What to look for in an Forester STI

[chris-red]

Hi All,

I'm looking at getting a new car, something big fast and fun. I was initially looking at 525/530 tourings but discovered the Forester STI. I think they look the mutts nuts. I've been doing research and they seem perfect for me although a fair bit over budget. I have more or less decided I'd rather wait and save a bit more to get what I really want. I just had a few questions before I finally give up on the BM's.

 

What tax bracket are they? I assume there is a difference between 05 and 06 models. I'm getting mixed answers online?

What's maintenance like? anything to watch or for? I'm fine doing simple stuff like Fluid changes and brakes but I wonder if there are other expensive things that can crop up (clutches and turbos aside)

Any major differences between the pre/post facelift? I prefer the looks of the pre and the the tax will be cheaper but I'd like a newer model.

Did they have any factory options to look out for?

I read somewhere fresh imports need to be remapped to run on UK fuel to prevent detonation, is this true?

I assume they need to be run on 97+ can they run on 95 in a pinch?

Do they have Isofix seats? I read somewhere they did but I need to confirm.

Anything to look for when looking at one?

Is getting parts OK? I'm guessing loads of Impreza bits fit, but is there anything Forester Specific that can be a pain?

 

A cheeky request maybe, anyone near South Essex with an STI willing to let me have a look round there car and sit in it? I'm pretty tall and would like to make sure I fit. Normally I wouldn't ask these questions till I was in a position to buy, but I need to decide 100% that this is the car for me and continue saving.

 

My ideal car at the moment is a clean relatively unmodified (not stanced!) 2005 model in blue with gold wheels.

 

Thanks,

Chris

[Tidgy]

they are basicly an sti but bigger, so go like stink, handel well, but MPG is great, need to make sure you rn it on Vpower or tesco 99 only.

 

Tax wise being an import i'd take a a guess at £280 a year.

[chris-red]

I'm not to bothered about fuel consumption I only do about 2-3k miles a year it's why I want something fun. Tax is different it changes between 05/06. I think some are £500 a year which I do not want!

[Tidgy]

2 hours ago, chris-red said:

I'm not to bothered about fuel consumption I only do about 2-3k miles a year it's why I want something fun. Tax is different it changes between 05/06. I think some are £500 a year which I do not want!

being an import will prob be in the lower band but your only talking £20 difference a month anyway so if its an issue then your gonna get a major shock with costs

[stants]

Tax will be a bit less@ 235 a year I think, (what I was paying last year)

As@tidgy says not cheap to run but if your used to bm's prob not much difference,

Always find a specialist to work on the car as bills will be at least half of what subaru UK charge,

Ball park figures 350-400 cambelt & associated items
About the same for a clutch depending on how much power you want it to take,

If it's not already been done then a remap for UK fuels is highly recommended

Anywhere between 350- (open-source) to 700 & mpre for licenced software could go even more depending on what you want from the car

The internet's your friend for parts again, shocks may need replacing at that age but pedders/kyb and others make good reasonably priced replacements, and again 90% of impreza parts from the same model year fit the foz, which is always handy



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[chris-red]

14 hours ago, Tidgy said:

being an import will prob be in the lower band but your only talking £20 difference a month anyway so if its an issue then your gonna get a major shock with costs

As I don't drive much (I've got motorbikes I use for work and some distance stuff etc.) Running costs that are mileage dependant such as repairs servicing etc. should be fine especially as I'll do a lot of it myself. That's why I ain't bothered about ~25mpg. The 'Static' costs like tax/insurance are what would really put me off, the thought of giving the government £500 a year just to own my car actually makes me feel a bit sick

[Tidgy]

11 minutes ago, chris-red said:

As I don't drive much (I've got motorbikes I use for work and some distance stuff etc.) Running costs that are mileage dependant such as repairs servicing etc. should be fine especially as I'll do a lot of it myself. That's why I ain't bothered about ~25mpg. The 'Static' costs like tax/insurance are what would really put me off, the thought of giving the government £500 a year just to own my car actually makes me feel a bit sick

hahaha yeah, mines in the £500 :(

[david1972]

Tax should only ever be the import rate of 245 a year, regardless of year of manufacture [emoji106]


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[chris-red]

Pick up my forester next weekend. 04 STi with 77k miles😁

[demondriverdave]

Pick up my forester next weekend. 04 STi with 77k miles[emoji16]

I’m in Kent and have an 04 STi so you’re welcome to pop over once you have yours.
Mine is standard and is great but could do with a remap to remove the speed limiter etc...


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[chris-red]

Good to know, might be good to compare things! Where abouts are you? I'm just the other side of the bridge.

[demondriverdave]

Not sure if I replied already.
I’m near Marden in Kent about 8 miles south of Maidstone.


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