Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: Subaru Forester

David Bavin

via mobile 28/6/2021 at 8:27am
Location: Devon
Outfit: Peugeot Boxer

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/6/2020

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 3

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Does anybody tow with a Subaru forester petrol? If so, how does it perform.

Rob and Tina

via mobile 28/6/2021 at 9:10am
Location: Royal Forest of Dean
Outfit: Swift Major 4SB

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3375

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

If you search this forum for "Subaru" using the search button at the top of the page you should find a few older threads that might be of help.

Rob

daveyjp

28/6/2021 at 10:04am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/6/2010

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 596
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	2
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I had a 2014 2.0 petrol manual for 6 years and it was a brilliant vehicle for me, but the only time I towed was believe it or not to pull a Range Rover off a muddy field. He had barely legal summer tyres and the overcomplicated 4wd system wouldn't let the car move as every wheel was spinning power was cut. I had almost new mud and snow tyres, it did the job with no fuss.

Servicing and repairs aren't cheap, but they are very well built vehicles. Only issue I had was a new wheel bearing which was changed under warranty after 4 years. A new one is expensive as you have to change the whole stub hub. Tyres did 45,000 and I only changed them as the walls were cracking.

Lifetime mpg on mine was low 30s over 50,000 miles, largely urban trips. Mid 40s was possible on longer trips and I did once see almost 50 over a 150 mile trip.

For towing I would go for an auto as low speed torque from the 150bhp manual isn't brilliant. The CVT auto system used by Subaru is one of the best I have driven. Take off is instant and it has stepped changes so can be locked in gear if required. Mpg doesn't suffer.

If fuel cost isn't an issue consider a no longer imported XT. Same engine, but with a turbo producing about 240bhp. A real 'q' car, but 30mpg on a good day without towing! I considered one, but just missed out on an excellent example so dropped the idea.

If Forester doesn't look enough consider the Outback which has a 2.5 engine. Or if you want to go mad our local dealer has a rare Outback R with a 3.6 6 cylinder engine currently on the books. If I had a car collection I'd buy it.

TheHeadGardener

28/6/2021 at 11:13am
Location: Lake District
Outfit: Devon Aztec

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/9/2014

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 198

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	2
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	5
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	1
Site Nights 2018:	0

Depends which Forester.

I used to tow with the Auto XT model, (that's the super-dooper one which upsets WRX drivers, because it has more 'grunt' and looks normal!)

As a daily drive this is a superb car, feels very safe, handles beautifully and does not attract too much attention. Like daveyjp the general mpg was low 30s.

Yes, it towed OK - the car always remained stable and mpg went down to 20/21mpg. I read once that a 30% drop in usual mpg is "normal". When my heavy-footed partner drove the mpg dropped to 15mpg - I was not impressed

With a kerbweight of 1680kg you are not going to be hauling a big van.

Now off to shove davey out of the way as I'd love that Outback R!

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

4369 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder