Subaru SUV Range

Subaru’s own specifications for this car quote a 750kg unbraked towing limit and a 2000kg braked limit. That in itself suggests that a 750kg trailer or camper should not tax the driveline in any significant way.

That said, logic suggests that towing any sort of decent load – especially at high speeds or in hot weather – must have some impact on wear and tear, including that of a CVT transmission. However, the Subaru CVT seems a bit tougher than some similar units out there, and if not abused, there should be no problem with what you have planned.

Regular maintenance and sensible driving will be the key to the CVT’s survival, as it is with any aspect of a modern car.

Before you commit to any costly course of action, go back to basics. A car that jumps out of gear might have a poorly adjusted shifter or linkage mechanism rather than something internal to the gearbox. Even a worn engine or transmission mount can allow enough movement for the car to jump out of gear. So check that stuff first.

In terms of rebuilding a gearbox like this one, you may find the cost is greater than the retained value of the vehicle. Not to mention, with that sort of mileage, that you’ll lie awake at night wondering what’s going to break next. At that point, you have to make a call. But don’t forget, you might be able to find a second-hand gearbox in good condition at a parts recycler, and have that fitted for a fraction of the cost of an overhaul. And then you’re on your way to your second half-million kilometres.

It sounds like the head unit and its Bluetooth functions have suffered a pretty major electronic failure. The good news is that you can replace the head unit for reasonable money these days, and get a better unit with more features into the bargain.

But before you rush out and replace the unit, try to find the reset button (often a small hole into which you poke a probe) to effect what is basically an Ctrl-Alt-Del reset. This will sometimes restore the unit to full functionality, so it’s definitely worth a try. You could also try disconnecting the car’s battery overnight to see if that resets things.