Hi all,

Wanting to get back into scooby ownership (previously had a wrx 300) and fancy a forester sti. Does anyone know of significant mechanical differences between the 2004 model and the 'facelift' 2005/6? I think I prefer the look of the older ones and there also seem to be more about... Cheers!

 

Looked at these a short while ago and couldn't see any significant difference between 2004 and facelift variants.

Like you, I think the 2004 version looks better. I gave up looking for now as prices are a bit hot (and most that were advertised were white - which makes them look like a fridge). If sterling bounces back, I will look again.

Let us know how you get on.

 

Thanks, good advice and agree on the fridge comment :-)

Funnily enough going to see a white one tommorrow but mainly to see if my wife likes them, she wants another Impreza...I must be the only bloke who is trying to convince his wife to get a forester rather than an Impreza!

 

2.5 Engine puts me off. I went for the 2.0 SF5

 

There is always the JDM Cross Sports model, if the 2.5 engine worries you. Personally, I really like the way the 2.5 delivers vs the 2.0.

 

Power delivery is fine although the fly by wire throttle is poo. It's more the fact that the 2.5 suffers the same failure issues as UK STis.

 

Hmmm....I didn't see hide nor hair of any failed Forester sti's when I was looking.....and the USA Forester site doesn't seem to be littered with blown Forester Turbos. In fact most seem to have done pretty high miles..

Given that I am planning to buy an FSTi when the £ recovers, I would be interested to know where you got that from.