How 'off-road' capable are they? Especially in sandy conditions?

try asking this at www.offroadsubarus.com

Thanks - yet another forum to subscribe to.

the exact topic is discussed here

http://www.subaruforester.com/viewtopic.php?t=12425

you may be able to view without subscribiing

My gt goes very well in the sand. Being an auto you dont need to worry about choosing the right gear for the conditions. only prob is that the gt runs a lower profile tire so it doesnt respond as well to letting the pressure down.

Can get a bit stuck from time to time though hey Scottie

Foresters and Liberty Outbacks are very decent in the sand and on dirt trails. The relative light weight (compared to a full size 4WD), and the dual range gearbox in some models endows them with a bit more off road capacity than your average "soft roader".

Without some serious suspension work IE lift kit, etc, I'd say they wouldnt be super great on rocky trails.

Back in the day, my mum and dad used to own a Subaru Sportswagon with a lift kit, and dual range gearbox, etc...used to do a great job of towing the Honda CT185 3 wheeler over the dunes at Lancelin

Apparently I used to enjoy the trip too, but I was too young to remember.

They are ok in the sand however a few things to be noted are:

They have a low ground clearance and can get stuck in bigger 4wds ruts
You NEED to let the tyres down before you get into the sand as it is much easier
Get yourself a recovery kit if you wanna do it abit ($500 from 4wd shops)
Keep the revs steady and dont back off

Check out Subaxtreme http://www.users.bigpond.com/subaxtreme if you are serious about off-roading and get a strut lift kit (for the latest models) and a sump guard.

I've had my GT off-road in the dunes at Lancelin and down south and its great on the beach - even in the really soft stuff - just don't stop in it or you'll get stuck trying to get going again.

Automatics are the best in sand because of the infinately variable low range you get with the torque converter of the auto. Need an oil cooler kit on the auto if you are using it off-road.

Let the tyres down a bit if you want,but I've never found the need. A recovery kit is a good idea though for if/when you get stuck. Nice to at least have the gear if you intend to ask someone to help you out with a tow.

I found letter the tyres down made a fair bit of difference personally

for 500 bucks u will get a recovery kit including an exhaust bag a snatch strap and a compresser for reinflating your tyres

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