[ibanezguiness]

I'm looking for another Subaru used. This would be to replace my wife's 06 Jeep Liberty that I've never been very impressed with. She likes the Forester more, but if I found an Outback in the right color she would consider it.

What years are good to avoid to hopefully not have head gasket problems? I have an 2000 Outback that I've had for about 5 years and I've put 75k miles on it. It has had the head gaskets replaced twice, once by me and once by the previous owner.

Thanks!

 

[ferretzombie]

Its my understanding that late 90s and early 2000s were the most prominent for head gasket problems. The 2005+ models are probably pretty solid.

You could also look for a 3.0 liter outback, since those engines didn't have the same head gasket problems as the 2.5

 

[plain OM]

For an idea of the numbers (admittedly not statistically accurate), see

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/88-head-gasket-issues/18583-hg-failure-log-no-discussion-log-only.html

I believe there's a similar log-only thread on the SubaruForester.org forum and perhaps other Subaru-related discussion web-sites.

In addition, there's a head gasket sub-forum here that can provide insight into the years involved and the types of problems being experienced.

 

[foxrider68]

You're not really safe till 2010. But the problems in 2005+ were far less.

 

[AWDFTW]

The short version is that the Phase I engine leaks internally....fix it fast before it overheats and gets serious expensive.

The 2000+ Phase II engine typically leaks oil and/or coolant externally if it develops a leak. If the respective fluids are not allowed to get low, it can run many thousands of miles like this.

 

[Wagondude]

All engines have head gaskets regardless of who makes them. All are subject to failure. The older the car, the more likely a failure will happen. If you want to buy an old one, just make sure they have already been fixed. Otherwise, spend your money on a newer one. Untill they stop building engines with head gaskets, there is always a chance of failure.