The Forester
SH Forester XT / 2009
This is her. My third Subie. My daily. A 2009 JDM Subaru Forester 2.0XT. Probably best described as one of the most fun all round cars you can drive. It's all wheel drive, it's turbo charged, it's lifted and all terrains, and the amount of aftermarket performance parts you can get for these is absolutely insane.
I went for the auto transmission which yes, did compromise some power to the ground and driving purity on road, but with no dual range option in the turbo, the auto simply wins hands down as soon as you need to get into anything technical or that demand a slower pace.
Modifying a Subaru is definitely a learning curve too. While there's offroad accessories everywhere for the Nissan Patrol and the Toyota Hilux, Subies require a bit more creative thinking and innovation as there often isn't a direct fitment.
In the 5 years I've been off-roading Subarus, there has been an overwhelming growth in support and accessories, mainly in Australia and the US. And along with that, incredible communities of these creative thinkers and Subaru owners sharing experiences as they go.
For me it's been an addictive process, learning new techniques all the time, and ultimately exploring places I would have not known about otherwise.
Being based in Wanaka, New Zealand, we’re lucky enough to have some epic places at our doorstep, which we’re discovering more and more of as we go.
For recent updates, follow the NSFA Instagram.
Current Modifications List
Rooftop tent: Kiwi Camping Tuatara SSC
Awning: Kiwi Camping Tuatara 2.5m
Tyres: General Grabber X3 225/75R16
Lift: 2" Subie Lift Oz kit
Wheels: Dynamic 16x7 +30 steelies
Lights: Narva Explora 175 LED
Lightbar: Narva Explora 14”
Skidplate: APHN 3mm Steel
Front bar: Subaxtreme Offroad Bar
Winch: Carbon Offroad 4500lb
Rear tyre carrier: Subaxtreme
Rear control arms: RalliTEK adjustable
Front coils: Pedders standard height
Rear coils: Kings standard height
Struts: KYB Excel-G
Exhaust: XForce 3" Catback
Snorkel: Suzuki Grand Vitara
Throttle Controller: EVC
Roofracks: Yakima Whispbar
Extended diff and trans breathers
Relocated ECU to glovebox
Dyno tune from Spec Performance Christchurch
Front Sway Bar: Whiteline adjustable end links
Rear Sway Bar: Gone
