chester991 Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 Hi Guys Just looking for some advice, I am going to see a 2004 Forester Sti that has done 81,000 miles. I have never had a Subaru before and just looking for some buying tips, any help is much appreciated. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandals Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 Welcome to the club! A very good choice in car! First thing that is important, check to see if it has a full service history, also find out when the cambelt was last done. Listen to the engine on a cold start for any tappity sounds, generally it's usually piston slap which is harmless and goes away when the engine is warmed up but if they persist then there are problems. If you take it for a test drive, and make sure to thoroughly go through the gears and feel for any notchiness. Could be a sign of an abused box... sometimes changing gearbox oil can help, depends on severity. Try and take it over some bumps and listen for any knocks or rattles! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chester991 Posted August 19, 2016 Author Share Posted August 19, 2016 Great, thanks very much for the advise. Really looking forward to going to see it but just want to make sure i'm not buying something that going to cost me as it will be a family car (plus my new toy). I've been told the car was running on LPG by previous owner but has now been removed, any experiance with that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 This is mainly aimed at the Impreza but I guess is relevant to most turbo Subarus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandals Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 49 minutes ago, chester991 said: Great, thanks very much for the advise. Really looking forward to going to see it but just want to make sure i'm not buying something that going to cost me as it will be a family car (plus my new toy). I've been told the car was running on LPG by previous owner but has now been removed, any experiance with that? sorry mate, no experience with LPG! If it's been removed I would maybe ask how long it's been running back on standard petrol... just in case something hasn't been done right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chester991 Posted August 19, 2016 Author Share Posted August 19, 2016 Fare point, I will ask tomorrow when I see it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandals Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 It's pretty low mileage for the age and since it will be an import the underside should be in better nick than cars that have been over on our salty roads their entire life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chester991 Posted August 23, 2016 Author Share Posted August 23, 2016 So I seen the car at the weekend and It was pretty mint apart from some small mark but that ok, It also had a few nice mods that the guy in the dealership had no idea about (he didn't know what he had), so I will be getting the car on Thursday and will get it into my workshop and give it a good check over but overall im pleased with it and I will get some pictures up soon as. I can feel my pocket getting lighter already. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandals Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 Very cool! Looking forward to seeing it :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 Nice looking forward to seeing it hopefully landed yourself a hidden gem mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 On 8/19/2016 at 1:11 PM, Gambit said: This is mainly aimed at the Impreza but I guess is relevant to most Turbo Subarus engine is the same in the impreza and forrester sti mate. I asked those in the know the very questions because i was pondering on one for the daily. decided against it because of the usual issues. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 Thought they was but never too sure if they change something just slightly. but I know now myself cheers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chester991 Posted August 23, 2016 Author Share Posted August 23, 2016 Is the rear anti roll bar on the forester the same as the impreza sti, the one on the forester has seen better days and I am abit fussy when it comes to these things, if anything don't look right it get replaced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 On 8/19/2016 at 1:11 PM, Gambit said: 6 minutes ago, chester991 said: Is the rear anti roll bar on the forester the same as the impreza sti, the one on the forester has seen better days and I am abit fussy when it comes to these things, if anything don't look right it get replaced. cant help with that for def, but i would expect it to be different, more weight on the back end of a forrester Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 Same as Tidgy said I would imagine be different. But couldn't be a 100% sure sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chester991 Posted August 24, 2016 Author Share Posted August 24, 2016 what is your experience with timing belt kits? I had asked my local performance garage about doing a upgrade kevlar STi belt and he said they were very noisy and unnecessary if not running crazy BHP. The FSTi is currently running 305bhp from last dyno in the paperwork and I wont be making it more for now, just concentrate on getting her nice smooth and shiney for a while as it will mainly be getting used by my wife to get the kids around and its my toy at the weekend lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stants Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 The fsti bar if anything is a little bit smaller than the impreza, most of the owners go 22mm whitline or similar Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay762 Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 I have replaced my belt with a kevlar item - not had any change in noise from engine bay. A bit smelly for first few miles as it beds in but that was it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chester991 Posted August 24, 2016 Author Share Posted August 24, 2016 Which belt did you go for? Im thinking the sti one or cossworth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chester991 Posted September 5, 2016 Author Share Posted September 5, 2016 So I finally got it, 2004 Forester Sti and I LOVE IT! Really happy with it and she sure shifts, got a few bits planned for it to tidy it up and looking the part and get the timing done, service and few other bit. Currently has few nice parts fitted including Tein coilovers, stage 1 remap , stage 1 clutch, some samco hoses and some others. Will get it in my workshop this week o have a good look under it and go from there. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandals Posted September 5, 2016 Share Posted September 5, 2016 That looks absolutely amazing! Glad you're happy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGD Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Hi and welcome to the club. I have just sold my WRX Blobeye and that was painful!!! I am know looking for one of these. Can I be cheeky and ask some details of the one you have brought? You can PM me if that's better ? Sent from my iphone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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