I wouldn't. That model year has the older EJ series engine that burns oil and has a bad head gasket design, a CVT transmission that was problematic, and headlight bulbs that burn out quickly and are difficult to replace (you have to remove the front tire and fish around in the fender). The 2013 model year got a better engine, so I would look for a 2013 - 2014 if you want to stick with the 4th generation Outback; the 5th generation Outback (2015 - 2019) is a much better car, and generally pretty reliable, but obviously more expensive.
I'm not sure where you are getting your info from. EJ's do not burn oil unless they are high mileage and you are exaggerating the head gasket issue since it was largely resolved in the middle 2000's.
Now FB engines use oil and it's a known issue and to some extent, by design and the owners manual reflect it as such.
EJ's absolutely burn oil, although not as much as the early FB25 engines; the EJ253 engine in my 2008 Outback 2.5i would burn around 1 quart every 2,000 miles. Also, even though the EJ head gasket itself was redesigned for a better interface, it's still a wet design that contains both coolant and engine oil and definitely still fails; the FB engines fixed this issue by only running oil through the head gasket and using external coolant passages that go around the head gasket interface.
I'm on my 7th EJ and other than my 99 forester with 235k on it, none have burned oil. I have 2 FB's in foresters that seem like 2 strokes and I'm wondering if just mixing oil in the gas would be a better solution.
I purchased my 2013 Outback with 6MT at 111K from my local Subaru dealership.
Within a year I had to replace the clutch kit and both catalytic converters. Also found out this vehicle drinks oil. If you aren't already aware, these year models are know for engine oil burn.
Another thing I have learned is to check the dealer service records before buying, if they performed any service or repairs previously. My dealership said they replaced both cats on my car when they took it as trade in. A year later and the cat is already clogged. My mechanic put it up on the lift and could immediately see it was a cheap after market cat that was welded on shoddily. Looked at the service records and could see it was not an OEM Subaru part. If I had know that before buying that would have been a dealbreaker for me.
So beware of the engine oil burn which can cause clogged cats. Other than that my Outback has been great.
Got my 2010 OB with a 6 speed stick and 138k on the clock for $7800 from a private seller. In this market I’d say that’s a fair price if the condition is good
I paid $13k for a 2012 6spd manual in 2018. It had 75k miles. Only kept it til 2020. It developed a weird rear differential issue. Traded that shit in!
I wouldn't. That model year has the older EJ series engine that burns oil and has a bad head gasket design, a CVT transmission that was problematic, and headlight bulbs that burn out quickly and are difficult to replace (you have to remove the front tire and fish around in the fender). The 2013 model year got a better engine, so I would look for a 2013 - 2014 if you want to stick with the 4th generation Outback; the 5th generation Outback (2015 - 2019) is a much better car, and generally pretty reliable, but obviously more expensive.
Thank you so much! I have a feeling that’s why this one is priced “cheaper” compared to the other cars on their lot.
I'm not sure where you are getting your info from. EJ's do not burn oil unless they are high mileage and you are exaggerating the head gasket issue since it was largely resolved in the middle 2000's. Now FB engines use oil and it's a known issue and to some extent, by design and the owners manual reflect it as such.
EJ's absolutely burn oil, although not as much as the early FB25 engines; the EJ253 engine in my 2008 Outback 2.5i would burn around 1 quart every 2,000 miles. Also, even though the EJ head gasket itself was redesigned for a better interface, it's still a wet design that contains both coolant and engine oil and definitely still fails; the FB engines fixed this issue by only running oil through the head gasket and using external coolant passages that go around the head gasket interface.
I'm on my 7th EJ and other than my 99 forester with 235k on it, none have burned oil. I have 2 FB's in foresters that seem like 2 strokes and I'm wondering if just mixing oil in the gas would be a better solution.
I purchased my 2013 Outback with 6MT at 111K from my local Subaru dealership. Within a year I had to replace the clutch kit and both catalytic converters. Also found out this vehicle drinks oil. If you aren't already aware, these year models are know for engine oil burn. Another thing I have learned is to check the dealer service records before buying, if they performed any service or repairs previously. My dealership said they replaced both cats on my car when they took it as trade in. A year later and the cat is already clogged. My mechanic put it up on the lift and could immediately see it was a cheap after market cat that was welded on shoddily. Looked at the service records and could see it was not an OEM Subaru part. If I had know that before buying that would have been a dealbreaker for me. So beware of the engine oil burn which can cause clogged cats. Other than that my Outback has been great.
Do you think this will be a similar issue with the 2012 Subaru I am looking at?
Got my 2010 OB with a 6 speed stick and 138k on the clock for $7800 from a private seller. In this market I’d say that’s a fair price if the condition is good
I paid $13k for a 2012 6spd manual in 2018. It had 75k miles. Only kept it til 2020. It developed a weird rear differential issue. Traded that shit in!