Subaru Outback Questions & Answers

Subaru has a full time AWD. So how does it disengage ?

Outback engines are not as tough as would be expected. Best to dump the car.

I have never been a fan of REALLY high mileage cars. Nothing lasts for ever. I would look for an extremely well maintained vehicle that has complied rigorously with the service book with evidence of money spent like invoices. Check out the Subaru forums and ask those guys as there a lot of high mileage Subarus on there. In the meantime have it independently inspected on a hoist and keep fingers & toes crossed!

Hi Kerry, I bought my Outback new in 2013 and she has not missed a beat since. They are not the fastest cars in the world but they are totally practical and in my experience very reliable. If they have one fault it is that the dealer servicing is relatively expensive. I have my car serviced at a Subaru "specialist". After 80,00kms I am looking seriously at the Hyundai Santa Fe but you should do well with a RAV4 as the reviews on the current model are very good. However they are on 6 month delivery at the moment. Don't forget that these forums tend to attract the squeaky wheels who will complain about any niggle. My car is still on its original tyres and my overall fuel consumption is indicated at 7.6litres/100km. Good luck, either car should be a good buy, just stay away from the Europeans!

Thanks Roger, appreciate you taking the time to reply.

I suggest trying YouTube to get answers regarding that!

Thank you Lancia. I hadn't thought of that.

I had a 2000 Outback. I discovered there is a design flaw in the engine. Blew a head gasket after 100,000 km, when on highway. Had to keep going to find a safe spot to pull over. Car was a write off. Never touched Subaru again. Brought a Hyundai I 30 CW not very fancy or comfortable but running for seven years withouth a problem.

Mine has been ok but only had the car one week. How has the steering been on yours? Mine wanders at highway speed. Taking it back to the dealer tomorrow

Thank you Iggy, I dont drive much the car, its has 35Kms, i had the car for almost 4 years now and as i dont drive above 100kms p/h haven't noticed anything weird on steering. Hoerver picked up my attention that OEM tyres are already low, when i had my first liberty back in 1995 OEM tyres last 80Kms! there are many complains in the use for faulty motor on the power lift tail gate.

yes, poor answer. i have some noises when i pass form P to R or D, at subaru docklands they said is normal. I believe while under warranty, they dont see extra $$$, so its normal

I haven't had any problems with it on the latest outback model, although the Subaru app doesn't connect at all on mine. Bluetooth and navigation hasn't failed at all.

It's fuel thirsty no doubt. I clock around 12.7 km to 15.2 km in mix of 50km-80km zone with a bit of up and downs and slow traffic at times. With full tank (60L) it goes for about 380km before the empty signal lights up. If I mix 200km of highway into it, it goes down to 10.9L/100km. It went about 470km before Empty lit up. So not very impressive.

Yep I have the same problem. Out Outback we bought in 2017 and only done 50k kms. Subaru service centre quoted me $4k to replace! Said in part it was due to the dual mass flywheel. Not happy customer needless to say.

Hello,
I purchased a Subaru Outback 2018 so probably a lot has changed since the 2005. Other members in my family drive Subaru’s and they are a reliable car all with AWD and a low centre on gravity due to the boxer engine and where it located in the engine bay. Having a low centre of gravity and AWD Subaru’s are safer because the vehicle sticks to the road better, particularly when cornering. The Outback has gotten better and better over the years but has kept its values, plenty of room, you will notice this in the boot, rides at a good height, drives like a sedan but basically a crossover. Subaru as a whole hold their value and spare parts are easily available.
My old neighbour had an outback 2004-2006 and drove from Western Australia to Sydney more then a few times. So that alone says a lot about Subaru Outback and how it can adapt to different road types.

Hi. I bought an outback 2002 from my ex, who was so angry that I didnt have to pay transfer fees? But have been very impressed all round. And Ive driven lots of kms. Handles well and all the rest. Amazed that their fuel line is inside the car. Possibly sabotaged at the moment? (Yes there truly are those types round). But it has amazed me in requiring very little repair over last 10 years. Esp compared to my commodore stn wagon which spent it's life getting every bloody thing repaired. (never gain!) Not as tall as new 4wds. Mainly got it to get out of mud, sand, and boat ramps. But especially to avoid tedious snow chains with freezing fingers. (When we used to get snow, once upon a time) It also holds well on corners at speed. Dont have those heart stopping moments of taking a wet corner at too high a speed in my old vw beatles. Or surviving a cross wind let alone carbon monoxide poisoning from it's heater. The subaru has been a relief at speed having realised Id taken a corner too fast. Thank Goddess for AWDs. Yes it'll probably keep your kid alive. Best wishes.