1999 Subaru Outback 30th Anniv Ltd Ed 2.5L

Summary:

A $30000 Piece of Junk

Faults:

Defective Clutch.

Defective Rear Differential.

Defective Struts.

Defective Brakes.

Defective Wheels.

Defective Seat Belts.

Defective Electrical System.

Defective Radio Antenna.

General Comments:

This is absolutely the worst car I've ever owned. Since the day I drove it off the lot I've had nothing but problem after problem. Even worse, I have an extended warranty, but Subaru of America REFUSES to repair my car! I'll never purchase another Subaru product, and I would urge you to look very carefully before you purchase one. What good is a warranty if the manufacturer refuses to honor it?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th August, 2003

21st Aug 2003, 02:42

I suppose that despite the mechanica problems of your car, there are still points of good to be given on it. Say, why all the gradings are given zero? Not even the fuel economy? I would want to view the true situation of owning this car.

25th Aug 2003, 07:20

I understand disappointment and venting, but the rest of us would probably like more details on the "defective" aspects. In my limited experience (on my second Sube), these are not typical failure modes, and I would be interested in what went wrong with each component, and the company's response. Hope things improve for you.

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1999 Subaru Outback

Summary:

Very reliable and great in winter weather

Faults:

Head lamp replaced 3x on one side.

Radiator blockage pushed up engine temp at about 115k miles.

General Comments:

The outback is a fine car. I drive about 30,000 miles a year and have had essentially NO problems. I live down a steep gravel road in upstate NY and have no trouble getting out through 6-8” of snow. It is a wonderful winter car.

Gas mileage is good: about 26 highway mpg in the summer; slightly less with snow tires. I have had no maintenance expenses except for regular oil changes.

One head lamp has failed three times, but it is easy to replace. Odd, though, that it has always been on one side, and never on the other. Now, at 115,000 miles, the engine temperature is running high and my mechanic suspects a partial blockage in the radiator—says he sees this sometimes in Subarus… I don’t like the idea of replacing it.

Cons: the major one is that the seats could be more comfortable; otherwise, headrests partially block view, but I’m used to them; the intermittent wiper has only one setting—on my previous car I could vary its timing.

Pros: mainly, a VERY reliable car with no maintenance problems and great in the winter. Other things I like: sound system is good; dashboard controls accessible and easy to manage; roll-up screen nicely hides cargo space.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th March, 2003

13th Jun 2005, 07:30

Don't be too happy your outback is running without any problems, time will tell. I strongly believe the spike in engine temperature you're experiencing is not any blockage. I'll bet my last $ that it is a blown Head gasket. This is a common problem with Subarus', especially the outbacks, the head gasket will always die. I was left miserably on I-81 due to a blown head. Lucky for me my mechanic friend fixed it at a total cost of $700(between 2000-4000 elsewhere) and now I'm using another car, as you may guess not another Subaru!!.