The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Looking to do some traveling in the next couple of months, no serious off-roading but some long distances and possible dirt roads (Nth Western Aus) and camping (no trailer). Also possible beach trips (Fraser, Noosa Nth Shore). Have been thinking Forester GT or Outback Gen 3. Are either of these more capable / better to mod than the other? Will auto be OK in sand or are they prone to overheating? Would a dual range manual outback or later Forester X be a better option altogether? Have had L series wagon (lift kit + spring lift) on the beach many times in the past, strayed to a Vitara (lifted) and wasn't that impressed with it in day to day driving, also enjoyed WRX ownership for a couple of years and now thinking about a middle ground. Your thoughts welcomed.....

Hey Butters,

Welcome to the forum!

Sounds like you've got some good choices there and a good grounding in subaru ownership.

From what I've read on these forums the outback will have more room than the forester. After that they're pretty much the same to mod, both have lift kits available etc. The auto trans should be okay on the beach, you can get a cooler added if need be - I think outbacks with the factory tow pack already have the cooler fitted, maybe something to consider.

Other's will have some input, I know D3VIL dave and Outback Bloke are running late model outbacks and many have the foresters.

Good luck, i'll keep my eye on this post, i'm sure there'll be some good info flowing here

Cheers

Bennie

gday butters
i recon forry sompin like my 98 model stock no rust straight. starting price $8000 ono .then ya can mod it to suit yourself.

dibs

El_Freddo wrote:i'm sure there'll be some good info flowing here

I guess I was wrong

Bennie

G'day and welcome to this forum! You've come to right place.
I currently own 1996 Liberty wagon with outback struts installed that is same height as Outback, but future plans is to install raised suspensions in the future for more ground clearance.
I think you're better off getting Outback due more parts options, more comfortable to drive, manuals do come with dual range. Also with outback you can install lift kits & raised suspensions. There is a guy in Bayswater area that has lifted Outback, I think he used to be a member in here but havent heard from him for a while...
Overheating..... I am not sure that I am aware about... I know EJ22s are fine in hot weather and havent seen mine overheat yet.... Dunno about EJ25s. Make sure you check out the service history and check if it has updated headgaskets.
Cheers
AP

One thing about a stock outback is that it has a long, relatively low nose. For general offroadery it's fine if you're careful, but any rough stuff will have you grading the road!

Lifting the car will help, or a roobar bumper replacement should work well, too as the new bumper isn't as low as the stock plastic one.

Forresters don't have that trouble, iirc, as their nose is quite a bit shorter.