2007 Subaru Forester STI (JDM)

Highlights

• JDM-only model
• One of a handful imported by Litchfield
• Upgraded to 328 bhp
• Professionally wrapped
• Six-speed manual transmission

Overview

What’s a guaranteed way to make people want something? Tell them they can’t have it. That’s what Subaru did when they produced the STi version of the Forester and told the world that they couldn’t have it. They were keeping it to themselves in Japan. Oh the agony of denial.

We in Britain had welcomed the Impreza STi with open wallets, so why did Subaru choose to deny us the joy of its taller stablemate? Who knows. But this wasn’t enough to stop determined Subaruists from getting their hands on one, through unofficial import channels.

This particular Forester came to the UK just a few weeks after rolling off the production line. Litchfield Imports were on hand to satisfy demand for this model, and we’re told they even went as far as to treat it to their upgraded engine and performance package. The accompanying paperwork includes a very impressive dyno test chart, showing a maximum output of 328 bhp at 6,060 rpm.

The second owner of the car had it professionally wrapped in 2020, in a suitably loud metallic purple colour choice, although its original Obsidian Black Pearl paint remains underneath. The gold Brembo brake callipers are also very Subaru, as is the obligatory bonnet scoop.

So if you’re looking for a high-performance, four-wheel drive load carrier, then this Forester STi ticks a lot of boxes, including not being easy to lose in a car park.

History and documentation

• Manufactured in Jul 2007 and sold to the Japanese Domestic Market
• Registered in the UK 16 Oct 2007
• Supplied by Litchfield Imports
• Service invoices show services as follows: Jun 2017 @ 85,501 miles, Jun 2018 @ 96,376 miles, Jun 2019 @ 114,259 miles, Oct 2021 @ 129,532 miles, Oct 2024 @ 135,107 miles
• Collection of servicing invoices and old MOT certificates
• Printed dyno test chart
• Two keys
• Current MOT expires 31 Oct 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Only one registered former keeper
• HPI clear
• Current owner since Jun 2011
• The vendor tells us that they have the original book pack in Japanese
• Private plate F16 WRX included in sale
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The interior of this Forester is trimmed in very unassuming shades of grey and black fabric
• Deeply bolstered STI bucket seats provide plenty of support
• A little wear to the driver’s seat bolsters
• Manual seat adjusters
• ‘Forester’-branded sill plates
• Black carpets with footwell overmats
• Some scuffs and scratches on the centre console
• Leather-trimmed STi steering wheel
• Climate control
• Dashboard in good condition, with a few small marks
• Analogue instruments
• Pioneer stereo with CD player and DAB radio
• Some staining on the rear seat squab
• Headlining clean and tidy
• Spacious, fully carpeted boot to the rear
• Tonneau cover fitted and working
• Spare wheel stored under the boot floor

Exterior

• Suitably ‘Subaru’ bonnet scoop and a loud spoiler
• Originally finished in Obsidian Black Pearl paint
• The bonnet was repainted in Aug 2020
• In Sep 2020 the car was professionally wrapped in Byzantine Violet at a cost of £2,280
• The rear spoiler, bonnet scoop, and wing mirrors were wrapped in Noir Cachou Brilliant
• A little light scuffing to the upper face of the rear bumper
• A small white paint mark is reported on a nearside panel between the two windows
• There is no significant bodywork damage reported
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• The wheels were refurbished in Aug 2020
• There are some light scratches to the wheel rims
• Goodyear tyres, with 3-5mm of tread reported by the vendor
• Gold Brembo brake callipers and Brembo disks
• Subaru badges present front and rear
• The headlights are clear and bright
• Some scratches to the window glass
• The windscreen wipers are reportedly a little worn
• Aerodynamic roof rails
• ‘Miltek’ branded large-bore exhaust tip
• The underside of the car looks generally tidy

Mechanical

• 2,457 cc turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine
• Originally produced 257 bhp and 286 lb ft
• Said to have been fitted with a Litchfield Imports engine conversion
• 2007 dyno test (with 3-inch Milltek exhaust, panel air filter, and ECU tuning) shows 328 bhp and 326 lb ft
• Six-speed manual transmission
• All-wheel drive
• BC Coilover suspension system fitted
• On the underside there is a little surface corrosion to the suspension and exhaust components
• In Jun 2019 all four brake discs and pads were replaced at a cost of £923
• The service in Oct 2024 included an engine oil and filter change, engine flush, fuel system cleaner, and pre MOT check
• The alternator has recently been replaced
• No mechanical issues or warning lights reported

Summary

The Forester STI is one of those JDM-only models that has a cult following in the UK. As a four wheel drive compact performance estate, it has few competitors and the characteristic soundtrack has an appeal all of its own.

Yes it’s purple, but if you don’t like that you can easily have it re-wrapped. In the meantime you have one hell of an appealing car to enjoy.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Godalming, Surrey.