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1997–2002 Subaru Forester Head Unit Kit
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  • DM Plus head unit kit$790
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1997–2002 Subaru Forester Head Unit Kit

Series SF, 79V

Head unit
Display
HD IPS
Chip
UIS7862S, 12nm
Memory
4GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Includes all our features with impressive audio and performance that won't let you down.

Discover DM Core
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7862S, 12nm
Memory
6GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Same great performance as DM Core, incredible display. Our recommendation for most.

Discover DM Plus
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7870, 6nm
Memory
8GB
Audio
AKM7739 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

A noticeable jump in performance and studio quality audio. For the power users.

Discover DM Pro
Display
QHD QLED, 11.5"
Chip
UIS7862S, 6nm
Memory
8GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Big is good. If you want your head unit to be your portable cinema, this is the one.

Discover DM Max
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7870, 6nm
Memory
12GB
Audio
AKM7739 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Complete overkill, created simply because we could. If you want the absolute best in performance and lossless audio, here it is.

Discover DM Flagship
Compare specifications
Dash camera

Dual Cam DVR Dashcam

Two high-definition cameras record the road and cabin, giving you crisp coverage of what’s ahead and inside the car.

  • Easy phone connectivity
  • Loop recording
  • 24/7 parking monitoring

Triple Cam DVR Dashcam

Capture every angle of your journey with three high-definition cameras that record the road, cabin, and rear—so you don’t miss a thing.

  • Easy phone connectivity
  • Loop recording
  • 24/7 parking monitoring
Microphone
Extras
Delivery4–⁠11 business days
Total$790

About this kit

Factory-look upgrade for the 1997–2002 Subaru Forester. An OEM-match fascia suits the double-DIN opening beneath the centre vents, keeping the dash tidy. Steering-wheel controls stay working and the factory camera is retained where fitted. The display is fast to launch, and the cooling hardware holds performance steady in Australian summers.

Supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto via CarLink 2.0 (pre-installed).

Android head unit installed, showing split-screen maps and music

Compatibility at a glance

Years
1997–2002
Series
SF, 79V
Trims
GX, Limited, GT
Steering wheel controls
Retained if present
Premium audio systems supported
All
Camera retention
Retained if present

What’s included

  • Head unit of your choice — select your preferred tier
  • Vehicle-specific fascia — OEM-match finish
  • Core plug-and-play harness; trim-specific adapters added if your car needs them (free of charge)
  • Factory reverse camera retention (where fitted)
  • Antenna adapter (where required)

Install snapshot

Time
60 mins
Difficulty 1 to 5
1
Tools
Trim Tools, Phillips Screwdriver

Ask a fitment question

Built for Australian conditions

AU warranty

Heat-ready for AU summers, 12-month local warranty, tracked shipping.

  • Active fan & heat-sink
  • Voltage-stable power stage
  • 12-month local warranty

Features you’ll use

Built around the Forester's separate climate panel and double-DIN bay, this head unit drops in cleanly and looks stock. Mounting sits low under the vents, so nothing feels crowded. Looms and brackets are straightforward, so you spend less time on trim and more time driving on weekend runs or daily commutes.

1997–2002 Subaru Forester Head Unit Kit

Factory-look fitment

An OEM-match fascia fills the Forester's double-DIN bay beneath the centre vents, matching textures and lines for a near-OEM result. Harnesses and brackets are sized for the cabin, so install is straightforward. Steering-wheel controls are retained, and the factory reverse camera stays working where fitted. Optional trim adapters keep gaps tight.
  • OEM-match fascia
  • SWC retained
  • Camera retained
  • Tight, clean gaps

DSP control, upgrade-ready

Shape your sound with a 16–31 band EQ and per-channel time alignment. Hi-Res playback and Bluetooth aptX-HD keep detail intact whether you're streaming or using local files. Planning an amp later? Pre-outs make the upgrade path easy, and the system works cleanly with the Forester's factory speaker wiring.
  • 16–31 band EQ
  • Time alignment per channel
  • Hi-Res & aptX-HD
  • Amp-friendly pre-outs

Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto

Go wireless via CarLink 2.0. Tap to launch Maps, answer calls, dictate messages and jump back to your playlist—no cables. Google Maps or Waze for the commute; Spotify for the cruise. Voice assistant support keeps your eyes up and your hands on the wheel.
  • Wireless via CarLink 2.0
  • Maps, calls, messages
  • Voice assistant built-in
  • Spotify ready

Offline maps + Torque/OBD2

Touring dirt roads or heading up-country? Download offline maps/areas so guidance still works when reception drops—and you save mobile data. If your car supports it, plug in an OBD2 adapter and open Torque to glance at temps, trims or fault codes. Handy checks without extra gauges cluttering the dash.
  • Offline maps/areas
  • Save mobile data
  • OBD2 with Torque
  • Live gauges & codes

The DriverMods difference

Real performance — and real transparency

The current standard is still 28 nm—slower and hotter, with only the highest end units running 12 nm.
Our units start at 12 nm for smooth, lag-free performance (Core & Plus), stepping up to 6 nm in Pro/Max/Flagship for lightning-fast response.

  • spec transparency
  • modern silicon
  • fast boot
  • cool, stable runs
Displays you enjoy looking at

No dim, plasticky panels.
Our Plus / Pro / Max / Flagship use QLED QHD for razor-sharp maps, media, and text.
Our Core tier unit uses a bright, vivid HD IPS display—clear, clean, and easy on the eyes.

  • higher resolution
  • higher brightness
  • premium panel tech
Bigger screen, less bezel, factory-style fit

More screen, minimal bezels, tidy fascia—designed to look like it belongs in your dash.
Controls stay accessible and integration stays clean.

  • OEM-style fit
  • modern look
  • tidy install
Tuned software that makes life easy

Lean, fast, and stable—plus full customisation.
Keep our optimised setup or download and swap to a different launcher if you prefer.
With an Android OS head unit, the options are endless.

  • fast UI
  • no bloat
  • choose your launcher
Memory & storage that keep up

Gone are the days when 4 GB of RAM was “top-end.”
Ours start at 4 GB and go up from there, so app switching stays smooth.
Add maps and media with microSD expansion and you’re set for offline trips.

  • more RAM
  • smoother multitasking
  • microSD for expandable storage
Built for value, backed locally

Top-tier hardware at fair pricing, with AU support and clear documentation.
We care about the experience after install just as much as unboxing day.

  • local help
  • real warranty
  • easy ownership
Why we do it

The concept isn’t new—the standard should be.
Modern processors, better panels, lean and fast software, fair pricing.
We build head units that make driving feel effortless, not frustrating.

Checkout & shipping — how it works

  1. Order your kitChoose your preferred head unit tier and place your order.
  2. Upload a photoAfter checkout, we'll provide a link for you to easily upload a photo of your dash and any steering wheel controls.
  3. We assemble the correct kitWe confirm your exact model and include any needed adapters and the correct fascia. Correct-fit guarantee applies.
  4. Tracked shippingAU-wide tracked delivery in 4–⁠11 business days.

FAQs

Does this suit all 1997–2002 Subaru Forester (SF/79V) trims?

Yes. It covers the Forester (SF/79V) across 1997–2002, including GX, Limited and GT.

Are my steering-wheel controls retained?

Yes. SWC are retained, so volume, track and call buttons continue to work after install.

Will my factory reverse camera still work?

Where fitted, the factory camera is retained. If your Forester doesn't have one, an aftermarket camera can be added.

Will an 11.5" screen block the vents or hazard switch in the Forester (SF/79V)?

Typical installs mounted low keep the vents and hazard clear in the SF centre stack.

How long does install take and what tools do I need?

Most DIY installs take about 45–60 minutes with Trim Tools, a Phillips Screwdriver and a 10mm Socket.

Can I view OBD2 data with Torque in a 1997–2002 Forester?

If your specific vehicle supports OBD2, you can use a compatible adapter with the Torque app to view live gauges and fault codes.

Learn more

Want to dive deeper into features and how everything works? These guides break it down and help you choose the right setup.

Compare head units

DM Core
$685
DM Plus
$790
DM Pro
$990
DM Max
$1,170
DM Flagship
$1,450
Screen size9.0 - 10.1″9.5 - 10.36″9.5 - 10.36″11.5″—
ResolutionHDQHDQHDQHDQHD
PanelIPSQLEDQLEDQLEDQLED
Brightness1100 nits1500 nits1500 nits1500 nits—
UI refresh60 Hz60 Hz100 Hz60 Hz—
CPUUIS7862S 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7862S 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7870 8x Cortex A76 @ 2.7 GHzUIS7870 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7870
Processor Node Type12nm12nm6nm6nm6nm
RAM4 GB LPDDR4X6 GB LPDDR4X8 GB LPDDR4X8 GB LPDDR4X12GB
Storage64 GB eMMC 5.1128 GB eMMC 5.1128 GB UFS128 GB UFS—
DSPAKM7738AKM7738AKM7739AKM7738AKM7739
Pre-outs3 × 2.5 V3 × 2.5 V3 × 4.0 V3 × 4.0 V—
Optical outNoNoYesYes—
Coaxial outNoNoYesYes—
USB 2.02233—
USB-C 3.20011—
In shortIncludes all our features and great performance that wont let you down.Same great performance, incredible display. Our recommendation for most.A solid improvement in performance and studio quality audio.Big, is good. If you want your head unit to be the focus point, this is the one.Complete overkill, created simply because we could. If you want the absolute best in performance and lossless audio, here it is.