Fujisan's 4-year quest for an 08 FXT Sports 5MT

fujisan · 10-02-2009, 08:35 PM

Believe it or not, this forum may have a significant impact on people's life.

This is the story of a guy who knew absolutely nothing about cars and ended up importing 3 Foresters in his quest for the perfect XT...

___________________________________________

About 3 years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about cars, much less about Subarus, most of my friends were the intellectual/activist types riding recycled bikes, and you would have had to pay me to even consider fiddling with a car in a garage, or even doing an oil change.
In summary, I've never been a "car guy"... but that was before I started reading stuff on SF.org...

2006
I began shopping for a new car. Key criteria were decent driving during the Canadian winter, good fuel economy and sufficient cargo for our new baby's stuff.

Came across sf.org for the first time during my research.
I saw the posts on the XTs, and how much fun the XT owners seemed to have, but with a new baby and a new house there was no way I could shed an extra 5k on a car...
So I imported my first Forester X Premium from NY State saving more than 10k on the Canadian prices:

I loved this car, but the more I read stuff on sf.org the more I wanted to get an XT. Plus, I felt that it lacked power when trying to pass on the highway.

2007
Then came 2007, a second child on the way, and could not convince the girlfriend to spend 5k to get an XT.
But at this point, I had a plan: I saved a lot of money by importing my 06; If I could sell it at a profit, I could get and 07, resell the 07 in 08, and one day I would have I would have my XT.

Meet my 07 X premium, again, imported from NY State:

2008
The Canadian dollar goes down, along with my hopes of getting an XT.

The more I spent time on sf.org, the more obsessed I was with the XT.
I even went to a few local Subaru club meets.
At this point, my girlfriend is getting very sick of hearing me talk about the XT and Subarus.

Spring 2009
3rd child on the way, I've spent 2 days trying to fit 3 car seats in the Forester, searching on the web for smaller seats, and its just too tight.
I was beginning to feel that I would have to face every man's worst nightmare: I would have to buy a mini-van (we did not want a big SUV).

Summer 2009
Canadian dollar picks-up and flies up to .94 US $.
I'm shopping for a mini-van.

I get a call from the guy who bought my 06: "You would not be selling your 07 by any chance?"
My gf can't hear me complain about the mini-van any longer and finally says the magic words:

"Alright, get your XT so that you can finally talk about something else and stop complaining about the mini-van."

September 2009
I ask the impossible in a new thread in the Vehicles Wanted topic on sf.org:

A 08 XT sports with low mileage, silver, AND 5MT.

There must be 15 of those on earth...

2 weeks later, thanks to sf.org, I've got a deal on a fellow forum member's XT!!!

...and after 3 years, and a lot of headhaches (importing through a private sale revealed to be much more complex than through a dealership, but the seller was very understanding and helpful), I had a truck in front of my house three days ago with this on it:

Duderotomy · 10-02-2009, 08:44 PM

Awesome progression man! glad to see you've joined us in the imported Turbo Sports community.
Out of curiosity though, why is it missing the STi lip? Or was that just part of the deal?
Just wait until the turbo isn't fast enough for you and you need a bigger turbo...

Vinnyd · 10-02-2009, 08:48 PM

nice patience and congrats. stop having babies so u can save up for some mod money

ewong_kaizen · 10-02-2009, 08:52 PM

wahoo!

My story was sort of similar....

Looking for an XT white, NON tan interior and a manual trans.

Then I found a NEW 08 XT Sports in alpine white.

I told Kathy who I figured would say - no way - you are slated to get laid off - what are you doing buying a new car?
Instead she said - would you just shut up already and BUY the durned thing.
Glad I married her :)

fujisan · 10-02-2009, 09:07 PM

Thanks for the comments guys!!

Sti lip was already sold by the previous owner. I got a RavSpec lip that I just installed tonight.

As far as your coment on the bigger turbo and mods...
No need to wait any longer: as I mentioned before, I`ve been waiting for 4 years...

If you've read my first post, you'll know that I knew nothing about cars a couple of months ago.
But you know how this forum is...
I learned a thing or two, and I had a good idea of the mods I wanted, but for importation purposes, and given that I was buying it used through a private sale, I had asked the vehicle to be as stock as possible when I posted my requrest in the "vehicles wanted" section of the forum.

The seller replied:
"Hi,
I saw your WTB post and looks like I might have what you're looking for if you are still looking.
I have a few upgrades on the car but nothing crazy."

He lied.

Here is what I got my hands on:

Exterior:
2.5XT badge delete
Tint-35% Front, 15% Rear and Sunroof
STi hood scoop color matched
RainX front wipers

Enterior:
Auto-dim mirror w/compass
Fuji 5MT leather shift knob
Subaru all-season rubber floor mat set
Matching aluminum foot rest
Subaru Cargo mat, net
Belt chime off

Engine/Exhaust/Tune:
Cobb Accessport with a protune map by Dave @MSPT, as well as Cobb ots stage 1, 2, 3 maps
STi intercooler
Subtle hood splitter
STi turbo-VF43
STi catback
Helix catted downpipe
AP crank pulley
SPT turbo heatshield

Garage XTI hood struts.

Tranny/Diff:
Kartboy/Tic Supershifter kit
Kartboy chassis bushings
Amsoil syn oil

Suspension/Steering:
Swift Sport springs
Cobb front and rear 25mm sway bar kit
Kartboy front and rear aluminum endlinks
Whiteline rear link tab support
Whiteline steering bushings

Wheels/Tires/Brakes:
OEM 08 STI wheels
Falken Ziex ZE-912 tires
Centric front/rear rotors
Carbotech Bobcat front/rear pads
H6 rear rotor/caliper bracket/pad upgrade
Goodridge ss lines
Speedbleeders
Ate Blue brake fluid

...and the result is as follows:

Tussen · 10-02-2009, 09:25 PM

You got yourself a monster in the making fujisan. Beautiful car, just don't wreck it!
And marry that girl already....

fujisan · 10-02-2009, 09:27 PM

Thanks Tussen -

Yes, last thing I want to do is wreck it, it`s been so tough to get here...
Let me tell you, with 3 kids, you are even more committed than if you are married. ;-)

I also have the folllowing already installed, laying in my garage or on its way:

Rally Armor Mud Flaps
Hidden Hitch
Weathertech floor mats
Rota G-Force -> Gunmetal
Brigestone Blizzaks WS60

...and contemplating these:

Subtle/Primitive Skidplate
audio system
possibly fog lights (DWMoss install - Post 28)

That should do it.

I`m telling you, once you`re hooked to SF.org, it is not good for the wallet!

BAC5.2 · 10-02-2009, 09:32 PM

Whose car was it?

Looks good! I would leave power mods alone, or you'll be having a whole NEW conversation with the GF!

Duderotomy · 10-02-2009, 10:26 PM

Yeah, sounds to me like you've got plenty of power mods there already.
Take it to the drag strip and see what she'll do. Those power figures could knock me off the "quickest Forester in Ontario" podium

fujisan · 10-04-2009, 10:00 AM

Yes, plenty of power as is; not planning anything else in that department!

Bac5.2 - The architect of this perfect XT is fellow forum member Saabura. He did a superb job selecting and installing the mods, and the car was in absolute mint condition when I received it except for a rear bumper dent that I knew about.

I am very happy!!

fujisan · 10-04-2009, 10:02 AM

Turned off the annoying chirp sound when locking the doors, and
installed front RavSpec lip:

neoshi · 10-04-2009, 11:05 AM

lucky man. i totally need to do the same but i can't get myself to spend the $$.

willimprez · 10-10-2009, 05:30 AM

Saw this car in person wednesday at the Ottawa meet... No words to describe

Sweet ride J-F

fujisan · 11-07-2009, 06:12 PM

It`s been about a month since I got the Foz, and the more I drive it the more I'm loving it!!

Got the Rota G-Force (Gunmetal) for my winter set-up from lsdmotorsports.com (great experience with this vendor btw):

fujisan · 11-07-2009, 06:17 PM

I felt that the paint on my 07 was not in great shape after only 2 years, so I got the 3M clearbra as I intend to hopefully keep this one for at least 10 years.

The film is apparent if you are 2-3 feet near the car, otherwise you can't tell it's on.

10-02-2009, 08:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
fujisan Forum Member Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 356 Location: Ottawa, Canada Car Year: 2008 Car Model: XT Sports Gallery: 1 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Fujisan's 4-year quest for an 08 FXT Sports 5MT Believe it or not, this forum may have a significant impact on people's life. This is the story of a guy who knew absolutely nothing about cars and ended up importing 3 Foresters in his quest for the perfect XT... ___________________________________________ About 3 years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about cars, much less about Subarus, most of my friends were the intellectual/activist types riding recycled bikes, and you would have had to pay me to even consider fiddling with a car in a garage, or even doing an oil change. In summary, I've never been a "car guy"... but that was before I started reading stuff on SF.org... 2006 I began shopping for a new car. Key criteria were decent driving during the Canadian winter, good fuel economy and sufficient cargo for our new baby's stuff. Came across sf.org for the first time during my research. I saw the posts on the XTs, and how much fun the XT owners seemed to have, but with a new baby and a new house there was no way I could shed an extra 5k on a car... So I imported my first Forester X Premium from NY State saving more than 10k on the Canadian prices: I loved this car, but the more I read stuff on sf.org the more I wanted to get an XT. Plus, I felt that it lacked power when trying to pass on the highway. 2007 Then came 2007, a second child on the way, and could not convince the girlfriend to spend 5k to get an XT. But at this point, I had a plan: I saved a lot of money by importing my 06; If I could sell it at a profit, I could get and 07, resell the 07 in 08, and one day I would have I would have my XT. Meet my 07 X premium, again, imported from NY State: 2008 The Canadian dollar goes down, along with my hopes of getting an XT. The more I spent time on sf.org, the more obsessed I was with the XT. I even went to a few local Subaru club meets. At this point, my girlfriend is getting very sick of hearing me talk about the XT and Subarus. Spring 2009 3rd child on the way, I've spent 2 days trying to fit 3 car seats in the Forester, searching on the web for smaller seats, and its just too tight. I was beginning to feel that I would have to face every man's worst nightmare: I would have to buy a mini-van (we did not want a big SUV). Summer 2009 Canadian dollar picks-up and flies up to .94 US $. I'm shopping for a mini-van. I get a call from the guy who bought my 06: "You would not be selling your 07 by any chance?" My gf can't hear me complain about the mini-van any longer and finally says the magic words: "Alright, get your XT so that you can finally talk about something else and stop complaining about the mini-van." September 2009 I ask the impossible in a new thread in the Vehicles Wanted topic on sf.org: A 08 XT sports with low mileage, silver, AND 5MT. There must be 15 of those on earth... 2 weeks later, thanks to sf.org, I've got a deal on a fellow forum member's XT!!! ...and after 3 years, and a lot of headhaches (importing through a private sale revealed to be much more complex than through a dealership, but the seller was very understanding and helpful), I had a truck in front of my house three days ago with this on it: __________________ '08 FXT Sports MT - VF43 and a few other modz Last edited by fujisan; 07-29-2010 at 04:43 AM.

10-02-2009, 08:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
Duderotomy ɹoʇɐɹǝpoɯ ɹǝdns Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 16,370 Location: Tim Horton's Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Sports 2.5XT Limited Transmission: 5MT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 16 reviews	Awesome progression man! glad to see you've joined us in the imported Turbo Sports community. Out of curiosity though, why is it missing the STi lip? Or was that just part of the deal? Just wait until the turbo isn't fast enough for you and you need a bigger turbo... __________________ 07 XT - VF43'd 02 S 03 Outback H6 98 S - H6/Ver.8 swap 90 Nissan Skyline GTS-t

10-02-2009, 08:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Vinnyd Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 3,174 Location: Columbia, Md Car Year: 2004 Car Model: XT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 16 reviews	nice patience and congrats. stop having babies so u can save up for some mod money __________________ 500hp Journal big wheels and big brakes soon

10-02-2009, 09:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
fujisan Forum Member Contributing Member Thread Starter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 356 Location: Ottawa, Canada Car Year: 2008 Car Model: XT Sports Gallery: 1 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Thanks for the comments guys!! Sti lip was already sold by the previous owner. I got a RavSpec lip that I just installed tonight. As far as your coment on the bigger turbo and mods... No need to wait any longer: as I mentioned before, I`ve been waiting for 4 years... If you've read my first post, you'll know that I knew nothing about cars a couple of months ago. But you know how this forum is... I learned a thing or two, and I had a good idea of the mods I wanted, but for importation purposes, and given that I was buying it used through a private sale, I had asked the vehicle to be as stock as possible when I posted my requrest in the "vehicles wanted" section of the forum. The seller replied: "Hi, I saw your WTB post and looks like I might have what you're looking for if you are still looking. I have a few upgrades on the car but nothing crazy." He lied. Here is what I got my hands on: Exterior: 2.5XT badge delete Tint-35% Front, 15% Rear and Sunroof STi hood scoop color matched RainX front wipers Enterior: Auto-dim mirror w/compass Fuji 5MT leather shift knob Subaru all-season rubber floor mat set Matching aluminum foot rest Subaru Cargo mat, net Belt chime off Engine/Exhaust/Tune: Cobb Accessport with a protune map by Dave @MSPT, as well as Cobb ots stage 1, 2, 3 maps STi intercooler Subtle hood splitter STi turbo-VF43 STi catback Helix catted downpipe AP crank pulley SPT turbo heatshield Garage XTI hood struts. Tranny/Diff: Kartboy/Tic Supershifter kit Kartboy chassis bushings Amsoil syn oil Suspension/Steering: Swift Sport springs Cobb front and rear 25mm sway bar kit Kartboy front and rear aluminum endlinks Whiteline rear link tab support Whiteline steering bushings Wheels/Tires/Brakes: OEM 08 STI wheels Falken Ziex ZE-912 tires Centric front/rear rotors Carbotech Bobcat front/rear pads H6 rear rotor/caliper bracket/pad upgrade Goodridge ss lines Speedbleeders Ate Blue brake fluid ...and the result is as follows: __________________ '08 FXT Sports MT - VF43 and a few other modz Last edited by fujisan; 01-09-2010 at 06:36 PM.

10-02-2009, 09:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
Tussen Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,985 Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA Car Year: 2006 Car Model: Forester XT Limited Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 18 reviews	You got yourself a monster in the making fujisan. Beautiful car, just don't wreck it! And marry that girl already.... __________________ 06 XTL 4EAT 2.5XT-R Yimi Sport Tuned...

10-02-2009, 08:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
ewong_kaizen Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 585 Location: Philly Car Year: 2008 Car Model: XT Sports Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	wahoo! My story was sort of similar.... Looking for an XT white, NON tan interior and a manual trans. Then I found a NEW 08 XT Sports in alpine white. I told Kathy who I figured would say - no way - you are slated to get laid off - what are you doing buying a new car? Instead she said - would you just shut up already and BUY the durned thing. Glad I married her :)

10-02-2009, 09:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
fujisan Forum Member Contributing Member Thread Starter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 356 Location: Ottawa, Canada Car Year: 2008 Car Model: XT Sports Gallery: 1 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Thanks Tussen - Yes, last thing I want to do is wreck it, it`s been so tough to get here... Let me tell you, with 3 kids, you are even more committed than if you are married. ;-) I also have the folllowing already installed, laying in my garage or on its way: Rally Armor Mud Flaps Hidden Hitch Weathertech floor mats Rota G-Force -> Gunmetal Brigestone Blizzaks WS60 ...and contemplating these: Subtle/Primitive Skidplate audio system possibly fog lights (DWMoss install - Post 28) That should do it. I`m telling you, once you`re hooked to SF.org, it is not good for the wallet! __________________ '08 FXT Sports MT - VF43 and a few other modz Last edited by fujisan; 11-20-2009 at 06:53 AM.

10-02-2009, 09:32 PM	#8 (permalink)
BAC5.2 iMod (no, really I do!!) Contributing Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 10,490 Location: Gaithersburg, MD Car Year: 2009 Car Model: Outback XT-B Transmission: 5MT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Whose car was it? Looks good! I would leave power mods alone, or you'll be having a whole NEW conversation with the GF! __________________ 09 SWP Outback 2.5XT 5MT 263whp, 337 lb-ft

10-02-2009, 10:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
Duderotomy ɹoʇɐɹǝpoɯ ɹǝdns Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 16,370 Location: Tim Horton's Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Sports 2.5XT Limited Transmission: 5MT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 16 reviews	Yeah, sounds to me like you've got plenty of power mods there already. Take it to the drag strip and see what she'll do. Those power figures could knock me off the "quickest Forester in Ontario" podium __________________ 07 XT - VF43'd 02 S 03 Outback H6 98 S - H6/Ver.8 swap 90 Nissan Skyline GTS-t

10-04-2009, 10:00 AM	#10 (permalink)
fujisan Forum Member Contributing Member Thread Starter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 356 Location: Ottawa, Canada Car Year: 2008 Car Model: XT Sports Gallery: 1 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Yes, plenty of power as is; not planning anything else in that department! Bac5.2 - The architect of this perfect XT is fellow forum member Saabura. He did a superb job selecting and installing the mods, and the car was in absolute mint condition when I received it except for a rear bumper dent that I knew about. I am very happy!! __________________ '08 FXT Sports MT - VF43 and a few other modz

10-04-2009, 10:02 AM	#11 (permalink)
fujisan Forum Member Contributing Member Thread Starter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 356 Location: Ottawa, Canada Car Year: 2008 Car Model: XT Sports Gallery: 1 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Turned off the annoying chirp sound when locking the doors, and installed front RavSpec lip: __________________ '08 FXT Sports MT - VF43 and a few other modz Last edited by fujisan; 11-09-2009 at 04:40 PM.

10-04-2009, 11:05 AM	#12 (permalink)
neoshi Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 8,395 Location: 949 The OC/The City 415 Car Year: 05 Car Model: XSsss.. Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 30 reviews	lucky man. i totally need to do the same but i can't get myself to spend the $$. __________________ 05 XS

10-10-2009, 05:30 AM	#13 (permalink)
willimprez Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 26 Location: Quebec Car Year: 06 Car Model: FXT Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Saw this car in person wednesday at the Ottawa meet... No words to describe Sweet ride J-F __________________ SF forester with 04 WRX swap.

11-07-2009, 06:12 PM	#14 (permalink)
fujisan Forum Member Contributing Member Thread Starter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 356 Location: Ottawa, Canada Car Year: 2008 Car Model: XT Sports Gallery: 1 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Rota G-Force It`s been about a month since I got the Foz, and the more I drive it the more I'm loving it!! Got the Rota G-Force (Gunmetal) for my winter set-up from lsdmotorsports.com (great experience with this vendor btw): __________________ '08 FXT Sports MT - VF43 and a few other modz

11-07-2009, 06:17 PM	#15 (permalink)
fujisan Forum Member Contributing Member Thread Starter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 356 Location: Ottawa, Canada Car Year: 2008 Car Model: XT Sports Gallery: 1 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	3M Clearbra I felt that the paint on my 07 was not in great shape after only 2 years, so I got the 3M clearbra as I intend to hopefully keep this one for at least 10 years. The film is apparent if you are 2-3 feet near the car, otherwise you can't tell it's on. __________________ '08 FXT Sports MT - VF43 and a few other modz Last edited by fujisan; 11-07-2009 at 06:24 PM.

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