Subaru...Forester or Outback????

[RoyB]

Looking to purchase a used Subaru. There is a bewildering number of models and options available. Looking to keep it under $20K
Not a hard core off roader. Muddy forest roads would be biggest challenge
Towing a 1000# camping trailer and wanting at least 25mpg while towing and more when not towing.

What should I be looking for?

Automatic or manual transmission?

4 or 6 cylinder?

What years should I avoid?

Thanks in advance

 

[Specter]

We have had three Subaru’s, two of which were Outbacks, and they have all been amazing. Reliable, great mileage, low maintenance, spacious and great on trails, snow and in bad weather. If you are going to get a Subi, I’d highly recommend the Outback in the 6 cylinder.

 

[RoyB]

Thank you...Going to look at a 2017 with 6c today.

 

[Wawa Skittletits]

With the 5th gen Outback theres no transmission option. In the states it’s CVT for the 4 cylinder and a different CVT for the 6. I like the Outback for its size and options. The lower roofline of a car makes it just a little easier to put things on the roof as opposed to the more crossover dimensioned with a larger ‘greenhouse’ Forester. Also xmode is standard on the 5th gen Outback but remained an option for an equivalent Forester. In either case 25mpg while towing is probably a tough ask. Especially for the 6 cylinder which is know to be thirsty on anything other than open highway driving. I went with the 4 cylinder and I’ve never regretted that decision.

 

[madcratebuilder]

On YouTube, check out "softroadingthewest".

 

[RoyB]

Currently I'm driving a Toyota Venza V6. This thing is a rocket with 265 HP! I get 25mpg towing a low overlanding trailer that total weighs 1000#.
Non towing I get 27mpg. But if I drive it like Al Unser, well then........

My good friend has the exact same Toyota Venza but with a 4 cyl. Terrible "buzzy"...Can't get out of its own way car! Amazing the difference .....

I'm going to test drive a Subaru 6 and a 4 tomorrow....We shall see.

I like the sleeker looks of the Outback. The Forester is a very Boxy looking vehicle in my opinion.

 

[Wawa Skittletits]

Buy the 6cyl you will not regret it.

They‘re both dogs. The 3.6 is just a really old dog that finally got put down.

 

[Wawa Skittletits]

Agreed, but rather have the old true and tested 3.6 dog than the 3-legged 2.4 dog or the new and untested 2.4 turbo.

Haha ok. Don’t forget that 3 legged FB25 (2.5 not 2.4) routinely does better off road than the literally living in 2007 EZ36 with long legs to help squeeze out mpg. Also the FA24 has been on the road for a year and a half already so I wouldn’t necessarily consider it untested. But hey.. to each their own.