Tow vehicle

[notned]

I have a Jeep Liberty Automatic V6 2 wheel drive. It has 120,000 miles. I'm thinking of the next vehicle.

I've seen good comments here about Subaru Foresters. I like the idea of the five speed manual, I like the idea of leather seats. Cloth seats just don't clean up well. The way I see ---on the internet ---the leather and the 5 speed don't go together.

I'm concerned about the 4 cylinders, our trailer is around 1200 lbs. Could the Forester handle it?

Thinking of getting a buyer quote(whatever they call it) from AAA. and getting a loan from the local credit union for 2.5% I'm taking this slow, gathering information.

Comments? Suggestions?

[canned o minimum]

1200 lbs is a LOTTA weight.. better check the tow capacity of that Forester !

[Shadow Catcher]

I am on Subaru #13 we have had nothing but since 1977. My current Sube is a 01 3L H6, plenty of power. I was just looking at the new offerings the Outback 3.5L H6 which uses regular with a 5 speed automatic. Go try one.
#11 is owned by my son now and has 300,000+ miles on it.

[GuitarPhotog]

I am on Subaru #13 we have had nothing but since 1977. My current Sube is a 01 3L H6, plenty of power. I was just looking at the new offerings the Outback 3.5L H6 which uses regular with a 5 speed automatic. Go try one.
#11 is owned by my son now and has 300,000+ miles on it.

+1 to that.

I am only on Sube #2, but have >100K miles in 6 years, some of that towing my teardrop. I'd buy another Sube in a heartbeat.

<Chas>

[canned o minimum]

I'm no mechanic, but an auto trans should have an oil cooler if yer towin .

I have a 1965 VW Bug that I tow my LG teardrop with. The trailer used ta weigh 785lbs, but I did sum modifications and remodeled the trailer.. won't know how much it NOW weighs till next week.

Sounds like you are experienced with them Subarus...

[GuitarPhotog]

Yeah, Sube's have built-in AT fluid coolers

<Chas>

[Kathy53]

The 2011 Forester tow weight is 2400

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/spec_ ... 4#eng_tran

[Shadow Catcher]

I ended up adding the largest transcooler I could fit. I just ended up having the transmission rebuilt at 128,000 miles. The damage was done by the previous owner not changing ATF.
There is a factory tow harness in Subaru's but you will need separate wires for power and brakes, and yes you do want brakes. Compass Rose tips the scale at about 1500# fully loaded out.

[LWW]

What do you subaru guys think of a 98 Outback wagon. My mom is getting old enough to start thinking about giving up her permit and I'm thinking of buying it. It only has 120,000 on it and I know she had it serviced regularly. It also has an automatic in it and I'm not sure what my weekender weights but my jeep wrangler doesn't hardly know its back there. Larryw

[DragonFire]

I'm not a Subaru person..just because I don't have the money to get one..they are gold here in the Sierra Foothills.

I know tons of people who have them. They are gold. If you can get your Mom's, do it. Even if you resell or trade in for a newer one, Subarus are the best outdoor vehicle. If I could put my scooter in the back of one and if I could find one that was affordable (or just find one..rare as hen's teeth used!) I would get it.

My former brother-in-law has one, has had 2 actually, and loves them. Awesome vehicles. Like the Toyota of camping vehicles. But nice enough to use in town (unlike when I get a small truck and take it home to the San Francisco area...)

[GuitarPhotog]

What do you subaru guys think of a 98 Outback wagon. My mom is getting old enough to start thinking about giving up her permit and I'm thinking of buying it. It only has 120,000 on it and I know she had it serviced regularly. It also has an automatic in it and I'm not sure what my weekender weights but my jeep wrangler doesn't hardly know its back there. Larryw

Depending on how it's been maintained, that car could have another 120,000 miles in it. It probably has a tow limit of 12-1600, but it's worth checking. I loved my Outback, it's a more comfortable car than the Forester.

<Chas>

[wagondude]

What do you subaru guys think of a 98 Outback wagon. My mom is getting old enough to start thinking about giving up her permit and I'm thinking of buying it. It only has 120,000 on it and I know she had it serviced regularly. It also has an automatic in it and I'm not sure what my weekender weights but my jeep wrangler doesn't hardly know its back there. Larryw

I have 3 Subies: a '98 with 260+k miles, an '06 with only about 73K and a 2010. The oldest one runs as good as the others. at 120K miles, you may need to look at some suspension bits, but with the service and overall history of the car known to you, it is a safe bet.

Bill

[jfocallag]

I have a 2009 manual transmission subaru forester. It is rated to pull 2400# if the trailer has brakes which mine does. I have a Camp Inn 560 raindrop and it probably weights 1400# dry and about 1700 to 1800 with gear. I have been very happy with the way it tows. On a flat road in Northern California going 55 miles an hour, I get 25 MPG. I usually get around 20 in general. I accidentally went on a 10% grade pass in Wyoming and the forester did great. It was slow going at 40 in second gear but we made it. It also has hill assist which held both the car and the trailer on a hill when we came to a stop due to construction. Had no problem getting started again. I would definitely recommend a forester for towing a small trailer.

[McBrew]

What do you subaru guys think of a 98 Outback wagon. My mom is getting old enough to start thinking about giving up her permit and I'm thinking of buying it. It only has 120,000 on it and I know she had it serviced regularly. It also has an automatic in it and I'm not sure what my weekender weights but my jeep wrangler doesn't hardly know its back there. Larryw

Depending on how it's been maintained, that car could have another 120,000 miles in it. It probably has a tow limit of 12-1600, but it's worth checking. I loved my Outback, it's a more comfortable car than the Forester.

<Chas>

1998 Outbacks had a 2,000 pound tow rating in the US.