Subaru LONG TERM Ownership After 10 Years and 165K MILES

[@michaelmartin2276]

I just bought a used 2012 Impreza. 138k miles. I paid $5000. Has minimum issues. I'm 63, been a shade tree mechanic since i was 16. I have owned 2 Subaru's in the past. You are spot on with everything you said. Car has minimal rust. Front suspension needs attention. Drives fantastic. Head gaskets have been replaced. I believe I've gotten a good deal.

[@jasonbrowning3743]

Just bought one for $2k 81,ooo miles

[@BlastReadingSeries]

So wild, the word on the street is head gasket = $$$. So nice to see that. Seeing aggressively priced Subarus. Def need to give them a look.

[@subiesojourner777]

As a VW guy going all the way back to my high school days in the 70's, owning many Beetles, Rabbit's, Jetta's, A Tiguan and now in my 60's, I just bought my first ever Subaru. It's an autumn green 2024 Forester Wilderness.

[@i2Shea]

Congrats on your purchase! Those are great. I just bought a 2022 Impreza with 24k miles yesterday. My first brand new car and I just wanna drive it. Its such a treat!

[@terrylee7104]

Mate...its 2024.....and my 2001 Impreza G is still going strong and super reliable, and I live on a gravel road in the Alpine area in OZ !!!!!356000 Km's and no probs !

[@pirihern9329]

70 , retired own a 2006 st with spt add ons. mileage 140,000 miles. change oil every 3000k w/filter. change manual transmission, front and rear differential every 2 years. 90,000 to 105,000 timing belt w/all related changed. koyo tensioner and idlers. oem , felpro, or victor reinz timing belt.

[@gregpost3320]

Bought a 2012 Impreza with 232,000 km on it for a winter beater. Got it about 4 years ago. Now at 366,000 km and counting. Driving it all year round. Had to put a new valve body on it at about 260,000 km. Replaced the liftgate struts twice. I change the oil every 10,000 km or less. It owes me nothing, but it keeps on running. Have a 2018 Crosstrek that runs well and gets amazing mileage. And both are amazing in the snow.

[@donedwards1956]

I concur I own a 2011 Subaru Impreza with now well over 200K+ miles that I only purchased for $3K. One of the best investments that I've made. It was very well maintained, and I drive halfway across the country and spend a lot of time in the car as its surprisingly comfortable. My Head Gaskets were replaced before I purchased it and have had zero issues, they still leak a little oil, but just top it off every now and again, and it'll be fine.

[@JonathanVaucher]

I've bookmarked you subaru playlist they first day I came across your vids. They helped me maintain my 2008 Impreza 2.5i 5Dr Sport MT, which still runs perfect !

[@millerchris]

Been watching your channel for years. You have helped me so much on saving a lot of money on repairs. I have a 2011 impreza with 150k miles and live in Utah so my frame is so much more rusted than yours but my cars is running fine and in pretty good shape. great video

[@CarsNToys]

That's awesome - Keep her going!

[@joshuathomas4934]

i own a 2014 wrx hatchback. Bought it with 54k miles and now have 100,000. Ive done all the maintenance and have replaced the end links and sway bar bushings. Some hoses in the engine bay because they looked crusty. Thats about it. Its custom tuned and runs like a champ. Burns no oil and runs like a sewing machine. Love it

[@sap1995-1]

Still have it?? I'm looking at a 2010 wrx hatch with 124k miles but its 1 owner super clean. I'm nervous about how long it will go before major repairs are needed. I've never owned a Subaru.

[@KyleRevives]

08 Ruby-Impreza 2.5l @215k here owned since 90k. I’ve had to do the following since owning it: Alternator, ac compressor, front and rear wheel bearings, throttle positing sensor, I’ve had to weld my muffler together and new flanges at almost every joint. Master brake and clutch cylinders, brake booster, spark plug cables, clutch throw out bearing, head gaskets @200k miles, ignition coils and the past month had to run 2 new brake lines for the rears, and while I had everything pulled off I undercoated the whole bottom of the car and all little dings and rust spots. I just wish I would’ve known how to do these things sooner thank you for helping, I’m sure I watched some of your videos while I was learning

[@smithsfan425]

On top of car fax, I’d also suggest experian auto check along with it. My car had a clean car fax, the experian showed frame damage. Dont trust the car fax alone.

[@billdaniel8310]

If it costs $3,000 to get a head gasket fixed on these, it may be better to pay a little extra and buy a complete exchange engine for a $1000 extra. This way you know you have new big end bearings, rings and gaskets etc.

[@J3wchutrain]

About to buy a 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX and this video just gave me a WHOLE LOT of bargaining power. Thank you, saved your repair videos too, you're awesome!

[@itsmethough24]

I own a '08 1.5l Impreza with a manual gear-reduction (if that is what it's called) for when I want to tow stuff. And it runs on gas and LPG. The only real issue I have with this car is that the computer does not recognise the car burning something other than gasoline, so the check engine light is always on. Tried swapping the sensors, resetting the computer.. nothing works... Great car though! Would buy again.

[@ryanharrison2260]

2012 STi hatchback with 125,000 miles on it. Second owner, first owner babied it. Never had a problem with her, still on my original motor and clutch, still handles like a dream. Zero oil consumption.

[@muddywaters-c6l]

i bought a 2007 forester na with 103k and no engine lights no oil leaks runs real good, i change the thermostat and in the process of tightening the housing back it cracked was made out of die cast crap so got an aluminum solid one. i plan on doing the timing belt soon as im able also put new brakes rotors and drums and tires and sway bar link was broken was about it. i have three people in my area with older foresters that have 2 and 300k plus miles on their and tell me they never did any major maintenance that they just keep running!

[@UKGBManny]

Great Video we have had a Subaru forester sti 2.5 in our family for 10 years and i must admit its a great car. The trusty old head gasket did go at 90k i think it was, however once upgraded with a Cosworth triple layer gasket and new struts we have had no issues. I think its worth a £1500 bill every 90,000 miles considering everything else has been solid. I did upgrade the radiator to a double din that's about it really impressive as its a Litchfield STI running 330hp. I would recommend a Subaru along as you look after them they go forever.

[@JP-ek2eu]

Hey, thanks for all the info. I’m in MN and I’m definitely looking for a 4wd car to replace my old Subaru. I didn’t know much when I bought it and it went bad on me which totally turned me off to Subarus. But, now that I know to look at the head gaskets, front end parts, timing belt etc..Im stoked to maybe buy a Subaru again. Great vid ✌️

[@benkelly7182]

I just bought a garage kept 2010 Impreza 2.5i with 46k miles. Silver, black interior, 5 speed. Has the original head gasket with no issues so far but this car was babied. It’s like brand new. I’ll enjoy it while it lasts 😅

[@jimmorrison2124]

Man. That's a very clean car. Love to see old machines well cared for.

[@aspencat2239]

i bought a 2010 2.5i hatch with 110kmiles with all the gaskets replaced and more for 10k$ 1y6m ago.I'm up to 130k miles. This thing is a beast in the snow or wet . It still eats a quart of oil every 4k miles but best 2nd hand car i could have had ever hoped for hands down! Just do your oil change regularly and you'll be fine. I drive it on the freeway for 64miles a day, 32 per each way with 2989 ft / 911 m of elevation change each way too. I get 30.9mpg, the best i can do. Still impressive. I think i'm gonna save for a wrx next 🤣. This car is a workhorse! Any meteo condition it will bring you home! Tomorrow i'm going for a oil change, gotta give her a full synthetic one for another 4k miles. I'm goiong for 150k miles, with no engine lights.

[@agentmewtwo8294]

Have a 2010 Subaru Impreza. So far it’s at 105k and never had major issues. Just replaced the radiator and will be doing a catalytic converter soon. Great vehicle for me

[@32srt32]

2010 was the last year of the head gasket issue!

[@CoderSal-XIII]

I just bought a used 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Hatchback. I paid $3,000 for it. I have so far replaced the spark plugs, spark plug cables, and coil, thermostat, timing belt and water pump, power steering pump, and rebuilt the front and rear suspension. This weekend I am going to replace the head gaskets and valve cover gaskets along with all top end gaskets. I am a professional Automotive Technician with an extensive collection of tools and have done all repairs myself, essentially saving myself thousands of dollars. I am extremely satisfied with my purchase of the Impreza. It is a great car, comfortable and a joy to drive. It also handles beautifully in the snow, mud, and rain which we get a lot up here in the New Mexican mountains.

[@thenuge88]

Some other leaking problems I’ve had on my 164K mile 2009 WRX: Power Steering Rack and the Radiator

[@Infinite_AM]

I have a 2008 Impreza Outback Sport (same as 2.5i mechanically). It's been mostly good, a few snafus here and there. It has 165k miles, Ive had it for 4 years and I've put 20k miles on it myself. I bought it from a Subaru mechanic, w new head gaskets (Six Star). My only big issue has been the power steering rack, which I've replaced twice now (design flaw at the "gasket" on the solenoid). Also I have excessive crank case pressure but more something to watch than to address right now. I suspect the rings are wearing out, as it also burns oil - as they do.

[@misteritscuz]

Currently looking at 2009. The shop selling it (which specializes only in Japanese cars) has put a new OEM short block in it along with new head gaskets of course as well as all of this: -- Brand New Timing Belt - Brand New Tensioner - Brand New Water Pump - Brand New Idler Pulleys - Brand New Spark Plugs - Brand New Valve Cover Gaskets - Brand New Exhaust Gaskets - Brand New Intake Gaskets - Brand New Front Brakes and Rotors - Brand New Tires - Brand New Air Filter - Brand New Cabin Air Filter - Fresh Coolant - Fresh Oil Change So my question is this: with essentially a brand new motor and head gaskets, will I still need to worry about head gasket failure at some point down the road because it's just an inherent flaw of the motor, or have some of those issues been "solved" with whatever they put in as a replacement? Thanks for the video! Making me feel a lot better about this potential purchase knowing I have your channel as a resource and with your general endorsement of the vehicle!

[@benkelly7182]

I’m not an authority on this subject but I’ve read several times on Reddit that the gaskets fail primarily because the OEM ones are poor and once they are replaced the issue is resolved.

[@misteritscuz]

​@@benkelly7182 thanks so much for the reply. I did end up buying it and it's done great so far. You're correct about the head gaskets - the problem is essentially solved by putting in a new motor where the previous subpar part has been replaced by a much more durable one. Thanks again!

[@jerrytalley802]

We have a 2011 Outback, bought new, 150,000 miles before it ever let us down last week. It would turn over but not start. Turns out it was a bad wiring harness. We love the car so plan to keep it but as you know, major repairs concern me going forward. I’d like to get this fixed and try to find a used one with 30,000 miles or so. All we’ve done is brakes, oil, timing belt/water pump, minor recalls. It’s been the best dar ever. I forgot, upon inspection at the dealer we needed a new rear hub, tie rod end and one other. Had it done for $1,000 less than dealer wanted. Thanks

[@majorahole]

Thanks for the video. I have a 2013 outback 3.6l. out of all my cars other then the spark plug change and head gaskets which I haven't had to do this is the easiest car to maintain I've ever owned. I had a wheel bearing fail at 70k so I changed all 4. Other than that it's been very reliable.

[@CarsNToys]

Great to hear. As far as I know, the head gasket failures apply to the 2.5l 4 cylinder engines.

[@majorahole]

@@CarsNToys fingers crossed. Checked my car after watching your video and no wet spots.under the heads

[@Alex-tc5kh]

309k km 3.6 leaking oil, dealer diagnosed leaking head gasket, upper oil pan, timing chain cover and waiting for a quote. Did the struts this year myself was very easy.

[@jpjr17]

Hi there ! I love how you’ve kept up on this car throughout the years. She looks great! Your car looks like it rides so smooth. My 4eat shifts so wonky (fluid is full & pinkish/red color) I was wondering if you’ve ever had the 4eat reset or use a certain trans fluid? Thanks!

[@the_kombinator]

Agreed - I bought a cheap $170 cat from Amazon, and a new O2 from Rockauto - Instant CEL. Aftermarkets are garbage - I put an O2 spacer on the last sensor and it shuts it up for the most part.

[@MicahB98]

I found a 2008 with 138k miles on it, I’m needing a car for about 2 years before I move across the world and will sell it. I don’t really want to spend too much money on repairs, it’s been in Florida one owner its whole life. Would this be a good buy?

[@mikeharris1041]

Ill be getting this later this afternoon. Good thing I came across your channel so I have some basis

[@nvat8052]

I have an 08 Impreza 2.5i and it has 153k miles never had a check engine light on

[@raymondorama9140]

Nice video! i have a 2012 Subaru just over a hundred thousand love it no issues ,..How can I tell if it have timing chain or timing belt,..??? is there way to know?,.. (2.0 FB 20 engine,. 6sp aut dual trans). thank you in advance for you reply

[@gregpost3320]

2012's have a timing belt. I also have a 2012. Yours is barely broken in. Take care of it and you'll get to 227,000 miles like I have with mine.

[@JohnSmith-uz3zj]

I'm looking at a 2008 5 speed manual 2.5i, neighbor wants $500, at the very least it needs head gasket, water pump, etc. He said AC was burnt up due to overheating but I find that hard to believe. If the transmission is intact and I am willing to do the labor it might be worth my time. I just wish they got better MPG. My 04 5 speed CRV gets about 24 average, so I wouldn't be getting much other than another project at a discount, that I probably can't sell to recoup much of my time if I wanted out.

[@barrythomas6429]

Head Gaskets not a problem for the Turbo models. My 2006 XT is pushing 200k kilometers and the only issues (touch wood) was a Radiator top tank split and dumped all of the coolant, and rear shocks and front sway-bar links.

[@4orrcountry]

For YOU, but you've been lucky. To avoid head gasket issues, don't buy ANY Subaru manufactured prior to 2014!

[@TexterEX]

Just so you know, they used to say tap on wood because they would invite demons into their trees and then knock on the tree to get knowledge.

[@muddywaters-c6l]

that cars going to be top notch when you sell it all that work you put into it! if you maintain a subaru well it will pay off in reliability and resell value my wife gets one every few years and now has the 23 wrx which is such a nice car and fast over the past 10 years of having subarus the only issue we had was like the window sticking really small things never any engine issues or been stranded. everyone i talk to about subarus has a good story to tell.

[@GxGob]

well my father have a nissan sunny from 2011 until now he drove more than half a million and he is welling to give it to me she is still in a pretty good condition

[@Infinite_AM]

I would echo what you said about parts - don't get cheap parts. Somehow your car will know. O2 sensors - buy Denso. They're more expensive but the cheap ones will throw codes and fail quicker.

[@Cr4zyPCGamer]

I've used your videos countless times to my repair my Impreza, thank you! Where did you go to get your heads machined? Also, to just to confirm, did you have the headgasket done by the dealer or private party?

[@bestcity0979]

dO YOU HAVE a video on a 2007 honda window failure? I cant figure out why only 1 of them work

[@johnnumbat9782]

Thanks CNT - here in Tasmania I’ve owned 12 Subarus into my senior years and looking at my 13th but want to try and avoid issues - the newest one was a 2009 XT Forester - I’ve learnt that the FA FB series engines now replaced the previous EA metal/ carbon gaskets with silicon sealant for the front belts cover/timing chain but not sure if the heads are used with silicon - apparently robots find it easy to follow a seam and inject silicone - do the 2008-2012, 2013-2023 Foresters use this and is the 2013-2023 engine a different series? I’d rather have metal gaskets all round and buy an EA engine Forester as I’m looking at a 2013 XT Forester in the current generation.

[@erindeenyable]

I gotta get my son a awd. What mid new years do you like 15-20?

[@benkelly7182]

I had a 2016 Impreza and it was a great car for me. I put 30k miles on it delivering pizza in all kinds of weather until a dear jumped out in front of me while I was going 50mph. The airbags deployed but there was no collision other than with the deer and it hit low enough that it didn’t go through my windshield, thankfully. I had a small scrape on my leg and that’s it. After getting the insurance check I looked for another one and would have bought it again but settled on a 2010 Impreza that I got a great deal on. The 2012+ Impreza has a 140hp engine that feels a little anemic sometimes but the gas mileage is excellent. 32 in mixed driving and push up to 38 highway. Good safety features like backup camera and side warning. Front collision warning. Effective AWD, in the rain you can essentially drive as normal with zero issues, and in the snow you can get around which is huge. The black interior with the carbon fiber accents is cool enough. I would buy this car for my kid when she’s old enough. I intended to drive it as long as possible. Should be great for your son. And yes, those years you mentioned. For the safety features

[@Sero12245]

Would it be more cost effective to replace the engine through a shop if you cannot do the head gaskets yourself?

[@aaaabbbbeeee]

Can you do a video on replacing a starter? I have this exact make and model and i'm a bit stumped on getting to the starter through the airbox and removing it. Thank you

[@jerrytalley802]

My Outback was made in Indiana, maybe some models are made there? I think Toyota has some models made in Japan too?

[@benkelly7182]

Subaru makes most of their cars sold in the USA at that plant in Lafayette, Indiana. The cars vin number will start with JF1 for cars made at their plant in Ota, Japan.

[@mri489]

Thanks a lot for those video

[@mahed82]

I own a Subaru outback 2009 150k no problems at all I do take GOOD care of it and don't abuse it .look pretty good and runs nice as new . mechanic don't believe how good looks everything after so many years of use .

[@Theskyhigh1994]

How many miles typically till the head gasket goes ?

[@morganbrown3415]

I just bought a 2009 Forester with 120,000 miles

[@MikeJohn-tb1yp]

Im looking at some of these for instacart and uber eats

[@sheesssshhh]

crazy im at 165k my selft rn white hatchy no check engine light only tire pressure

[@terrylee7104]

Paid 3500 AUD IN 2013 with 2000 KM'S ON THE CLOCK. the best car I HAVE EVER PUCHACED. and handles well on the dirt with great mid range power on hand .....the bug eye rules !

[@R3CFutbolEsVida]

How much would you value this car? I have been offered a 150K and trying to figure out a fair price

[@drivewayhero]

Also, how often do you change your transmission fluid on your subaru and what fluid do you put in there? I know it calls for the HP type but do you use that every time or change it up?

[@Infinite_AM]

Subaru makes their own fluid, I use that. I have a manual, not sure if you have an automatic, but follow exactly what the service manual specifies. Same for rear diff fluid, use Subaru Gear Oil.

[@gregpost3320]

Every 200,000 km up here in the great white north.

[@drivewayhero]

I went with Valvoline Maxlife Atf which is synthetic fluid and meets subaru's HP requirements. Worked great up until I totaled the car 😅

[@Lantzvillian]

Fuck no. I bought a 2009 with 32' k km on it... Blew an engine at 38. Killed the cat. On 3 sets of factory calipers... Rebuild engine also had its head gasket done after the fact. Third airconditioner.. car is just about 80k... It's had a knock sensor, it's had a vvt solenoid... Plugs/wires. It's been a joy. Don't touch these cars. First and last - both engines had piston slap too... Despite running 5-40 Rotella.

[@muddywaters-c6l]

def sway bar links are a weak link lol.

[@gregpost3320]

2012 and newer impreza's have timing chains, not belts.

[@bonperal]

CVT transmission can be a problem. Had to replace the CVT on my 2011 outback at around 65k miles.

[@CarsNToys]

Sorry to hear. This Impreza has a 4-speed auto.

[@bradvansteinburg2962]

Have the same, CVT stopped engaging OD, did some searching, had a shop change out the OD selnoid at 220km now at 260,000 and fine. Change Subaru CVT oil regularly 60,000 to 80,000 km.

[@Butchersniper]

Skip all the boxer engine drama, and just buy a Honda or a Toyota, and go enjoy life.

[@drivewayhero]

No

[@123andme]

Can't beat a Honda civic but it doesn't have AWD so Subaru better up north.

[@pirihern9329]

if not in the rust belt area get a toyota/lexus or honda/Acura, used have a good mechanic go over the car. most charge about $100 dollars well worth it. God bless America

[@4orrcountry]

Subaru didn't solve their long-running, CHRONIC HEAD GASTET issue (which cost $3k min. to repl at approx. 100,000 miles) until the 2014 models. It's SIMPLE: DO NOT BUY ANY SUBARU MADE BEFORE 2014!

[@theskyizblue2day431]

I have a 2014 Impreza 5MT… it was made in January 2014… it burns a quart of oil every 1200-1500 miles. I love this car but I am really hoping it doesn’t screw me over big time

[@shawngrenaud]

"Simplistic" Lol

[@joshverdoorn7375]

I love my Subaru Forester I’m driving it until it dies

[@drivewayhero]

Do u ever watch mrsubaru? Honestly Ive never seen car wizard do any actual work 😂 he just talks

[@macgyver15147]

10 years and 165k is not impressive for any car even if poorly maintained

[@gregpost3320]

227,000 miles on my 2012 impreza and it keeps on ticking.

[@andrewszeto121]

Absolutely regret buying a Subaru. Only ~65k miles and already all sorts of small annoying problems. Reading all these comments about Subarus lasting 150k miles makes me laugh. Go on any Toyota or Honda posts and everyone is talking about their 300k miles cars. Sure, the handling on Subarus are nice, but that's about it. Will never be buying another Subaru again.

[@donedwards1956]

My Sub has 230K miles and no mechanical issues. It's how the car is maintained.

[@andrewszeto121]

​@@donedwards1956I agree fully that reliability has everything to do with maintenance. My complaint is actually the amount of maintenance required to run these cars and shouldn't be a problem to begin with had Subaru designed their cars properly IMO. Maybe I am spoiled by Toyota and Honda's reliability, but some of the so called regular maintenance seems ridiculous, especially for a car with only 90k km. I had to replace 2 wheel bearings already, struts and brakes are about to go, MAF sensor has to be cleaned due to rough idle, AC refrigerant leak, piston slap, and even headlights and brake lights seems to burn out faster than all the other cars I've owned. And the fact that I was told it was "normal" for most Subaru engines to burn oil from the get go, seems pretty dumb to me. I mean even the Ford and Chevy I've previously owned did not burn oil until 200k+ km. And I don't beat on my cars either, my Subaru is a commuter car that I drive lightly to work everyday.

[@pgilb70]

Just buy a mazda or toyota then no such stress...

[@pirihern9329]

sti

[@CarsNToys]

Absolutely. I've been looking after watching the latest Grand Tour.

[@richardaird3636]

Automatic lmao

[@marksphotoperry356]

You could do way better with manual 5sp !