Forester differences, the years and levels?

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steptoe
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Forester differences, the years and levels?

Post by steptoe » Fri Apr 23, 2010 8:18 am

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

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RSR 555
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Post by RSR 555 » Fri Apr 23, 2010 9:25 am

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.
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bobbyjimmy
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Post by bobbyjimmy » Fri Apr 23, 2010 9:25 am

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...

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Point
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Post by Point » Fri Apr 23, 2010 11:40 am

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.
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steptoe
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Post by steptoe » Fri Apr 23, 2010 1:57 pm

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

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Gannon
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Post by Gannon » Fri Apr 23, 2010 6:22 pm

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

Later tail lights 2001-2003
Image

Is this the front grill you are talking about. 2001 GX
Image
As opposed to this one. 2001 GT
Image

Second Gen 2003-2008 SG
2003-2005
Image
2006-2007
Image

3rd Gen 2008-present
Image
Current rides: 2016 Mitsubishi Triton GLS & 2004 Forester X
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Past rides: 92 L series turbo converted wagon, 83 Leone GL Sedan, 2004 Liberty GT Sedan & 2001 Outback
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steptoe
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Post by steptoe » Sun Apr 25, 2010 12:42 am

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

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Subyroo
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Post by Subyroo » Sun Apr 25, 2010 11:49 am

Suparoo wrote: Second Gen 2003-2008 SG
2003-2005
Image
Still the best looking shape of the Foresters IMO.

:p :p :p :p
Peter

Image

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AlpineRaven
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Post by AlpineRaven » Sun Apr 25, 2010 12:11 pm

you would find Forrester GT to have rear VLSD.
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Subarus that I have/had:
1995 Liberty "Rallye" - 5MT AWD, LSD - *written off 25/8/06 in towing accident.
1996 Liberty Wagon - SkiFX AWD 5MT D/R, Lifted.. Outback Sway Bar, 1.59:1 Low Gearing see thread: 1.59:1 in EJ Box Page
Sold at 385,000kms in July 2011.
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Gannon
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Post by Gannon » Mon Apr 26, 2010 10:08 am

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
Current rides: 2016 Mitsubishi Triton GLS & 2004 Forester X
Ongoing Project/Toy: 1987 RX Turbo EA82T, Speeduino ECU, Coil-pack ignition, 440cc Injectors, KONI adjustale front struts, Hybrid L Series/ Liberty AWD 5sp
Past rides: 92 L series turbo converted wagon, 83 Leone GL Sedan, 2004 Liberty GT Sedan & 2001 Outback
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