Hi All,

 

New here to USMB, have been seeking a true all purpose vehicle for my needs and thinking the Baja may fit the bill.

 

Would be pulling it behind a 25' RV and need the ability for light hauling (bicycles or small scooter like Vespa) and still have the ability to top load a kayak or two. 

 

Hoping someone can inform me of the aspects on towing AWD vehicles, manual vs. automatic transmission (for towing purposes), turbo or not?  Comfortable?

 

They seem to be few and far between, any particular reason? 

 

Thanks so much - make your day a GREAT one! 

 

 

 

 

I think a Baja would make a great camping and adventure runabout vehicle... but I'm not so sure about the logistics of towing one around. Hopefully someone else here can enlighten all of us about that.

If you can't tell by looking at them they're basically an Outback wagon with some nip and tuck work in the rear end. I think you could test out a similar year Outback somewhere and get a general idea of what the car is like to drive and comfort levels. 

 

The Baja is somewhat rare because they didn't sell very well and hence weren't sold for many years. This saddens me greatly because I'd love to own a Baja but any that come up for sale anywhere near me are both high mileage AND way overpriced.

 

To pull a Baja behind an RV, you would need to be trailoring it. A Baja needs all 4 wheels off the ground to be trailored, otherwise, the all wheel drive system will be damaged.

Thanks Folks for your speedy replies! 

 

I did more research through an RV forum in which another individual posted a similar question regarding AWD / Subaru towing.  According to a Subaru link provided there, as long as the vehicle has a manual transmission and is in neutral with the key on 'accessory', it can be towed without concern to the AWD system - at least for the Outback...  http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/65-parts-accessories-performance/47889-dinghy-towing-my-new-2013-outback-2.html

 

I certainly don't wish to contest advisement against towing from Subaru Master, but was consideration given to a manual tranny?  Would be interested in learning more...

 

So - Turbo vs. non-turbo...  advantages / dis-advantages - does one get better MPG than the other?  Cost to maintain?  I'm not a lead foot, rabbit jump starter or gearhead by any means...  nor do I typically drive in heavy traffic needing quick acceleration for on ramps, but there may be occasion when I do really need to scoot...   My '99 Saab is turbo-charged, and the only advantage I see is when I'm in a spot that needs quick acceleration... ?

 

I appreciate the shared knowledge that the Baja is similar to an Outback - had no idea.   I'll certainly seek one out for the purpose of doing a test drive, it'll certainly be easier to find!   Thanks for the chuckle at the nip/tuck comparison...  maybe I'll check into that too while I'm out! 

 

And yes, the Baja seems rather pricey, in demand I suppose because of limited production,  fuel costs rising and lack of other 4 cylinder 'mini-trucks' out there....

 

Having never owned a Subaru before, that may soon change after reading other reviews - I appreciate the input / feedback regarding any and all experiences / knowledge from seasoned owners. 

 

Oh...  will share another link I came across today regarding Subaru makes/models, options and standard costs... hopefully it can serve someone in the future?  http://www.cars101.com/subaru/baja/baja2005.html

 

Thanks again - Make your day a Great one!

If, by your own admission, you're not a lead foot or hotrod driver I would suggest avoiding the turbo model. I've owned and driven both turbo and non-turbo subarus and the turbo ones without a doubt put a bigger smile on the face... but with fuel prices these days they burrow a MUCH deeper hole in the wallet. Not worth it in my opinion unless you want the rig for sporty driving, in which case you'd probably want something sportier than the Baja anyway.

I have a 2005 Outback 2.5i non-turbo (automatic) and I never feel like I don't have a safe enough amount of power. It's not a speed machine but it's sufficient for any sensible (and some less sensible) use I've encountered thus far. Heck, I've got a 1998 2.2L automatic Impreza and that's got enough power too... at least it did before I lifted it and put bigger tires on it... oops.

I certainly don't wish to contest advisement against towing from Subaru
Master, but was consideration given to a manual tranny?  Would be
interested in learning more...

 

I stand corrected. Thanks. I did read the link that with a standard tranny that the car can be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground.

Huh, I was always told that the only bad way to tow one would be to only have two wheels on the ground, having all would be fine. but, come to think of it, even in neutral in an auto, the tranny still spins when coasting, and without lube being pumped through....yea, i was warned once while putting an old beater into neutral going 80ish that its terrible for the transmission, fine if it's a manual. I guess that would be doing basically the same thing if being towed.....