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Funny how you progress through the subaru models. I used to be one eyed towards MY MV Brumby - no real interest in the other later models, then there came the L Series turbo Project Cheap Grief and I became more familiar with the L Series stuff, efi and turbo. Admired a GT Foz that blew me off in my Ford some years back, so have a tiny interest there and after scoring a tail light of all things for a 2003 Foz they continue to catch my eye.

Now noticing they have different levels - Forester, Forester X,2.5 , XS? and others.

Just how do the levels rate from basic to Turbo in the 2003? When do you get alloys? Still turbo in 2003 models? All 2.5 or some 2.0?

Then with the earlier body shape there were different grilles and tail lights. I am sorry, but I don't particularly like the Foz grille that looks like Daiwoo designed it - what year was this one?

Have to admit I did not like Foz at first simply due to the rubber duck bill bumperette on the front - the rest of the car on these early ones could grow on me.

Got talking to an old guy with his early GT, 320,000km on it and loves it, saying his wifes inner or middle ear condition is treated kindly by the AWD feel. (wonder how the turbo rush treats it?) And no its not for sale they are gonna refurb it when necessary they like it that much - and it's auto.

A pictorial of the different year looks would be great for all Subarus as a sticky in another post heh?

Seen a mountain bike or two shoved in the back of a foldded down seat Foz too so looking like a good candidate when I can and need to upgrade to more modern than Brumby and the GLTA

I'm a big fan of the Foz too and envy Vidler everytime I see his.

But to answer some of your questions..

As for the model styles and pictures/info, I go onto http://www.redbook.com.au and just put in Subaru Forester and All Years. Lots of pictures on there.

And the question on Alloy wheels, I'm under the impression that only the Turbo (GT) models came with the but after they are sold, some people change them from steel to alloy, so hard to tell what is standard or not.

They went to the "SG" shape in late 2002, so MY03's.
Earlier/boxier model's (1997 - 2002) are "SF" and current models are "SH" (2008 - on).
All turbo's in SF's are 2.0, unless converted.
All turbo's in SG's and SH's are 2.5.
Alloy's start at XS level trim unless optioned on lower spec X.
The bumperette was only really on the SF's, and I agree, they look abit ordinary.
They also had XS limited and XT Limited, plus the various "need to flog the rest of our stock" and "special edition" model's with different trims etc (one had orange trim all over it, was not pretty).

No idea which Daewoo grille your talking about...

I think the Daewoo grille is the facelifted SF. I'm not a fan either. The SF non turbo was the one with the 1.44 low and 4.11 diff ratio box. Another thing to note is about mid '98 there was a major change with the SF even though it doesn't coincide with the facelift. The engine is different to the earlier SF with different heads and manifold. The earlier SF EJ20 looks the same as my G1 Lib EJ22, but it has roller rockers instead of HLAs, and a plastic inlet manifold. I think this is when they introduced the coded keys for the efi computer too. This is also when they went to 8 bolt bellhousings and there's something weird about the flywheel too. It might be a dual mass one. I've only ever seen the GT with factory alloys.

I was not even aware that Fuji adopted a system of identity in sequence too like many other manufacturers have since ...well the the XK Falcon, XL, XM, XP, XR, XT, XW, XY, XA, XB,XC,XD,XE,XF, EA, EB, ED, EF, EL, AU I,II & III, BA BF

Better than Leone, L Series? is it 2WD of FWD or 4WD?

The Daiwoo grille? chrome surrounds and looks like it was straight off a Daiwoo Laganza? or somethng Korean anyway

This is the first Gen 1997-2003 SF
Early tail lights 97-2000


Later tail lights 2001-2003


Is this the front grill you are talking about. 2001 GX

As opposed to this one. 2001 GT


Second Gen 2003-2008 SG
2003-2005

2006-2007


3rd Gen 2008-present

Nice presentation there with detail - thanks Gannon. Yep, that is the grille, to me , looks worse when no front bumperette thing to hide its daewoo look

Suparoo wrote: Second Gen 2003-2008 SG
2003-2005

Still the best looking shape of the Foresters IMO.

you would find Forrester GT to have rear VLSD.
Cheers
AP

Subyroo wrote:

2003-2006

Still the best looking shape of the Foresters IMO.

Agreed

It took me ages to decide between the Gen2 03-06 Forester and the Gen3 98-03 Outback

Outback won because of the build quality feel and comfort