I dunno - have always looked at the Forrester as an Impreza wagon for people who really wanted to buy an SUV.

 

The NA models maybe, but I've always looked at it as an STI in sheep's clothing

 

+1 on this.

Stan's car is really nice - Newport blue with '04 goldies! Quite possibly better than WRB/Gold combo.

 

yea true...other than its lighter, faster, and handles better than the impreza (longer wheelbase by 3 inches makes quite a difference pushing into the corners)

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.

 

Yeah, but when you're a giant with back problems, the Forester seems way more appealing.

 

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.

 

I nearly bought one but the wife wanted a larger one so we went 2011. I have to say... even the 2011's are pretty nice. You can't get manual anymore so that sucks. But they're pretty damned easy to mod as well.

But I'd get an 05.

 

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.

 

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.

 

good info here. i always thought forresters were a bit heavier/slower than the sedans. i'm not necessarily in the market for one but good to keep in mind.

 

Really depends on model year/trim/options, but IIRC it's the basic 04/05 5MT models (no moonroof etc.) that had the weight advantage.

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.

 

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.

 

I would have gotten an 05/4 fxt instead of my wrx wagon if I could have found one.

 

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.

 

Yeah I bought my car. Came back to have my stereo repaired... 3 DAYS later. There was one on the lot... I said... excuse me.... what's that? They said oh it's a forester. I said... why does it have a hood scoop, is it functional... oh yes they say... it has a turbo. Can I see it I say. I sat in it and instantly said... ****. Why wasn't this here last week. I want it.

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.