Hello, I'm going to look at a couple Outbacks tomorrow. I tend to like big engines, so my preferred choice is a 2019 Touring with a 3.6. It's currently sitting at 62k miles. Should I buy it, I intend to keep this for a very long time. To 200k miles and quite possibly beyond. I worry about owning a CVT, though I'm told Subaru's are the best. And, if I understand correctly, the 3.6 has a heavier duty transmission. So tell me the pros and cons of owning a 3.6 equipped Outback. I'd love to hear real ownership experiences.
leftoverture
Pros: It's a Subaru, has a 3.6 6 cylinder engine.
Cons: You have come to the wrong place for any negative input
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3.6 is a great engine. I've had 2 of them.
Cons: You have come to the wrong place for any negative input
.3.6 is a great engine. I've had 2 of them.
Factor the following maintenance into your car purchase budget as your car is at the correct mileage for many to be done.
CVT fluid drain and fill, front/rear diff, brake fluid. Spark plug change.
I have a 2017 3.6r with 120k (72k miles). Just had the spark plugs done yesterday
For me, the CVT and front/rear diffs have each been done twice (perhaps a bit overkill...whatever).
CVT fluid drain and fill, front/rear diff, brake fluid. Spark plug change.
I have a 2017 3.6r with 120k (72k miles). Just had the spark plugs done yesterday
For me, the CVT and front/rear diffs have each been done twice (perhaps a bit overkill...whatever).
The Touring model does have really nice features and functions. Throw a six cylinder engine in with these features, along with the way the vehicle looks and handles…
Only 62,000 miles?
Only 62,000 miles?
CarFax is only as good as the service shops which do make reports to the network. Many respectable and reliable shops do not make reports of service repairs to CarFax, I have learned.
Some cons - there are more for all gen5 cars, but if it’s not specific to the 2019 being included, I’ll leave those out.
3.6 trims:
Some good things:
Touring Trims:
3.6 trims:
- Oil changes require more oil than the 2.5
- timing cover may leak on or near the cover sealing surface (more nuisance/messy than an oil loss problem)
- 2 more spark plugs to change when you get around to it
- Larger screen headunit may have screen problems at some point - delamination/responsiveness issues. No screen replacement cheaply available, solution is new headunit, either subaru original one or aftermarket radio.
- power rear gate, if left open, continues to draw power even after 20 minute time out for the interior lights. Easy workaround, permanent fix is the updated power rear gate control module.
- LED headlights are expensive to replace if any portion stops working - like the C shaped running light or the headlight part itself. This isn’t common. But it happens.
- there is an odd thing about the auto lock/unlock function, and there is a reprogramming fix the dealer can do… if a rear door is unlocked and opened before the unlock function is activated (like if you set it to ignition off vs putting the car in park, and someone opens a back door) - the Auto Unlock will not unlock the other doors. Have to do it like a caveman with the button on the door.
- subaru installed remote engine starter can act up on the 2019 models, there can be a problem with the integrated hood switch unique to the 2019. The fix is to use the 2018 and earlier remote starter accessory with the separate installed hood switch. Mine has never acted up, but others have - you’ll get the horn beeping 5 times in random situations… which is sort of funny in a way.
- Vinyl/polyurethane portion of leather seating surfaces may crack/split
- likely to replace a wheel bearing or two in that time
- steering rack can develop a rattle noise, usually an easy fix, if the easy fix isn’t working, you’ll need a new steering rack (not common)
- Battery drain problems possible from the telematics (subaru starlink) unit. 2016-2019 models. Easy fix to keep it powered off when ignition is off, a little more involved you can bypass it and unplug it
- rear electronic parking brake connector can crack and not seat correctly, will cause eyesight to turn off and lots of lights on the dash to come on. Replacement connector is availalbe. Can’t remember if many 2019 cars have had this or not.
- lights on shifter display may go out - fix is somewhat easy if you can solder.
- some complain the heated seats could be warmer - I did like the 2010-2014 ones better. But these are ok.
- keyless entry with the fob (touch the door handle) can sometimes be picky. Not common, but I’ve noticed it once in a while.
- the subaru trailer hitch, while I really like the mounting design, the short depth of the receiver and hitch pin so close to the end of the receiver is annoying in some use cases. Also, it is a 1-1/4”.
Some good things:
Touring Trims:
- roof rails require a separate set of crossbars that can be removed. It’s also sort of a con, because Thule makes the fit kit for the podium feet, and nobody else does. Can find them new, or sometimes used.
- seat color is unique to the trim
- all 4 windows are auto up/down.
- heated steering wheel
- Usually come with more options as standard
- larger motor is really smooth, both around town and on the highway. It’s not as busy as the 2.5
- Navigation updates always come with the latest firmware for the radio. The 2019 is still getting active firmware updates, the 2018 hasn’t had one in about 2 years.
- you can actually still subscribe to map updates and they are available.
- readings of each tire pressure independently
- you get auto lock/unlock function of the doors. Finally.
- LED headlights over HID on the 3.6 trims (although I liked the HID headlights)
- blind spot monitor light in rear view mirrors much easier to see
- little turn signal in the rear view mirrors is now LED, no more annoying disassembly to replace a crappy little bulb (if it being out ever annoyed you)
- laminated side glass in the front is quieter than the 2015-2017
- mirror redesign helps with wind noise from previous year
- you get android auto/carplay on the radio, which has a 1” larger screen than before
- AC controls are easier to see the set temperature. Also, the lettering on the buttons is easier to read - in some light the 2015-2017 silver buttons weren’t as easy to read. Still ambivalent on the reorganization of a few button functions.
- press and hold function of cruise control settings is different than 2015-2017, still on the fence with that one.
- camera lines when backing up move with the steering wheel. That’s nifty.
- suspension dampers were retuned in 2018, the ride is a little softer.
- Rear fender aprons are either thicker or insulated differently, a little less tire noise from the rear compared to the 2017. Also some insulation in the front ones too at the firewall - can’t remember if that started in 2015… my 2013 didn’t have it and it was loud in the rain with the tire spray up there.
- 2.5 cars had a slightly different CVT chain and programming, less noisy than before, but you have the 3.6 so that’s not interesting.
I had a ‘19 Toruing with the 2.5 and it was a great car. Other than wanting the 3.6 the roof rails were annoying, and at the time aftermarket crossbars were not cheap. Probably more reasonable options now though.
I got a 2010 Premium with all weather package and SAP headlights (from 2013-14 cars). 203+K runs like a champ. The driving Dynamics of the 4th gen are very different than the 5th Gen CVT. I like the fact I can drift traffic circles with ease in the winter time. 2019 3.6R should last a very very long time.
if the CVT has not been serviced, #1 on the list of things to do. at 60K it is time despite what Subaru tells you. Outside of North America, the CVT has a very different service schedule.
if the CVT has not been serviced, #1 on the list of things to do. at 60K it is time despite what Subaru tells you. Outside of North America, the CVT has a very different service schedule.
Just had maintenance done at Subaru to ours.
Brake pads and rotors front and rear, brake fluid flush, front and rear differential service and CVT flush. Just under $2100.00 and worth every penny to us. I could have done it all but when it's 6 degrees F out this ole man doesn't mind paying for correct service that's done in 1 day.
Ours is a member of the family that we still LOVE.
Good luck with your decision.
Brake pads and rotors front and rear, brake fluid flush, front and rear differential service and CVT flush. Just under $2100.00 and worth every penny to us. I could have done it all but when it's 6 degrees F out this ole man doesn't mind paying for correct service that's done in 1 day.
Ours is a member of the family that we still LOVE.
Good luck with your decision.
I'll just say, I enjoy driving our 18 3.6R more than I enjoy the noisy engine in our 24XT. That 3.6 is Subaru's best IMO.
Depending on where you live, most any local repair shop can do your maintenance cheaper than a dealership. Where I live, these cars are everywhere. Northeast CT.
Depending on where you live, most any local repair shop can do your maintenance cheaper than a dealership. Where I live, these cars are everywhere. Northeast CT.
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