What to look for while inspecting a 2009 Subaru Outback?

[wwillson]

Son and daughter-in-law are looking at a used 2009 Subaru Outback with 160,000 miles. The head gaskets were replaced by the dealer at 130,000 miles. I will look at the generic things such as varnish or sludge in the motor, leaks, rattles, brakes, tires, etc. I know virtually nothing about Subarus other than everyone in this part of Colorado has one.

What should I watch for that can go wrong with this vintage of Subaru?

 

[Oillover]

Isn't 160k rather high for a "new to me" vehicle?
I get that folks are looking to save money these days, but that just sounds like problems from the start (especially with a Subaru).
I certainly hope I'm wrong.

 

[JayhawkRoy]

biggest possible issue I did not have to deal with was the head gasket issue. I faithfully used Subaru coolant conditioner as directed in the coolant fluid and had zero head gasket issues on both the 2003 and 2011 2.5L engines we had. In fact, I have two or three bottles I would send to you, since they didn't sell in our garage sale, but can't do it until mid-December due to other commitment.

No issues with transmission for Both; however the CVT in the 2011 gave up the ghost at 150K.

Both started to use oil, but it was never more than one quart per 6K OCI.

 

[Exhaustgases]

Is it dirt cheap price? Like $3500. max? Is it a CVT if so run.

A 1993 Legacy is a great nice lasting car. Anything newer I would not want.

 

[Reggaemon]

Timing belt needs changed at 100,000 miles. Exhaust heat shields get loose and make lots of noise.
Wheel bearings, especially the back go bad. The automatic transmissions are not CVT and hold up well.
I'll let others continue the list.
I will say I have one and like it.

 

[wwillson]

Isn't 160k rather high for a "new to me" vehicle?

In my opinion yes.

Is it a CVT if so run.

From my understanding, 2009 was the last year for the automatic transmission, 2010 was the first year for the CVT.

 

[cptbarkey]

That vintage is one of my favorites. Not the CVT, and a solid body.
Wheel bearings.
Check the front driver side bottom of the engine for coolant leaks (water pump).
CV Axle boots.
Good choice.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Isn't 160k rather high for a "new to me" vehicle?
I get that folks are looking to save money these days, but that just sounds like problems from the start (especially with a Subaru).
I certainly hope I'm wrong.

I have been looking at used in general and lots of 200K stuff out there in the $5K to $10K range. Yes its nuts, until you figure out nicely equipped anything new is $35-$40K - for something pretty basic.

 

[iahawk]

had a sweet '08 from new until January of 2020. Body and interior were great...underside was rustier than expected. My car was garage kept and had 24,000 miles when sold....and the underside was still very crusty. Head gaskets are always a problem with miles and CV boots...my boots tore and I did the dumb thing, had aftermarket axles put on....cuz no one will reboot axles around here. Thing shook like the proverbial dog sh*tting razor blades when cold in gear at a stop.
Funny you mention everyone in CO drives one...I placed an ad in one place, Denver Craigslist (I live in Iowa). A guy took a direct flight out, I picked him up at the airport, he looked the car over (it was mint...except for the underside crust)...and drove it home to Denver.

 

[addyguy]

Rust, rust, rust….brake lines, fuel lines, tank straps, they will get tiring to deal with if they are all crusty…160k in the rust belt is pretty used up, just not worth it!

 

[wwillson]

Someone bought it for $4750 when I was driving to look at it. I guess the used car market is a bit nuts.

 

[The_Jeff]

Someone bought it for $4750 when I was driving to look at it. I guess the used car market is a bit nuts.

There'll be another.

+2 on wheel bearings. Best check is to idle the car in drive up on the rack with the wheels spinning 5mph then feel the strut springs with your hand. A bad wheel bearing will feel rough and different compared to a good one.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

If you want an automatic Subaru, consider the 2011-13 Forester. That gets you the FB engine and the 4-speed auto

 

[meep]

Solid chassis in the earlier variants I had. OB has good DNA. The lifted suspension does strain CV boots. Check front end of engine the best you can for weepy seals, PS pump for weepy seals. That’s a great generation in terms of body style.

 

[mt23]

424k on my 2006. These are rock solid cars for the long haul when taken care of. Something to be mindful of is dealership and others may prep the block and head surfaces with whiz wheel, using the same part number gasket as the one that leaks the first time. My experience is 30,000 miles can be enough miles for combustion to coolant leakage to begin again after this method of repair. I feel the Six Star MLS gasket, heads and block milled at machine shop is best surface prep for the improved and MLS gasket to last the remainder of the engines useful life.

 

[Thermo1223]

Someone bought it for $4750 when I was driving to look at it. I guess the used car market is a bit nuts.

Stumbled on this but this is the car my daughter ended up with from her grandparents. Same mileage, head gaskets done as well as other gaskets. Other than her incident it seems like a good running car at 166K. I did end up replacing the spark plugs & wires after a misfire this summer. It might burn a bit of oil so my next step is Valvoline Restore and Protect for a bit plus swapping out rear & front diff fluids and a transmission drain & fill.

I believe the price they paid was $5900 but it had a list of records and is rust free considering it lived it's life in PA.

 

[Donald]

Son and daughter-in-law are looking at a used 2009 Subaru Outback with 160,000 miles. The head gaskets were replaced by the dealer at 130,000 miles. I will look at the generic things such as varnish or sludge in the motor, leaks, rattles, brakes, tires, etc. I know virtually nothing about Subarus other than everyone in this part of Colorado has one.

What should I watch for that can go wrong with this vintage of Subaru?

Rust on frame or body? Get it on a lift.

You cannot really check for varnish or sludge in engine unless you pull the valve cover?

Smell transmission fluid.

OBDII scanner to look for stored codes.

I would suggest they move up at least 5 years and go for under 100k miles.

Subaru ars a good vehicle.

 

[GW.]

If everything was maintained up to 160k this could easily go another 100k or more. Subaru’s are also very easy to work on.

 

[zhaarnak02]

Son and daughter-in-law are looking at a used 2009 Subaru Outback with 160,000 miles. The head gaskets were replaced by the dealer at 130,000 miles. I will look at the generic things such as varnish or sludge in the motor, leaks, rattles, brakes, tires, etc. I know virtually nothing about Subarus other than everyone in this part of Colorado has one.

What should I watch for that can go wrong with this vintage of Subaru?

Looks like you are in luck. Subaru did not start putting the CVT in the Outback until 2010. If I am remembering correctly (someone please correct me if I am wrong), Subaru's rash of head gasket failures were exacerbated by an electrolysis issue due to poor grounding.