Subaru Experts

I am looking at Subaru Outback (Used) 2006 or older, is there a year that I should refrain from buying? I heard there some recalls on some outbacks cant remember what year. Thanks

The head gaskets used to be an issue. I think it was older Subarus, though, like 2005 and back.

dude....Google

come on now

dude....Google

come on now

Do you believe everything on the internet?  I just want to ask folks who actually drove Subaru. Have you?. Just saying. 

I've listened and found this. Just in case someone else on the same scenarios

http://www.cars101.com/recalls.html

There are few people nuttier about subarus than myself. happy to help.

96-99 Outbacks and GTs with the 2.5 motors were the ones that gave Subaru a bad rep for headgasket failures. It was a very repeated issue for those motors. The better motor in the 90s (Actually the best motor ever made by Subaru since the pushrod EA81 of the early 80s) was the smaller EJ22 which would run to 300,000 miles easy if you kept oil in it and did routine changes.

2000-2004 was a good setup. The headgaskets would need replacing once usually around 150,000 miles and assuming it is or was done well it is not repeated like the older ones were. Subaru came out with an upgraded version although no recall was done. But with the updated MLS gaskets and a proper job at a shop (head machined etc.) it would go to 300k and beyond. We sold my wifes 2000 Outback at over 350,000 miles and it was still going last I heard from the new owner. I drive a 2000 now at 225k and it's been quite solid. These still ran timing belts on the 4 cylinder EJ25 motors. Timing belt replacement should be done at 100-110k and every 80k thereafter. The belt accessories should be done at those intervals as well. Usually when the belt fails its because the bearing on the sprocket go bad and fail resulting in a shredded, stretched or broken timing belt. Subaru motors have been interference since 1997 so it's worth the extra effort. A Gates timing belt kit with water pump runs about $150. and the job takes a couple hours with basic tools. (I have it down to about 1 1/2 hours on average and can help out if you get a Subaru and need help. Glad to assist fellow fishermen/Subaru drivers)

The H6 option was a good one. Much more power for the Outbacks but with the combo of H6 and AWD the gas mileage dipped down to the lower 20s on average where a well tuned 4 cylinder can get close to 30. timing chain instead of belt and rarely headgasket issues.

2005+ was very similar in 4 cylinder vs H6. My wife drives a 2006 LL Bean with the H6. Very well made cars.

The prices on those 2000-2004s are coming down a lot and are great for the money. I put as many as 3 kayaks on my outback. Wagon holds lots of gear/buddies.

It's the usual deal for the most part looking over a used Subaru. They all leak some oil at 100-150k+ but look for excessive oil leakage. Run the engine until warm, look in the coolant overflow for bubbles to indicate leaking headgasket. Drive it in slow tight circles and feel for skipping and shuttering of the transmission to indicate torque bind of the AWD. This is not a failing transmission but usually a bad solenoid in the trans that can be replaced. The 90s cars had a fuse that you could put the car in FWD. Check tires to be sure they are matching size and prefereably brand. AWD needs near identical circumference to keep from binding over time. Ask about timing belt or headgasket replacements by previous owner/s and check fluids for condition/bad smells.

Overall though they are right up there among the most dependable, versatile and SAFE vehicles made. They have a reputation among emergency responders because the A-pillars can stand up to the jaws of life. Try finding a Kia that can do that. Feel free to pm me with any questions or if you need some help on maintenance. row52.com and picknpull for cheap replacement parts. Ultimatesubaru.org/forum for any and all information.

Happy hunting!

There are few people nuttier about subarus than myself. happy to help.

96-99 Outbacks and GTs with the 2.5 motors were the ones that gave Subaru a bad rep for headgasket failures. It was a very repeated issue for those motors. The better motor in the 90s (Actually the best motor ever made by Subaru since the pushrod EA81 of the early 80s) was the smaller EJ22 which would run to 300,000 miles easy if you kept oil in it and did routine changes.

2000-2004 was a good setup. The headgaskets would need replacing once usually around 150,000 miles and assuming it is or was done well it is not repeated like the older ones were. Subaru came out with an upgraded version although no recall was done. But with the updated MLS gaskets and a proper job at a shop (head machined etc.) it would go to 300k and beyond. We sold my wifes 2000 Outback at over 350,000 miles and it was still going last I heard from the new owner. I drive a 2000 now at 225k and it's been quite solid. These still ran timing belts on the 4 cylinder EJ25 motors. Timing belt replacement should be done at 100-110k and every 80k thereafter. The belt accessories should be done at those intervals as well. Usually when the belt fails its because the bearing on the sprocket go bad and fail resulting in a shredded, stretched or broken timing belt. Subaru motors have been interference since 1997 so it's worth the extra effort. A Gates timing belt kit with water pump runs about $150. and the job takes a couple hours with basic tools. (I have it down to about 1 1/2 hours on average and can help out if you get a Subaru and need help. Glad to assist fellow fishermen/Subaru drivers)

The H6 option was a good one. Much more power for the Outbacks but with the combo of H6 and AWD the gas mileage dipped down to the lower 20s on average where a well tuned 4 cylinder can get close to 30. timing chain instead of belt and rarely headgasket issues.

2005+ was very similar in 4 cylinder vs H6. My wife drives a 2006 LL Bean with the H6. Very well made cars.

The prices on those 2000-2004s are coming down a lot and are great for the money. I put as many as 3 kayaks on my outback. Wagon holds lots of gear/buddies.

It's the usual deal for the most part looking over a used Subaru. They all leak some oil at 100-150k+ but look for excessive oil leakage. Run the engine until warm, look in the coolant overflow for bubbles to indicate leaking headgasket. Drive it in slow tight circles and feel for skipping and shuttering of the transmission to indicate torque bind of the AWD. This is not a failing transmission but usually a bad solenoid in the trans that can be replaced. The 90s cars had a fuse that you could put the car in FWD. Check tires to be sure they are matching size and prefereably brand. AWD needs near identical circumference to keep from binding over time. Ask about timing belt or headgasket replacements by previous owner/s and check fluids for condition/bad smells.

Overall though they are right up there among the most dependable, versatile and SAFE vehicles made. They have a reputation among emergency responders because the A-pillars can stand up to the jaws of life. Try finding a Kia that can do that. Feel free to pm me with any questions or if you need some help on maintenance. row52.com and picknpull for cheap replacement parts. Ultimatesubaru.org/forum for any and all information.

Happy hunting!

DUDE, there is no way I can find this information in GOOGLE! TAKE THAT EWB  Thank you so much for taking your time writing it up. You will hear from as soon as I decide which one to get. THANKS

small correction, usually headgasket last 100K (I still missing my 2001 Legacy Wagon)

When I was in the market, the used subies were almost as much as a new one unless there was over 100,000 miles so I bought a new one.

Man you got me just print that info out so you can give it to the dude you sell it to next month

Man you got me just print that info out so you can give it to the dude you sell it to next month

   

I have a 2001 Forester EJ 25 did head gaskets at a hundred eight thousand I tell you what one of hardest head gasket jobs I've ever done pain in the ass I think it took me about 22 hours total lot of work I also had to do rear wheel bearings and front drive shafts .but I love this little car it always starts gas mileage is OK but not great has lots of horsepower but lacks in torque.
It has a hundred and thirty thousand on it now and runs like a sewing machine.

The head gaskets used to be an issue. I think it was older Subarus, though, like 2005 and back.

Still an issue with my 2007, Impreza Outback.     Hadn't even made it to 100K.  That, brakes, timing belt, plugs, wires, etc... $4000!!!  Hoping it will last another 5 years/100K though...

Man you got me just print that info out so you can give it to the dude you sell it to next month

   

 

Save yourself the trouble and get a 4Runner.

Save yourself the trouble and get a 4Runner.

They are 2x the price of Subaru, I would love to get my hands on these bad boys but not yet.