The SG9 series Forester Sti with 280 bhp was introduced in 2004. As usual, the Japanese kept the best for themselves, with the UK, Europe, USA etc only getting much lesser equipped models, the closest hottest for other markets being a good 80+ bhp down on power, yet alone other performance enhancements.The Forester Sti 2004 model is an extensively equipped robust spaceous family car offering legendary Subaru STI performance 4WD all-weather capability. This particular example is extremely rare being one of only a handful available for the UK market. It's full spec. including all factory options from Japan and is also equipped with a close ratio 6 speed manual gearbox, Brembo brakes, 18" alloys and impressive STi specification. As a complete package the Forester STi 2004 model is unbeatable for performance, value and versatility.
Watch 5th Gears Vicky Butler Henderson putting an STi Impreza against the 2nd Generation (Facelift) Forester STi on the track.
Cars of this category are finding welcoming homes with business people who need to carry loads for their work, or owners who need space to carry hobby goods on weekends - whilst wanting a car that is capable of covering ground quickly, be fun to hussle on twisty country roads and able to operate in all weather conditions. These Subarus are also capable of covering high mileages reliably, so they're a good choice for many. A better and more reliable choice than most performance 4WD estate car European counterparts which are less reliable and more costly to run.Mechanical Specification includes: 2.5 litre 16 valve boxer 4 cylinder EJ257 STi (AVCS) engine with intercooler turbo making 280 bhp as standard, 6 speed close ratio manual gearbox mated to permanent 4 wheel drive, with powerful Brembo 4 wheel disc brakes including dinner plate sized discs with 4-piston calipers at the front and 2 piston at the rear. Suspension includes factory fitted gas struts. To deal with the extra power, the Forester STi gets upgraded suspension components. In addition to STi sport springs and revised struts at each corner, there are beefier anti-roll bars and cross-members. The changes result in a ride height that is 30mm lower and produces an improved resistance to torsional forces. These combined help to offer a refined yet sporty ride that allows you to play with sliding the rear end using throttle to control it, yet gives excellent all weather drivability all whilst offering class leading load capacity. How about a 0-60 in 5.0 seconds with ability to return 30 mpg when driven normally! Naturally along with powerful Brembos at each corner there's 4 channel ABS as standard too. Considering the capacity of swallowing an entire family of 5, ample luggage and the dog with ability to cruise at high speed to say a Ski resort, it only weighs 1,470kg unlaiden. This car is of standard mechanical specification throughout.
Interior Specification: STI bucket type sports seats with alcantara inserts STi logos embossed into the material, split / foldable rear seats with 3 x 3 point rear seat belts, Isofix baby seat mountings, foldable rear seat arm-rest with part reclinable rear seats, height adjustable upper seatbelt anchors for each of 4 main seats, , STi option alloy pedal covers, Carrozzeria 200W CD/MD/Radio, factory fitted high power speakers with integrated sub woofer in the boot additional storage under boot area partition, reclinable rear seats, rear luggage area cover, full set of Subaru original deep pile fitted mats, Momo SRS leather trimmed steering wheel, SRS airbag for passenger, pre-tensioners on front seatbelts - linked to the SRS system, leather shift knob, climate controlled air conditioning, electric door mirrors with retract mode, heated wipers, factory fitted privacy glass, full electric windows, original option side visors remote controlled central locking. We have changed the pollen filter too. Just small but important attention to details where it counts.
Exterior: Full 2nd generation Sti factory fitted bodykit consisting of (Polyeurethane - resistant to stone chips small knocks) front bumper, side-skirts, rear bumper original option sports mud guards. There is privacy glass for all rear windows (Factory fitted) with pilarless glass on all doors, Crystal design headlights with HID, Factory fitted 18" lightweight alloy wheels with 4 good sports tyres of size: 225/45R18, Aero roof rails, high level rear spoiler with integrated brake light, sports front grille, vented bonnet, rear wash wipe. Note the low centre design of the rear bumper for ease of loading.
Test Drive: As with each car we source, this example was picked for it's high quality. From our first inspection we could tell the single owner from new of this car had maintained it beautifully. It's clear from the general condition, this Forester STi's never been driven hard and has always been well looked after. As such it drives without fault and the engine is purrrfectly quiet, no rattles or other signs of wear. We found absolutely no faults to report / needing repair. Note this car has been meticulously serviced maintaned by Subaru since new. Timing belt, tensioner idler were changed at 94,956km on 7th August 2012 and it also had a recent oil change.
Condition: Paintwork is stunning and the underside of the car is as clean as the year it left the factory with no corrosion. We found just one small pin dent on the driver's door. This will be repaired as part of full preparation in the UK. On two of the sports mudguards side skirt next to the driver's door there were minor stone chips / paint chips. These have been professionally touched in with factory matched paint and are not visible.The interior is like new. After valetting, shampooing deep vacuuming, it's like new unmarked. It's clear the previous owner was very careful. The boot floor does have some marks from carrying heavy objects, but there is a neoprene backed boot liner included. Also available is an original option heavy duty plastic tray. There are bungee eyelets located in the corners of the boot area with which to tie down luggage.
We did find that the exterior temp display below the odometer shows 50 Deg C constantly, which has been traced to a faulty outside air temp sensor located in front of the radiator. A new one has been ordered and shall be fitted prior to completion / shipping.
Note the complete lack of corrosion, or oil leaks on the underside. Engine bay is also in excellent condition, with no rust on bolts, etc. Even the fins on the intercooler show virtually no flattening, further indicating this car's not been driven hard (Subaru intercooler fins will flatten if the car's driven at high-speed in rain, for example) This is a hand-picked example of much better quality than you may find elsewhere is the only example of a pre-facelift Forester STi we currently have in stock. We are having difficulty finding good examples of cars to buy here in Japan, so once it's gone - we expect finding another replacement Forester Sti model of this quality to be very difficult.
The UK of full preparation as described, 12 months MOT and a year's full comprehensive warranty is £10,995.
This car is currently in stock at our storage premises located in Chiba, Japan and is ready for prompt shipment. It can be supplied to any eligible country worldwide. For further information on how to reserve this car - Contact us. A deposit of £1,000 secures.
Newera Imports - Hand picking only the very best performance cars since 1998 for delighted customers. Recommended by owner's clubs and magazines all over the world.