This might be a "noobi" question, but here it is.

I need new front tires on my 4WD wagon. Tread is almost non-existant. Rears look decent for now. I last replaced all 4 tires 5 years ago. Not sure why the fronts wore worse than the rears. Can I replace only the front 2 for now? Money's a little tight right now so trying to save a buck. I've heard on Subarus, that you should always replace all 4 at the same time. Is this rule of thumb just for AWD? Can't afford to screw-up the drivetrain since this is my only daily driver. As we all know, winter's around the corner, so I need new rubber soon. Any insight would be great.

if the rear tires are good... then keep it... but watch the pressure of the tire too.

 

remember that they need rotation every 10.000km(front-back, not side to side)... this save you a lot money.

 

I hope this help you in the future.

for you I would make sure to replace tires in pairs or all 4, and keep matching pairs on each axle (2 matching tires on the front, and 2 matching on the rear). It wont matter at all unless you engage 4wd, which you shouldnt do unless your on mud/grass/gravel/snow anyway. you shouldnt engage 4wd on surfaces that arent soft or flexible or things could bind up.

It will be fine, just be smart where you use 4wd. Put the new tires on the back and the old ones on the front for winter.

New tires in front and worn on back is recipe for oversteering into a tree when it's slippery.