://www.wynfordmotorsbirmingham.co.uk/used-cars...
It really is a great car, unmodified in any way, looks and drives like new! It's a bargain allready but I will look at close offers.
Hi guys, I'm the owner of the car and have nothing whatsoever to hide, the car is in truly great condition, it's been brilliant in every way. I'm only selling because I've just bought an evo 9 which I will be picking up tomorrow from the same dealer, so if you can make it, pm me and we could meet at the dealership. The car is the desirable 330\330 model, and drives better than you would believe. I have all papers with car including the invoice from Litchfield when new.
estacion said:
Hi guys, I'm the owner of the car and have nothing whatsoever to hide, the car is in truly great condition, it's been brilliant in every way. I'm only selling because I've just bought an evo 9 which I will be picking up tomorrow from the same dealer, so if you can make it, pm me and we could meet at the dealership. The car is the desirable 330\330 model, and drives better than you would believe. I have all papers with car including the invoice from Litchfield when new.
You rate that dealer then mate? They got some nice stock, including your FSTi and really low mile white one [which has an amazing stance] Edited by BUG4LIFE on Thursday 2nd January 17:19
I like the longer damper/spring travel of the Foerester (STi), it makes mincemeat of anything crappy UK roads can throw at them
This kind of stuff can be taken at higher speed than an Impreza, and the car wont even blink
Slow speed it's nuggety just the same, but in many ways it's a better and more comfortable all-rounder than an Impreza, and I've owned quite a few
This kind of stuff can be taken at higher speed than an Impreza, and the car wont even blink
Slow speed it's nuggety just the same, but in many ways it's a better and more comfortable all-rounder than an Impreza, and I've owned quite a few
Hi,
Good choice on the XT, you can make it as powerful as an STI and can retain the all round ability of the original XT.
You may have difficulty reaching 300 bhp on the original TD04 turbo charger. With supporting mods the original turbo might reach 270-280 bhp. After that you need to go for a larger turbo and intercooler.
Good choice on the XT, you can make it as powerful as an STI and can retain the all round ability of the original XT.
You may have difficulty reaching 300 bhp on the original TD04 turbo charger. With supporting mods the original turbo might reach 270-280 bhp. After that you need to go for a larger turbo and intercooler.
Having never driven an impreza I can't make a comparison. However, I found the Forester STI a bit lacking in body control and the steering vague. As a result it wasn't that much fun on twisty roads even though you could make good progress. My car was running 380bhp and it was a total weapon in a straight line but not massively fun to drive. Reliability was excellent and it has a long 6th gear and it returns a reasonable mpg on a long run. Also drove one that had modified suspension (white line?) and it was very sketchy and in my opinion not as good as the original.
Saying all that i would probably still have another as it was a great daily driver.
Saying all that i would probably still have another as it was a great daily driver.
Having never driven an impreza I can't make a comparison. However, I found the Forester STI a bit lacking in body control and the steering vague. As a result it wasn't that much fun on twisty roads even though you could make good progress. My car was running 380bhp and it was a total weapon in a straight line but not massively fun to drive. Reliability was excellent and it has a long 6th gear and it returns a reasonable mpg on a long run. Also drove one that had modified suspension (white line?) and it was very sketchy and in my opinion not as good as the original.
Saying all that i would probably still have another as it was a great daily driver.
Saying all that i would probably still have another as it was a great daily driver.
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