Sell me on a Forester
#19
04-05 are the ultimate sleepers, even in stock trim they can creep up on damn near anything and give it a run for its money...baring the big $80k+ cars.
#21
previously known as wrxBRAH
iTrader: (17)
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Jose / Campbell
Posts: 3,383
Car Info: 2004 FXT
Im looking for one myself. You're more than likely going to have to travel to buy one from out of state or down south because the ones in the bay get priced too high.
With low mileage on a 04-05, you're looking at about 15k. Ive seen 2 so far sell for under 10k with a little over 100k and mods. There are 1 or 2 on subaruforester.org right now with 6 speed swaps and built motors pushing out a lot of power. I think they're trying to get around 18-26k.
With low mileage on a 04-05, you're looking at about 15k. Ive seen 2 so far sell for under 10k with a little over 100k and mods. There are 1 or 2 on subaruforester.org right now with 6 speed swaps and built motors pushing out a lot of power. I think they're trying to get around 18-26k.
#23
Forester Specialist
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Sonoma County
Posts: 3,985
Car Info: '98/'04 Foresters (S & XT)
The 04-05 Forester XT with 5MT are the chosen ones. You get the STi motor, not the WRX motor found in 06 and onward. Properly tuned, we have ~250WHP and over 300 lb./ft. of torque at the wheels. That's enough to make the BMW 540 driver wonder,"What the hell has that thing got in it?" as Silke walked away from him after every corner on Infineon.
#24
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Nor.Cal.
Posts: 541
Car Info: 2010 SWP WRX
I have an 08FXTs 4EAT that we bought used form the first owner, we have had it for 2 years with zero problems, it just hit 60 k and we have the huge sunroof which is awesome on trips to Yosmeite and such . I have had a 02 bugeye WRX and a 2010 WRX hatchie and this is a real good cross between the two, plenty of power and lots of room and fewer blind spots. Mine is stock height as I take it off road from time to time, the only mods I want are sway bar,links and a brake kit to keep it a nice daily driver for the family.
#26
The Seventh Sister
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Alameda, CA
Posts: 1,021
Car Info: MY04 Forester XT
I have to say at 171,000 miles my 04 XT has been the most dependable and fun vehicle I've owned... I know the 4EAT is often poopooed, but it takes lots of abuse and keeps on trucking. Not much more I can add here.
#27
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: 831
Posts: 26
Car Info: '04 FXT 5mt,'04 VW R32, '71 Nissan Skyline, '88 M3
I've got an '04 FXT with a 5MT. I agree with the others and that the 04-05 are probably the best (performance-wise anyhow). They're surprisingly light and quick for how roomy they are. They are way too soft and floaty for their power level on the stock suspenion. But, lowered a bit and with some decent tires, it becomes a really nice daily driver.
#29
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: 831
Posts: 26
Car Info: '04 FXT 5mt,'04 VW R32, '71 Nissan Skyline, '88 M3
buzzword - how'd you find doing the Brembo caliper swap? Pretty straight forward other than removing the rear dust shields? I have a set of Brembo calipers for mine that I've been meaning to throw on when I get some free time.
#30
General Pimpin'
iTrader: (7)
I nearly sold my car and bought an XTS when they released as well. So sick. But I love my car. I'll keep it until it goes boom and put a nice big motor in it and keep loving it. But god forbid anything happens to my car and I get an insurance check... I'll be on the search for an 05 FXT.