I've been really enjoying my 55 plate XT for the last 3 years. Bullet proof and entertaining all in one. The mileage is getting higher and higher and I'd like a newer Forester but I see the performance drops in newer models. I guess that was required to meet environmental targets but can anyone give advice on restoring the potential performance of the 2.5 in the newer models. Any recommended chips? 

Tell me about your 55 plate.....is it a facelifted model?

This is where I will be going in 3 years time [emoji41]

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Ha I get mixed up with facelifted Foresters - I've put a photo up to my profile of the lass. Yes I think thats a facelifted 55 ?

Its been a fab motor - up and down motorways during the week and then eating up forest tracks at the weekend. I bought it with just over 50k on the clock. 60+k in 3 years and all its needed is a couple of drop links, 2 new wheel bearings and a new exhaust. That was the fun bit - never been so excited buying an exhaust in my life. I need to change timing belt but if I'm gonna trade it in in next 6 mnths maybe not.

 

Was looking at 08/09s as possible next car. I prefer the looks of the older model and defo the performance. Shame they dampened the acceleration of the newer models. Would be tempted to get newer model as long as I can restore the need for speed with a wee chip modification. I love the look of the beemer drivers when they can't shake off the strange red rectangle staring at them in their rear view :)

Just been looking again and I'm wrong bout 08/09s being slower. As long as its a manual they are the same. Think I must have been seeing auto specs previously. 

That's pre-face-lifted mate.....I do like the red one's though - both pre and post face-lift  :D

The newer cars are massive compared to the 1st & 2nd gen cars. More weight and associated bobbins to lug round. As for performance restoration it's the same engine as used in the newer imprezas so a whole world of performance upgrades is just waiting to tempt you out of all your hard earned.

://www.ecutek.com/Products/Trade/ProECU-Tuning-Suites/Subaru-Tuning-Suites.aspx

I prefer the looks of the older model

 

i fully agree :)

I would be inclined keep your current one bit longer, at 110K it still got loads of life in it & the older ones are far better cars in my opinion.

Yep I'm thinking of keeping the car now.  Gonna book her in for a new timing belt etc asap. Hopefully not too expensive but want it done properly. Thanks for your replies everyone.

About £400 for proper job from decent independent using quality Blue Print or ICP-Dayco kit with genuine Japanese bearing idlers/tensioner & top quality water pump plus OEM crank seal.

Do it right you do it once, nothing worse than coming back in 3 months as old water pump starts leaking so you got buy pump anyway plus pay to strip all down again :-S or worse pump pulley/bearing fails :-S

Same with crank seal.like extra £10 charge while doing cambelt or pay £80 have it done later.

Heading towards a grand at the dealers :-O totally ridiculous but keeps me in work i suppose !

Independent charge is pretty good for possibly another hassle free 40K+miles in your old but trusty Fozzy.

If she runs sweet & in real good order keep her as new stuff ain't a patch on the older cars ...

Hey thanks thats great advice Mr B! She is running sweet - purring along nicely. If I get another 2 yrs or more out of her that'd be brill. Money well spent :)

to honest if you make effort with servicing with quality parts & quality oils you should get more than 2yrs without major hassle.

I got an old legacy that now almost at 170K & had very little problems with it & it been used hard, My father used it for forestry work & towing a trailer for many year & then used as general work horse & it still drives good today, looks rather tatty but damn reliable.

I had 11 yrs of Alfa Romeos before I opted for a big change with this Forester. You can guess the Subaru reliability still astounds me after 3 years compared to those Alfas as much as I loved them too. Its going to be difficult to trust any other manufacturer from now on. Saying that I saw an LPG converted Cayenne for a good price t'other day - don't worry I've already talked myself out of that option!

In my opinion a good serviced Japanese plant built Subaru is bang for buck the most reliable car you can buy. they make even likes of VW, Merc & BMW look shabby based on a comparison 175000mile model from each manufacturer.

My family members on Subarus have super cheap service/maintenance costs & none in 20years have had a breakdown.

Next door neighbours of my Father are amazed at his all year round hassle free motoring in his tatty Legacy while there family 207 & company VW get an AA visit at least annually plus plenty of trips to local garages for niggly faults :-)

The downside is the newer models are not going live up to the above & unfortunately the diesel engine is a bit of a lemon :-( hurts me to say that as I really was looking forward to a boxer diesel :'(

I do prefer the older foresters my shape 2000 model and pre 2000