Esteban32696 Posted October 31, 2003 Share Posted October 31, 2003 I will need a new car soon, & it has to be able to tow about #1200 all on level Florida ground, inclines on boat ramps, etc. Will the OB Sport be able to do this. Auto or stick shift?? How dependable is the OBS?I like the 98-2000 Forester but am wary of the 2.5. Are there any years that the 2.5 is better? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subarunation 713 Posted October 31, 2003 Share Posted October 31, 2003 I have used my 96 OBW with a 2.2 and 5 speed to tow cars on a car dolly. Believe me, you aren't the 1st person away from a green light. In fact I have been passed by 80 year olds with walkers! Well maybe not quite that slow :-) One thing I woulkd be concerned about with an OBS is braking. The Legacy Outback wagon has 4 wheel disc brakes and has more weight so the item being towed won't control the towing vehicle as much as an OBS. Also, the Legacy Outback has a "hill holder" for the clutch/brake. I have no idea how a AT will hold up with towing a boat every weekend. The 5 speed is fine and I still have the original clutch and I am at 146,000, granted I don't pull cars around the midwest everyday. Good luck in your info gathering, Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowman Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 I would recommend getting a Legacy outback if for no other reason than the fact that it weighs more, which will keep the trailer from "pushing it around" as much. Also, the braking system is most likely beefier on the legacy and better able to handle the added load. I think a five-speed would be the way to go because an auto might get very hot, and you have the added benefit of just being able to downshift to slow down. Either car should handle it. I tow trailers of similar weight with my 86 wagon and it does fine. It's just too bad they don't offer a dual-range tranny on the later model cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dinero Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 Funny you should ask. I just returned from a sailing vacation in Charlotte Harbor. I used my 99 Forester to tow my 1250 lbs sailboat from South Carolina to Ft. Myers and back. Absolutely no problems. The same Forester, with an AT cooler, is rated for 1,500 kilos in Europe. Check around, an AT is actually PREFERRED over a MT for towing! Stay away from any Forester built before 1999, it has the Phase I engine. Make absolutely CERTAIN that you are getting a COMPLETE Phase II engine. Reportedly, there where a few half Phase I/ half Phase II engines installed in 1999. The 2.5L Forester already has an engine oil cooler installed. There are a number of Phase II head gasket failures reported, but nothing like the old Phase I. Buena Fortuna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esteban32696 Posted November 1, 2003 Author Share Posted November 1, 2003 Dinero, If I decided on a Legacy outback or Forester, how do I identify the 2.5 " Phase 2?" I am originally from Spartanburg, S.C., myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esteban32696 Posted November 3, 2003 Author Share Posted November 3, 2003 Looks like I will buy a Legacy L wagon, soon. i would like a little more clearance, & wonder will the Outback Wagon wheels fit the Legacy L ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dinero Posted November 3, 2003 Share Posted November 3, 2003 The Legacy didn't get the Phase II engine (SOHC) until model year 2000. The Phase I engine is a double overhead cam engine. The Phase II is a single overhead cam engine. I was hoping some one else on this board would be able to help with the indentification of these engines. Apparently, there is a difference in the pulley covers and the position of the oil dipstick, but I don't recall the exact details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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