Auto or Low Range?

Subie
You can have low range with both auto and manual transmissions but I don't think you can get low range at all in a forester. I seems you don't know much about how 4wd transmissions work - for a very simple expose of all matters to do with transmissions, differentials, turbochargers etc log onto to www.howstuffworks.com click on auto and follow the links. This is a great learning tool.

Cheers
Pete

Subie,

The Forester being a high revving petrol motor with tall gearing, I would go for the auto. With four wheel driving the torque converter will allow the vehicle to crawl up tracks slow. This will reduce the damage to the vehicle and track. Going down hill, the brakes will haved to be used hard. reguardless of transmission.

Wayne

To give you something else to think about there will soon be an oil burner Forester. Go the auto.

The low ratio in the Forrester is not all that great (1.2:1) but the torque converter will give youabout 2:1.

Go the auto and learn to drive through the brakes to maintain traction (accel and brake at the same time).

I would strongly suggest that you do a 4WD driver education course, the pros and cons will be discused along with the appropriate driving techniques.