I'm due for a vehicle and we're scoping out used Outbacks. Do you have any common things to look for? Pitfalls? Red flags?

We're thinking the 2.5i, as we really don't tow or do much that I feel would warrant the V6. We're also mainly looking at 2011 and newer. Budget-wise, we'll probably stay between 9 and 12K.

Is it better to try and nab like a 2010 with 70K miles, or settle for like a 2013/2014 with 120-130K?
We don't really have any plans to do anything other than drive it and care for it until it dies.

Following.
NikonUser & Aetocles both have Outbacks, 3.6 H6s.

I think the 2015 and up might have cvt leak issues. They extended the warranty to 10 years. My 15 Legacy 3.6R (car version of Outback) went 77k miles with no issues other than a weak battery before I traded it in.

Our 2011 Outback 2.5 was on the verge of blowing the head gaskets at 100K miles and there seem to be issues with the CVT after 100K.

Not a guru, but was looking at Subie OB's as well. Hope this helps in your quest for knowledge:

https://scanneranswers.com/the...ead-gasket-problems/

Head gasket issues on older ones, 4 and 6 cylinder both. 6 cyl is a $4000 fix. My daughter has had 2 outbacks. The 4 cyl one blew the gasket every 75k miles. The 6 cyl was supposed to be better but it went bad at 110k miles. She will not buy another Subaru. We have a 2016. Supposed to be fixed by 2016. We shall see.

I have a 2013 Outback with the 4-cylinder. All maintenance done at dealership.

That said, I have had zero major issues at 87,000 miles. My next car will likely be another Outback, but I have a few years to go.

quote:

Originally posted by ranger312:
Head gasket issues on older ones, 4 and 6 cylinder both. 6 cyl is a $4000 fix. My daughter has had 2 outbacks. The 4 cyl one blew the gasket every 75k miles. The 6 cyl was supposed to be better but it went bad at 110k miles. She will not buy another Subaru. We have a 2016. Supposed to be fixed by 2016. We shall see.

4 G's for a headgasket? Seems pretty high

We have a 2015 Outback 4 cyl that we bought new. Roughly 50k miles and zero issues other than recent replacement of the anemic OE battery.

Love the car. Great all around vehicle with very high customer satisfaction and reliability ratings from Consumer Reports.

I have read that the OE battery is a bit low on CCAs.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
I have read that the OE battery is a bit low on CCAs.

You are spot on...here is one of my prior posts at to the very low CCA's:

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...400013164#4400013164

These are very, very tough cars. Currently I've ones at 280K and 160K. I'm fully expecting both will make it to 300K+, subject to some kinds of repairs that dwarf the market value. Most of the big issues that have cost me real money in the end relate to time on the road in the winter (salt etc.) versus mileage. I would all day long pay for a newer higher mileage example. Mostly the running gear can be fixed inexpensively.

I’d go with the 2013. Has the timing chain and supposedly better head gaskets.

2012 or newer. 2012 is when they eliminated the head gasket issue. 140k on my 2012 and I'm still daily driving it.

On the "older ones" I *think* they used the same 2.5L 4-speed platform for several of their cars. So my smaller '08 Impreza was identical under the skin as the larger heavier Outback? More wear'n'tear putting a larger vehicle on the same mechanical system?

I've been poring over specs for the last month and am focusing on a new Impreza or Crosstrek Premium with CVT - the only 'option'. Plus auto-dim rearview and all-weather mats.

timing belt up to 2012 - chain after.
105,000 miles is the belt change interval - verify if done.

Suggest 2013 or later
No CVT issues in any


In my family there are (all 4-cyl):
-2000 OB wagon - 335K + will donate to some group (HG change at 100/200K)
- 2002 Imprezza - 160K+ (HG at 120K)
- 2009 Forester- 250K + (1st HG change at 220K)
- 2012 OB wagon- 95K
- 2018 Forester - 28K
No concerns staying with them - it's called "maintenance"

Avoid the engine option with the timing belt. Get the engine with the timing chain.
When the timing belt breaks, after 100,000 miles, the repair will be extremely expensive.

^^^^^^^^
Hence why it gets replaced at 105,000!

quote:

Originally posted by sgalczyn:
^^^^^^^^
Hence why it gets replaced at 105,000!

Yup, better a small $$ outlay for preventative maintenance, than big $$$ for a catastrophic repair.

I bought a 2004 Outback with 150,000. Its been good but I wish I had, had it looked at by the dealer ship. I didnt hear anything but when it was checked the drive shaft was shot.. and it is a one piece unit so it was 1200 bucks