geldy

Getting closer to replacing my legacy turbo estate, after the cambelt went
Narrowed choice to these two alternatives based on following needs:

1. sporty (200bhp+)
2. practical (2 sports-orientated kids)
3. sunroof (to let in the sun - not the wind)
4. manual (although most Foresters seem to be auto)
5. full UK spec and warranty

but which to go for, and why do there seem to be no cars available in the almost new market of either type?
So pls help me to decide which - and should I keep looking for almost new or pay up for brand new (ouch) to get it sooner

Danny B

http://www.ralliartuk.com/AirTrekTurboROverview.asp

stevev_ukturbo

I'm sure there was a company that was importing Forester STi's that looked very sweet. Cant remember the link to who it was but i'm sure some bright spark could help!

Steve

Flat 4x4

Or, after my FSSH 99MY Impreza wagon went bang I did the following:-

Skoda Octavia 4x4 Turbo Estate 1 year old approx £12.5k plus £500 for a superb Jabbasport remap. 20k later and no problems, lots of respect for the car. 220bhp and just averaged 36mpg over the last 250miles keeping at 65/70mph on the motorway. www.briskoda.net It makes surprising sense

geldy

why is it that my question about 2 UK scoobies has all the replies about other makes/imports
anyway forester showing an early lead - do you wagon owners agree

RRH

I have a UK MY03 wagon and its excellent. The boot isn't that great as it's narrow at the top- our two dogs ain't too keen on this. Apart from that its very versatile, quick, etc etc very similar to the saloon but not so common.

The Forrester seems like a great package, assume it will handle pretty well although slightly more roll, and the boot may be more useful.

I'm considering an STi Forrester next tho... just to be different

geldy

This import idea is v. frustrating for me , as it is clearly a good alternative as you lot now (& Palatine previously) keep reminding me . However I don't think I have enough brownie points to swing it with the better half & what would happen to me if it broke down on her half way up the Alps doesn't bear thinking about.

Flat 4x4

Because I've owned a Legacy Turbo, 5 other Subarus and bought my neighbour 2 Foresters, so felt able to offer an alternative vehicle against the spec that you suggested

If it HAS to be Subaru though, I'd buy the wagon. The driving position on the new XT Forester isn't as good as the old Turb.

geldy

no probs with the alternative suggestion - I was just hoping for some more opinionated comments on the two I am looking at - thks for that

Tentenths

When my Legacy Turbo Est. needed to be changed I had the same problem trying to decide which way to go.

Having test driven both the Forester and the wagon eventually went for a JDM Forester S/tb...and have never regretted it!

Others have already alluded to the "new" Forester Sti - here's a link:-

http://www.litimports.co.uk/emailer/06.02.04/

I believe that David Hendry also had/has one - www.dhcars.co.uk

PALATINE

I don't need to say what I think do I?

geldy

but what do I do when a Jap widget breaks when my wife is driving it in the alps? can it be serviced by ordinary uk & continental subaru dealers?

PALATINE

absolutely
most things are available or the same as UK anyway, and if they aren't the same as the uk forester they are normaly interchangable with an impreza part, I dont know anyone running an import who cant get what they want either through their dealer or Graham Goode