Subaru Myths Busted! What Everyone Gets Wrong About Subaru!

[@TheNortheastAl]

Glad you reminded everyone that Maintenance is the key to longevity.

[@bobgrimesakasparky]

I had a 1998 Forester that needed head gaskets replaced at 245000 miles. I'll take that! Had that repair completed and sold that car at 275000 miles, in good running condition

[@martinr8278]

YES!! well done. Tired of hearing from the baby Toyota fanboys that Toyota engines are bulletproof, one oil change every decade, blah blah blah…it’s a bunch of BS. Subaru’s are just as capable of getting the same amount, if not higher mileage than Toyota.

[@peterpeter5666]

@@martinr8278 i drive a toyota camry v6 . best car i ever owned spent maybe 1k on repairs since 2011 except for oil and tires. also had a 2002 forester with did leak a little from head gaskets but who cares? car rotted well before engine and transmission will fail. sold it to scrap yard for 600.00 in still running condition

[@TheLanard]

What makes Subaru different than other “AWD” cars is the rear wheels don’t turn off after 25 mph. They stay on at all speeds. Driving on the highway in the rain is safer because it keeps all wheel traction. Times when I went around turns in the wet and starting to slide my rear, I stayed on the gas and drove back into traction. Other “AWD” cars are FWD at speeds over 25mph and act as such during lost of traction. Yeah, Subarus aren’t just for snow.

[@nathandiefenbach1274]

100% this. Subaru had to start putting "symmetrical AWD" so people would stop assuming it's a traction assist like some other cars.

[@davidjohnson5394]

With a lot of cars, the awd system doesn’t kick in at all until it see slipping

[@Zensiji]

I love the semetrical awd system on icy roads, it's your best bet. Subaru's new vehicles offer different biases for your awd, like their x-mode. If you know what to expect from your 50/50 symmetrical it will take you as far as the fancy new modes!

[@niccadoodles]

​@@Zensiji The automatics are still continuously variable in the older ones.. there's some lockup solenoid mods you can do to lockup torque split offroad though 😊

[@402car_kid4]

Yes and no. Some use Haldex where it’s fwd biased and can turn the rear diff off until they need it but that’s usually just transverse mounted Audis/vws. BMW xdrive is full time rear biased awd. Gtr is full time rwd biased awd. Evos are full time awd some like evo X has torque vectoring rear diff. Focus Rs is full time awd as well. Amg 4 matic iirc is also full time awd. Gr Corolla is also full time. Longitudinal mounted Audis are full time awd like my b5s4 but it’s got open diffs in the front and rear and torsen in the center. My sti has lsds front center and rear and handles infinitely better than my Audi in all weather.

[@chrisboyd4433]

I bought my 2017 Impreza new and it has over 150k on it now. The only "repairs" I have made so far is a brake caliper and two rear wheel bearings. I consider both of these to be more of a New England road salt issue really. I have followed the factory 6,000 mile service schedule religiously. Altogether, we have owned more than ten Subarus as a family over the years. Several were over 200k. The only one we didn't sell to another person to drive was a 2001 Forester with 210k that had a rusted subframe that I didn't want to deal with (again, a New England road salt issue). I love my AWD system because it has saved me several times in unexpected icy and hydroplaning conditions. Keep up the good work, Mr. Subaru!

[@markusgingles4887]

I hope the 6,000 mile service schedule isn't being applied to the oil changes. I'd never go over 4-5k on oil changes. Some manufacturer recommendations are just absolutely ridiculous. Like Mercedes recommended on their 2003 E500's, oil changes every 10,000 miles. That's ridiculous, I don't care what the manufacturer says. As a general rule of thumb across all vehicles. Old school conventional oil should be changed every 2,000-3,000 miles, Synthetic Blend should be changed every 3,000-4,000 miles. And full synthetic (what our Subaru's take) should be changed every 4,000-5,000 miles. 6,000 isn't terrible. But I'd personally say it's 1,500 too much, definitely 1,000 miles too much. 4,500 is the most cost efficient time to change it. 4,000 if you have the extra money and really want it to last forever.

[@SuperWeehoo]

I just put in a new 5MT transmission in my 04 WRX Wagon and I will say, it was the most taxing transmission I’ve ever had to R&R, but it is also the first time I’ve ever worked on one as well. I bought the car and put about 10,000 miles on it before the center diff and transmission went out. Definitely a learning experience and had I had a lift, I probably could’ve had an easier time, (I was working in a single car garage on jack stands). Love my Subaru!!!

[@maui6446]

All engines have problems. However, the fact that Subaru did not address the head gasket problems for over a decade is disgusting. Yes, it was one engine series but it was their main engine for the most popular and highest volume vehicles (in the USA) for what 12+ years?. Why didn't they put in MLS gaskets on the vehicles in 2001 when it was clear their was a problem? Terrible management decision to leave an expensive repair to their customers.

[@soundsolutions]

Had to give their dealerships something to fix.

[@Austin-cg7be]

They wouldn’t be in business today if they had spent the money at the time to fix all of them or at the time engineer a fix. They were struggling to maintain a foothold in the US

[@buttsexandbananapeels]

You’re right. I’d rather have a Ford with an internal wet belt driving the oil pump, a Honda with oil dilution and head gasket issues, a Chevy with everything that goes wrong with GM, a Chrysler with internally mounted water pumps, VWs with… again… EVERYTHING going wrong, or a Hyundai/Kia with the optional standard always sludge feature. Subaru with their slow iterative changes to improve their engineering and reliability over time really stands out as horrible OEM behavior that lasted a few years 20 years ago. They should do what everyone else does and slowly make their vehicles worse.

[@maui6446]

@@Austin-cg7be Couldn't they7 have just started installing MLS gaskets in the early - mid 2000's?

[@BenjaminCronce]

Watched a history explanation of the head-gasket issues and the issue didn't affect everyone. It only affected people in certain conditions, which made the issue extremely difficult to diagnose. I'm going off of memory, so take this with a grain of salt. In one of the cases it was the battery getting over-used in slow traffic when the alternator wouldn't put out enough power and high electrical load like the AC, causing the battery to vent more and the air currents in the car caused the sulfuric acid to condense on the other side of the engine and get into the coolant. The other was caused by a grounding issue that could occur if corrosion in the correct area and the electric potential caused the metal gasket to corrode via the coolant.

[@TimRho]

I live in Texas. I drive a 2020 wrx sti. No snow, but we do get random rain showers, and the awd comes in handy. Most of all, Subarus sti comes with a factory unlimited smiles per mile that a win for me

[@j45acp69]

A good friend of mine rebuilds cylinder heads for our local automotive machine shop. He is still doing cylinder heads due to failing head gaskets on new Subaru's. Yes the last one he did was from a 2023 forester. The problem according to him isn't as big as it was in the past, however it's still happening. These cars that he's doing the work on are not modified, all stock and are failing from the factory.

[@jimmythompson9958]

Just cause something is stock or new doesn't mean you don't have to take care of them and they'll be fine. Subaru needs an oil change every 3 to 5k miles but I do 3 on the dot, beat the shit out of my 2020 gt86 (my daily and not a day I don't hit redline) and I've had no issues and I take care of her

[@Onegreydog]

I second the report of your friend, 100%. Wife has 2019 outback with HG and CVT seepage & Subaru wants buyer to pay another $7,000 to fix their problem.

[@kiwiwithacamera]

@@Onegreydog 2013 2.5L here, and failed a little over 100k. They are nowhere near as bad as the original failure rate in the late 90's/early 2000's, but they're still failing significantly before the 2.5 Toyota engines head gaskets fail. And, as boxer engine, the replacement is more costly than an inline 4 Toyota.

[@BikesCarsAndSake]

2017 Impreza here in the NorthEast (rust) with 110,000 miles and just had to get the rear wheel bearings replaced for the first time. No complaints here. We use it for long trips - great gas mileage!

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

My 1998 Legacy with the 2.2L engine was finally retired with 266,000 miles 6 months ago. Engine, Transmission, front and rear differential all original still worked perfectly. The car died because the ABS controller melted down and took a bunch of other electrical wiring with it. once repaired and running there were too many other melted wiring issues to chase down and fix on a car that took me from 2100' to 6100' elevation for work for it's last 8 years and was very corroded from sand and salt. Super reliable

[@300DBenz]

My 1999 30th Anniversary Edition Legacy survived a broken timing belt and lived to 2022 and 278,000 miles when the rust got too severe to safely drive it and the transmission started to rev-bang when downshifting from 4 to 3.

[@802Garage]

Yep my older cars only get retired at hundreds of thousands of miles due to rust. Such a shame wish I could keep them all forever.

[@pamelavance648]

Awe dude..sorry to hear that. I'm afraid Mines headed that way..love my subyroo 30 yrs 210000

[@lennonbarbosa850]

Dont get the new ones tho, to many problems with it that subaru doesnt address it

[@ternyb1391]

My Legacy L Brighton’s legendary 2.2L outlasted the rest of the car. RIP!!

[@lvsqcsl]

A good friend of mine in high school had a 1973 D/L in which head gaskets blew all the time. You could also hear the car rusting away. That was many years before 1997. GREAT VIDEO!

[@skeptick6513]

First time subaru owner, picked up a 2010 forester needing head gaskets. Your tips have been helpful (head bolts) and i commend you for your content and presentation and you have a fantastic voice.

[@michaelking42]

I've had 8 Subarus since 1994. Have 2 current model Outbacks. The AWD has saved me several times on ice; it has been amazing. Recently I got buried to the axles in my 2024 XT, in soft sand. 2 diagonally opposed wheels were spinning freely in the air I was buried so deep. Put it in X mode, stepped on the gas, and it put the power to one wheel and it pulled me right out. Damn. The strength of the build has saved me from injury in high speed wrecks twice now. Can't say enough good about them. Thanks for your channel, mate.

[@jonc2914]

8?? That many cars means they didnt last very long lol

[@michaelking42]

@@jonc2914 Assumptions get you no prizes. So, since 1994, which is 30 years after all... Wrote the first 2 off in 60mph wrecks. The third I sold when I moved to another country. I sold another when I started working in Africa and didn't need 2 cars. Then I replaced it with another one when I realised I actually do need 2 cars. Then I leased one for my wife, which we returned at the end of the lease. Are you keeping up? That's 6. We presently own 2. Over 30 years, that's not bad. So tell me again what that means?

[@TCAPRecipes]

I went 7 years without subaru AWD. Good to be back.

[@natesmith9185]

2015 Impreza manual (not the sport). Head gasket hit me at 134k. The babe is slow AF, but shreds in the snow never once got stuck in even in 6”. Also the A/C bogs down the car hard.

[@TH-bj1pb]

A/C doesn't bog at full thriottle afaik

[@RoyalEmpressTree]

Listen. Because of Mr. Subaru, I bought a 2022 Crosstrek sport. That 2.5 engine is a blast. It really compliments the weight of the car. If I really want to move, I push the sport button on the steering wheel and go.

[@thomas735]

IMO these new 8,000-10,000 interval oil changes are gonna backfire, especially with these new turbo engines. Agreed on maintenance!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Do what? 5,000 oil change max.

[@dustinmorse1055]

@@MrSubaru1387for the 21 ascent they have us changing it at every 7k miles. Should we change it at 5k?

[@thomas735]

@@MrSubaru1387 I know, I saw that the recommendation on the new tundra and Tacoma is 10k intervals. I’d never go that long.

[@richardsmith4187]

@@dustinmorse1055 Always change the oil at 5K and no longer

[@suicicada]

I do 6 months or 3k miles on my 22 wrx

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

Both my subarus had big engine/cvt issues that were luckily taken care of under warranty. Other than that, no major problems. Very dependable cars. But I can see how people would become huge haters if they have to fix things that are out of warranty...

[@mdrlz]

yo! just bought a new OB Touring top spec (2.5 NA) available here in EU. we get heavy winters. my previous rig for many years was lifted Land Cruiser. if you want any hard winter content I can totally share stuff with you privately. car gets delivered second week of Sept. let me know if you want me to test any proper winter stuff. good job on the channel!

[@DionSoriano-jv8ob]

You’re Dead on Mr. Subaru I own 5 Subaru’s at the moment and I love them.. I would never own other brand except Toyota.. 4Runner to be exact..

[@bpb5541]

Like all cars there are certain things that need to be taken care of, or at least be knowledgeable of. For example, my 2011 MK6 GTI are known to have timing chain issues, water / fuel pump issues, PVC issues. And all VWs door and windows will have issues if you keep them long enough. My car has 104k miles on it. I have done maintenance on it...oil changes at 3k etc. I think I will be able to get at least 250k miles out of this car. I take very good care of it. That cost money and time.

[@pedrinelastronauta]

I am at 3… but 6 overall.. currently a: 2024 Forester, 2020 STI, 2014 Impreza.. forester and STI purchased as brand new

[@r.weaver3769]

I worked 35 years as a mechanic, never seen a Subaru with a failed head gasket, had several customers that drove them, did brakes, suspension, A/C, window motors, clutches, and maintenance...I like them better than GM, Ford, and Kia/Hyundai. And easier to repair.

[@hiyapal6819]

I just bought a 2011 3.6R Outback with 216,000 miles. As soo as I turned the key I was blown away by how smooth the motor was running. I had to keep checking the milage because it runs and drives like it was much newer and had lower miles. I have been so impressed with it so far. Yes the 216K miles does sit in the back of my mind, but always do regular maintenance. It did need front and rear brakes. There is a squeaking on the driver side up front that kind of bugs me and not sure what it could be because it isn't consistent. But so far loving it other than the previous owner was a smoker so I have been battling that.

[@brentb3275]

I have owned 3 different Subarus and have driven 4 as company use vehicles. My 2019 Outback Limited is a terrific car, and I consider it to be the swiss army knife of cars. I may never sell it. One week I can take a long road trip and comfortably get 30 mpg. The next week, I am off to the mountains to get to the trail head, go fishing, or camping. It handles washboardy roads better than anything else out there.

[@g36cvek]

Started my driving life with a 01 SF Forester. Bounced between two WRX, 1 STI, 1 LGT, 1 Baja, 1 BRZ and now in a EJ20X swapped SG Forester. over the past 20 years. Only had 1 head gasket failure with all my cars. Fantastic cars importantly handling. Keep the motors stock as much as possible but coilovers are a must for improved handling.

[@ParisLondonRoma]

Wheel bearings on the other hand are a weakness. Mine started roaring at 45K and others even sooner

[@heh2k]

Weird. I'm still on my 2008's original wheel bearings. Over 100k miles.

[@pedrinelastronauta]

I replaced rears at 72k from a wrecked identical ‘14 impreza wagon.. originally from New England, the car is mid Atlantic now, no issues at 115k

[@MUUKOW3]

Strange mine just hit 200k still on original wheel bearing and just did the front cv shafts and this car car gets a lot of snow and fire reading plus tows a tent trailer and a motorcycle trailer.

[@Shisimona]

I had a 2015 STi and I regret getting rid of it. Had 100k km's on it, roughly 60k miles, I had zero issues with it. When I traded it in, the mechanic who did the safety on it to get it lot ready was surprised to see how amazing condition it was in. There was zero signs of leaks. When I traded it in, it was in showroom condition. The maintenance was always done when needed. I had zero warranty claims on it, and zero recalls on it. Had it for 5 years, and I never bagged drove it either. I currently have a 2024 VW Golf R. All I have to say is, i'll pick the STi over the R any day.

[@802Garage]

Especially a bummer since they essentially don't lose value anymore. 🥲

[@gorillamoto5329]

should any car leak at 60k miles?

[@802Garage]

@@gorillamoto5329 It's very common sadly. For most brands really. 😂

[@bobbyswain1983]

I'm pleased to hear you say you that you'd choose the STI over the Golf R. Before I bought my 2016 STI I was considering the Golf R but because of the German maintenance cost and higher purchase price I went with the STI and I love her. A Focus RS and Evo were options too but I couldn't pass up the price I got my STI for. I still want a Focus RS though.

[@a.d.5267]

​@802Garage I've never seen or experienced that. And I've bought cars with over 100k miles

[@frankweathersbee2553]

I absolutely love my 21 cross trek sport, the 2.5l has pulled my 14ft boat out the river in winter floods from the dirt banks & wet grass, pulling the boat 27mpg freeway & mountain snow day trips or to the coast 34 mpg, awesome ride & performance & I'm an aggressive driver.

[@togadriver]

Myth or Fact? Do Subarus generally have backup light and camera failure due to faulty backup switch? My 2015 Outback does. Please do a video on this recall. I initially thought it just affected the backup camera display... no big deal, I just use the mirrors. But the issue is worse, the backup lights also fail, so no one behind me would know if I'm backing up! Great video! Keep them coming!

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

"Subarus are slow" Ummm, I don't have any issues with how my 18 NA Forester drives, but I will say a coworker took me to lunch in his Hyundai Elantra, and it scooted. I'd chock it up to the Elantra being lighter and maybe his lead foot, but also maybe the Subaru FEELS slower, due to the AWD giving you a different feeling of power delivery? Idk. Drags a 1k pound teardrop trailer at highway speeds no problem. 👍

[@enmass90]

The CVT makes it feel slow

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

@@enmass90 To be fair, my 18 Forester is a manual transmission, so I don't have that issue, but the wife's Outback is CVT. I downshift with the paddle shifters to get to the higher rpm/power band to get on the highway and pass with a little more confidence, but I wouldn't call the car "slow" in any way.

[@kryptonite754]

Then there's me with a modified 07 WRX wagon with 300 AWHP, not a race car by any means but very far from slow lol

[@wes2460]

My Crosstrek 17 is the same . The Cvt in mine feels odd but they always feel odd, they feel like the slip sometimes but there not. I have 170k on mine and its running great..

[@RMJerich0]

​@@kryptonite754in modern times it is slow. Just try Tesla lol. Or rs6. (I drive 03 sti spec c)

[@jimcrane6862]

I did an oil change on a 260k mile 2011 legacy today. Unfortunately I also need to change out the transmission cooling lines but the parts are reasonable and available.

[@petkokrushev3840]

I had a 06 WRX and now I have 06 STI. I do pretty much all the stuff myself and it's pretty easy. Love that car. Oil changes every 3k km with Bardahl XTR 5W50! I believe if you maintain them right, they will take care of you

[@tomfilipiak3511]

I know I am 76 years old,on my fourth outback,back to 2006,the 2.5 non turbo,is really quick enough!They are great!

[@estorey1465]

we just bought a 2024 Crosstrek 2.0L, has enough power for us, of course we have been driving Chev cavalier for the last 15 years so this crosstrek is AMAZING for us!! thanks for your videos

[@bpb5541]

I just bought one from my daughter. Her first car. It is awesome. Nicest car in the family and we have nice cars.

[@arthurmiller-vl6sw]

What also didn’t help the headgasket problem is the felpro headgaskets that only last 30,000miles before the coating separated and leaked. Use WRX or cometic headgaskets and never have another problem.

[@802Garage]

Slava Ukraini. 😁

[@stevenbowyer8816]

Genuine turbo headgaskets on any ej20/ej25 n/a thank you .

[@402car_kid4]

I used to hate Subaru because of what I heard. But I always love the gd Sti. Well I found one that was clean, no rust and clean title and I had to buy it. I’ve been missing out because this thing is amazing. The awd system is amazing and the handling is even better.

[@pedrinelastronauta]

Yup.. my 2020 STI is amazing… 16k miles since virgin purchased..

[@Z3CHYD]

I love how most of Subaru drivetrain is interchangeable! My 2007 Impreza Wagon 2.5i has a Frankenstein motor, a 99 block, 06 heads, 07 intake, 2010 wrx oil pump, etc. It runs like a top, zero issues for 30k miles, except the classic n/a engine lifter tick, a defective timing belt tensioner, and changing the leaking, oem, 200k plus oil pump. I'll keep this car as long as I can, and honestly, if this motor fails, I'll probably just throw another in it. I love the car too much!

[@bobbyswain1983]

I'm glad that I came across your channel. I'm tired of all the hate people online give Subies because of the previous head gasket issue. I Love my 2016 WRX STI and in fact she's getting a set of ISC N1 V2 Coilovers installed as I write this. I live in the mountains in California so AWD is extremely useful in the winter when we can get a lot of snow and when the weather is good driving the STI on the super curvy mountain roads is a blast. I feel like she's completely in her element in this environment. It would be great if I could find a good mechanic around here who is as passionate about Subies as you are.

[@Xbox360Supersnake23]

I've had my Subaru WRX STI 2020 for more than 2 years now. I Daily driver my car and have 0 issues. I stay on top of maintenance as I should and no problems. Also Definitely not slow lol 😂

[@pedrinelastronauta]

Brah.. we have the same car… mine is at 16k miles.. got me a ‘14 impreza daily driver tho

[@Zensiji]

Mr. Subaru you should take a trip up north sometime with your rig and you'll fall even deeper in love when snowfall is a daily occurence 😂. Great video I love the support for the community!

[@AlbeeSoaring]

I like the fact you point out that any car can be good or bad, it depends on how you maintain it. I just got my first subaru. I went with a 2019 Impreza hatchback, cause it fits my needs best for the amount of miles I commute and hobbies I have. My only complaint so far is the handling. Part of my drive is a road thats got good bends and turns, this has always been my favorite part of my daily drive. This subaru is kind of ruined that cause it handles so dang good and its making the road too easy to rip through even 10mph over the speed limit. lol

[@robertgarcia3693]

My dealership is single-handedly proving the myth of outrageous cost to maintain. 403.15 for fuel injection cleaning service, 224.99 brake fluid flush, 489.99 for spark plug r&r, 289.95 for coolant flush, 322.03 r&r serpentine belt, 763.68 replace lower radiator hose, 732.73 replace upper radiator hose, 79.90 replace wiper blades. I’ll have about 300.$ in parts including a tool to vacuum out the cooling system, the entire job should take a couple of hours with the injection cleaning taking the bulk of the time. Labor and parts markup is crazy. Estimate dated 8/12/2024.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

A lot of that is easy to do yourself and not even necessary...

[@ralkros681]

It's mostly labor where I am. I have only brought my 2020 Forester twice in with 65k miles, but diag fees alone now are $200 and they mark up labor hours itself on top of the 150/hr. Somehow they thought they were gonna convince me for a $1000 spark plug job... Parts prices aren't too bad in general though from my dealership

[@robertgarcia3693]

@@Starch1b2c3d4a absolutely the radiator hoses estimate blew me away, that job can be accomplished in minutes about 30.

[@802Garage]

There are always stealerships, but generally Subaru maintenance costs less than most other brands. Part costs specifically are very reasonable if you look them up yourself.

[@gregdolecki8530]

$400 fuel injector cleaning? ??? Go buy a couple bottles of FI cleaner and put it in your gas tank. DONE. $10.

[@nzmarco]

I recently purchased my first Subaru. Of all things, a JDM V7 STI in WC blue and unmodded except for a cat back. So far so good and I'm loving the boost. I think reliability is an issue where mods are done incorrectly. Not many unmolested STI's around anymore. Mine even has the factory 3 disc cd changer head unit.

[@SouthernFoodJunkie]

Dude you look so familiar. I grew up in Fort Lawn, SC, I see you are from SC. Anyway, I was doing research about buying a Subaru for my daughter for a first car, so that is how I came across your channel.

[@jamesmorgan34]

We own a 2003 Forester that we purchased about 5 years ago. At the time we purchased it the odometor read just a little over 80,000 miles. It recently went over 120,000 miles and we've been very happy with the performance and cost of maintenance. So far maintenance has consisted of oil changes, rear wheel bearing replacement, transmission fluid and filter change, radiator flush and front and rear brake job. I would not hesitate buying another Subaru!

[@htDiablo]

I am the original owner of an 07 WRX TR. My power steering pump was replaced and other than that it's been good with regular maintenance. It's never been flashed or modded and I believe when left stock, are very reliable.

[@Imjustacarguy]

Some people claim that Subarus are “slow”, yet I’m always ahead of traffic in my 2015 Subaru Forester.

[@unclej3910]

Same here, in my 2021 Forester Premium. It accelerates plenty fast at 3,500-4,000 rpm. Or to 6,000 rpm if i really have to get ahead of fast traffic speeding up behind me.

[@DSPNWtoCali]

You should always add a 4 cylinders or 6 engine.

[@slava_trushkin]

Same in my 2018 Forester SJ, and I have a European version with "small" FB20 engine. When other cars shift gears, my Forester just keeps on accelerating.

[@blackwidowrsa]

same, might not be the most powerful but the CVT keeps it in the powerband

[@sebbykaiser6466]

@@Imjustacarguy Does traffic know they're in a race? :p

[@charlesbarnhart6984]

How about the battery drain issue in (my friends) previously owned 2017 Outback? No one could fix it. He had to get rid of it as he couldn’t park it more than couple days in airport garage to avoid battery drain issues. He went on long term fishing trips from east coast area to western states. I own a 2018 forester touring. It has been very good for me so far. About 90000 miles. I get all maintenance done per book including 3/36 trans fluid drain and fill. My dealer would charge me about 450.00 for coolant change, so I’m getting it done by private mechanic for about 320.00. The battery drain issue is a big black eye for Subaru.

[@charlesperry1051]

Another advantage of the Subaru is the lower center of gravity. This is huge when in "dynamic" situations. The slow myth is funny to me. I had to drive a Dodge K car in the late 80s and 90s. That was SLOOOOOOOOOOW. Drivers today are spoiled. Even slow cars are fast compared to some of the smog choked vehicles of the 80s. I have a 2016 Legacy with well over 100k miles. The only repair, other than maintenance, was replacing the PCV valve and PCV hose. I do keep up with all maintenance. It is a mid model that I bought used for a daily driver. I love it. Comfortable, reliable, and good mileage. Hate the black interior, but that is what it has.

[@TheLanard]

My aunt had a 1981 Plymouth Reliant that went from 0-60 in an hour. I had a 1987 Chevy Spectrum “Express” 5-speed manual that I had to floor at entrance ramps in Queens, NY to not get rear ended by oncoming cars and trucks. All noise and no speed. Yep, today’s drivers are definitely spoiled😂

[@lennygarrison6836]

@charlesperry1051 how much did it cost to replace the PCV valve and hose? Parts and labor cost?

[@charlesperry1051]

@@lennygarrison6836 Parts we under $100. Labor was free as I did it myself. The only hickup was I split the hose trying to remove it. It had gotten very hard and brittle. I had to run with the hose taped for a few days while I waited on a replacement. None of our local Subaru dealers had the part in stock.

[@mista_ruby]

I owned an '06 2.5i wagon as a 2nd car (1st Subaru) that car was a headache to maintain before the headgasket blew up, spent $8k on a $3k shitbox, and now I own a WRX (also '06) also less headaches including spending less time in the shop. Thanks Mr.Subaru also after binging your vids including Donut and Collector Car Feed, I almost gave up on cars, forever.

[@Pablo-cp9nc]

I bought a Legacy GT off the showroom (EJ255) which had the notorious VF40 IHI turbo. Oil changes every 3000mi with 5W-40 Castrol Syntech. I sold it 11 years later at 189,000 miles still with the original turbo.

[@brometheusthefirstbro4302]

You gave me confidence in subaru that was damaged by myths. I will go for my 3rd car into a subaru wrx 2017 to 2019-2020. If i can find one for decent price of course as a 6 speed manual i will go for it because i love the look of this model year and knowing they are reliable and the boxer engine isnt gonna make me cry (i dont plan cranking boost or anything of the sort on my future subaru) i can go into one with confidence

[@daewonshaun1]

To add to the shared parts segment, when I purchased my 2001 outback I found out that the suspension is basically interchangeable between the forrest, impreza, and legacy. Allowing for very easy lowering or raising of any of those vehicles, because you can just get the stock suspension from the other models in the lineup, and the difference is just the height you get when installed.

[@spiritualdeath101]

I have a 2018 Crosstrek with the FB16 engine. Only 116 horsepower, but for what I do with it, it is perfectly adequate. I can do basic servicing myself and I love the AWD system when the weather gets heavy. If you want expensive-to-maintain cars - I would recommend a BMW.

[@midnitestate]

Thank you for having a bunch a great points in this video on maintenance and how the vehicle is driven. Old coworker of mine had his dad help him get a gorgeous 2016 rally blue sti with the bronze brushed rims (as god intended lol). After he went on and on about all the upgrades he was gonna do to his brand new car, I remember an article super street did back in the day about the ej25 and how you really should upgrade from the block out as at 305hp, it doesn't liked being pushed much farther due to thermal issues, bottle necking etc. So i informed him of that, and of course he didn't listen to a word i said and upgraded to a stage 1 turbo without a full tune or upgrade to the engine as "he wanted to win at the drag strip. Mind you this was his DAILY and that is an absolutely horrible idea to do for a daily driven car (unless you have boat loads of money to maintain it). I rode with him once he got some of those upgrades and he kept letting the engine bounce off the rev limiter multiple times because" he liked the way it sounded". once again i told him thats a bad idea and that most engines including boxsters don't last long if you do that all the time. Of course he waves me off and said he knows his car and its fine.... welp at around 13k miles, he pulls up to work in a base model impreza as the inevitable happened. After subara got a hold of his car letting he know he blew the whole motor, they replaced it but had him sign a contract stating he would not put ANY aftermarket parts as they would not honor the warranty . I was shocked to even hear they replaced it after what i'm sure they found to have a seriously abused car I hope he learned his lesson and that goes for any vehicle. You can't abuse your car thinking it's a race car and expect it to last forever. and if you really care about your vehicle you have to maintain it properly

[@LinkSquish]

I have a 2017 Impreza and I was actually impressed with the pickup for a 152hp engine. I'm not out trying to race on the roads, it's just fine for an everyday vehicle. It's actually better then the 3.6 205hp 2003 Jeep Liberty I had, the Jeep is heavier though but still it didn't pickup very well.

[@patrickmclean8617]

It's not just the WRX or STIs that are fast. I have an 2022 Outback Wilderness, and it is one of the peppiest cars I have ever driven. It's acceleration is better than most vehicles on the market, really only sports cars have better acceleration.

[@lordraiden5398]

I just bought a 2007 Forester with 335,000 miles on it needs head gaskets, new radiator, brakes and tires. I am gonna just drop a low mileage JDM replacement motor in it. Will be my winter beater.

[@bcyr-CO]

Don't buy one from JDM Engine Zone (I think that was the company's name). They sold me one that had a bad block and failed after 2000mi. They also refused to warranty it because I put new head gaskets, spark plugs, seals, wires, etc on. There's been several people that have been screwed over by them not backing their sales.

[@haywire17]

I would guess that the Forester and Outback were /are Subaru's best sellers. I would also guess that the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine was the engine installed in most of those vehicles. Since the "affected model years" of those engines had a 100% failure rate, I imagine that is how they earned (yes, earned in my opinion) the generalized reputation / public perception that "Subarus have bad head gaskets". I bet Subaru wishes they could go back and erase those gaskets from history, as that "serious internal engine issue" has given Subaru a black eye that lasted for decades. In 2010, I very nearly bought a "new" (model-year-end 2009) Forester. It was a nice looking vehicle, but I opted for a used 2008 Toyota instead (I thought I needed 3rd row seating...) The '09 Forester was definitely the better-looking vehicle, but the Toyota is still on the road with pretty much just general maintenance, so I'm happy with my choice. Now (actually beginning in 2014) the newer Foresters have been ugly (Crosstrek's look better, but only in their high $ trim). Of course, that is just my opinion, perhaps not shared by others. I also think Tesla Cybertrucks are ugly, but some people like the design...

[@niccadoodles]

5:50 Oh man I got my first non-subatu (honda crv) and it really sucks needing to pull out into traffic. Fwd sucks when you want some power from a stop 😢

[@americanguy87]

My 2006 outback just had the head gaskets done at 83,000 miles. The dealership did the job but they put the original style gaskets in. I hope to get at least 100k miles before doing that again.

[@harmonize209]

How much does it cost?

[@ccrider77]

My wife and I have a 2005 Turbo Forester, with the 2.5 turbo engine. Yes, it did have the head gasket issue. Never abused, neglected or modified... The turbos are not exempt from this problem...

[@adamhend3211]

I've had 4 Subarus over the last 24 years, a Legacy, 2 Foresters and now a Turbo Outback which I really love. The only time a part failed, was a knock sensor in my legacy, apart from that, never one other issue. All Subarus in Australia come complete out of Japan. They have a very high reliability reputation here in Australia.

[@weiweizhang1960]

The Kia and Hyundai get me😂

[@hagbard72]

My Forte has 210,000 kms, no major issues other than the rear brakes all gave out to years ago and ended up having to replace the right rear caliber again a few days ago. Only paid $11k cdn for the car new (2015).

[@NiccoDiazDesigns]

I've owned 3 subarus. I had a 2002 Wrx wagon, 2013 Crosstrek, and 1996 Impreza Outback Wagon. In all my time being a subaru owner, not once did a head gasket fail. The all wheel drive system in each is top notch. Wrx and Sti parts can be and are expensive, especially with the older subarus. The only subaru i had a problem with was the crosstrek. It burned so much oil in between oil changes. That got expensive. Although, i really liked how well the Crosstrek took spirited turns.

[@timbrown9731]

In my owners manual for my 13 legacy 3.6 they recommend me putting in that “special Subaru additive” which is Barrs stop leak…. I think I was supposed to put it in at like 100,000 miles I’m a 150 ….. I’ve never put that crap in there. I’ve changed the coolant a couple times over the years.

[@300zxturbo]

What's with Subarus constantly burning out headlight bulbs? My dad had a brand new crosstrek that burned through bulbs constantly and apparently this is a common problem...What causes this?

[@marcelroberts8599]

My brothers 2013 Subaru Impreza does the same thing and it's always on the passenger side.

[@shawneisenzimmer9104]

Was replacing bulbs every 6 months. The high heat of the bulb chamber caused the connectors to slip and eventually short the bulb. I solved it by picking up some high-temp pigtail connectors. The ends are ceramic and grip much better. Haven't replaced a bulb since.

[@floripilsl2671]

Subarus are great for Mud-Bogging in the Francis Marion Forest! Especially my old BRAT

[@natetoland7537]

can you make a video on knock readings, DAM, and things like that?

[@overgrowncarrot1]

He is not a tuner check out heavymetalwrx and look up DAM he has a conversation with Graham from Boosted Performance on DAM

[@litchips]

This channel saved me so much money 🙏

[@happyhome41]

Good thing I’ve been watching your videos for a long time, and the “myths” never had time to take hold.

[@specv0215]

I’ve been shopping for a new car for my wife. We are on her second jeep and every time it hits 100k it seems the issues start snowballing. And these are major issues not something I can fix in a day in the garage so I’m throwing in the towel on any Chrysler products. After watching a ton of your videos we are picking up our first Subaru a 2022 Outback on Tuesday.

[@danmc2678]

Yep, they stopped blowing head gaskets in 2010 but started burning oil till 2017 according to a service advisor I talked to.

[@robertomorffi6856]

These engines tend to shear and break down oil. You will have this issue with most resource conserving oils. Regular off the shelf mobil or Castrol etc using group 3 oils with cheaper not shear stable viscosity improvers will have this issue. You can go with a higher quality group 4 and or 5 oil or even a group 3 higher hths oil which tends to have higher quality viscosity improvers which is why so many people tend to use euro oils in these vehicles. Euro oils tend to use higher quality additives while still being more price conscious vs using something like let's say redline oil for example that's a group 4/5 and on the higher pricing scale of things. Long story short use a better quality oil and change it more often. Most people aren't aware that regular mobil 1 or Castrol edge while marketed as the best is far from it. It's not a bad product but their main products cater towards the price conscious not performance.

[@kennethhaven1169]

If I remember correctly that was only on the 3.6l 6cyl engines.

[@robertomorffi6856]

@@kennethhaven1169 I have an EJ257 and it does burn oil that is of lower quality. Redline, royal purple hps, any higher hths euro oil, HPL and amsoil don't have any of these issues. Just can't use the standard resource conserving mobil 1 off the shelf or you'll burn 1 quart per 3k miles which isn't terrible but still. I'm not burning a drop on HPL oil.

[@belowme4927]

PEOPLE NEED TO SHUT THE F##K UP ABOUT THE HEAD GASKETS

[@DustanT]

Why? Every Subaru my family has owned has had a head gasket replacement.

[@builtvisions]

@DustanT Sounds like a personal problem, lol. Everybody who understands these cars know that only one interation of the EJ had a head gasket issue from the 90s - 00s. It’s been fixed decades ago, lol…

[@arthurmiller-vl6sw]

@@builtvisions that’s not true though. Right up to and including 2007 suffered the oil leak externally from the head gasket. I’ve replaced a few. That said, it wasn’t catastrophic and was after 150,000kms. But all the single overhead cams had it happen.

[@builtvisions]

@arthurmiller-vl6sw Yes, that's what I said. It was the 90s - 00s era of NA 2.5 EJs that had the problem. It's been resolved for nearly 20 years...

[@sebbykaiser6466]

hed gaskit

[@shuba097]

I have a 00 outback at 316K, 08 forester at 294K, and a 04 OBS at 205K all of which start every time and go every time! The outback eats a little oil between fill ups but the total amount of oil that it eats is about a quart (between oil changes) so not bad!

[@abestroh5958]

Did you replace head gaskets on any of them

[@bluegizmo1983]

My 2004 Forester XT made it to 230,000 miles before she just spun a rod bearing last week. However, I was pushing it to 19 PSI of boost with an upgraded VF39 turbo, full 3" turbo-back exhaust, no cats, Perrin intake, etc.

[@phillipsstanley]

My '06 Forester XT 2,5 is super reliable and is quick and nimble.

[@donaldgeorge6656]

My 2017 legacy best car I have ever owned. And it’s not slow. Easy to maintain all oem

[@PHDRPH]

But Subaru battery is terrible

[@danny2607]

My daily is WRX, my enthusiast is a BRZ tS. Anytime I buy another brand I regret it and always come back to Subaru. But I like the no frills, raw mechanical feel of them as opposed to the gadgetry and electronics all other brands seem to be pushing.

[@402car_kid4]

Rumor has it from a very reliable source that the STi is 100% coming back. He didn’t say when but he said it’s for sure coming back.

[@bobbyswain1983]

I really hope your source is reliable. Since they had stopped production on the STI is why I've planned to hold on to my 2016 STI forever though.

[@DanielJohnson-ps4xv]

I moved from the pnw to Charleston sc 6 years ago. The problem with drivers here in the snow is lack of experience. In low country at least a fwd car will take you anywhere you need to go. I have a awd escape. The best part of it is that is just for wet pavement.

[@SkylineFTW97]

I used your EZ30D guide to do the timing chain on my old 2002 Outback 4 years ago (which is still running with the guy I sold it to. It had 268,000 miles when I replaced it). That car was quite pleasant to service for the most part. I would rate Honda #1 on ease of maintenance, but Subaru, at least 90s and 2000s Subaru did a really good job. And the build quality on that old Outback was really good. If only the 2nd gen Outbacks could be had with both the flat 6 and a manual transmission (I know it was available that way from the factory on the 3rd gens, but I don't like those as much).

[@Jeff_Seely]

From the time I bought my 83 brat to my modern-day later, model STI I have not experienced a single one of these myths. Everything was super reliable for me. And I have seldom owned any other vehicle. So before somebody goes out and starts running their ass, they really should be responsible enough to actually have owned one before making stupid comments. I think The Subaru name is a fantastic one!

[@peterad1529]

I hear comments, like the myths that you’re saying and I’ve owned 6 Subarus now since I was 16. I took a break for a while got lost in Volkswagens. And I’ve really never had any major issues. I’ve done a few clutches in old 90s legacies I’ve pulled the engine out of my old 84 gl. parts are cheap Maintenance is simple, doing head gaskets on my 2011 outback right now. At 160k miles. My dad’s owned two a 98 legacy that needed head gaskets at 180k and they traded it in on a 2010 it had 265k miles on it! The 2010 has had a valve body and head gaskets at 180k. Miles I mean what do you people want 500k miles with no issues 😂. That 2010 first model with the cvt literally only had tires breaks and oil changes no cvt service it’s still driving. I find that incredible.

[@salmonella4u]

Of course, with MY bad luck, I bought the 2011 Subaru Legacy used, about 10 years ago. when I bought it, it only had 42,000 miles on it. This past year, I only 30,000 more miles on it. I didn't drive it all that much. Still, low and behold, it developed the head gasket issue this past November. I took it in for regular service every one or two years. I had spent $3000 at the dealership to do a full service, fix joints and arms underneath, new tires and so on. That was in September. So only about 2 months after, the head gasket issue began. Going round and round about either replacing the gasket or putting a rebuilt engine in was the dilemma. I eventually opted for the rebuilt engine from a company who does mostly just this. They rebuild engines and offer a 6 year-unlimited mile warranty. So finally, after getting someone to do it, it was recently completed, except for the codes issues. That got remedied. But, today, the red light of death, once again started blinking, then went solid today. I began overheating. I can't take this crap. I have spent at least half of what I bought this for 10 years ago, with only 72,000 miles on it that I've accumulated on it. Now what?! Help!!!!!!

[@danielfair4675]

Have them use the head gaskets that were used in the 2.5 sti turbo.

[@salmonella4u]

@@danielfair4675 The rebuilt engine that is now installed has that better gasket. That was one of the things that sold me on it, is that it has the better gasket already in it, so hopefully, I won't have to deal with these problems for a long time, or as long as I own the car anyway.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

I love my 2024 Subaru legacy Premium its comfortable and reliable...plus tons of trunk space

[@JPs-Channel]

Would you recommend ceramic brake pads. 1 own a 2020 outback and need rear brakes. Dealer wants to put subaru brakes because they will cover them. Are ceramic pads any good?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Ceramics are the factory pad. They’re the best option.

[@JPs-Channel]

@@MrSubaru1387 thanks MrSubaru

[@chiefthunderhorse4430]

Yes they last longer and way less brake dust, at least in my own experience.

[@victorsaleeb5632]

Yes, I completely agree with you on 5 points, but Subaru cars have a problem with increased fuel consumption in general. I have 3 cars that suffer from this problem: the 2021 Ascent, the 2019 Impreza, and the 2022 Forester.

[@dalenihiser7766]

Bought a 2000 Legacy Outback sedan for my son. Though the Legacy was six and seven older and had three times the mileage than my Ford and Chrysler, it was a very superior car in every way. That led me to dump the Ford and Chrysler and buy a new 2013 Subaru Outback. To date our family has owned a total of nine Subaru vehicles. All credit goes back to that Forest Green 2000 Subaru Legacy Outback sedan that we named "Dundee." PS We sold "Dundee" a couple of years ago. I still see it on the road in our home town.

[@robertmitchell6080]

Legacy and Outback are seperate models. In Australia a Legacy is the Liberty, which are narrower and has less ground clearance than a Outback.

[@chiefthunderhorse4430]

​@@robertmitchell6080That model year it was still called the "Legacy Outback", it wasn't until around 2008 that they were split into separate models

[@PedroFTeixeira]

4:48 I own a 1999 Subaru Impreza GT (207k), 2008 Kia Ceed (1.6Crdi remaped since 3k, and has now 190k) and a 2021 Hyundai I30 (66k). The coreans are excellent on reliability and warranty. The Subie has had it's issues due to track use. The others are great.

[@brettmills2470]

Agreed, it’s pretty balanced, not great, not bad, but a solid choice. 😎👍🏻

[@ssjnaruto3350]

Can agree to this. I have an 07 wrx. I have done all the maintenance myself, as having been a subaru tech. My wrx has almost 220k and its mechanic sound. No issues at all. Did the headgaskets and all other seals with no issues. Only thing i keep running into is intermittent slight voltage spike (prob combination of battery and alternator diodes) and the classic RH intake cam sensor issues.

[@zdeneklesa4046]

EZ 30 here head gasket replaced in mine 06 B-9 😊 For double the value of the car.

[@itneverwasme]

My '07 LL Bean H6 is pretty quick. Oddly enough it did have to have a reseal at 150k even though I kept up with all maintence. This was the only major issue I've had with 5 Subies. Typically I get them to 170-250K before they are handed off.

[@zippack999]

Subarus are basically legos when it comes to parts i love it

[@thomasnorthrup9990]

Thanks for all your videos you've been a great help. Purchased my one owner 2011 2.5 used with 197k miles on it, in excellent conditon. Now have 237k on it. Long story short the engine was replaced at 170k miles (because of blown head gasket issue that warped the heads). In your experience, do the companies that supply these engines usually do things like new head gasket, and the thing I'm most concerned with - do they replace timing belt and water pump before putting these engines out to consumer?

[@votemikejones86]

We love you dude, stop being such a troll so we can come back.

[@FlBear]

Have a 2020 ascent, transmission had a small slip. Gainesville fL dealer was just great!

[@FugaziSB]

that said, simple tasks like replacing spark plugs or motor mounts for example, are harder to do on some Subaru models, so mechanics don't like them and charge more for labor. I wanted to replace my park plugs because I don't know when they replaced by previous owner, and more than one mechanic gave me a very high price quote for this usually easy task.

[@Seeker3876]

Our 2009 Subaru Forester was the most expensive Subaru we have ever owned and cost thousands to keep it running. We are at 203,000 miles on it and have worked through most of the issues as we cannot afford to replace it at this time. We wanted one more Subaru before quitting driving, but the CVT transmission is a deal breaker.

[@gustavogonzalez1521]

The only thing that Subaru struggles with is selling the LEGACY… I’m sad that it’s going away