2003 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT
Discussion
Thought I'd share my new Subaru.
It's a 2003 Manual Forester 2.0 XT.
I've had a couple of car changes recently, and realised I just don't get on with modern cars. And they cost so much. I sold my classic VW's as we moved and I lost my storage. I wanted something I can daily but also play around with. We do have another car if need be.
So I went had a look at old Subaru's again. I've had a few before. Last one was a Spec B Legacy which got a bit too rusty to be worth saving. But I really misssed my old Forester. (Sold to get a Transporter).
I love the simplicity and practicality of the SG Forester (02-08) , I do only 5-6k a year so MPG not an issue really. I live in the Yorkshire Dales, so 4x4 handy too.
So hunt was on, at 20 odd years old rust is a big issue on these. So I focussed my search on Southern Cars. And wanted the pre 2005 2 litre. As tax is a bit cheaper, and the 2 litre is more reliable in my opinion to higher mileages (Less chance of Head Gasket issues than the later 2.5)
This one came up in December, in Kent. Quck train down, deal done at 3.5k. Bargain.
It drives perfectly, the 2 litre turbo pulls very well.
On purchase service history was a bit vague from the dealer. But there was tons of paperwork in the glovebox and it looks like it's been very well maintained. Only done 111k
Recent bills for discs and pads allround, New rear shocks (These often are saggy), Cambelt and full service plus all gear and diff fluids. Wheels refurbished.
So far I've just:
Removed the tints. Was hard to see out of the back.
Fixed the central locking (One Actuator was faulty)
Fixed the wind noise (Window Gussets replaced)
Oil Change
Got a spare Key.
Fixed the alarm (Bonnet Switch faulty)
Fixed a couple of the switches.
Full set of Cross Climate 2's.
New Wipers.
Fixed washer jets.
Found a 6 CD changer under the passenger seat, so got some old CD's for it.
Next Job is to tidy and protect the underside with Lanoguard. It looks OK underneath. Most of it's life was in London so I don't think it's seen many bad winters. Exhaust is a bit blowy so will get a custom stainless one soon. Might need some droplinks as it's a little noisy on bumps.
They don't make cars like this anymore. No annoying bongs, screens DPF, EGR, Adblue etc etc. Everything is relatively easy to fix.
It's not fast by modern standards, but it does shift for an old car. Bit lound on the motorway, but great on the back roads.Turbo shove makes me giggle.
Not quite bangernomics as I'm going to take good care of it. It's a modern classic, almost. Same age Imprezza's have a strong following and it's quite similar to a WRX under the skin.
Will keep the thread updated as time goes on. Plan to take it to the alps next year for s ski trip or 2.
Thanks for reading.
Dealer pics
Back in the Dales, first snow of the year.
It's a 2003 Manual Forester 2.0 XT.
I've had a couple of car changes recently, and realised I just don't get on with modern cars. And they cost so much. I sold my classic VW's as we moved and I lost my storage. I wanted something I can daily but also play around with. We do have another car if need be.
So I went had a look at old Subaru's again. I've had a few before. Last one was a Spec B Legacy which got a bit too rusty to be worth saving. But I really misssed my old Forester. (Sold to get a Transporter).
I love the simplicity and practicality of the SG Forester (02-08) , I do only 5-6k a year so MPG not an issue really. I live in the Yorkshire Dales, so 4x4 handy too.
So hunt was on, at 20 odd years old rust is a big issue on these. So I focussed my search on Southern Cars. And wanted the pre 2005 2 litre. As tax is a bit cheaper, and the 2 litre is more reliable in my opinion to higher mileages (Less chance of Head Gasket issues than the later 2.5)
This one came up in December, in Kent. Quck train down, deal done at 3.5k. Bargain.
It drives perfectly, the 2 litre turbo pulls very well.
On purchase service history was a bit vague from the dealer. But there was tons of paperwork in the glovebox and it looks like it's been very well maintained. Only done 111k
Recent bills for discs and pads allround, New rear shocks (These often are saggy), Cambelt and full service plus all gear and diff fluids. Wheels refurbished.
So far I've just:
Removed the tints. Was hard to see out of the back.
Fixed the central locking (One Actuator was faulty)
Fixed the wind noise (Window Gussets replaced)
Oil Change
Got a spare Key.
Fixed the alarm (Bonnet Switch faulty)
Fixed a couple of the switches.
Full set of Cross Climate 2's.
New Wipers.
Fixed washer jets.
Found a 6 CD changer under the passenger seat, so got some old CD's for it.
Next Job is to tidy and protect the underside with Lanoguard. It looks OK underneath. Most of it's life was in London so I don't think it's seen many bad winters. Exhaust is a bit blowy so will get a custom stainless one soon. Might need some droplinks as it's a little noisy on bumps.
They don't make cars like this anymore. No annoying bongs, screens DPF, EGR, Adblue etc etc. Everything is relatively easy to fix.
It's not fast by modern standards, but it does shift for an old car. Bit lound on the motorway, but great on the back roads.Turbo shove makes me giggle.
Not quite bangernomics as I'm going to take good care of it. It's a modern classic, almost. Same age Imprezza's have a strong following and it's quite similar to a WRX under the skin.
Will keep the thread updated as time goes on. Plan to take it to the alps next year for s ski trip or 2.
Thanks for reading.
Dealer pics
Back in the Dales, first snow of the year.
Edited by STURBO on Tuesday 25th February 21:18
Nice car OP, I had an 03 reg of the same model in all silver, with BF Goodrich tyres on it I had great fun in the snow; a stainless steel Prodrive backbox gave a nice burble, and with the comfortable suspension/sun roof/cruise control it was a nice enough thing to pootle around in.
I ended up getting rid of mine as it was dissolving at a reasonable rate, keep an eye on the rear suspension turrets and the subframe mounting/chassis legs - best of luck with her and I hope you have many happy miles in it!
I ended up getting rid of mine as it was dissolving at a reasonable rate, keep an eye on the rear suspension turrets and the subframe mounting/chassis legs - best of luck with her and I hope you have many happy miles in it!
Lovely car OP, I'm jealous.
Sold by 2.0 n/a about 15 yrs ago because the mpg, tax and 6k service intervals were depressing, and it was at an age/mileage where some big bills were on the horizon.
Big mistake, I so wish I'd kept it
. It was fun to drive, bags of character. I'm so tempted to buy another but as I now have a gen 6 Outback I really don't need another 4x4 scooby estate....
Sold by 2.0 n/a about 15 yrs ago because the mpg, tax and 6k service intervals were depressing, and it was at an age/mileage where some big bills were on the horizon.
Big mistake, I so wish I'd kept it
. It was fun to drive, bags of character. I'm so tempted to buy another but as I now have a gen 6 Outback I really don't need another 4x4 scooby estate....One of my lads bought one of these in Australia last year with a mate. $750...
They drove it around eastern Aus for 4 months, spun it backwards into a rock, slept in it and on the roof and basically ignored anything other than topping up oil...
He's already said he fancies one as a car here when he's finished being a student.
They drove it around eastern Aus for 4 months, spun it backwards into a rock, slept in it and on the roof and basically ignored anything other than topping up oil...
He's already said he fancies one as a car here when he's finished being a student.
Thanks for the comments, good to see it's not just me that gets them. Most of my friends think I'm a bit mad to have such an old car. Whatever.
Had a nice spin around the Dales today, weather was perfect for driving and walking. One of the Yorkshire 3 peaks in the background, Pen Y Ghent.
Had a nice spin around the Dales today, weather was perfect for driving and walking. One of the Yorkshire 3 peaks in the background, Pen Y Ghent.
bolidemichael said:
I can’t believe that I saw a green one this morning; two-tone, natch.
Nice. Don't see many two toned ones but I quite like it.Cambs_Stuart said:
If it's got leather has it also got heated seats and a sun roof?
Yes, massive moon roof and heated leather. It's nice inside. Pretty durable interior.Quick update.
Been under the car and it's all good except the rear NS inner arch. It has a few small holes, so got that booked in to get sorted. Rest of chasis is very good, given it's age. Rear turrets are fine, as is the subframes, sills, floor and the rest underneath. So I've cleaned and dinitroled the underside and suspension. Removed arch liners and cleaned all the accumulated muck. Should be good for another decade I reckon. I'll lanoguard it each autumn too.
With the hot weather the aircon was a bit hit and miss. After reading around the suspect was the compressor cluth freeplay, It was outside spec, so I adjusted that today and it seems to work fine now, but it's cool outside so will have to retest when it gets hot. Youtube is great for how to's.
What I thought was a suspension rattle was just the rear parcel shelf knocking in the brackets. Easy fix.
Other than that no issues, first 1500 miles all good.
Next job is the exhaust is quite rusty and a bit blowy, so I think I'll get a stainless one fitted soon.
It all adds up, but I think most of the maintenece is up to date now.
Car drives perfectly. It's fun to drive and so practical.
Been under the car and it's all good except the rear NS inner arch. It has a few small holes, so got that booked in to get sorted. Rest of chasis is very good, given it's age. Rear turrets are fine, as is the subframes, sills, floor and the rest underneath. So I've cleaned and dinitroled the underside and suspension. Removed arch liners and cleaned all the accumulated muck. Should be good for another decade I reckon. I'll lanoguard it each autumn too.
With the hot weather the aircon was a bit hit and miss. After reading around the suspect was the compressor cluth freeplay, It was outside spec, so I adjusted that today and it seems to work fine now, but it's cool outside so will have to retest when it gets hot. Youtube is great for how to's.
What I thought was a suspension rattle was just the rear parcel shelf knocking in the brackets. Easy fix.
Other than that no issues, first 1500 miles all good.
Next job is the exhaust is quite rusty and a bit blowy, so I think I'll get a stainless one fitted soon.
It all adds up, but I think most of the maintenece is up to date now.
Car drives perfectly. It's fun to drive and so practical.
I love this. Having been a former owner of an FSTi.
For a cheap handling upgrade get a whiteline or Prodrive RB320 adjustable rear roll bar and fresh drop links. It will all but eliminate understeer.
Get hold of a Subaru dealer as these had a recall on lower fronts arms and if not been done, it's free new front lower arms.
Also take the intercooler off and run some solvent through it to clean out the oil gunk that will accumulate in there. You will surprised how oily the first few passes will be. It will make the cooler more efficient and improve the driveability.
Enjoy!
For a cheap handling upgrade get a whiteline or Prodrive RB320 adjustable rear roll bar and fresh drop links. It will all but eliminate understeer.
Get hold of a Subaru dealer as these had a recall on lower fronts arms and if not been done, it's free new front lower arms.
Also take the intercooler off and run some solvent through it to clean out the oil gunk that will accumulate in there. You will surprised how oily the first few passes will be. It will make the cooler more efficient and improve the driveability.
Enjoy!
Hi,
Thanks for the comments. Plan is to keep it mostly stock, but I like the idea of the Rear ARB upgrade. A big plus for me is the way it copes with bad roads and tracks, so don't want to spoil that at all.
I'll clean out the intercooler at some point too, good shout. The front contol arms look pretty good, pretty sure they were replaced but I'll check in with a dealer.
I think I was lucky with this one in terms of rust. Most Foresters have a hard life, at least a lot of Impreza's get garaged and taken care of.
I did look at JDM ones, but they were a bit pricey, but that's the way to go to avoid dealing with rust. Most of the JDM foresters are auto, apart from the STI's which look epic, but out of my price range for now plus I like the under the radar feel the XT has. It feels much faster than it is really. I got smoked by a electric MG the other day. Ha Ha, but for some reason the Subaru makes me happy.
Trying to avoid the temptation to throw more cash at it. Bumpers could do with a repaint, and a few minor bits of paint would make it perfect. Then I remind myself it's 20 year old, and it's fine as is.
Thanks for the comments. Plan is to keep it mostly stock, but I like the idea of the Rear ARB upgrade. A big plus for me is the way it copes with bad roads and tracks, so don't want to spoil that at all.
I'll clean out the intercooler at some point too, good shout. The front contol arms look pretty good, pretty sure they were replaced but I'll check in with a dealer.
I think I was lucky with this one in terms of rust. Most Foresters have a hard life, at least a lot of Impreza's get garaged and taken care of.
I did look at JDM ones, but they were a bit pricey, but that's the way to go to avoid dealing with rust. Most of the JDM foresters are auto, apart from the STI's which look epic, but out of my price range for now plus I like the under the radar feel the XT has. It feels much faster than it is really. I got smoked by a electric MG the other day. Ha Ha, but for some reason the Subaru makes me happy.
Trying to avoid the temptation to throw more cash at it. Bumpers could do with a repaint, and a few minor bits of paint would make it perfect. Then I remind myself it's 20 year old, and it's fine as is.
trails said:
I had a two tone just like this one...loads of fun 
Advice above on the rear ARB is sound, I had a Zero Sports variant, also the 17" Outback alloys fit straight on and are the correct offset, made a big difference in terms of steering feel with no real draw backs. Good luck with it.
Looks super clean. Nice.Advice above on the rear ARB is sound, I had a Zero Sports variant, also the 17" Outback alloys fit straight on and are the correct offset, made a big difference in terms of steering feel with no real draw backs. Good luck with it.
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