as a very general statement, i'd shop 2016 or newer.

more details about you budget might help.

with used cars, it's previous care and present condition become more important than make/model as they get older. So, shop carefully.

be aware, leases for used cars are becoming more common too.

 

Appreciate the reply. I'm researching the inherent flaws of the vehicle, so I know if there's a need to avoid certain years, altogether, regardless of upkeep, etc. I fully understand that upkeep and records of such are importing info when buying a used car. Not looking for advice about how to buy used.

 

You still haven't given enough data for a useful response. A 1997 Outback has different issues, quirks, and flaws than a 2019.

What is you budget?
What do you need in a vehicle?
Will you be doing your own repairs or will it be taken to a shop for any service and repair?

 

You could probably get a used 2019 at this point.

What budget are you looking at?

 

You could probably get a used 2019 at this point.

What budget are you looking at?

My budget has no bearing on any inherent issues with certain models or year vehicle. I want to know if there are any specfic years, models, engines, transmissions, etc to avoid because they are junk.

 

subaru has been making cars for a long time, to list weaknesses for the entire timeline is impossible. Easier to mention a generation, then ask what common problems it has.

can you tell us a generation or model year to start from? are you considering models old enough to have timing belts? Are you considering a turbocharged model?

 

If you want us to list every specific issue for every single model of a vehicle platform that came out in 1995...how about no?

Answer our questions and we can answer yours. Keep asking hypoteticals and you'll keep getting non answers.

 

Here's a general answer. If you want to limit your budget to $5,000 or less, you might find a 1st or 2nd gen vintage with no rust thats been parked in a garage....owned by a little old lady from Pasadena.... if your fortunate.
Sooner or later you'll need to lay down a lot of $ for a new head gasket job, or 2nd hand engine. I don't know if or when the engineers corrected that issue with the 2.5.
That will ruin your day.

It comez down to what they said IMHO. Sounds like you need a reliable lower cost OB.
Do you just want something to get you from point A to B until you can afford a newer car? No shame in that. Just need more info. Perhaps start with a price range.

 

Definite NO on the XT cars. My Subaru mechanic son says the best one to pick is 2010-2014 outback as it still has the 4EAT and not the CVT and the timing belt is way easy to change. The FB engines have had issues with oil consumption. Try and get one from a non rust area it will be worth the few extra $$

 

No on XT cars for sure.

But you should double check with your mechanic. 2010-2014 Outbacks have a CVT.

2013-2014 Outback's have an FB25. I would take it over an EJ253 that's in the 2010-2012 models.

Oil consumption issues are easier to deal with than head gaskets that are basically guaranteed to fail.

Pretty much every NA EJ25 including the 25D, 251, and 253 has it happen at some point.

That's before we get to the expensive timing belt jobs.

I think putting oil in occasionally is a better option (which isn't even a guaranteed thing) than it is not have to deal with head gaskets, timing belts, while getting better fuel economy and less emissions?

I guess drive train wise, any 6 cylinder is solid. The 01-04 has rust issues but pretty much any 05-19 H6 (EZ30R or EZ36) should have a great track record in reliability.

 

2010 to 2014 3.6 5AE......reliable older tech

 

Thanks for the great intel. I found an earlier thread in Gen3 that I started awhile ago that also has good info.
I test drove a 2007 manual yesterday. not sure which engine it had. airbag light was on and the "owner" smelled of a used car salesman. Car looked and smelled overly nice. Seemed underpowered. I walked.

 

the "owner" smelled of a used car salesman. I walked.

Your going to do just fine trusting that intuition.

 

any 5spds you drive should be fully warmed up and then taken to a flat dry paved lot and driven in tight circles to check for torque bind.

 

Thanks. that's the first time of heard about this.

 

I would avoid 2010 as some of them had the "shakes." Ditto on avoiding '05-'09 XT's.

 

2013 Outback is rated as the worst of all Outbacks by carcomplaints.com due to the severity of its shortcomings. It's not a pretty picture painted there. If I had the money to spend I'd find a 2004OB and send it to a restorer.

 

I have been the owner of a 2013 2.5i Premium since it was new. Never had any issues whatsoever, including the oil consumption issue. It's been flawless. Granted, my commute is rather short, so having just turned over 45K on the odometer is less miles than most have had. I did recently retrofit my car with a wireless CarPlay compatible receiver and backup camera, so my "new Outback" itch was scratched with that little tech upgrade.

Former Subies (all purchased new) are a 2005 WRX, a 2015 Legacy Limited. Current owner of 2019 Ascent Touring as well. Subaru family here.

 

I had a 2012. About 70k miles.
1) both front cv boots failed
2) wishbone suspension rubber pucks rotted away
3) gas mileage never got above 2mpg

Traded up for 2017...
1) gas mileage averages 29mpg
2) having switched winter for summer tires a few times now, the cv boots look better
3) oil drain bolt is in a super sucky position. So, I bought a fumoto quick release valve, excellent after market option if you change your own oil ( looks like this: https://www.amazon.com/Fumoto-F-103...t=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1019973&hvtargid=pla-450794230785&psc=1)

 

Would love to have a new, or newer Outback, but my 2007 3.0 LL Bean is still running so good, I can't even go looking. No major issues ever.

 

The Gen1's (95-99) were gold...Ive owned 3 ('95. '96. '98) and all went well over 100k for me...

 

I can tell you about my 2007. In August I had what I believe was a catastrophic head gasket failure at exactly 255,000 miles. Head gaskets had about 70,000 miles on them. Engine leaked some oil but didn't burn much. Blew off the top radiator hose in a tunnel on the PA Turnpike. By the time I made it out of the other side the engine stalled. When it cooled, cranking sounded like there was no compression and the water poured into the radiator went out of the tailpipe. The only concerning thing in this for you is the high price of the replacement engine. Came from one of the largest auto recycling yards in PA. They had only one and wouldn't budge a nickel off of the $1900 price because they said that as soon as they come in they go back out.

 

Gen 1 & 2: Outbacks with 2.5L 4-cylinder engine had head gasket issues
Gen 3: Outback XT turbo engine is not reliable, ticking time bomb
Gen 4: 2010 and 2011 model years had an uncorrectable steering wheel shake issue on some vehicles
Gen 5: 2015 Outbacks with 2.5L 4-cylinder engine had major oil consumption issue

 

?
Good grief, so far it sounds like we're all making a pretty good case for avoiding about every year other than a newer low mileage car! LOL!

One thing is sure. The company and dealerships are making money off of selling new cars....not going out of their way to keep them going way past their warranty.
I like the cars more than the majority of typical owners. I've introduced lots of folks to buying subarus, but just being honest here.

 

now you see why I said 2016 or newer.

Doesn't mean somwhere on the planet is that cherry 2nd generation, zero rust, well-maintained w/documents, low miles, one-owner car, but how long would it take to find it?

 

Right here, but my '13 isn't for sale! LOL

 

Brucey,
That's one that makes ya wish you had $10k
laying around wanting to be spent.

I can only guess the story behind that one.
Grandma's husband died 12 or 13 years ago. She didn't drive so it sat in the garage until the kids decided to sell it after she passed away.

So, are you thinking about a road trip to Phili anytime soon?

 

Elon was riding on the backs of taxpayers for a significant portion of revenue, still is with some State and local subsidies. When the first 'bracket' of Federal subsidies came off electric car purchases - Tesla had a price reduction.

Not a very 'free' market.

 

Neither right now.
I used to teach primary, secondary and college. I plan to get back to that calling when a college within driving distance has an opening in my field.

PS: That's if I am hired.
Either way I am investing in a practical low cost health and wellness plan. Low cost for others, but will continue to be a big investment for me until my goals are reached. Once my goals are reached, Brucey, I plan to help lots of people who have not found relief through the typical outlets.

 

Neither right now.
I used to teach primary, secondary and college. I plan to get back to that calling when a college within driving distance has an opening in my field.

Well you're local, interesting, and ignoring this local game right now.

I can also offer a round of bowling but I might need the bumpers to score over 100.

Shoot me a PM.

 

Oh yea. Lets goooo mountaineers!
That's a cool **** skin hat and buckskin.
Do people come up to you at games and ask for your autograph?

 

Oh yea. Lets goooo mountaineers!
That's a cool **** skin hat and buckskin.
Do people come up to you at games and ask for your autograph?

I don't always wear that outfit just when I'm posting here.

 

That's really cool.
That'd be perfect for the game or bow season!

Anyhow, sorry I'm taking the thread in a different direction. I'll pm you as soon as I'm done here and get a little more time.

 

Whatever generation the 2004 is, don't get one with an automatic. I have an '04 Outback 4 cylinder, and it would be a great car, but the transmission is terrible! It sucks up all of the power and gasoline. It's gutless, and it only gets about 20 mpg in mixed driving. I wish it was a manual.