Subaru Forester Turbo or Sti?

[kingstondc5]

Hello, before anyone starts/suggest i go on the SF.org, as i have done, im not sure how busy the European section is as ive posed the following to them;
"Anyway, currently considering a Forester Turbo/XT/STI as a winter/general run around and got a few questions;

As im not really wanting to spend alot (already run 2 track focused cars) theres been a few S/turbo's that have caught my eye (not sure what t/turbo is but im guessing import?) for around 2-3k margin with between 90-105k miles on the clock (doesnt put me off) with various historys ranging from FSSH, part SSH/specialist/then home serviced and one unknown, what should i be looking out for at around this sort of mileage?

All three of the above are manual, however, theres an auto FSTI up for around £5k (im sure youve all seen it on AT/Pheads), now is this extra expenditure worth it? Is a auto a 'better' choice on any forester as ive seen a few 'low mileged ones' with auto? Or would the 2K saved on the manual turbos a better choice?

Again, im not after a hard riding car as such but not after something thats wallowry either. "

Thanks fellow PH'ers should anyone have any information

[markCSC]

Hello

Didn't see your thread on SF.org sorry

The cars you are looking at fall into the following

Turbo-S (Uk model) Manual and auto 170bhp
S/tb (JDM model) Manual and auto (rated at 250 bhp but more like 220 -230bhp)
T/tb (JDM model) auto only, with fake wood trim (rated at 250 bhp but more like 220 -230bhp)
STi - (JDM model) Manual (mega rare) and auto. Exactly the same as the S/tb and T/tb mechanically. Have different bodykit, seats and a few other bolt on options see http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/defini...

The choice of car really depends on what you want it for. The JDM cars should really only be run on superunleaded, so that might be too much for a winter hack.
The STi isn't worth much more than a S/tb in my opinion. It's rare but without a (proper) Sti engine it is a bit of a sheep in wolf's clothing.

For a winter hack I'd go for a UK market Turbo-S and maybe get it remapped to bring it up to 200bhp.

The other essential mod is a thicker anti-roll bar (19mm from a Impreza Sti) Make the handling much better.

Any other questions just ask

Mark

[kingstondc5]

Hello fella,

No worries, i tacked it onto the back of another thread, the forum just doesnt seem that 'lively' thats all.

All of the turbos ive looked at are UK models with manuals but the prices vary quite abit it seems, not sure if this is just chancers or it reflects the condition of the car...

As for use, itll be a weekend winter/general run about but the main car for the moment as the other two are in partial hibernation + at the mo, i work from home or get a hire car if need to go in for work.

Just wondered what the next big service or when something needs checking is at the 90-105k region?

[markCSC]

Around 90-100k is the big service. Cambelts, spark plus, diff and gearbox oil etc. This is £500 from a specialist and silly money from the main dealer (£1000+)

The other thing to look for on a car this age is the rear shocks. Most UK cars have self levelling suspension which will fail at some point making the back end drop. Each shock is £300+!!!! plus labour to fit. See if your car has been done aleady. If the shocks do go you can get non-self levelling suspension (KYB) but you will also need new springs. Loads of threads on SF about this.

[kingstondc5]

Cheers bud, 1 last question, whats the performance figs of the uk turbo?

[kingstondc5]

Cheers bud, 1 last question, whats the performance figs of the uk turbo?

[markCSC]

I think 0-60 is about 7.9 and the auto takes a bit longer. Top speed around is 120mph. The s/tb does 0-60 in 6 something and top speed is 140+mph. Oh and don't give up on the Forester board. If you have any specific questions the guys will really help you out.

Hope you find a good one


Mark