QuestionHave been told 99 Forester's engine & clutch is gone. Also rear wheel bearing needs replacing. Car was purchased new and were told could tow 2000 lbs. Boat& trailer weigh 1950 lbs, we only have used it to tow maybe 30 times. Only has 98,000 miles which is low for Subaru. Had all req maint. Could it have been the towing? Are thinking of used Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner. Any vehicles you recommend? Thank you.
AnswerNo way to be accurate with a diagnosis over the internet.
But, towing puts a strain on everything. A wheel bearing usually will last more than 100,000 miles, but to have one go out in that time is not unusual.
Towing right at the limit is usually asking for some trouble down the road. Allowing a good safety margin is a good idea.
The engine should last more than that, but they also can go bad for no real reason sooner. Manufacturing tolerances can take out a certain % of any car.
A clutch going in 100,000 miles is pretty common.
When looking for new ones, just make sure they are designed and equipped for towing. If buying new, then get the tow package from the MFG. Get something with at least 4000 pound capacity then you have plenty of safety margin.
Since you are looking at used, you have to do more research to see what the tow capacity is.
Visit Edmunds.com and do research on any vehicle you are considering.
honestly, the Trailblazer is a superb vehicle and pretty cheap to buy. The straight 6 has gobs of torque, they look good, last well and tow great. slightly smaller Tahoe in reality. Don't limit yourself to smaller imports.
Don
