First of all, I should say that the 2001 ltd with the 2.5 didn't work out for me. Dealership sold it before I could get to it. So, now that I'm looking at a 2002 with the 3.0, I have a few questions. First off, how do you like them? Second, what is their max towing capacity and tongue weight?

Well, too late. Ended up buying a 2002 Outback with the EJ25 boxer 4. So far, I love the car, but it seems like the turning radius is extremely wide. Is it just my imagination or do you other Outback owners sense this, too? I think my old Explorer has a tighter turning radius than this new car.:eek:

Our 2003 outback has a decent turning radius? Our Toyota T100 has a better turning radius, though, I would rate it as exceptional, especially for an extended cab 2WD truck.

The 3.0 has around a 3600 lb towing capacity, IIRC. The 2.5 w/automatic is rated around 2700 lbs, the 2.5 w/ manual is only rated for 1700 or thereabout. Good luck towing with a manual trans, they just weren't built for towing (though I think more thought went into the 3.0 H6 design regarding towing).

Make sure you get a trailer hitch right for your application if you do tow. I think you can only equip an Outback with a class 1 hitch, but I'm not exactly sure.

The 2.5 I got has a 4 spd auto. Looking at those specs, I doubt it'll actually see any towing. I did take it off roading, though. Had to get winched out when I high centered it in the dirt.

Just don't go mud bogging in it then. :p