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.
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!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Subaru Forester
via mobile 28/6/2021 at 8:27am
