On Nov 3, 11:01*pm, Adam wrote:
On Oct 29, 7:38*pm, ryanglover1969 wrote:

Hello all. I am looking to buy a new vehicle, mainly for work related
reasons. Something like an AWD Subaru Outback would be perfect for
work.

So I'm wondering what you all have to say about towing my sailplane
trailer with a Subaru Outback, which is a 4 cylinder vehicle. That's
the issue I need answered. Would a 4 cylinder do the job? Or would it
tear up the transmission.

I don't want a lager vehicle for MPG reasons.

Thanks, Ryan

I tow with a used '99 Audi A6 Avant (wagon) quattro. The car is very
heavy and has decent brakes. It has double-wishbones on all four
corners and rides much better than a Subie (the roads up north here
are crap). The tranny is 5 speed automatic. The torque converter is
locked nearly all the time and it shifts very fast in manual or auto
mode. The motor is a 5 valve V6 with 200 hp and variable cam timing -
not too much but it gets you around. It gets 26 mpg at 75+mph with AC
on. Premium fuel is required. The interior is leather, plush, and very
roomy. Sound system and seats are excellent.

I towed my Jantar 3000+ miles thru the mountains to 10k feet. With a
Minden fab trailer (the proverbial barn door), I drove 65 mph and got
20 mpg for the trip. You have to downshift in the big hills, no
biggie. I can do 80 mph with a stable ride, but then I feel like I am
abusing it. A better trailer would fix that problem.

If you go used Audi, avoid the V6 turbos and V8's. Mine has 160k with
no real issues to speak of over the last 100k and five years I have
owned it.

YMMV,
Adam

The new (2010) Outback has a re-designed suspension incorporating
double wishbone in the rear (front is still standard McPherson
struts). Along with the increased ride height, it should be an even
better tow vehicle.

I love my 2002 Passat with the V6 and 4motion suspension (similar to
your Audi quattro). However, at 150K miles, it's starting to give
warning signs that it will become a money pit in the not too distant
future (replaced ignition coils, flex joints in the exhaust, etc.).

P3