I hate it when car mechanics try to upsell me

[pete6032]

OK I did some more looking and the manual says to replace the CVT fluid every 25,000 miles if you are pulling a trailer frequently. Not likely if you own an Impreza. Under normal conditions there is no scheduled replacement.

 

[nakedfrog]

How much is an Impreza even rated to tow?

 

[Captante]

I had a 2002 Impreza Outback and I seem to recall the manual suggested against towing anything.... been a while though I could be wrong.

 

[pete6032]

How much is an Impreza even rated to tow?

Zero. I imagine they include those notes in the Impreza manual because they use the same manual template for all vehicles.

 

[NutBucket]

It used to be something like 1500lbs. The turbo models are 5k.

 

[Captante]

The only current Subaru with anywhere near 5k towing capacity is the Ascent SUV.



The current Legacy Outback (much larger than the Impreza) maxes out at 2700 lbs or 270 lbs "tongue-weight". Also the towing limit is GREATLY reduced if towing a trailer without its own brakes.

Further, the reason for these capacities is not related directly to horsepower or engine torque (although more power = more hill-climbing ability) it has to do with the carrying capacity of the rear-suspension/springs and the structure of the hitch-mount area. (also total vehicle weight)

The Impreza weighs less than 3500 lbs soaking wet lol... towing a 5k lb trailer with approx TWICE the "tongue-weight" of its actual capacity using a tiny, short-wheelbase 3k lb vehicle is likely to end extremely badly even if you do manage to get it moving!

(like out of control flying backwards off a cliff badly)