RE: Subaru Forester STI: PH Fleet
Discussion
big_rob_sydney said:
I've been looking to replace my last (4th) Subaru with another one, and I think my issue is space as well. I'm around 6'4" and we also have 2 kids just around teen years, so I'm really curious to hear if people think the STI Foz would really work for us.
For what it's worth, we do a lot of trips to Italy and Spain, and normally drive a Lexus LS. I know the Subaru isn't a patch on the waftability of the Lexus, but I'm wondering if a decent cruise control setup is a comfortable way to mulch motorway miles?
And no, I don't give a crap about mpg either
The 2004 and 2006 FSTI's I test drove didn't have cruise control.For what it's worth, we do a lot of trips to Italy and Spain, and normally drive a Lexus LS. I know the Subaru isn't a patch on the waftability of the Lexus, but I'm wondering if a decent cruise control setup is a comfortable way to mulch motorway miles?
And no, I don't give a crap about mpg either
I was under the opinion, that none of the FSTI's had it, but happy to be proven wrong.
As a family workhorse, the Forester is extreme practical for a family of four including luggage as the boot area is almost square.
PomBstard said:
Lovely car! Logical upgrade is indeed a Legacy/Liberty and whilst the 03-09 Gen 4 looks better and is probably a little more nimble, from experience the 09-14 Gen 5 is usefully bigger for kids and kit. And if you love a Forester, the Gen 5’s looks won’t offend...
Had mine for just over 2 years now...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=16...
I agree. Ive had a Gen 5 since 2015 and it never lets us down. good car to haul also, Had mine for just over 2 years now...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=16...
SidewaysSi said:
So as long as you don't let it overheat you are fine...
Even if it becomes £16k or even £20k, what else is out there that can do what this car can? I am in the position where I genuinely can't think of anything else at all that meets my needs.
I want a big boot, decent reliability, fun, good performance, strong residuals, character, a manual gearbox. I don't want a Audi/BMW /Merc etc as I don't trust the reliability of the newer cars and I already have an old E36 for fun.
A tweaked Forester with biggish power, some handling tweaks, those Rays alloys and a few other niceties would surely be an absolute cracker.
What else is there for even sub £40k? Maybe a Golf R but I would prefer the Subaru even if they cost the same.
I totally get why people like them. They are cool.Even if it becomes £16k or even £20k, what else is out there that can do what this car can? I am in the position where I genuinely can't think of anything else at all that meets my needs.
I want a big boot, decent reliability, fun, good performance, strong residuals, character, a manual gearbox. I don't want a Audi/BMW /Merc etc as I don't trust the reliability of the newer cars and I already have an old E36 for fun.
A tweaked Forester with biggish power, some handling tweaks, those Rays alloys and a few other niceties would surely be an absolute cracker.
What else is there for even sub £40k? Maybe a Golf R but I would prefer the Subaru even if they cost the same.
But they are neither fish nor foul. The higher CoG compromises the dynamics and you lose the off road abilities of the lesser Foresters; ground clearance, hi/low ratio box, locking diffs etc. And the EJ255 worries. And they aren't that much bigger than an Impreza. For most people, most of the time, one of the fast Legacy's would be a more suitable bigger Impreza option. I appreciate though the usefulness of the square tailgate/boot.
MDMA . said:
I sold mine to another PH'er. They are a very good car. Would have another one sometime if the right one came up for sale.
Still going strong [a pic from a while ago, but I like it]....
Such a fun car to own. Chances are I'll be looking to sell it later this summer though, as I need something a little bigger and a little more relaxing [I'm getting old]. Going to enjoy it this summer though, starting with Japfest this Sunday
Always had a bit of a soft spot for these. Have actually been browsing the classifieds recently, thinking of chopping in my derv Audi A3. Working from home means I really don't do much mileage and we have a larger Passat that can be used for the longer family journeys. Totally just writing this to try and justify it to myself... Not sure the Mrs would approve of two Subarus, the other being a 93 WRX project car.
JT
JT
Hol said:
The 2004 and 2006 FSTI's I test drove didn't have cruise control.
I was under the opinion, that none of the FSTI's had it, but happy to be proven wrong.
As a family workhorse, the Forester is extreme practical for a family of four including luggage as the boot area is almost square.
No FSTi's came with cruise, bit it's fairly easy to fit an aftetmarket system (completely electronic pedal loom intercept type; same as the standard SG Forester)I was under the opinion, that none of the FSTI's had it, but happy to be proven wrong.
As a family workhorse, the Forester is extreme practical for a family of four including luggage as the boot area is almost square.
I have a pre-facelift STi & love it.
JazzyTopher said:
Always had a bit of a soft spot for these. Have actually been browsing the classifieds recently, thinking of chopping in my derv Audi A3. Working from home means I really don't do much mileage and we have a larger Passat that can be used for the longer family journeys. Totally just writing this to try and justify it to myself... Not sure the Mrs would approve of two Subarus, the other being a 93 WRX project car.
JT
I’ve somehow managed to sneak 3 into my possession - 2 of which occupy the garage, while her car sits on the drive JT
TEKNOPUG said:
SidewaysSi said:
So as long as you don't let it overheat you are fine...
Even if it becomes £16k or even £20k, what else is out there that can do what this car can? I am in the position where I genuinely can't think of anything else at all that meets my needs.
I want a big boot, decent reliability, fun, good performance, strong residuals, character, a manual gearbox. I don't want a Audi/BMW /Merc etc as I don't trust the reliability of the newer cars and I already have an old E36 for fun.
A tweaked Forester with biggish power, some handling tweaks, those Rays alloys and a few other niceties would surely be an absolute cracker.
What else is there for even sub £40k? Maybe a Golf R but I would prefer the Subaru even if they cost the same.
I totally get why people like them. They are cool.Even if it becomes £16k or even £20k, what else is out there that can do what this car can? I am in the position where I genuinely can't think of anything else at all that meets my needs.
I want a big boot, decent reliability, fun, good performance, strong residuals, character, a manual gearbox. I don't want a Audi/BMW /Merc etc as I don't trust the reliability of the newer cars and I already have an old E36 for fun.
A tweaked Forester with biggish power, some handling tweaks, those Rays alloys and a few other niceties would surely be an absolute cracker.
What else is there for even sub £40k? Maybe a Golf R but I would prefer the Subaru even if they cost the same.
But they are neither fish nor foul. The higher CoG compromises the dynamics and you lose the off road abilities of the lesser Foresters; ground clearance, hi/low ratio box, locking diffs etc. And the EJ255 worries. And they aren't that much bigger than an Impreza. For most people, most of the time, one of the fast Legacy's would be a more suitable bigger Impreza option. I appreciate though the usefulness of the square tailgate/boot.
BUG4LIFE said:
MDMA . said:
I sold mine to another PH'er. They are a very good car. Would have another one sometime if the right one came up for sale.
Still going strong [a pic from a while ago, but I like it]....Such a fun car to own. Chances are I'll be looking to sell it later this summer though, as I need something a little bigger and a little more relaxing [I'm getting old]. Going to enjoy it this summer though, starting with Japfest this Sunday
TEKNOPUG said:
SidewaysSi said:
Has the Legacy ever got great reviews? Always seemed a bit lacking in ability?
Reviews will be UK models. The full fat JDM WR GTs and STis are a different matter. Next stop, importers. Ouch.
MDMA . said:
BUG4LIFE said:
MDMA . said:
I sold mine to another PH'er. They are a very good car. Would have another one sometime if the right one came up for sale.
Still going strong [a pic from a while ago, but I like it]....Such a fun car to own. Chances are I'll be looking to sell it later this summer though, as I need something a little bigger and a little more relaxing [I'm getting old]. Going to enjoy it this summer though, starting with Japfest this Sunday
I keep meaning to drop a message, as I have a quick question about the wheels...I'll send you a WhatsApp message if that's ok?
No problem.
Edit - worth a call to see if available -
https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/subaru-legacy-sti-0804...
Edit - worth a call to see if available -
https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/subaru-legacy-sti-0804...
Edited by MDMA . on Thursday 2nd May 12:11
Have to wade in on this, a rare post indeed.
I too have a forestor XT that Richard Henry Motorpsort look after and they do a great job, highly recommend.
I wresteld with the XT vs STI and in the end settled on a 2004 2.0 XT , which was then modified,
WRX intercooler,
WRX TD04 turbo,
de cat up pipe,
remap, running approx 250
WRX 4 pot brakes,
and white line beefed up ARB,
inovite 17 inch alloys- with 215/5517
Its a great compromise, savage mid range, comfortable thing, ultra practical, pretty relaxing, you can even sleep in the back( wales rally GB).
The main criticism though is the lack of torque, which would be solved with a 2.5.
However I wanted to have somehting that was the most proven reliability wise, so thats the compromise.
FSTI's do change hands very quickly, mainly because people love the idea of it, but ownership is totally different to lusitng after pictures and using it occassionally.
If I was to change cars I would look at a 2.5XT with a pot for engine work, or a twin scroll legacy GTB JDM.
I too have a forestor XT that Richard Henry Motorpsort look after and they do a great job, highly recommend.
I wresteld with the XT vs STI and in the end settled on a 2004 2.0 XT , which was then modified,
WRX intercooler,
WRX TD04 turbo,
de cat up pipe,
remap, running approx 250
WRX 4 pot brakes,
and white line beefed up ARB,
inovite 17 inch alloys- with 215/5517
Its a great compromise, savage mid range, comfortable thing, ultra practical, pretty relaxing, you can even sleep in the back( wales rally GB).
The main criticism though is the lack of torque, which would be solved with a 2.5.
However I wanted to have somehting that was the most proven reliability wise, so thats the compromise.
FSTI's do change hands very quickly, mainly because people love the idea of it, but ownership is totally different to lusitng after pictures and using it occassionally.
If I was to change cars I would look at a 2.5XT with a pot for engine work, or a twin scroll legacy GTB JDM.
AndrewEH1 said:
Hopefully Dan or someone else might be able to help, but what roof bars fit the FSTI? I'm currently scratching my head on Google...
Thule -Intracker Foot Pack: 4900
Rapid Fitting Kit: 4910
Plus whichever bars you want to use. The OEM Subaru bars were made by Thule. You still might be able to get a set, but will probably have to come from Japan or Australia now.
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