JDM Forrester STi

[Boforus]

Hello,

I've begun researching importing a Forrester STi but coming from a Corolla T Sport and Leon FR I know very little about them. I've found a couple for what seems to be quite cheap on some Japanese car sites but what should I be looking for? They're low mileage and seem in good condition. Are there hidden costs I should be aware of regarding the importation process? Cars I've seen have been on Japan Partner site. Anyone used them before?

Thanks.

[d_a_n1979]

Boforus said:

Hello,

I've begun researching importing a Forrester STi but coming from a Corolla T Sport and Leon FR I know very little about them. I've found a couple for what seems to be quite cheap on some Japanese car sites but what should I be looking for? They're low mileage and seem in good condition. Are there hidden costs I should be aware of regarding the importation process? Cars I've seen have been on Japan Partner site. Anyone used them before?

Thanks.

My advice, speak to specialists such as Torque GT or DCY in York

[Boforus]

d_a_n1979 said:

Boforus said:

Hello,

I've begun researching importing a Forrester STi but coming from a Corolla T Sport and Leon FR I know very little about them. I've found a couple for what seems to be quite cheap on some Japanese car sites but what should I be looking for? They're low mileage and seem in good condition. Are there hidden costs I should be aware of regarding the importation process? Cars I've seen have been on Japan Partner site. Anyone used them before?

Thanks.

My advice, speak to specialists such as Torque GT or DCY in York

Just in general for advice or in order to have them import it on my behalf? This is my first real piece of research I've done into the whole process. Ta.

[DaveCWK]

My advice would be to either use a reputable UK-based importer such as TorqueGT to bid on/import one on your behalf, or buy one that's already in the UK so you can properly assess the condition like you would any car.

I have a 2004 pre-facelift Forester STI if you have any specific model questions!

[SidewaysSi]

I bought one via Torque GT. It was ok but it wasn't for me so got rid.

Mileage may be low but they are old cars and they won't be as immaculate as they look on their website.

[d_a_n1979]

Boforus said:

d_a_n1979 said:

Boforus said:

Hello,

I've begun researching importing a Forrester STi but coming from a Corolla T Sport and Leon FR I know very little about them. I've found a couple for what seems to be quite cheap on some Japanese car sites but what should I be looking for? They're low mileage and seem in good condition. Are there hidden costs I should be aware of regarding the importation process? Cars I've seen have been on Japan Partner site. Anyone used them before?

Thanks.

My advice, speak to specialists such as Torque GT or DCY in York

Just in general for advice or in order to have them import it on my behalf? This is my first real piece of research I've done into the whole process. Ta.

Both...

Both are respected in their field and they may have already in stock, or have coming over the car you want...

However, there are always a few Forester STI's for sale in the UK, Jap imported ones, so why not look at them first and see what works been done to them to keep them in decent condition and see what price they're at, and compare that to how much a freshly imposted Forester STI will cost and then the necessary work on top of that to make it right for our UK roads etc

As an example; this is one DCY have in stock currently: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Subaru-Forester-FO...

And yes, their prices have gone up due to what's going on in the world etc

[d_a_n1979]

Oh, and stay away from Motorhub

[Boforus]

d_a_n1979 said:

Boforus said:

d_a_n1979 said:

Boforus said:

Hello,

I've begun researching importing a Forrester STi but coming from a Corolla T Sport and Leon FR I know very little about them. I've found a couple for what seems to be quite cheap on some Japanese car sites but what should I be looking for? They're low mileage and seem in good condition. Are there hidden costs I should be aware of regarding the importation process? Cars I've seen have been on Japan Partner site. Anyone used them before?

Thanks.

My advice, speak to specialists such as Torque GT or DCY in York

Just in general for advice or in order to have them import it on my behalf? This is my first real piece of research I've done into the whole process. Ta.

Both...

Both are respected in their field and they may have already in stock, or have coming over the car you want...

However, there are always a few Forester STI's for sale in the UK, Jap imported ones, so why not look at them first and see what works been done to them to keep them in decent condition and see what price they're at, and compare that to how much a freshly imposted Forester STI will cost and then the necessary work on top of that to make it right for our UK roads etc

As an example; this is one DCY have in stock currently: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Subaru-Forester-FO...

And yes, their prices have gone up due to what's going on in the world etc

Saw that one earlier today and it is mint. I guess I'll just have to weigh the options up as to whether it's best to import myself directly or via a company as suggested. DCY have some cracking stock in.

[Boforus]

DaveCWK said:

My advice would be to either use a reputable UK-based importer such as TorqueGT to bid on/import one on your behalf, or buy one that's already in the UK so you can properly assess the condition like you would any car.

I have a 2004 pre-facelift Forester STI if you have any specific model questions!

I've never even sat in one, I just know I love the ej burble and they look wild. Other than the usual head gasket failures and ringlands that people harp on about is there anything else to be aware of?

[Barty964rst]

No stock coming over at the moment from Japan due to Covid, I had paid a deposit on importing one via GT Torque. However by luck found one of their imported cars in the UK all sorted to go. Immaculate car inside and out with great service records with 50k miles, amazing cars and look awesome.
If you are around Windsor, more than welcome to have a nose round my car before buying one.

[MDMA .]

Barty964rst said:

No stock coming over at the moment from Japan due to Covid, I had paid a deposit on importing one via GT Torque. However by luck found one of their imported cars in the UK all sorted to go. Immaculate car inside and out with great service records with 50k miles, amazing cars and look awesome.
If you are around Windsor, more than welcome to have a nose round my car before buying one.

There's no issues with imports due to Covid. I've had one land recently (bought September last year, landed just before Christmas, delivered a few weeks ago). I've had a FSTI, just got a Legacy TBSTI. I did like the Forester, just a bit basic but a good car. Legacy is a better built and finished product IMO.

[vxr2010]

prices in japan are a lot higher on a lot of imports especially the Fsti , 15k is now fairly normal for a good import fsti

[TEKNOPUG]

There are loads in the UK to choose from. Little value to importing one yourself unless you want super low mileage.

[vxr2010]

there used to be loads , they are now few and far between for a good one plus expensive , an 04 old shape with 76k miles 15k plus ... wow

[Barty964rst]

Selling this car, 2004, 50k miles, imported from Japan by GT Torque, has adjustable suspension around, new head unit and recent service.
It is immaculate throughout.

[vxr2010]

It looks like a nice car with low mileage , but for me i only want new shape, as i have spare parts for a new shape lights bumpers etc , as they are getting hard to find my choice is a preferably a blue 07 or 57 , second option a black 06 plate again low mileage

[MDMA .]

Barty964rst said:

Selling this car, 2004, 50k miles, imported from Japan by GT Torque, has adjustable suspension around, new head unit and recent service.
It is immaculate throughout.

Very nice. I much prefer the early shape to the facelift. If I had another, I'd probably go for a blue or crystal grey one.

[sledge68]

Look at the model code as some cars are badged STI from Japan as in JDM cars but they are an SG5 , not an SG9.

The true STI SG9 will be a 2.5 manual, the SG5 cars are 2.0 and often called Cross Sports and will come mainly in auto as circa 70% of JDM cars are auto, it appears.

SG9 cars are increasing in value , these were the original cars Litchfield had many years back.

[MDMA .]

What a coincidence. Just popped up on my phone, 3 years ago today, I sold the Forester. Took a picture of it driving off!

Edited by MDMA . on Wednesday 31st March 15:25

[rossub]

£15k for a Forester?

I’m JDM through and through, but no thanks!