2004 Subaru Outback 2.5

Summary:

If I am treated right by the dealer I would be happy to stay with Subaru

Faults:

Our car uses approx 1litre of oil every 4000 km.

General Comments:

This is our first near new car and we love it dearly, we don't think it should burn 1litre of oil every 4000klm and as it is still under new car warranty we hope that the dealer will see us right and fix the problem. (cylinder problems) We are very concerned that a lot of the factory seals will be broken fixing the problem and on going problems will accure from now on. will keep you posted.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd September, 2006

3rd Mar 2008, 20:54

Beware, Subaru owner! Your head gasket is likely to fail if it hasn't already done so. This will result in a repair bill of approximately $2,000 and your local SOA dealer will almost certainly try to deflect the problem until after your warranty has expired. BEWARE!

2004 Subaru Outback Premium 3.0R 3.0

Summary:

A worthwhile car, but it needs some straightening out and more features for the price.

Faults:

No particular problems at all.

However the engine and gearbox do not seem to match very well. Change downs are sudden at times. Change ups are variable - sometimes holding to 3500+ before changing 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 especially if you drive off uphill. Dealer says parameters, profiles and patterns in the box are OK. It doesn't seem right to me.

General Comments:

Car performs well, but for $55K you are paying a premium for the brand. This is their top of the range car and has very few features (eg. no sat nav). Radio/Stereo is poor.

The engine tends to be quirky when all the valve gear and technical stuff kicks in. Using cruise control is dangerous in hilly areas as it will kick down into 2 or 3 and just about blast into space. Big lag in kickdown on highway passing (a case of have I done the right thing when you've pulled out before everything kicks in). This may be a consequence of the electronic throttle. Best to slap it into sportshift and pull down a peg or two if you want to pass someone from say 70 or 80 clicks.

Unfortunately I'm comparing aspects of it to a Cressida which I had for 13 years. That car was seriously ahead of its time.

I've had the car for 18 months and can't say I'm in love with it. It was bought because the wife thought $85K for a Lexus RX330 was too much at the time - and of course now she has changed her opinion.

If Subaru made it a better behaved car and a smoother car then I might consider another one, but not at this point.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2005

30th Apr 2006, 16:15

Very Useful. I am facing the exact same choice and may now consider the Lexus. I too was having problems with the big bucks, but after all, one is only owning it for 4 or 5 years, so the whole price is not a write off!

1st Sep 2006, 07:26

I drive a 2004 Outback 3.0R. I have similar problems with the automatic sticking to first and second up to 3,500 rpm in the morning and especially when going slightly uphill. Dealer claimed they have put in a software patch (released by Subaru) during one service to address the problem. However, it is still around.

The other annoying issue is, when slowing down from 60km/hr then 40km..then 30km... then bang a sudden shift down. Dealer has, on a couple of occassions, tried to "re-train" the automatic shift program. It has improved, but the problem still comes back from time to time.

Other than the above issues, I enjoyed driving my Subaru which has excellent handling especially in the wet. I drove a Forester XS/L before the Outback. I still miss it.

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2004 Subaru Outback Premium 2.5i 2.5 Litre Boxer

Summary:

A great drivers car. Out performs most European equivilants

Faults:

Severe oil consumption. Matter still not resolved.

Leather seats have started to wear badly.

General Comments:

A great car to drive. A genuine "Drivers" car.

Six Stacker should be standard with Premium models, but listed as accessory.

Additional 12V power plug should also be standard supply.

Passengers seat should also be electric operation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd July, 2005