Disappointed to see the 2018 issue of Consumer Reports Auto issue magazine (p.84) name the 2008 Outback as one the "worst used cars". I'm starting to see why since ours just had clutch go out after owning it a month, and the mechanic showed me while the car was up *both* headgaskets are leaking! Hopefully, they will hang in there for at least 6 months to give me some time to squirrel away some dough Anyway, he also pointed out that the radiator was for an automatic and was leaking transmission fluid so it was used. (i assume the fluid will eventually leak all the way out with time?) oh well, she is a beaut and a few more thousand dollars she should be top notch!
well the leak has stopped, so i guess that was all the residual fluid. it still chaps me that the seller said it was a "new" radiator and it was really "new to him"! what else did he not mention???
I know this thread is technically about the CR article, but I've got a couple quick questions for you: 1. Did you get any kind of a pre buy inspection on the vehicle before you bought it? 2. Was this a private party sale? 3. Did you pull or request a Carfax report, or get any kind of vehicle history? I feel for ya. The 05-09 Outback is a great vehicle, but it has its quarks.
yes, it was from craigslist but the car was very clean. i looked it over and got a 30day headgasket warranty, but these are probably quite a few months (years?) before they go. we did get a carfax so at least it wasn't a salvage title (and he showed pics of front end that was damaged and on the up and up). didn't see the clutch going out at all...
Yea, I don't know anything about the article. Seems odd, 05-09 Legacy and Outbacks hold their value extremely well, so more people are buying them then selling them. EJ253 head gaskets leak. They almost all do. Luckily, unlike the stereotypical head gasket failure, it's just an oil leak. It's not something that will leave you on the side of the road. Just check your oil periodically. My '03 had leaking head gaskets for about 50k miles before I did anything about it. Clutch is a wear item. They are never intended not to need to be replaced, and rarely covered under any sort of warranty.
Buying a used car with a manual transmission (clutch) is like marrying a former call girl...you're pretty sure everything works as intended, but you don't know how things were used and abused. And the remaining life expectancy.
I have had my fair share of repairs with my 08, wheel bearings, cv axles, headgaskets, oil sensors, and transmission pan seal but it’s been a pretty good car and never left me stranded. As a Subaru owner I expect to spend an atrocious amount of money (and tears) on repairs
Or get an H6 Outback, don't drive like an idiot, and she'll last a long time.....of course you'd be giving up the 3rd pedal, but it's still fun as hell to drive!
I have been seriously considering the 15+ 3.6R Outbacks. I really liked the 15 when I had it as a company car, but the 2.5 was lacking in the oomph department. But I also hate to get rid of my 08 after all of the recent maintenance, theoretically it should have plenty of life left, especially since I drive it somewhat seasonally.
So question to the Subaru knowledge base here, would you consider this a very specific to 2008 model year problem or does this rating affect the entire range of this body style? Was possibly considering these for our next Subie.
I thought you were getting a crown vic? or was it a tahoe? suburban? lincoln town car? come on, "what's it gonna be boy, yes or no?"-Meatloaf. Don't tell me to let you sleep on it either
i think it has more to do with many people sell there cars after 10 years, and when you get a 10-year old Subie it frequently needs a head gasket. the clutch going out after only 30 days was just my bum luck i guess i should also add they put in the notes on my receipt that the rear u-joint is "starting to bind" when you move it around...whatever that means?
Update: the pisser about the u-joint binding is apparently replacements come complete with the drive shaft and cost a small fortune...
