Considering a new Toad

[baraff]

I'm interested in either the 2012 Subaru Impreza of the Mazda 3. Manual transmission of course. Does anyone know if these are flat-towable?

[Mr_D]

Check the towing guide at FMCA or Motorhome magazine.

[Wanabee FTer]

Both of them should be flat towable, at least they were as of last model year 2011 according to Remco Towing

Probably would need to call them to be sure no changes for 2012.

[LandKinaMoho]

Manual by default are in neutral. Hook up and go!

[SarahW]

Originally Posted by LandKinaMoho

Manual by default are in neutral. Hook up and go!

Sorry, but that is not always the case.

[JimM68]

Originally Posted by SarahW

Sorry, but that is not always the case.

Ussually, but not always. Check the owners manual, under recreational towing, always.

[baraff]

I contacted Subaru by email, here is the scoop on the 2012 Impreza w/manual transmission:

Dear Mr. Rafferty:

Thank you for visiting the Subaru Web Site and for your interest in a 2012 Subaru Impreza.

AWD Subaru vehicles with manual transmission can be towed with all four wheels on the ground and the transmission in neutral.
When towing a manual transmission 2012 Impreza behind your motorhome, you would want the transmission in neutral and the key in the 1st position from "OFF." As all new models are equipped with digital odometers, mileage will not accumulate when being towed.

Thanks again for your interest in Subaru products. Have a great weekend, Burns.

Sincerely,

John J. Mergen
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer/Dealer Services Department
1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
Service Request #1-1980576722




[THREAD ID:1-WR6MS3]

-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: 4/12/2012 04:35:18 PM
To: CustDlrServices@subaru.com
Subject: (SR #:1-1980576722) Product Information

Hi - I am interested in the 2012 Impreza. My wife and I own an motorhome and I need to know if the 2012 Impreza (manual transmission) is flat-towable (all 4 wheels on the ground @ 60mph) behind the motorhome and what, if any, restrictions there are. I'm not sure the salesperson really understood the question I asked.

Based on this official reply from Subaru, I purchased a new 2012 Impreza. Truly a terrific car!

[ga traveler]

Originally Posted by LandKinaMoho

Manual by default are in neutral. Hook up and go!

This is incorrect. Remco the towing experts say many manual trannys can not be towed. Something about lubercation while towing.

[wa8yxm]

Well, Though there are indeed manuals that do not tow well, I see the maufacturer has spoken as it were.

What are you planning on doing with the old towed (or how much are they offering for trade in?)

[baraff]

I traded it, ('04 ford focus), it had 90,000 miles on the clock, some problem with the emissions light going on, and on, and on, and the front end needed some serious work. It was a good car but I couldn't see putting a lot of money in it. Plus it was starting to rust, which here in Illinois is the beginning of the end for a car.
I thought about listing it here for sale but didn't feel right selling it to someone knowing it had issues.
They gave me $3500 in trade.

[akcampr]

I set up our 2008 Impreza sport to tow this winter. We towed it for the first time last weekend. It towed great. I put on a blue ox base plate, ready brute elite tow bar and brakes. Drove from Anchorage to Fairbanks and it tracked very well behind.