Subaru Outback thoughts Impressions?

[bobzilla]

I've read where changing the spark plugs are real fun

Typically do those when you change the head gaskets and timing belts at about 90k. 6 bolts and the entire engine comes out to do the service (yes, changing head gaskets for subarus is a PM not a failure).

 

[model1994]

no matter the year, get the 6 cylinder naturally aspirated version and all the common issues you hear are null.

it’s probably one of the best vehicles you’ll own. I loved mine and plan to get one again someday, but they have the enthusiast-tax and hold value so well, I’m not sure I’ll get what I want reasonably

 

[mmpsteve]

no matter the year, get the 6 cylinder naturally aspirated version and all the common issues you hear are null.

it’s probably one of the best vehicles you’ll own. I loved mine and plan to get one again someday, but they have the enthusiast-tax and hold value so well, I’m not sure I’ll get what I want reasonably

Are you talking used? I don’t believe they offer the six cylinder in any current models. That I know of.

.

 

[bobzilla]

Are you talking used? I don’t believe they offer the six cylinder in any current models. That I know of.

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They do not. If you want new it’s going to deal with the problems mentioned.

 

[COOPADUP]

Are you talking used? I don’t believe they offer the six cylinder in any current models. That I know of.

.

My understanding is that they couldn’t squeeze enough MPG out of the 6 so they went with the 4 cylinder turbo platform.
BTW, I’ve heard that the Baja is being brought back in 2025.

 

[snapping turtle]

The Baja is a neat looking package but it is not practical for me or many.

I don't like the outback looks wise either.the forester not for me either.

I do think that the outback besides the look's would be the go to for me. Maybe I could get past the small station wagon looks but that would also require me to customize and that would cost more on top. At that point a rav 4 would be in the same price point when Toyota finally figures out that a 33k vehicle is not worth an extra 10k price plus dealer adding of 7k options no one wants or needs. I like the rav 4 looks better.

 

[Route 45]

At that point a rav 4 would be in the same price point when Toyota finally figures out that a 33k vehicle is not worth an extra 10k price plus dealer adding of 7k options no one wants or needs.

It’s not Toyota tacking on the extra $10k, it’s the scumbag dealers. As far as worth…they are worth what the market says they are worth, and people are paying it.

 

[breakingcontact]

How long do you want to keep it?

For how many miles?

They are cool cars, for awhile, but their engines don't go big miles typically.

 

[bobzilla]

How long do you want to keep it?

For how many miles?

They are cool cars, for awhile, but their engines don't go big miles typically.

If you treat it like a german car or chrysler it'll be fine. Buy it new and trade it in every 3 years. You'll be (mostly) fine.

 

[yeti rider]

We had a 2017 outback with no trouble, a 2021 ascent with no problems, a 2018 crosstrek that does have a little oil consumption, and a 2022 Forester. I am in the car repair world for a living, and I can say without hesitation, that EVERY brand has their problems.

 

[bobzilla]

We had a 2017 outback with no trouble, a 2021 ascent with no problems, a 2018 crosstrek that does have a little oil consumption, and a 2022 Forester. I am in the car repair world for a living, and I can say without hesitation, that EVERY brand has their problems.

Been in this world for 20+ years. Yep they all do. But subaru has earned their black marks and around 2016 stopped helping their customers like the old Subaru and instead went all Mitsubishi and looked for ways to deny warranty work on an obvious defect. The number of wrx’s I’ve seen under 10k needing the engine replaced is phenomenal. Before that was head gaskets at 90k, before that glass transmissions. Before that clutches that were made of paper and they’ve ALWAYS been super easy to rust away/together.

 

[wcd]

Been in this world for 20+ years. Yep they all do. But subaru has earned their black marks and around 2016 stopped helping their customers like the old Subaru and instead went all Mitsubishi and looked for ways to deny warranty work on an obvious defect. The number of wrx’s I’ve seen under 10k needing the engine replaced is phenomenal. Before that was head gaskets at 90k, before that glass transmissions. Before that clutches that were made of paper and they’ve ALWAYS been super easy to rust away/together.

So which used car would the Bobzilla recommend?

 

[mmpsteve]

Been in this world for 20+ years. Yep they all do. But subaru has earned their black marks and around 2016 stopped helping their customers like the old Subaru and instead went all Mitsubishi and looked for ways to deny warranty work on an obvious defect. The number of wrx’s I’ve seen under 10k needing the engine replaced is phenomenal. Before that was head gaskets at 90k, before that glass transmissions. Before that clutches that were made of paper and they’ve ALWAYS been super easy to rust away/together.

Have they not addressed these issues in the current offerings?

.

 

[bobzilla]

Have they not addressed these issues in the current offerings?

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Cvt Subaru is enough to keep Me away. No better than they’ve handled them in the past? No thanks.

 

[bobzilla]

So which used car would the Bobzilla recommend?

Too vague of a question. The question should be: what do you need? Then work from there. There are new cars for used prices if you know where to look and you aren’t a badge snob.

 

[wcd]

Too vague of a question. The question should be: what do you need? Then work from there. There are new cars for used prices if you know where to look and you aren’t a badge snob.

Badge Snob oh that one hurt!

But seriously fuel economy, Leg room , good crash rating, all weather driving capabilities, cold weather friendly, manual transmission that’s a tall order item.

 

[Leo]

Three young men in my neighborhood are the "tuner" hot rod types. They have or had have Subaru cars. They were talking about some of the models that hold up and some of the engines that do not. They all seemed in agreement like it was common knowledge. I did not remember the details because I don't want a subaru and they modify them and drive like they are stars in Tokyo Drift. There is a "mrsubaru" on youtube that they respect.

 

[bobzilla]

Badge Snob oh that one hurt!

But seriously fuel economy, Leg room , good crash rating, all weather driving capabilities, cold weather friendly, manual transmission that’s a tall order item.

Manual trans is what kills you on that list. There's lots of good cars that fit the first 5 conditions, that last one takes 98% of those away.

I say "badge snob" because I have family members that I married into that if it's not a Honda, Toyota, Lexus or Acura they cannot and will not drive them.

 

[Route 45]

I say "badge snob" because I have family members that I married into that if it's not a Honda, Toyota, Lexus or Acura they cannot and will not drive them.

That's not being a badge snob. That's wise fiscal policy. There is a reason that many people will only buy those brands, and it ain't prestige. Badge snobs love unreliable, overly complicated German stuff or faux bougie Indian SUVs with British nameplates.

Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus is pretty much my list, other than my current Hyundai, which I love except for the dual-clutch transmission. Everything else on it is so good for the money that I'm considering an upgrade to a Genesis GV70. Same features and equipment, higher end materials and the excellent (so far) 2.5T engine with a regular torque converter 8 speed automatic.

 

[ghuns]

Badge Snob oh that one hurt!

But seriously fuel economy, Leg room , good crash rating, all weather driving capabilities, cold weather friendly, manual transmission that’s a tall order item.

Drop the manual requirement and buy a AWD Lexus RX350.