$5,500 · 2004 Subaru Forester XT

The 2004 Subaru Forester XT is considered a cult-favourite for car enthusiasts because it blends rally pedigree with everyday practicality and serious performance drawn from the legendary WRX STI lineage. We love our 2004 Subaru Forester XT. It's a US import that’s been in our family since new. We've always taken good care of it. It's mostly stock, has the factory cargo cover, factory cargo compartment separator/dog guard, PIAA yellow fog lights, Hella head lights, newer Michelin cross climate tires, and a few other minor upgrades (the roof rack pictured is not for sale). A full inspection report from Pattison Subaru in Victoria is available on request. We have all service records since new. The car is not without issues, most noticeably is the leaking head gasket. We wouldn't hesitate to fix these and keep driving this super fun car, but, unfortunately we work careers where we’re judged by the appearance of our vehicles so need something a little more posh. The car is starting to look a bit rough around the edges: there's a small AirPods case size dent in the front passenger side quarter panel; nicks and scratches in the paint; and, its interior is starting to look like it's a 20 year old car owned by a family with a boy and a dog. We're located in the Gulf Islands, but are happy to do video tours of the car and meet up in Victoria to show. WRX STI DNA and Rally Heritage The Forester XT of this era was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four engine, essentially a detuned version of the motor found in the 2004 WRX STI. Subaru’s rally heritage shines through in the XT’s full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive system and robust suspension, making it a favorite among fans of spirited driving and off-road capability. Its chassis and drivetrain share significant engineering DNA with the Impreza WRX and STI, which Subaru dominated rally stages with in the 1990s and 2000s. Performance The XT’s turbocharged engine produces around 210–220 horsepower and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque, giving it serious acceleration for a small SUV from 2004. While official 0-60 mph times hovered around 6.3–6.4 seconds, many owners and tuners have managed 0-60 in as little as 4.0 seconds with modifications—a number that places it in sports car territory and well beyond most SUVs of its time. The combination of low weight, all-wheel drive, and turbo power means it launches with surprising ferocity, earning the nickname “WRX wagon in disguise”. Everyday Practicality with Rally Soul Unlike a WRX STI, the Forester XT offers a spacious and versatile interior suitable for families, dog owners, and outdoor adventurers. Ground clearance and SUV ride height let it handle rough roads or snow much better than typical sport sedans while still delivering grippy road performance. The 2004 XT’s appeal is enduring—many enthusiasts still cherish it for its sleeper looks, rapid acceleration, and connections to Subaru’s motorsports history. In essence, the 2004 Forester XT is a unique “go-fast” crossover loved by turbo Subaru fans because it quietly hides the heart of a rally-bred sports car behind its practical wagon body.