Sold – $29,000 (plus fees)
In 2008, Subaru was heavily competing in the World Rally Championship with its WRX STI. Capitalizing on their sporting fame, Subaru sold thousands of WRX STI to WRC fans and AWD enthusiasts. But what if the WRX sedan was a bit too constrictive for your lifestyle? Well in 2007, Subaru gussied up their Forester wagon with a touch of STI-esque flare. Although some 70 horsepower short of the full STI treatment, with the right modifications, you could easily build your own Forester STI – like what we have on auction today.
Properly befitting its transformation, this Forester is elegantly adorned in the appropriate shade of azure for any STI: World Rally Pearlescent Blue. Furthermore, the bumpers, body moldings, and mudguards have been color-matched to this factory paint. Although unconfirmed, the owner informs us that the rear bumper has likely undergone repainting. Moreover, some small chips and scratches, plus a minor ding in the right rear wheel arch, are present.
Enhancing the exterior to envoke a genuine STI feeling are several modifications. An STI Limited front lip splitter has been affixed to the stock bumper that on Forester Sports Turbo trim came without fog lights. Above, is a larger Japanese-market hood scoop feeding the intercooler below. Completing the ensemble are Japanese-market STI badging on the sides, rear hatch, and front grille. Wearing Michelin Pilot Sport tires are a set of gold-painted Ray’s STI wheels overtop DBA 5000 two-piece front and slotted rear rotors inside of red-painted DBA four-piston (front) and two-piston (rear) calipers. The originally-issued 12-spoke silver wheels STI wheels. Also, if you run out of cargo capacity inside the Forester, this example, with a fitted roof basket attached to the factory roof rack bars, will hold more stuff!
Inside the Forster are two front seats with supportive side bolstering and a rear bench seat upholstered in black leather with grey cloth middles. This two-tone design complements the dashboard that also features an aluminum-look center console. Imparting that World-Rally-Championship spirit to the interior is a leather and aluminum STI shift knob, STI aluminum pedals, an STI short-shift kit (with Kartboy bushings), an STI three-spoke steering wheel. A sunroof brightens up the inside of this blistering-fast box when you are not out hunting down Evos.
The stock 150-mph speedometer, 8k tachometer, and combination fuel and coolant gauge cluster is accompanied by an STI Defi gauge pod mounted mid-dash. Replacing the cubby container, this tri-dial cluster provides turbocharger boost pressure, oil pressure, and oil temperature alongside an STI emblem. As of right now, this Forster STI has a touch over 40,000 miles registered to its odometer.
When new, the 2.5-liter boxer flat-four produced 224 horsepower that it sent through its five-speed manual transmission out to each wheel via Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive. However, shortly after being first purchased, the original owner had Subaru of Jacksonville install these modifications:
-Cobb AccessPORT – ECU map selector, boost controller, valet mode
-STI VF43 turbo w/ heat shield
-STI top mount intercooler
-Injen 4” stainless catted downpipe
-Injen 3.5” stainless turbo-back exhaust
-JDM STI air filter/plenum
-NGK Iridium one step colder plugs
-Koyorad aluminum radiator /high-pressure cap/hoses
-STI fuel pump
-Killer B deep aluminum oil pan/pickup/baffle
-Zero Sports magnetic plug
-Group N transmission mount
-Group N engine mounts
-CNC machined battery tie-down
-NAPA performance battery
-WR blue vented engine cover
-Motul engine/diff fluid
Along with a Stage 3 Pro Tune installed in 2017, this Forester recorded a dyno horsepower figure of over 295 with over 330 lb-ft of torque. Aside from engine performance improvements, the current owner had a Gates Kevlar timing belt, new tensioners, idlers, a water pump, crankshaft seal, thermostat, accessory belt, spark plugs, air filter, and fresh coolant installed in 2019. Additionally, a new fuel filter, cabin air filter, Motul gear oil, and ATE 200 brake fluid were exchanged.
Finally, to balance the enhanced engine performance, the brake and suspension were augmented with aftermarket and STI equipment. Inside of the DBA pistons is EBC Red Stuff brake pads supported by Goodridge braided stainless-steel brake lines. KYB AGX adjustable struts are paired with pink STI sports springs below Group N top hats. Held between STI drop links are a Whiteline 27mm front anti-sway bar and an STI 21mm bar in the back. Whiteline bushings tighten up the steering rack feeling.
Purchased new in Florida in 2008, this Forester was the final year of the second generation SG-Chassis. Sold in 2017 by the original owner on Bring-a-Trailer, the current owner has diligently kept records on the wagon. A Carfax report indicates no accidents or damages, and thus it is sold with a clean California title. Aside from the factory manuals and window sticker, the sale includes three STI lug nut sets, a Cobb Accessport, a sunshade, an organization kit, a severe weather companion kit, and much more. If a big-wing STI is too obviously a race car for you, then this grocery-getting sleeper STI should check all the correct boxes.
To see the live bidding on this Forester STI, check out this link here!
