Thinking about a used Subaru....

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

ryan2022

Joined
Jun 5, 2006
Messages
1,513
Location
Peterborough
Hi guys,

Things may have changed slightly on this end, and I'm considering a used Subaru (from a Subaru dealer, inspected and certified-pre-owned kind of thing)

If the two cars I'm considering have had their timing belts done and or their gaskets, aren't these still fairly solid vehicle?

They hold their value like gold, and the AWD would be great in the winter and the mountains.

Any thoughts? I know the oppinions on Subies are all over the map....but I know that BITOG frequents are also a cut above the average consumer : )
 
Last edited:
We need more info! Tell us about the vehicle, or link to it. Every manufacturer has made good and bad vehicles over the years.
 
Hi guys,

My bad, The three I'm looking at are a 2007 Legacy wagon, 2008 legacy sedan, and a 2010 Impreza.

The legacys are roughly 65-85k miles and the 4 speed automatic (which I've heard are pretty durable) and the impreza is a manual base model with only 40k.

I've purchased this Ranger, but I'm leaning to a more commuter friendly car possibly with AWD so I'm working with what they have on their lot.
 
Last edited:
Those were good years, and low mileage. I think the timing belt is due at 90k or 100k miles. So, if you choose the one with 85k miles, have them include the timing belt and water pump job in the deal.
 
Thanks bud, that's a good idea. If it hasn't been done, given the cost of the service, it would make it a better deal.
 
We like ours. But so new still under warranty. With any used car be prepared to spend 2k for "maintenance issues". At least that's my motto...
 
My 2007 outback had external head gasket leaks throughout my ownership.

Subaru requires stop leak (they call it "coolant conditioner") every couple of years with frequent coolant changes. Even with all of that the new owner had to fix the issue well before 100,000 miles.

Remember that a Subaru has two of everything with a 4 cyl engine. Two heads, two head gaskets and so on.

Their awd system is the best. Period. Amazing is the only word I'll give it. Trash a tire and all 4 need to replaced or you will find out why. (Major issues) same for most TRUE awd systems.

I loved the operation of our car. Hated the issues with the engine.

My wife's best friend has her 2001 outback blow its head gaskets the other week. She is waiting for her 2016 Crosstrek to arrive this end of the month. They have fixed the head gasket issues these days.

The CVT transmission is another issue for ME.

Inspect the outfit carefully (as you should do with any vehicle purchase) and keep a fund for maintanence.

Bill
 
My previous car was an 07' Subaru Impreza WRX. I bought it new and sold it last year with 136K miles on it. It was the most reliable car I ever owned and will most likely have ever owned. I only had one problem with the car the time I owned it, the clutch slave cylinder went out. I bought a clutch slave cylinder rebuild kit from a dealer and fixed it myself for $20. The factory Panasonic battery only lasted 2 years and left my wife stranded in Brooklyn, NY, but the replacement battery lasted through the remainder of my ownership. Don't let the timing belt dissuade you. The car was stupid good in the snow with winter tires and even chucked through a deep snow with snow hitting the floor pan.
 
I cannot speak for the years you mention but our 2015 Forester has only had oil changes so far (myself) and has not been to the dealer for anything at 24K.

There were some years where oil burning was an issue, and I would avoid them as while they might fix it for the original owner unsure they would for a second owner.

We bought snow tires to get the most out of the Subaru AWD, then it did not snow. Next year.
 
While I see lots of mentions of head gaskets and oil burning I know about 15-20 folks with new and old. No recent use oil and only 1 head gasket failed at 225k. My parents have a trouble free 2000 forester with 180k and a 2016 outback that are trouble free.
 
We've had 3 so far, a 1996 Outback, a 2002 Outback, and a 2003 Outback. My folks have a 2006 Outback XT turbo.

1996: totaled due to collision at 115K miles, HG's were leaking but didn't have the funds to repair.

2002 6 cylinder: Our newest, just picked it up with 101K. Previous owner's apparently were the "fix it when it breaks" type and never did any service other than semi regularish oil changes and gas. Known past repairs: valve cover gaskets and serp belt/pulleys about 70K, bad tie rod at 100K. Currently has 2 spit CV boots that need attention up front, a leaking oil cooler gasket, and a ton of cosmetic bump and bruises.

2003 4 cylinder: Currently at 158K, purchased at 63K. Repairs have been 2 cv axles, a wheel bearing, an oxygen sensor, and valve cover gaskets. Routine services of plugs, wires, brakes, timing belt, etc. Minor external HG weeping, I lose about a cup of coolant over a few months so I'm not concerned at all. Minor oil weep at the oil separator plate, not concerned at all as it leaks nothing measurable over 5000-7500 mile OCIs. Few electrical gremlins due to corrosion from being a rust belt car until least year.

All in all, they require someone doing their homework to know the quirks and specific cares they need, but bang for the buck if you need AWD and cargo space with average to decent MPG for the vehicle type, nothing beats them.
 
Despite what another user said, the CVTs seem to have proven pretty much bombproof.

If you get a 2012+ do not expect anywhere near the rated MPG if you're getting a naturally aspirated. Can't speak for the older models. My friend in a 2015 WRX gets 35 highway... I get 25 in a similar engine that's basically not turbocharged and has port instead of direct injection.
 
Coming on here seeking a recommendation to buy a a Subaru is like trying to ask should I put my hand in a hornets nest and will it hurt.

You should have said it has Michelin tires on it first, maybe the reactions would be different.

I have a 2012-Legacy, it's been a great car and CVT is fine-once you recognize these transmissions for what they are.

It's the only car I have EVER OWNED that exceeds the EPA's mileage figures regularly.

Check the other thread going on right now about the guy who bought a used Crown Vic. It's a "gush festival" over there right now.


For some reason only known to the Universe these (Crown Vics) are the type of cars that get some BITOG members REALLY EXCITED.
 
Last edited:
Consider an AWD Matrix instead
smile.gif
 
Thanks guys, interesting reading! I'm comfortable with a lot of the maintenance items myself, and will upkeep it properly and regularly. With time and sweat equity at a minimum, I'd leave something like the headgaskets to the pros.

Thanks for the responses, I may ask about history tomorrow.
 
Any thoughts on a 2009 Volvo C30? naturally aspirated 65k miles.

The price seems good and the reviews are pretty solid. It's on their lot as well.
 
Ew no. Don't you know how notoriously impossible Volvos are to work on?

They're generally not THAT reliable either.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

N
2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i premium - CVT/used car purchase question
2
Replies
22
Views
2K
Ranger83
JHZR2
Belt shredding?
2
Replies
30
Views
1K
JHZR2
M
1 Week Review - 2025 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Limited
3 4 5
Replies
96
Views
34K
meep
K
new used Bronco 2.7, looking for some advice.
2 3
Replies
40
Views
3K
kcarsey
C
can u get a reliable used car for under $3k anymore?
5 6 7
Replies
138
Views
29K
97prizm
Back
Top Bottom