Subaru Outback 1/4 MILLION Mile Review.

[@Camsimsy2k]

my first subaru was a 2012 subaru outback 2.5i premium i absolutely loved that car now i have a 2020 subaru forester! love it

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Very nice!

[@milktop1]

I sold my 2012 at 212,000 miles. Torque converter was replaced and head gasket was gone when I sold it. More repairs over the years than I wanted. I went with Mazda cx-50

[@susanjones5715]

My 2015 is going to hit 230,000 tomorrow! It’s been such a great car. I have the 3.6R Limited Edition. I’ve had a few accidents but all in all folks say it’s in beautiful condition. Many components are original, and going strong.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome!!!

[@abbieesdad]

That’s encouraging! I’ve compulsively maintained my ‘18 3.6R; now at ~ 105K. Here’s hoping.

[@TC1Z2L3]

I sold my '99 Impreza 2.5RS coupe at 190k miles and was still driving it 800 miles/ week. I sold my '05 Forester with 150k miles, neither car had a major or even moderate issue. I now have 2 new Outbacks and they're great.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing your experience with those past models!

[@ricksousa3932]

I have a 2023 Outback Touring with 29,500 miles I can't stop driving it. My Subaru dealer has 2013 Crosstrek with 1/2 million miles and it looks really good.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome! And I would love to drive that Crosstrek, lol.

[@alibabaschultz352]

That year of the Crosstrek is literally known for one of the worst cars Subaru ever produced. They are either the most inconsistent car manufacturer, or that vehicle has been rebuilt many times over.

[@joerg-michajahn4963]

Had a 1991 Legacy, manual transmission, guillotine safety belts, bought it used in 1997, drove it until 2016, months shy of turning 25. Bought it from an older couple who dropped it because they did not want to repair the A/C. Had ~267,000 miles when we donated it. The clutch gave out, went from clutch works to clutch gone while driving. Repairable (was second clutch), but the whole AWD drive train was creaking and could give loud "crack and jump" in turns, like missing a tooth in diff or the driveshaft was jumping. The whole drive train also hummed and heaved like a freight train - it was just worn (I have a sporty spouse). Good fixer upper, just not for us. We both liked the car, reliable, practical, fun to drive transport. Only downsides: clutch was always meh, the A/C was always meh (multiple major repairs, never cooled sufficiently in 100 degree weather), and eating CV boots left and right. Basically: not as reliable as my Toyotas, although strangely the cheap stuff (plastic pieces, door handles, seats etc.) were of much better quality than on a Toyota. Go figure. Still miss it.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Awesome write up! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

[@bencrowe6371]

I bought my Impreza Sport new in 2012 and still have it to this day. It has 156,000 miles on it. It's been a fantastic car for me. Although nowadays it's starting to show its age. 😢 Needs new catalytic converter and a few other things fixed. Many lights are lit up on the dashboard. I mostly drive it around town. My wife has a 2018 Impreza Base with 109,000 miles on it. It's again been a fantastic car for us. Love driving in the winter with the Impreza! Only issue we've really had with it so far is the wheel bearing that needs to be replaced in the front. I definitely love Subarus and will be getting another one next for sure!! 😃👍

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m glad you guys have been loving your Subarus and have had overall good experiences! Thanks for sharing and watching. 🙂

[@alibabaschultz352]

Thats a lot a issues for only 150k miles

[@cooperfrancone9685]

Daily driving an 05 outback 5mt with 232k. I do all the maintenance myself. Really not any issues over the years.

[@alspilowey]

My 2010 Prem 3.6 5 speed automatic ( no CVT ) is at 150k miles. I'm always surprised how little I've spent in my 10 years of ownership. I still have the original windshield. I have the leather tan interior, driver seat bottom is a little rough and could be repaired or replaced. It also has the 7 in screen with GPS which continues to work fine.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m m glad to hear how well your experience has been with it!

[@adriancooper78]

Ha ha ha 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣........on my 2011 Outback I purchased in 2012. I put 260,000 miles on it. I did this in 4 years!!!! I traded it in when I purchased my 2016 Subaru Outback. I did this because the dealership didn't want to replace a solenoid that controlled the Traction Control, the All Wheel Drive, the cruise control, and transmission systems!!! (By the way, someone purchased that 2011 Subaru Outback with 260,000 miles on it) I have to laugh because my current 2016 Outback back has 280,000 miles on it!!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂 Dude, the Moon is 238,900 miles from Earth!! I have LITERALLY DRIVEN FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON AND BACK WITH SUBARU!!!!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s amazing! Thanks for sharing this.

[@gm-zz8so]

I had car with that mileage and thought the same thing..."to the moon". it take a long time in the saddle to put that kind of mileage😅

[@watsda4119]

😂😂

[@stevejessee4755]

Purchased 2011 Outback new. Now has 135000 miles. Has been trouble free. Just had the timing belt and water pump replaced as preventive maintenance.

[@newtonlee7849]

I own 2011 Outback 2.5L CVT with only 68,000km since new. My previous cars included: new Hondas GM products, Mazdas, 2 pre-owned 300 class Benzes ( low mileage when bought). Every car I've owned were equally well cared for...regular oil changes, kept scheduled maintenance, washed, hosed off underbody road salt..) Here's the biggest difference between the Outback & my other previous cars: it was the most trouble free, reliable & well built of the bunch ( Benz included). I can tell you horror stories of each Benz ( sudden engine shut off when driving, sunroof not closing... the list goes on...). The Mazdas& Hondas, GM products quickly became rust buckets . My 2011 goes to my daughter once I get delivery of a 25 Forester Sport. I feel that the Subi brand is one of the few that let their products do most of the talking rather than having to rely on exagerrated marketing & product advertising. ..Last thing... having survived highway driving in sudden hugh rain & snow storms, I can honestly attest that few cars can rival the Sbui AWD system when it comes to driving in harsh conditions....

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Awesome ownership insight! Thanks for sharing this. I’ve already driven and reviewed a few of the 2025 Foresters (we also have one on order) and they’re great cars! Definitely feel even better than the current or now last generation. So far only my premium trim level review is public, but all trim levels will be out soon! 🙂

[@alibabaschultz352]

You got lucky. Subaru is incredibly inconsistent.

[@The_Fancave]

I test drove a 2010 Outback shortly after they debuted. It was the first vehicle I had driven with a CVT. I'm glad to see that this one has withstood the test of time. As you had stated, it would be nice to know if this was the original transmission, as I've heard mixed reviews about the CVT's longevity. I am also curious how many miles are on the highest mileage Subaru CVT. I know that the engines can go half a million with proper maintenance.

[@liltomtom9055]

The Subaru Outback got a backup camera in the mirror in 2011, and it got eyesight in 2013 and it got blind spot monitoring in 2015

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome insight! Thanks for sharing and for watching. 🙂

[@starman5872]

Really? We just bought a 2011 model and we have no backup camera... maybe it's a 2010 but sold in 2011.. or maybe it was an option🤷🏻‍♂️

[@liltomtom9055]

@@starman5872 it was part of the sunroof package on 2011 Outback premium, I assume it was standard on higher trims

[@NGMonocrom]

That front seat can be refurbished and stitched up.

[@phillipjohnson5868]

About to roll over 200k miles on my 2012 2.5i Outback Limited! Never had any major issues! Been eyeballing either a 2019 3.6R or a newer Onyx XT. Would buy another!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome!! I’m glad it’s treated you so well. Funny enough today I released a quick driving video of a 2025 Onyx XT. I have yet to drive a last gen 3.6 but I really want to!!

[@phillipjohnson5868]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208The only thing holding me back from the newer Onyx XT is the horrible screen system! The 2019 had separate climate controls and a much better sounding engine! (Though that turbo 4 is way faster)

[@IdahoSolar]

The video would have more value if you covered the maintenance / repair history that got that Outback to 250K miles.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

You’re absolutely right! That would have been cool to include if I had that information at the time as it really does make a lot of difference, and provides a bunch of information and a much better understanding of how it was cared for! I honestly just saw this on the lot when I was in town one day and thought it was cool and maybe others would also think so. 🤷‍♂️😅

[@wildbill23c]

Most dealers have no clue what the vehicle history is, unless the owner just happened to have left some stuff hidden around the car somewhere showing some of the maintenance dates and such....dealerships don't care, they just want your money. When I sold my Toyota Tundra, I had it priced a little higher than another one that was also listed that had slightly less miles. I got what I was asking for because I had every maintenance and service record since I bought the truck new, and it was 100% dealer maintained....the buyer saw that folder of paperwork and never questioned the price I was asking. But a dealership don't give a damn, they just want to sell you a vehicle.

[@NCGNTO202]

I put 265K on a 2001 Subaru Legacy. I kept it running as long as I could before the engine finally became too much to maintain. I would still have that car if it weren't for age. Loved every second owning it. Now I have an Outback with an H6 and 162K miles. Will be riding this one for a long time.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome!!

[@scottbaker9066]

My 2015 Outback has 108k (I've had it for 80k) 2nd windshield 3rd set of tires {I really like the Michelin Crossclimate 2s} 2nd battery, passenger door window can be a bit temperamental, 2 or 3 sets of headlight bulbs --- I do the Mobile1 20W-0 oil and JDM black filters every 3k --- it has few optional features like eyesight :( or LED headlights.

[@alibabaschultz352]

Thats a lot.

[@alibabaschultz352]

"You dont often see Subarus with this many miles." Exactly.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha 🤷‍♂️😅

[@ralkros681]

To be fair the likely hood of a Subaru being in the rust belt is much higher than lets say Toyota.

[@alibabaschultz352]

@@ralkros681 Definitely not true. Toyota outsells Subaru in every state.

[@ralkros681]

@@alibabaschultz352 well yes, that's not what I meant. I just mean that you are less likely to see Subarus in Florida than in northern states where as Toyota you'll see anywhere and everywhere

[@kenweller2032]

@@ralkros681 It would be interesting to see how they fare in Australia, where I understand they're quite popular. Another issue is that in the US they say the CVT and transaxle fluids are "Lifetime" whereas in Japan and other countries, including Canada, it's "drain and fill" every 50,000km (about 30,000 miles). Subaru is far from alone. this is true with most cars these days. The purported reason is that it lowers the estimated cost of ownership. This works if you consider 100,000 miles a reasonable "lifetime" 🤷‍♂

[@danielgallagher1746]

Had a third gen got to 269k, leaking head gasket and all, struts blew but engine was running

[@durandtopping3023]

You didn't mention the built-in roof rack cross bars.

[@zanesutherland406]

I have a 2007 Outback 5 speed and recently we got my sister a 2010 Outback. Both impressive in their own ways, mine has had some mechanic issues, though I do find it to be a worthy platform to fix, and regardless it will start no matter what! My sisters has a nice tan leather interior. Mine is tan cloth but still they have held up very well, power and heated. It has other luxury features too. My sister’s has 184k miles and some external head gasket seapage of oil. She’ll need to get timing belt done since we don’t know when that was last done, as well as a cvt drain and fill. Shifting is overall good, a slight shudder when going into reverse, and some times a slight delay, but otherwise normal driving is great. The first CVT in the family and honestly I don’t mind it. We had a Nissan rogue CVT as a rental car in Maui and I hated that. It was just constant high rpm’s and droning. Felt weird and unnatural. The Subaru feels good. Some people say the non turbocharged is slow but I it really isn’t that deep, it has no issues with modern traffic conditions. And mine is a lot of fun to drive with the manual imo, it will cruise at 90 like nothing

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for sharing all of this, and for watching! I’m sure the manual Outback is a fun daily driver. 🤩

[@Theghostcloset]

I found a 2018 outback for sale with 247,000 miles. The guy wants 8500... its immaculately kept and all maintenance records, but is that too much? Id obviously like to pay much less than that but im not sure if its worth the risk

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That sounds like it’s potentially a good vehicle, but not at $8,500. What does it KBB for? I would personally only buy a high mileage vehicle like that if it was a 1st or 2nd gen Tacoma.

[@Theghostcloset]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 kbb says 7600 which I still think is probably high. Like I said though, it's immaculate and looks amazingly well kept. I'm just mostly worried about timing belt or head gasket issues

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah, that’s tough. I definitely would not recommend paying more than you could immediately resell it for incase it doesn’t turn out to be what you expect.

[@BigD-jj5gp]

Hi, what is the consumption of oil?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a good question and one that I do not know as I was only briefly borrowing this example for the day. Thanks for watching! And I recommend asking or searching that question on an Outback social media forum!!

[@bama25689]

I have a 2011 3.6 r with 181000. Other than tetume maintenance. Iv replaced valve cover gaskets . Suspension ned to be replaced. But other thsn that no issues. Tiny oil consumption but maybe 1 quart every 2000 miles. If that.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Looks really good for a quarter of a million miles. I think it makes more sense to have cameras on automobiles than on phones. They can be very helpful and may save people from being injured.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah, this one appeared to have been really well taken care of! Back up cameras or 360 camera systems definitely are very nice! I couldn’t imagine how devastating that would have been for those who have back up over a child or pet or anything else before these systems became more common place in the last decade. 😰

[@wildbill23c]

The cameras, and all the safety nannies don't do any good when the driver is distracted by playing on their phones, or the stupid touch screen crap in today's vehicles. People still back into stuff, and drive over stuff even with all the cameras and sensors LOL.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

@wildbill23c What you are saying applies to most all technology. You have to be able to use it responsibly, or you could injure yourself. Including automobiles and motorcycles themselves.

[@wildbill23c]

@@mickeybrumfield764 Even with all the safety nannies, cars do come with mirrors, and should be used far more often than the backup camera....which doesn't do you any good with a trailer attached, or at an angle when backing around things that are too close to the vehicle, they also don't work when they're covered in road grime in the winter LOL....I don't know if they all do it, but some vehicles when all those sensors get obscured the systems don't work anyways....mirrors, they've been there for decades, use them, regardless of all the other features on a vehicle. Luckily none of my vehicles have that garbage, and having family in the automotive industry, I'm glad I don't have that crap...when it all goes haywire you better have a very large bank account to afford to fix it because it ain't cheap. Its like today's vehicles with all the touch screen "infotainment" systems....when that fails, you lose control of a lot of your vehicle's accessories (AC/Heat, heated/cooled seats, navigation, radio, etc)....and in a few years, if not sooner, that system is obsolete and you can't fix it....ugg, talk about a throw away time in the world, cars are becoming the most throw away items out there because of all these nonsense "features". Cool when they work, but $$$$$ out of your pocket when it all stops working....and nobody has had their vehicles long enough to know how its gonna hold up 20+ years down the road. At least with an older vehicle when the radio died, you either replaced it or ignored it....not the case now, as that tablet in the dash controls far more than just your radio LOL. It'll be interesting to see how this stuff does in the long term, I have my doubts it'll be very good for the 2nd or 3rd or 4th owners. Most likely in the junk yard sooner than later because of those failed items...and if you live in areas where they do inspections all those safety nannies have to work I'm betting in order to pass....so junk yard it goes after a couple years when a camera no longer works, or a sensor...yuck.

[@furryelvis]

I drove my 2006 Honda to 287 thousand miles. I only got rid of it because the government paid me to do so. I am looking at a Subaru Forrester that has done 129 thousand miles. A bit nervous about it

[@mattheviewer]

Nearly 20000 miles on my '21 Outback Xt Touring. Electronics are wonky but vehicle rides/handles well and is good long tripper.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

What kind of electronic wonkiness have you experienced? Otherwise, thanks for watching! I feel the same way about mine, they’re awesome highway cruisers.

[@jackschwartz8801]

My 3rd Subaru is a 2022 Crosstrek, six speed manual. 12k miles, as even though still working at 69 my summer driver is a 2007 Miata, also a manual. Probably my last two cars and I love them both! My first Subie was a Loyale in 92, handed down to daughter, she drove it to almost 200k before some idiot creamed her and totaled it. 2014 Impreza was next Subie for me, drove it to 76k before trading it during the pandemic for the Crosstrek. They offered me too much money for it to not order the Crosstrek, as they were going to stop making the manuals.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Can’t go wrong with a Subaru and a Miata! I sold my Miata a few weeks ago, but it was a sweet garage similar to yours!

[@rlacasse2009]

Moi je viens d'acheter une outback 2012 , c'est une voiture qui va bien mais ensuite j'ai vu plusieurs article qui dit qu'elle a des problèmes avec leur transmission (qui peut coûter jusqu’à $4000. Donc c'est paniquant je pense que je vais la revendre. Merci pour votre vidéo c'est très bien !

[@gregoryworrall5790]

Is that 249000 miles or kilometers because if it's miles then it's done over 400000 kilometers

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Miles! Crazy huh??

[@dondenis1500]

My 1996 Outback has the same miles on it.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome! Is it the original engine and transmission?

[@dondenis1500]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Yes, just did the head gaskets around 118k.

[@stanmrak68]

I love Subarus I've had 3. I must warn everyone about the notorious head gasket issue. Any honest Subaru mechanic will tell you that it's only a question of when, not if, the gasket will blow. Maybe at 100K, 200K, but it will blow. No one i spoke with knows exactly why - maybe the horizontal engine design? As far as i know, they still haven't fixed it.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I know that issue was rather common a while back, but unless it’s just because most modern ones don’t have a lot of miles yet I personally don’t hear anything about head gasket issues on the forums. I am also curious how a boxer engine design holds up to more traditional various degree sloped V6 or incline engines as far as ring and cylinder wall wear. 🤷‍♂️😬

[@MrSteph58]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208I’ve heard the newer gaskets are made of metal and that issue isn’t as common today.

[@NCGNTO202]

Replace the original Head gasket with a 5 Star MLS gasketand a good machine job.

[@BusterKitten]

I'm catching up to that number real quick on my newest Subie. 4709 and counting🤣🤣🤣

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha you’re almost there!!

[@wildbill23c]

So, what is the dealer trying to sell that 250k+ Subaru for? Somebody actually took care of their car, unlike most owners who trash them and then wonder why stuff don't work and why its falling apart.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

In the video I briefly showed the visor tag and I think it was $7,900, but like a day later when I edited and put the link in the videos description the link said $6,900. I’m unsure if it’s still there or sold for lower. But I feel like in today’s market under 7k for a well cared for and smooth running Outback is not a bad deal, especially for a dealership car, IMO. You’re absolutely right! Props to the previous owner/owners. 🙂

[@wildbill23c]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 A couple years ago that car would have sold for $1500-2000 LOL...the car market is still very inflated right now.... Overall that car was in good condition but its over 10 years old, its over 200k, no warranty at all, and for $7k...absolutely not something I'd want to put that much money on without knowing 100% of the maintenance history for one, and not having a warranty at all is an absolute no, dealer or not....I've had better luck with used vehicles from private party sales than a dealer, why? You can talk to the owner and find out about the vehicle, maintenance wise, if there are issues they know of that need addressed sooner than later, etc...yeah a private seller can lie just as the dealerships do, but someone really wanting to sell their car is gonna be upfront about it and honest, if they want to sell it that is.

[@troyesch6203]

Valve stem

[@JamalRaja-wt4cn]

It's an okay car. I'm just disappointed with the notorious head gaskets going bad on these things.

[@texavery711]

Dodge ram shows F-150 😅

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha good catch. Well I’ve seen Dodge Rams with peeling “chrome” grills in person, but Google didn’t have any pictures of that. But of course there’s plenty of pictures of peeling Fords. 🤷‍♂️😂

[@texavery711]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 🤣

[@briandavis8139]

Very well taken care of impressive

[@The_Fancave]

I test drove a 2010 Outback shortly after they debuted. It was the first vehicle I had driven with a CVT. I'm glad to see that this one has withstood the test of time. As you had stated, it would be nice to know if this was the original transmission, as I've heard mixed reviews about the CVT's longevity. I am also curious how many miles are on the highest mileage Subaru CVT. I know that the engines can go half a million with proper maintenance.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I would also be interested to learn about the highest mileage examples. The dealer thought the CVT likely had been replaced but they couldn’t conveniently confirm this, it was just an assumption. Thanks for watching!