Subaru Forester Problems

There are three petrol engines in the current Forester range, beginning with the 2.0-litre non-turbo engine, which boasts 110 kW, will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 10.6 seconds and has a top speed of 190 km//h. Step up to the 2.5-litre engine, also a non-turbo, and it has 126 kW, will accelerate to 100 km/h in 9.9s, and has a top speed of 196 km/h. The top performer is the 2.0-litre turbo model with 177 kW, an acceleration time of 7.5s, and a top speed of 210 km/h. So, yes you are missing out on some serious performance if you choose not to buy the turbo. When buying a used Forester look for an engine that consumes more oil than normal, and check for signs of use off-road.

The Nissan’s price is on the money for a private sale, although the mileage is at the top end of the range. The Subaru’s price is above the top end of the quoted value for the model, which is probably due to its very low odo reading. Generally, the one with the lower odo would be the one to go for, but when it’s double the price of the other you really have to want it to hand over the extra cash.

Here and now the X-Trail would be the better value.

Now, that’s a mystery. You’re best to take it to an auto electrician and get it checked over.

No doubt there are 4WDs available for $3100, but they will be old, worn out, and probably unroadworthy. Try something like a 2000-2001 Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, or Suzuki Grand Vitara, and buy the best one you can find.

Having ruled out an SUV your choices are fairly limited. If you were prepared to buy used you could buy a late model Falcon, but if you want to buy new you’re really limited to an SUV. Most SUVs have good performance, they’re certainly not sluggish, and they aren’t all bulky. Something like a Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, or a Subaru Forester should be able to comfortably handle your towing needs.

Either one would do the job, but I would choose the Forester over the RAV4, it’s a better all round all-wheel drive that should serve your son well.

It’s rated to tow up to 1500 kg if the caravan has brakes, so providing it weighs less than 1500 kg when fully loaded it should tow it without difficulty. But I would recommend that you have the automatic transmission serviced before you leave on your trip.

Because you want to travel to the snow, and visit farms, I would suggest an all-wheel drive compact wagon, and with your need for low running and service costs I would suggest that it be an Asian brand. Models to consider would be a Subaru Forester, Nissan X-Trail or Kia Sportage.

Use a good quality 5W-30 oil.