Subaru Problems

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.

The 1995 Impreza is rated to tow up to 750kg providing the trailer has brakes, the rating drops to 400kg when the trailer doesn’t have brakes. On that basis you could tow 500kg if the trailer is fitted with brakes, but not if it isn’t.

The best times to buy are usually the end of the financial year, or at model run-out times, that's when the specials are on. The CVT and dual-clutch autos are both still unknowns in terms of long-term reliability, but either should be ok over the five years you plan to keep the car. Any of the cars you list, and the list is a long one, would be ok. It really comes down to what you like.

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.

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.

You’ve pretty much covered the field there, so it should come down to what you want from your car. Do you want comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, offroad capability, cabin space? If you are mostly driving on the highway, then a diesel SUV is probably the best bet. I would rule out a dual-cab ute because of comfort, unless you need the flexibility a ute gives you. I would rule out a hybrid, they’re not at their most efficient on the highway; they’re better suited to town use. Based on your annual mileage I wouldn’t keep the car any more than 3-4 years, that way you’ll have a decent resale value when you get out of it.

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.

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.

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