Hello! and Question :)

[boozy]

Hello all!

I am new to Subarus, my family owns a 2020 outback, and I maintain it. It is really easy to work on. I am looking to purchase one for myself, and I'm wondering where to start on here. I don't want to get into a bad car. Thanks for any/all help!

 

[bmart]

What do you want a car to do for you?

 

[boozy]

What do you want a car to do for you?

I am easy. I want it to start, run properly and get from point A to B. I maintain every car I've ever owned very well (unless it needs a head gasket) Really just want a basic car that has AWD for when weather smacks me in the face.

 

[bmart]

Nearly every modern Subaru would fit that bill. Some 2000-2004 (and others) 2.5 and 3.0 engines need head gaskets ~100k miles. They can be replaced with the ones from the WRX (metal) and should never fail again. The newer ones have CVT, which I wouldn't own primarily because I drive only stick shifts. The legacies got more refined 2005-2009 (Subaru changes design every 5 years like clockwork on each model) and bloated, fat, and worse (IMHO) 2010 and after. Forester/Impreza chassis have gotten better, but in general are more utilitarian than Legacy/Outback.

 

[boozy]

Nearly every modern Subaru would fit that bill. Some 2000-2004 (and others) 2.5 and 3.0 engines need head gaskets ~100k miles. They can be replaced with the ones from the WRX (metal) and should never fail again. The newer ones have CVT, which I wouldn't own primarily because I drive only stick shifts. The legacies got more refined 2005-2009 (Subaru changes design every 5 years like clockwork on each model) and bloated, fat, and worse (IMHO) 2010 and after. Forester/Impreza chassis have gotten better, but in general are more utilitarian than Legacy/Outback.

Thank you. Very detailed! I am interested in one that will last a long time. Probably an outback, as it wouldn't be a bad idea to be able to sleep in it, as I travel a lot for a sport I do. Any special years to be aware of with outbacks?

 

[bmart]

Again, it depends on what you want. Newer is bigger and w/CVT. Older is smaller and more utilitarian. They've been chasing the Camry/Accord crowd for years now...not really the Subaru base customers. My 2003 Outback was excellent and my 2004 Legacy wagon is the same. Almost no maintenance and they just keep on chugging. Know that the 2.5 isn't very powerful, so be aware if you need to tow anything heavy. I tow up to 1500# without issue regularly at ~20 MPG. The older ones are also a little noisy with the wind. 2005+ fixed that.

 

[boozy]

Again, it depends on what you want. Newer is bigger and w/CVT. Older is smaller and more utilitarian. They've been chasing the Camry/Accord crowd for years now...not really the Subaru base customers. My 2003 Outback was excellent and my 2004 Legacy wagon is the same. Almost no maintenance and they just keep on chugging. Know that the 2.5 isn't very powerful, so be aware if you need to tow anything heavy. I tow up to 1500# without issue regularly at ~20 MPG. The older ones are also a little noisy with the wind. 2005+ fixed that.

Thanks again. Pardon my ignorance, the last car I bought was an E46 M3..So I don't know what a CVT is. I fully understand why you drive manual, but for a car like this, automatic is what I'm looking for. The 2.5L is fine. The 3.6 seems better, but again I'm getting away from the purpose of the car. I have a sports car for go fast things. Really just looking for a car that drives and lasts. Subaru caught my eye with my family's acquisition of a 2020 outback. Easy to work on. Not German etc.

 

[bmart]

CVT is a transmission option. https://www.sportsubaru.com/subaru-cvt-explained.htm

 

[boozy]

CVT is a transmission option. https://www.sportsubaru.com/subaru-cvt-explained.htm

Thank you again. Are all autos CVT? I am assuming so.

 

[bmart]

CVT and auto are different transmission. CVT never shift, just varies the ration from the drive to driven. Auto shift from one gear set to another to increase velocity.

And there are multiple kinds of CVT. Look at the Honda choices if you want to know more.

 

[boozy]

CVT and auto are different transmission. CVT never shift, just varies the ration from the drive to driven. Auto shift from one gear set to another to increase velocity.

And there are multiple kinds of CVT. Look at the Honda choices if you want to know more.

Thanks again.