Will92

Thanks for the clarification. But isn't a big difference between Subarus and other AWD competitors that the rear wheels of the Subaru are always "powered" rather than relying on detected wheel slippage to engage them?

thanks fairtax4me.... I forgot to ask another question for my search... should I avoid in general the turbo engines? I would think these put a lot of wear and tear on the engines especially if they are driven hard. Also, I have seen an occasional H6 and Tribec. FInally, I'm now considering years from say 2002 on. Are they all considered symmetrical AWD? From what I understand this means all four wheels are constantly powered. This is what makes Subaru unique, right? All other AWD systems out there rely on detection of wheel slippage to power the rear wheels. Do I understand this correctly?

Thanks! My struggle has been trying to find a 2008 or newer Outback or 2009 or newer Forester with less than 100k miles for 12k (USD) or less that hasn't come from the rust belt, was a rental, was accidents, etc. So when a 2006 with low miles showed up for less than that I decided I should rethink my "requirements" and start considering the older Subarus since obviously ae works in ones favor with kbb values. The 2006 didn't pan out by the way but at least now I think I can comfortably consider the older Subarus. Thanks again for your thoughtful comments!

Hi all: I'm in Colorado and have been looking for a low mileage Forester or Outback for some time now. Originally I had set my specifications as a 2008 or newer Outback and 2009 or newer Forester because from what I have determined these are the years when both overhead curtain airbags AND stability control was added. However, recently I've found some pretty good deals on older Foresters and Outbacks. I think I'm OK with foregoing having the overhead curtain airbags because at least the older ones still have the side airbags, but would giving up the stability control be a mistake? For what it's worth, I've done OK over the years without any VSC, am a very careful driver in adverse conditions, and always make sure I have good tires. I fell I will get a quantum leap from the AWD alone from what I've been driving. Plus, from what I understand, VSC is really only beneficial for help during emergency maneuvers such as going too fast around an icy or wet curve. Would members here necessarily pass on a good older Forester or Outback just because it doesn't have stability control? It will still have the same symmetrical AWD design as any newer Subaru, right? Thanks folks.

Thanks all... another question... I see on some of Foresters on CL I'm looking at that it lists "tow package". Does this mean it is just equipped with a factory tow hitch or does it mean it has an additional oil or transmission fluid cooler? Can a Forester without the tow package still be equipped to tow and how would that be done. thanks

Thanks. You mentioned AWD systems are essentially the same, but doesn't the Subaru apply power to ALL wheels at ALL times unlike others like the Rav4, Highlander, Sorento, etc. etc. that only apply power to the front wheels UNTIL rear wheel slippage is detected? I thought that was made the Subaru unique regarding AWD. If this is true, I don't completely understand what the advantage would be other than perhaps there is a delay time with the competitors before AWD which make them less safe. It would be grateful if someone could explain this to me. Also, I found the iihs site which can tell you which models had ESC. Is this a nice feature? Finally, I noticed on a CL ad for a 2006 that there is no actual window frame on the door. Do any of the Forester years have a true window frame as part of the door?

Thanks! I just watched a YouTube video by CR comparing the Forester, CRV and Rav4 on a wet track course. The Subaru dominated the competition in terms of controlled steering and ESC. Very impressive. Other videos with Subarus in deep snow were also impressive but it seems most folks blasted through deep snow with sort of a running start so I think for very deep snow, a true 4WD would do better. Am I right? However, for all around performance, the Subaru AWD is probably the way to go. I think the next best option would be the Toyota 4Runner with true 4WD. I really want to go and drive a Forester now! I was looking at a used LL Bean for sale on CL. I just wish Subaru had something just a big larger without having to go to the wagon design (which I really don't like). PS why has this head gasket thing been such a problem? I seems like it has existed for so long that Subaru would have started to use the improved gaskets a long time ago.

Hi all: Glad I found this forum. So I've been looking for a good used SUV for winter driving in Colorado. Most of the year is OK but when we get hit we get hit hard! I will say first of all that I've been a big Toyota fan and had my heart set on a Hybrid Highlander because I like the size, power and awesome mpg. My other consideration was the 4Runner because it is a true 4WD. However, as I started to educate myself about exactly how a AWD performs, I started to read about the Subaru AWD system. I have a few questions... 1. First of all, from what I understand, the Subaru AWD applies constant power to ALL four wheels. Is this correct? Also, from what I understand, all other AWD system are primarily fwd UNTIL rear wheel slippage is detected and THEN applies power to the rear wheels. So, what makes the Subaru system superior? Is it that there is basically no "reaction time" for rear wheel power to be applied? And, does this really matter going down a level snowy or icy road? I am inclined to think that AWD is only really needed when you are actually stuck in which case I would think it wouldn't matter which style you have. 2. I have always thought that a true 4WD vehicle was far superior to any AWD vehicle including the subaru. I was originally looking at Jeeps which has a sort of cult following out here. But... they have the WORST reliability according to Consumer Reports. However, again, the Toyota 4Runner has an excellent reliability rating. However, now I'm starting to think a good AWD vehicle might be just as good AND you don't have to physically shift into 4WD. 3. Regarding the Subaru AWD system again, is power continually shifted between front and rear? For dry road conditions, what is the approximate split between front and rear power? 4. Are there any problematic years for the Forester I should be aware of? I'm looking at 2003 on up. I am aware of the head gasket issue and am making sure any Subaru I consider has had this repair. 5. Can a tow hitch be added to the Forester? We have some bikes and I supposed I could take advantage of the factory roof rack system, but was just wondering. I watched a brief YouTube video and it seems like adding a trailer hitch is quite complicated on the Forester and I'm not sure if Subaru even recommends any sort of tow attachment. 6. Finally, what about the Tribeca. I like that it is 6 cylinder and would presumably have better acceleration and power but there seem to be a lot of folks here in CO that seem to do just fine with the 4 cylinder Forester. Plus, it seems the Tribeca is quite rare. Also, I read on Edmunds that people complain the headlights are so dim they can't see at night! Thanks for helping out a newbie with these basic questions.