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Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4

617 messages,  Last post on Nov 05, 2008 at 3:00 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, SUV

Messages Page 58 of 62

#568 of 617 Re: subaru forester or rav4 V6- a difficult call to make [kate5000] by ateixeira

May 22, 2007 (10:37 am)

Replying to: kate5000 (May 18, 2007 10:48 am)
Yes, and I confirmed it last night.
 
I spoke to a regional rep that was hosting a VIP event for Tribeca shoppers. I had registered on-line and they just sent me an invite. We checked out the 08s, which should be in dealers next week.
 
We also spoke about the new Forester. She said they are moving it up and will have it out by February 2008. I'm not sure if she means it'll debut at the Chicago show in February, as the Forester has twice in the past, but even then it should be in dealers before summer 2008.
 
My wife now wants to trade her Legacy in for a Forester automatic, but I'm going to make her wait to see the new models. Especially since I have to get my new car first.

#569 of 617 1999 forester towing? by megamail

May 28, 2007 (8:32 pm)

Does anyone have any experience with using a 1999 forester automatic transmission to tow a utility trailer. I have an aluminum trailer 1360 GVWR. I want to drive from Vancouver BC, to Mexico next November. I won't have a big load on , mostly just bulky items. I am prepared to install a transmission cooler and mayber an extra cooling fan. I just don't know if this little car will just be working too hard. I don't want to kill the wee baby.
I'v e heard that I should use synthetic oil, and I'm really looking for some help on whether I should try the rip...
thanks so much

#570 of 617 Towing by rochcom

May 28, 2007 (8:56 pm)

I have no personal experience with towing, but the 1999 is capable of pulling your load.
 
It is NOT a good idea to switch to fully synthetic oil in an older vehicle. The very slippery synthetics can leak past the seals and result in losing oil rapidly when under load. Foresters have somewhat of a problem with oil seal leaks and the synthetic may bring one on or make an existing one worse. Regular oil of the appropriate grade might be best and it would probably be a good idea to put in a fresh batch before leaving. Inspection of brakes, tires, hoses and belts would also be a good idea, as would making sure that all fluids have been changed when recommended and topped up before leaving.

#571 of 617 Re: 1999 forester towing? [megamail] by ateixeira

May 30, 2007 (9:55 am)

Replying to: megamail (May 28, 2007 8:32 pm)
I bet that trailer is fairly light.
 
I took Bob's trailer (dry weight ~ 700 lbs) from DC to Ocean City with a few beds in it, and it was fine. Came back with some other furniture.
 
Gas mileage was terrible (17 or so mpg) but the vehicle towed it just fine.

#572 of 617 Re: 1999 forester towing? [megamail] by p0926

May 30, 2007 (11:38 am)

Replying to: megamail (May 28, 2007 8:32 pm)
"Vancouver BC, to Mexico" - That's a long way to haul a trailer! The furthest I've towed anything was about 200 miles pulling a 5x8 U-Haul trailer loaded with furniture. The 2001 manual tranny Forester handled it okay but it will definitely put a BIG dent in your mpg. So your automatic transmission should do okay but adding a transmission cooler and an extra cooling fan would certainly be good insurance.
 
-Frank

#573 of 617 Re: 1999 forester towing? [megamail] by thecat

Jun 03, 2007 (8:21 am)

Replying to: megamail (May 28, 2007 8:32 pm)
Yep, use to pull one all the time with my (now my Ex's) 99' auto. You won't have any problems just allow extra space for braking distance.
 
If you look at a globe, you will note that your entire trip is downhill
 
- hutch

#574 of 617 Re: 1999 forester towing? [p0926] by megamail

Jun 03, 2007 (12:04 pm)

Replying to: p0926 (May 30, 2007 11:38 am)
thanks for that info. Even with a cooler and auxilary fan I'm worried that that distance and the heat will be too much for my wee subaru

#575 of 617 Re: 1999 forester towing? [thecat] by ateixeira

Jun 03, 2007 (4:50 pm)

Replying to: thecat (Jun 03, 2007 8:21 am)
Hey Hutch, did you see I got a new Sienna? That means our cars have the same engine (again).
 
The 3.5l is nice, eh? Dual variable valve timing and Direct Injection, too. 2 weeks so far, 2 trips to the beach, and I'm averaging 24mpg.
 
We decided the Tribeca just wasn't big enough. 2 kids, a nanny, a dog, and the occasional car pool made my practical side choose a minivan.

#576 of 617 Re: 1999 forester towing? [ateixeira] by thecat

Jun 06, 2007 (5:51 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 03, 2007 4:50 pm)
AJ - Congrat's .. yeah it's a wonderful engine. I'm getting on average .. 27 highway. It's amazing. My neice bought a Sienna a few months ago. Great people mover.
 
I can't believe you left the Subie fold.
 
hutch

#577 of 617 Re: 1999 forester towing? [thecat] by ateixeira

Jun 07, 2007 (7:30 am)

Replying to: thecat (Jun 06, 2007 5:51 pm)
Well, the bottom line was Subaru didn't offer a minivan.
 
The Tribeca was close, very close. The new 3.6l H6 is very nice and really makes it a lot more fun than the van.
 
But...remember I also have the Miata. So we were looking for a family/trip car. I was outvoted 3 to 1.
 
I think if I had to drive just one vehicle, I would have picked the Tribeca. It's smaller, more nimble, more fun around town. The van would feel clumsy in city traffic.
 
But I don't - I have the Miata to commute in the city. So getting a van was the practical choice for suburbs/highway driving only.
 
Don't tell anyone, but it's not so bad, I actually like it!
 
Drove to the beach and the wife sat in the back seat with the kids, watched The Sound of Music on a 12" DVD screen we had put in.
 
I had total peace and quiet the whole way.

Messages Page 58 of 62

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