OneSixty's Dad's $600 SG Forester

Yes, you read right. ANOTHER CHEAP FORESTER!! :rock:
This $600 2004 XS Luxury is going to be for my Dad so we can both cruise offroad in style when I have my licence. It runs and drives (sort of) so its way ahead of where my Forester was when we got it, seems like the clutch is slipping so going to break out the jacks and bits of wood and get that gearbox out, don't think much is going to happen with this Forester for a while though.

Links to photos as they are too big even after resizing them:
On the trailer
Following behind
 
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Nice mate! Not that it really matters, but how many km?

A couple of months ago we picked up a 2003 SG XS for $300 (asking $600, was going to scrap it but needed to remove the fuel tank, we offered above scrap price and got a winner) with a week’s rego and drive it three hrs home. 370,000km on the clock. It didn’t miss a beat! It’s an auto for my MIL.

Problems: engine leaked oil like a sieve and the rear right strut made a nasty noise and didn’t move freely. Engine is now back in after HGs and ALL oil seals including the O ring in the oil pump. Once done and ready for rego we will have spent about 5 or 6 times more than the buying price! All genuine parts used. MLS head gasket used to hopefully get rid of that oil leak the factory listed (by VIN) HGs end up with.

I’m looking forward to some pics of your progress on this one.

Hmmm... I should end hijack and start a thread about it. Or go see if I’ve already started one on here like this one.

Cheers

Bennie
 
El_Freddo said:
Nice mate! Not that it really matters, but how many km?
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270,000km. More than we would have liked but with a complete service record to 225,000km and most services done at the dealer the motor sounds and should be solid and hopefully do another 100,000 easily
 
Our EJ251 pulls like a freight train at 370,000km... dunno if it’s the original engine or not, but we’re happy that it goes well.

Yours should be fine too.

Cheers

Bennie
 
Man, I love learning about well-maintained high mileage Subarus. It's a factor of good maintenance by the owner and good engineering by the manufacturer.
 
The luxury Forester is running and driving again, this time with a clutch that hasn't been burnt into dust! Would have been done way sooner but got sent the wrong clutch kit.
Not registered yet, just using my plates 🤫
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Such a good looking car I reckon. I really like this shape!

Good luck with the rego!

Cheers

Bennie
 
Looks just like mine used to many years ago; except it would appear that the front bumper has been replaced as that model should be colour matched just like the rear bumper.
 
Kevin said:
it would appear that the front bumper has been replaced as that model should be colour matched just like the rear bumper.
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That is correct, also one headlight is black and the other is chrome. It appears the vehicle has been in more than one crash as there is damage to both the front and rear of the vehicle.
The front end is pretty messed up. Bonnet doesn't shut easily, grill is zip tied on and there is damage to the top radiator support
 
I like the ruggedness of the SF, the simplicity of the SG and the manly look of the SH. The SH looks like it is designed for men.
 
^ Actually my wife loves her SH ... I find it too big!

Prefer my SG because it is smaller, lower roof, DR manual and handles (considerably) better.
 
Ratbag said:
DR manual
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Didn't the SH come with dual range? I'm sure I looked at one when they came out and it had a dual range box
I agree though, the SG wins in my eyes too, mainly because of the body shape (never driven an SH or later)
I disagree that the SH looks more 'manly' Modern Foresters are pretty bland and same-same with the multitude of imitators that now exist I reckon.

If I was buying a newer Subaru, I'd choose the Outback over it. Or even the XV, if it had an engine & gearbox in it instead of a bunch of rubber bands.
(waits for the howls of disapproval from XV owners)
 
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Ben Up North said:
Didn't the SH come with dual range? I'm sure I looked at one when they came out and it had a dual range box
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I think you're right, but hers has the Jatco 4EAT Sportshift auto. Good tranny, but I prefer mine, except in heavy traffic.
If I was buying a newer Subaru, I'd choose the Outback over it. Or even the XV, if it had an engine & gearbox in it instead of a bunch of rubber bands.
(waits for the howls of disapproval from XV owners)
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I drove a new Liberty with 235 kms on the clock when our SH had its airbag replaced properly. It was like driving a computer! Didn't like the electric steering, and the front suspension was too soft. When asked what I thought of it, I replied that I preferred my 2006 SG ... nuff said.
 
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