Looking at getting a 2004 Forester XT

Zac · 04-25-2009, 09:25 AM

Well i'm currently driving a 98 legacy wagon and I love. I have exhaust and its dropped on H-techs. I wanted to replace it with a 2005 LGT wagon but they are more exspensive then I thought then I saw that the Forester XT was cheaper, the 2004 model. From what I read here they use the 2004 STi suspension setup? How low can I go with the forester? I dont want something that handles like a boat or a typical SUV. I hate SUV's but I was wondering if the Forester drove kinda like a legacy or impreza? After i've lowered it of course. I have about 4 inches of ground clearance on my legacy right now, is it possible to have a Forester that low aswell or will it mess up the whole geometry and will handle like garbage?

satalac · 04-25-2009, 09:31 AM

the 04xt doesn't have the sti suspension, but many parts from a sti will fit.

Dan · 04-25-2009, 09:42 AM

The Forester doesn't drive like the Legacy at all. Completely different platform, and different suspension tuning for a different type of driving experience. To get a Forester at 4 inches off the ground, that would likely make for a car-show-only ride quality. It already handles decently for a vehicle with ~8" of ground clearance that can go offroad, and it doesn't take a crazy amount of mods or drop to sharpen its moves. In fact, you can greatly improve the handling without lowering it a single millimeter.

alexgorod · 04-25-2009, 10:51 AM

It's about 2006, but probably good for 04 as well.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...specialty_file

2.5x_sleeper · 04-25-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zac

Well i'm currently driving a 98 legacy wagon and I love. I have exhaust and its dropped on H-techs. I wanted to replace it with a 2005 LGT wagon but they are more exspensive then I thought then I saw that the Forester XT was cheaper, the 2004 model. From what I read here they use the 2004 STi suspension setup? How low can I go with the forester? I dont want something that handles like a boat or a typical SUV. I hate SUV's but I was wondering if the Forester drove kinda like a legacy or impreza? After i've lowered it of course. I have about 4 inches of ground clearance on my legacy right now, is it possible to have a Forester that low aswell or will it mess up the whole geometry and will handle like garbage?

An '04XT would be my choice. This model year has the same feel as my '03, plus it's already setup with a turbo. I can't wait to start boosting the power on an '04XT!

I'm looking for one, but haven't found one yet that meets my criteria.

My '03 isn't lowered, but with 235/50-17 performance rubber & heavy duty front & rear swaybars, see my post here RalliTEK Front & Rear Sway Bars, plus AVO Endlinks installed on my '03 I can take twisty roads as fast as I care to drive.

I was going to install Swift Sport springs, have a set, but I've decided I like how my '03 sits.

Bobby...

Zac · 04-25-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

The Forester doesn't drive like the Legacy at all. Completely different platform, and different suspension tuning for a different type of driving experience. To get a Forester at 4 inches off the ground, that would likely make for a car-show-only ride quality. It already handles decently for a vehicle with ~8" of ground clearance that can go offroad, and it doesn't take a crazy amount of mods or drop to sharpen its moves. In fact, you can greatly improve the handling without lowering it a single millimeter.

Actually I drive my car daily and never have a problem, I scrape some times but its only my randomtech that scrapes the ground which isnt too bad. I like it low, makes it feel and look more sporty, I know this is not a sports car so i'm hardpressed to see if a FXT is the car for me. I just want to know if it can be made to handle very well such as closely to a STi.

Arthrogrian19 · 04-26-2009, 03:16 PM

How to turn better than an STI for cheap!

manitou · 05-04-2009, 02:55 PM

208 Fifth Gear - Impreza STI Type UK vs. Forester - Video

you can see how a forester can handle. it doesn't need to be an STI to acheive this handling.

2.5x_sleeper · 05-04-2009, 03:24 PM

^^ That was a fun video to watch!

Bobby...

04-25-2009, 09:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
Zac Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Looking at getting a 2004 Forester XT Well i'm currently driving a 98 legacy wagon and I love. I have exhaust and its dropped on H-techs. I wanted to replace it with a 2005 LGT wagon but they are more exspensive then I thought then I saw that the Forester XT was cheaper, the 2004 model. From what I read here they use the 2004 STi suspension setup? How low can I go with the forester? I dont want something that handles like a boat or a typical SUV. I hate SUV's but I was wondering if the Forester drove kinda like a legacy or impreza? After i've lowered it of course. I have about 4 inches of ground clearance on my legacy right now, is it possible to have a Forester that low aswell or will it mess up the whole geometry and will handle like garbage?

04-25-2009, 09:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
satalac Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Nashville Posts: 1,534 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	the 04xt doesn't have the sti suspension, but many parts from a sti will fit. __________________ Java Black Pearl 04XT 5sp Stg. 1

04-25-2009, 09:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
Dan Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: La Crosse area, Wisconsin Posts: 4,222 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The Forester doesn't drive like the Legacy at all. Completely different platform, and different suspension tuning for a different type of driving experience. To get a Forester at 4 inches off the ground, that would likely make for a car-show-only ride quality. It already handles decently for a vehicle with ~8" of ground clearance that can go offroad, and it doesn't take a crazy amount of mods or drop to sharpen its moves. In fact, you can greatly improve the handling without lowering it a single millimeter. __________________ SHIFT_to_Subaru '04 XT, 5spd

04-25-2009, 10:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
alexgorod Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Detroit metro area, MI Posts: 44 Gallery: 4 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It's about 2006, but probably good for 04 as well. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...specialty_file __________________ 02 2.5X AT->06 2.5XT AT Limited->09 2.5XT Limited

04-26-2009, 03:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
Arthrogrian19 A shrubbery!!!! Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NW Portland, OR Posts: 3,143 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 6 reviews	How to turn better than an STI for cheap! __________________ Forester Registry ● Registry Sign-Up ● Ian's '08 FSXT

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05-04-2009, 02:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
manitou 2006 FSTI LTD Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cedar, Michigan Posts: 82 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	208 Fifth Gear - Impreza STI Type UK vs. Forester - Video you can see how a forester can handle. it doesn't need to be an STI to acheive this handling.

05-04-2009, 03:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
2.5x_sleeper Need more MODs! Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 9,048 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 25 reviews	^^ That was a fun video to watch! Bobby... __________________ '07 FSXT WRB AT - COBB dyno Protune - Stage 1 '03 X PBP AT +AVO turbo kit! (son's) '95 Neon Sport

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