Seeking advice about 2013 Subaru Outback

[delrod]

Considering purchasing a used 20,000 mile well equipped Outback, has auto transmission four cylinder and what appears to be a "full" option package. I know just a little more than nothing about known issues etc. with this model or Subaru in general. I am looking to find a good vehicle to set me up for driving in all weather conditions and also needs to be comfortable for my wife and myself. Anyone out there with good or bad words?

[rboe]

We have the 2012 Outback, windshield wipers went south real bad. POS! That's all I got.

TrueDelta.com has more data, an excellent source on real world repairs and issues with folks.

[canuguzzi]

I'd buy one in a minute but since they no longer make the Baja or BRAT...

I have nothing but good to say about Subarus, they hold up and are easy to work on if you do it yourself.

I started with two of their early turbo models, a sedan and station wagon in the 80s. They just ran and ran. Then I got into a BRAT which to date is the best car/truck vehicle I've ever owned. I used it to haul wood when I lived in Northern Cal. It would go through deep snow, haul out hard rock cedar piled so high in the back I had to watch out for Sheriffs. It never skipped a beat. I then used it to commute nearly 200 miles a day for a year and the only thing I ever did was change the oil and other fluids, sparks once in the while.

Got spunky and had one of their XT6 coupes and ran it up and down the coast, it was pure fun to drive. Then two XT4 Turbos and although they didn't have the grunt of the XT6, they were fun too. One of them blew the air compressor for the pneumatic suspension and I did the low rider buckboard for about 300 miles but it was fixed with a new refurb compressor.

After that, it was an Outback Sport. Got center punched by a red light runner and it held up. Darn things are built.

My kid has a new Outback now and it is a dream.

Of all the Subarus I've had, none had major problems nor minor ones other than that one I spoke about.

If I didn't need a truck now I have a Subaru again. If Subaru put out a Baja/BRAT thing, I get one right away.

Funny ads for used Subarus, they usually read like this:

Low miles (267,000) but runs good. Bought a new one so selling this one. $15,000 obo.

[Lannis]

We've got that car.   The four-cylinder has lots of get-up-and-go, the CVT works smoothly and nice, it's the most stable car in slick conditions I've ever driven.

Ours has all the options except GPS (heated seats, sunroof, etc).

Has 60,000 miles on it in 2-1/2 years.    Only thing we've done is replaced a couple of clearance light bulbs.   No mechanical or electric issues at all.   

Fay is REALLY glad she picked it out.   Overall, we've averaged a little over 31 MPG with it since new, so I'm glad she picked it too.

Lannis

[Zoom Zoom]

A few years prior, they went to a timing chain in the engine. You should never need to worry about replacing the timing belt any more. I have an Impreza limited, and I can echo what Lannis said. I'm happy with the CVT transmission and the car is awesome in all weather conditions. Creature comforts keep me happy inside. With a set of winter tires, I have no problem going anywhere I need to under the most adverse conditions.

They tend to hold their value, but if you believe the price is fair, go for it. It sounds like you are describing a "limited" model. The Outback is presently based on the Legacy platform. At 20K miles, it is barely used.

John Henry

[Tobit]

Favorable comments thus far, but I like this site just to see what others experience. 

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Subaru/

Tobit

[rocker59]

My brother bought one.  Not sure if it's a '13 or '14.  He and his wife really like it.  Haven't heard any complaints about it.

[steven c]

 Ask about oil usage, some (my 2012 Forester) use oil, I use about a quart every 2K more if a lot of highway use. Some people burn a quart in 1K Subaru says that is normal. There is a class action suit going on. Paint sucks, chips if you look at it wrong. Other then that I hope it last as long as my 97 Outback did, I sold it wit 203K on it.

[Kev m]

I'd buy one in a minute but since they no longer make the Baja or BRAT...

<snip>


If I didn't need a truck now I have a Subaru again. If Subaru put out a Baja/BRAT thing, I get one right away.

Man, I kinda miss my Baja... maybe I shouldn't have sold it.

Oh well...

Anyway me too, I have nothing but good to say about Scoobies!

[rocker59]

Ask about oil usage, some (my 2012 Forester) use oil, I use about a quart every 2K more if a lot of highway use. Some people burn a quart in 1K Subaru says that is normal. 

What would you call "normal oil usage"?

[Kev m]

Some people burn a quart in 1K Subaru says that is normal.

FWIW - We never burned a drop in any of our 3 Scoobies between 10k M1 oil change intervals.

That said, though I think it is BS, I don't believe there is a major manufacturer who will do anything unless a vehicle burns MORE than 1 qt. in 1k miles.

[bratman2]

Have had multiple Subaru's over the years. Wife currently has a 011 Forester XT and still loves it dearly. I also have a 87 Brat that we have owned for well over 17 years and drove it out for dinner last night. The 2.5L in the Outback has had no oil issues usage that I know of beyond the norm. The new 2.0L, some have reported higher oil usage. If the Outback your looking at has the CVT transmission owners have reported very good gas mileage compared to earlier models. We would buy another without a doubt, if my wife ever tires of her Forester.

[Testarossa]

I've owned seven Subarus, all purchased used. All previous machines went to 200,000+. The current wagon, a '98, is at 140,000 and going strong. Doesn't burn oil and averages 29mpg. As mentioned above, a good set of real winter tires makes it unstoppable, and stable, here in steep snow country. No major issues with any of these cars -- just normal maintenance. Next time we need a car I'll look for a used CVT Outback.

I'll also mention that rust has never been a problem with any of my cars.

[steven c]

 Not having to ad oil at 2K, My 97 was used quart every 3K but it had 200K on it. My wife's 97 Saab with 180K may use a quart  between oil changes same with my 88 S10.Plus its a low emission car(says so on the back) so how can that be if it is burning oil? Subaru has replaced some engines due to a bad batch of rings.
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f183/2011-fb25-oil-consumption-usage-data-updates-split-thread-373601/

[Cage Free]

My wife drives a 13 outback limited 3.6 and absolutely loves it. This is her second outback, her previous 08 was also the 6 banger and was completely trouble free.

[rodekyll]

I've only owned one -- and FFI   :D

But I do notice what holds up,* and in Sitka, with the crappy roads, crappy weather and crappy drivers, there are more OLD subarus on the street than almost anything else.  Toyotas seem to be 2nd and the S10 Astro and Safari vans are holding their own very well, too.  In the trucks it's the Rams.

* purely empirical survey of what I see on the streets.

[atavar]

do NOT exceed the timing belt interval on a Subaru.  Other than that they are great and amazing vehicles.

[delrod]

Ask about oil usage, some (my 2012 Forester) use oil, I use about a quart every 2K more if a lot of highway use. Some people burn a quart in 1K Subaru says that is normal. There is a class action suit going on. Paint sucks, chips if you look at it wrong. Other then that I hope it last as long as my 97 Outback did, I sold it wit 203K on it.

Yea, this is the elephant in the room, sounds like they have a handle on what is causing the problem. That would be an issue that would be tough for me to deal with if Subaru doesn't step up the plate.

[tpeever]

Great cars!! I have a standard tranny 2000 Outback with 136K and I owned a standard 1998 Legacy Wagon for 2 years and 30K before that. The Outback burns a bit of oil from time to time but it's not consistent and there has been no upward trend in oil consumption over the years and miles. Oil burning has never been excessive for me and it doesn't seem related to a particular type of driving, or anything else that I can figure. I just keep an eye on the oil level and add when needed and don't worry about it. I burn maybe 500ml in 2K miles max. I did have to have the head gasket replaced at 80K which was pricey and is a known weakness of this vintage of Subaru. I caught the leakage early so no head warpage or anything. I think the head gasket issue has been solved for 10 years or so now so any new Suby should be fine. I also replaced the clutch at 80K and the timing belt at 100K. Overall a very reliable car for me. Like others have mentioned, you will not find a more competent vehicle in the snow. There are lots of reports of these cars with 200-300K on them so they can definitely go the distance.

[guzzi4me]

We bought a 2015 Outback and have been very happy with it. It is our first Subaru and was impressed with the owners and consumer reports feedback . We have some friends with Outbacks  from the 2009-2012 era and all have been quite happy.  Seems like 200k plus is expected.

We only have 4500 miles on our Outback but am impressed so far. We did buy the 3.6  six banger just because I wanted it but the 4 banger seems to do just fine.

If California ever gets some snow I can comment on the four wheel drive.........

Jeff

[old as dirt 2]

we had a 2006 baja, traded in for a 2010 tribeca, traded that for a 2013 outback limited, the just traded that in Nov for the 2015 outback limited.

not an issue with any of them. They hold their value very well. finding good used ones are hard. you don't see them come up at other dealers like chevy and ford or toyota,  all of those you can find just about anywhere. makes you go hmm, wonder why.

the only reason we traded the 13 for the 15 was the newest eyesight cameras and blindspot detection.

[blackcat]

Great cars!! I have a standard tranny 2000 Outback with 136K and I owned a standard 1998 Legacy Wagon for 2 years and 30K before that. The Outback burns a bit of oil from time to time but it's not consistent and there has been no upward trend in oil consumption over the years and miles. Oil burning has never been excessive for me and it doesn't seem related to a particular type of driving, or anything else that I can figure. I just keep an eye on the oil level and add when needed and don't worry about it. I burn maybe 500ml in 2K miles max. I did have to have the head gasket replaced at 80K which was pricey and is a known weakness of this vintage of Subaru. I caught the leakage early so no head warpage or anything. I think the head gasket issue has been solved for 10 years or so now so any new Suby should be fine. I also replaced the clutch at 80K and the timing belt at 100K. Overall a very reliable car for me. Like others have mentioned, you will not find a more competent vehicle in the snow. There are lots of reports of these cars with 200-300K on them so they can definitely go the distance.

Not for nothing but....

Burns oil
Replaced head gasket @80K
Replaced clutch @80K
Replaced timing belt @100K

Total cost?: $4,000-$5,000

[fubar guzzi]

Our first Subaru 1991 Legacy had 160,000 mi now has 264,000,zero problems ever, its still in use. Our Subie 2009 we bought 18 months ago 89,--- miles (forrester) we love it,at present am waiting for trailer hitch so I can go to Cedar Vail and collect my Guzzi I left there. NO oil issues at all,I use Kendall motor oil only (s ame as Guzzies).They say once you own a Subaru youll always own a Subaru!!!

[rocker59]

do NOT exceed the timing belt interval on a Subaru.  Other than that they are great and amazing vehicles.

Good advice, in general, but not relevant to this discussion:

"New 2.5L engine that was first used in the 2011 Forester gets 1MPG improved economy and slightly more power. It's a DOHC (double overhead cam) with a little more power- 173hp vs170hp and 174lb-ft of torque vs 170lb-ft at 4100rpm, and a timing chain with no scheduled replacement instead of a timing belt with a 105,000 mile replacement.

http://www.subaruofkeene.com/2013-outback.htm

[Testarossa]

For about 15 years I've kept a spreadsheet on cost-to-own for my Subarus. It counts purchase price, insurance and registration, all fuel and oil costs, all maintenance including timing belts, clutches, tires, alternator replacements etc. At the lower fuel prices at the turn of the century the cars averaged 15 cents per mile. Over the past three years it's been 23 cents per mile, but coming down now with today's lower fuel cost. YMMV.

Around here, with a lot of hills, clutches last about 200,000 miles and cost $800 to $900 to replace -- so that's half a cent per mile for the clutch. Timing belt should be replaced every 80,000 miles for about $700 if you do the water pump etc at the same time, so that's about .9 cent per mile. I've never had to replace a cylinder head gasket.

[Cage Free]

do NOT exceed the timing belt interval on a Subaru.  Other than that they are great and amazing vehicles.

Both 4 and 6 cylinder engines use timing chains so that is no longer an issue.

[scra99tch]

Have a 2010 same body style. 

I use mine as mainly a dump run vehicle.  A few bits and piece have broken here and there but would not hesitate to buy another maybe a forrester next time. 

I used it to tow a bass boat out of the water on rocky loose soil, and it did that just fine. 

Only complaint I have is it is a chore to change out a light bulb as you have to take out most of the splash guard plastic in order to extract it.

[Rich A]

2014 Forester. Dogs like it.



Me, too.

Rich A