Subaru Forester

[Big T]

I got a `95 WRX Turbo, shes off the road at the mo but goes like stink, 280bhp!

[Quickthorn]

Anyone know what they can tow legally?

[AndrewS]

They can tow 1800kg (braked). I currently have a 2.0XT (turbo version) and it's a great car. It's my seventh Subaru and all have been a pleasure, but I particularly like the Forester.

 

I generally drive with a fairly light foot, but without trying too hard can achieve 30mpg and up to around 34mpg on a run - notably better than the three naturally aspirated 2.0 manual Legacys I've owned.

 

Subaru has two common four wheel drive systems: The majority, if not all naturally aspirated (non-turbo) petrol models, whether auto or manual only have a centre differential whereas all petrol turbo cars have a centre diff and a limited slip rear diff - both are effective, but the latter is considerably better in extreme conditions. By extreme, I mean 18" of snow lying on the driveway and side streets outside Aberdeen during the last couple of winters... A few inches of snow, or moderate mud wouldn't be enough to trouble either 4 x 4 system.

 

Do not be tempted to lash up an improvised 2wd system though, aside from invalidating your insurance, it would be a great way to kill the diff and although Subarus are tough as old boots and extremely reliable, they are damned expensive when they do go wrong - far more so than any short-term fuel saving you might see.

 

Besides, the beauty of 4wd is not just in snow and mud, but even something as mundane as pulling onto a wet roundabout ;-)

 

Great cars; very underrated IMHO.

[Yeti]

weld the diff up or make it permo rear drive by doin away with front shaft without actually changing drive train and it will go bang quicker than soft mick.

always had issues with scoobs flat four head gaskets,played with ones in imprezas from the very twee little 2.0 sport to a 500 bhp street machine and thats always been first thing to pop,so if ragging her put in uprated one pronto.