Improving the Forester

[AceKid]

Evening All,
Im currently the owner of a bog standard 2008, 2.0 XC forester and want to make some improvements...
What I'm thinking of is, a 1" lift and some more rugged all terrain tyres (geolanders or similar)..thoughts? the current tyres are 215/60/16.. could I go to 215/65/16 to help improve the look?

any other thoughts on things to improve? Im already thinking privacy glass as its the dog wagon and maybe some wrx front seats as I gather these sit a bit lower than the standard seats.

Edited by AceKid on Saturday 2nd May 20:17

[xstian]

My mrs's has one of these. I don't mind it, if lacking some torque. I wish she had bought a turbo, but she wanted to keep running cost down and she's not bothered about speed.

With out meaning to sound rude, just keeping it serviced and running correctly is probably the best thing you can do for it.

By the way does yours suffer from intermittent spluttering these seem to have a problem with?

[AceKid]

Mine doesnt suffer with any stuttering actually, when i bought it, it needed an oil change, so i did the plugs and all filters and it seems to be pretty good now.
I do have to change the backbox as it is currently whistling under acceleration (apparently this is the backbox breaking down).
I have also changed the rear shocks as the original SLS units had sagged, tailgate seal as it was split and leaking and put a cheap android double din headunit in as, well, the stereo was crap!

In the household we have an e46 330ci convertible as the fun car, so this is just the daily commuter and dog wagon. Being in the New Forest i just want it to be a bit more interesting!

[cailean]

Lift kits are available from the US, and skid plates. Put some G015 tyres on it, will look and feel much better.
https://awdadventure.com/

[AceKid]

Decided not doing a thing to the forester...apart from an MOT and service later in the year before i sell it...
New plan is to go down the jdm Outback route!

[Sa Calobra]

I wouldn't lift it. It'll ruin it's driving characteristics and make it dog slow.

Plus it is a soft roader not designed to go fully off of a dirt track.

The NA's charm lies in it's simplicity.

[mazzer1]

If you are considering an outback, look at the 3.0 chain driven - they are generally regarded as the best/most reliable. They have a good 5 speed auto but if you are lucky you may find a rarer manual. My wife has a 2.5 which is fine for her day to day commute. It has a 4 speed auto which is ok but sometimes lacks that 5th ratio when we use it going away with the family and loaded up going up a long hill - although it it possible to just lock it into 3rd and mash it down. There is also 2.5 turbo version but they are also rare, need more maintenance and thirstier than the 3.0. Generally outbacks are useful and robust cars and we often drive it on dirt roads here and they are fantastic for that, even loaded up.

[AceKid]

My long term plan is still to go for a jdm outback, 2.5t varient, but that is going to have to wait till at least next year.
For the moment I'm doing a few little things to the forester, as i carry eother my dog or mountain bike most of the time, the windows are being tinted, found a lovely leather momo gearknob which feels so much nicer than the standard, a replacement Kenwood stereo for much needed bluetooth and dab. Externally the biggest improvement will be some Outback wheels, correct offset and an inch bigger so will be a better fit