Forester STi questions

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So, im in the market for a new car. At the top of my list was a Lexus ISF. However, it’s proving a bit difficult finding a good one within my budget!

I’m going to have to extend my search to include other cars...hence the equally rare FSTi.

Just got a few questions though.

- I know they have isofix in the rear but does anyone know if the Maxi-Cosi 2wayFix base fits as it should? I thought any base would fit a car that has isofix fixings but apparently not?

- Service intervals. Just wondering how/when servicing is required (ie my E36 BMW is serviced yearly or 10k miles and it goes oil service; inspection 1; oil service; inspection 2; repeat).

- Can you recommend me a place to get it serviced? I live in the West Midlands. Litchfield Imports isn’t a million miles away but is there a decent place closer?

- What is the differences between the pre and post facelift cars? Anything major?

- Insurance. Just wondering who you guys use to insure your FSTi?

I’m sure I had a few more queries but I’m typing this while watching (the better bits of) Top Gear.

Thanks in advance.

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Yeah, I saw some of the recent posts, which reminded me how much I like the car!

Just need to figure out the isofix thing, or I'll be in trouble with the OH for buying a car that doesn't work with our base!!!

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MDMA . said:

arfur said:

Ahh ok ... didnt know that, been over 4 years since I sold my FSTI

GTR's and Porsches $$$$$

Ah, they were at the top of my list for servicing [as I don't know any other Midlands based place yet]...but noticed they don't have an Forester content on their website anymore. They do do BRZ stuff though.

I do have a Subaru dealer near me, just not sure how much I'd trust them though!!

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MDMA . said:

Best in the Midlands -

http://tdracing.co.uk/

Sound, cheers mate.

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Cpt Flashhard said:

Hi mate, I priced up my incoming import for insurance and it worked out at about £330 fully comp, that was just through a price comparison site so I'd have thought Adrian Flux should be able to beat it. You thinking of importing or buying here? I happen to know of a fastidiously maintained UK car coming on the market soon...

Adrian Flux have never been competitive when I’ve rang around for insurance quotes. I called them recently regarding an ISF and they were a big chuck higher than Sky Insurance.

I’m certainly not looking for the cheapest quote as I’d want to make sure the car would be properly covered.

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Philv8s said:

I used this place when I had my FSTI. Not a glass palace but Ivan knows these cars inside out. Lots of forester owners swear by him.
https://www.foresterspares.co.uk/about-car-garage-...

Thank you mate, another one I can add to the list.

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TEKNOPUG said:

BUG4LIFE said:

- I know they have isofix in the rear but does anyone know if the Maxi-Cosi 2wayFix base fits as it should? I thought any base would fit a car that has isofix fixings but apparently not?

Maxi-Cosi / Isofix only list cars they have actually tested as being compatible. For example, my '02 Wagon isn't listed whereas my '05 Wagon is. They are identical inside including the Isofix. Therefore the Maxi-Cosi 2wayFix base fits both years. They simply have never tested it on an '02 model. Given how very similar the interior and dimensions of a FSTi and STi/WRX, I'd be amazed if a the Maxi-Cosi 2wayFix base didn't fit an FSTi.

Fingers crossed mate

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DaveCWK said:

I can measure the distance between the seat backs & the ISO fixing points of that helps? I've never used them but can't really visualise why some seats would physically fit & others not.

I think the differences in pre/post facelift are mainly cosmetic. Pre facelift has slightly thicker rear rollbar. There may have been drive train/ differential changes too - I think I have some Japanese PDF's somewhere that list the changes; will try & dig out.

Edited by DaveCWK on Thursday 22 March 23:27

Thanks for the offer mate - should be ok though as someone on here - http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/fsti-o... - mentions they had a Maxi-Cosi base and it fitted fine so fingers crossed!

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BUG4LIFE said:

- Service intervals. Just wondering how/when servicing is required (ie my E36 BMW is serviced yearly or 10k miles and it goes oil service; inspection 1; oil service; inspection 2; repeat).

Didn't really get an answer to this question!

As well as the usual yearly oil/filter service, is there something more major that needs doing say every couple of years [the equivalent of the BMW inspection 1/2 etc]?

I've bought a Forester STi by the way

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Cpt Flashhard said:

BUG4LIFE said:

Didn't really get an answer to this question!

As well as the usual yearly oil/filter service, is there something more major that needs doing say every couple of years [the equivalent of the BMW inspection 1/2 etc]?

I've bought a Forester STi by the way

Pray tell!!

I would take and post some new pics but as it's rained pretty much non-stop since I brought it home [nearly two weeks ago], it pretty damn dirty at the mo! So you're going to have to guess which one I bought!!

Any news on yours mate?

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Cpt Flashhard said:

You must have some clean pics now with all this good weather?? Yes, have some news, put it on my thread, short version is I'm watching the boat make its way slowly up the Gulf of Aden towards the Suez Canal at the moment!!

I haven't had chance to clean it since I brought it home just over 3 weeks ago [looks pretty good dirty though]! I've been busy building flat-pack furniture for the impending birth of my first kid in a few weeks [yikes] and prepping my old BM for sale.

A clean is on my list of jobs in the next few weeks though...unless the little one come early!!

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Cpt Flashhard said:

Now then

How are the new arrivals? I presume it was mdma’s minter that you bought!? Lucky lad.

Finally got mine back from mot so awaiting numberplates now, have a stereo to fit too...

Yes good thanks mate. Haven’t taken the little man out in the Foz yet (just been using the OH’s Beemer for family duties), though still need to perfect smooth driving...not sure he’ll appreciate the boooooooost just yet!

Glad you’ve got yours ok. I read your post about picking it up, sounded kind of stressful