Forester STi questions

[BUG4LIFE]

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.

[vxr2010]

The seats i don’t know , insurance is about 450£ pa , with mods including map exhaust suspension fully declared , service is every 10 k , i normally do it around 7.5 k , bumpers different and gearing slightly longer in the new shape but fairly minimal changes back to back , well worth a remap , coilovers work well , a good all round car , have a search on here a number of recent posts about the car

[BUG4LIFE]

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!!!

[arfur]

BUG4LIFE said:

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!!!

Pop down to see Ian Litchfield and take the base with you ?

[MDMA .]

arfur said:

Pop down to see Ian Litchfield and take the base with you ?

He doesn't get involved with Subarus any more.

[arfur]

MDMA . said:

arfur said:

Pop down to see Ian Litchfield and take the base with you ?

He doesn't get involved with Subarus any more.

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

[MDMA .]

arfur said:

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

GTR's and Porsches $$$$$

[BUG4LIFE]

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!!

[MDMA .]

Best in the Midlands -

http://tdracing.co.uk/

[Cpt Flashhard]

BUG4LIFE said:

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.

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...

[BUG4LIFE]

MDMA . said:

Best in the Midlands -

http://tdracing.co.uk/

Sound, cheers mate.

[BUG4LIFE]

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.

[Philv8s]

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-...

[BUG4LIFE]

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.

[TEKNOPUG]

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.

[BUG4LIFE]

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

[DaveCWK]

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

[vxr2010]

the 2004 gearing is the same as a 2.5 spec d gearbox in other words normal ratio , the new shape has higher gears in 4 5 and 6 , i think it’s some thing like 14 per cent higher , there were supposed to be suspension mods , rear arb maybe thicker , but i have not noticed it is as swapped it for a whiteline one with had very little effect as both cars have coilovers , sports cat maybe more power but it’s smoother power as a standard cat and performance change is minimal , going from 225/45/18 to a 40 profile helps handling as a slightly less high tyre plus it’s cheaper, speedo is slightly out but only by 1 or 2 mph

[MDMA .]

04 / 06 FSTi is the same gearing. No change.

TY856WL4CC
3.636
2.235
1.521
1.137
0.891
0.707
FD 3.9
Central diff Viscous (4kgf)

[GreyGray]

There must be somebody local to you with one that you trial a seat in? Any being sold by dealers who you could drop in on?

I've serviced mine every 7.5k miles. For the mileage I do that means every 9 months or so, but I find the peace of mind is worth it.

I'm hoping to be selling mine in the next couple of weeks, as long as another purchase comes through ok. 2004 car, 75k miles, blue, FSH since import in December 2016, remap to 310bhp. PM me if interested (I'm based near Wigan, 5mins from M6 J26) and I'll send some pics/more details over.