2000 Subaru Outback 2.5L four

Summary:

Decent car, expensive to keep running

Faults:

Head gasket leaking coolant at 30,000 miles. It was replaced and is leaking again at 62,000 miles (out of powertrain warranty).

It is on its third set of brake rotors due to warping.

The radiator has been leaking coolant at the core-to-top-tank junction for the last year.

It's leaking oil -somewhere- on the lower end of the engine. Getting drips on the garage floor.

Pulls to the right with the factory Firestone summer tires. It's fine with the winter Michelin Alpins mounted.

Terrible clutch clatter when cold. Clears after a few "hard" takeoffs. Dealer says it's "normal".

Multiple exhaust rattles from the heat shields and muffler.

About 22 MPG (US) overall. Not great for a 4-cyl with a manual trans.

Thin paint -- the nose is full of chips from road debris.

General Comments:

Superb in the snow with winter tires mounted (manual trans. is 50/50 front/rear torque bias).

I find it comfortable for long distance drives.

Love the heated seats...

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

Review Date: 16th December, 2003

16th Jan 2004, 14:12

That clutch shudder is normal, but Subaru also put out a TSB for it--TSB # 03-51-02R. This issue surfaced on my outback shortly after I bought it used (2000 limited wagon), and Anchor Subaru in North Smithfield of RI took good care of me--got Subaru to pay for all, but $100, and the dealer picked up the rest. I think I may have a leaky head gasket too.

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2000 Subaru Outback legacy outback wagon 2.5

Summary:

The 2000 Legacy Outback Wagon is AWD that WORKS, but good dealers are hard to find!

Faults:

I had the oxygen sensor replaced under warranty due to recall after the engine warning light came on. This cured the problem.

The window tweeter speakers have been replaced and are out again. They are out of warranty and dealer wants $$ to replace.

Windows leaked air and at a cost of $75 per window problem was fixed.

The brakes are starting to go and I dread how much this is going to cost me.

Dealers in the Northeastern USA are expensive.

I am on my third dealer for repair and oil changes. The previous two were very expensive, took too long to do the work and quality was not worth expense.

General Comments:

The Legacy Outback Wagon is a great AWD vehicle. The Four is solid and does move well on the highway. If you want quick get up and go- buy the six. The six adds 3k to cost and not really needed. The car is tight and great in all weather conditions. I own 2 Legacy Outbacks and I would buy one again!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th May, 2003

25th Feb 2004, 17:47

How did the windows leak and how did it get fixed? I have the same problem.

14th Mar 2004, 23:54

I found that working on a Subaru is easier than one can imagine. The little cars are for the most part easy as playing with Legos to take apart and put together. First, buy a Haynes Repair Manual. Read the section on the repair that is required and one can decide whether it is a do-it-yourself job. Brakes are very easy. But, don't machine the rotors. The Japanese cars use "throwaway" rotors. Make a one-time purchase and buy a good set of Brembo rotors for $42.00 each on the Internet. Or TRW Cross drilled Power Stops for twice the price, but what rotors! NAPA has great Ceramic Pads. 1998 Outback: Remove the wheel and brake caliper; the rotor slides off! That is it. We replaced a front axle shaft. Bought a $9.00 drift pin tool and a remanufactured shaft at NAPA for less that $75.00. The Haynes Repair Manual walked me through the job in short time and the repair doesn't even upset the front alignment. If we can't afford a Volvo XCountry SUW as a replacement, then we'll put the "Poor Man's" version: the Subaru Outback back in our garage and have nearly the same features for $10K less!

2000 Subaru Outback LL Bean 3.0

Summary:

Safe family car

Faults:

Tail light seals leak when it rains (I live in the Seattle area), brakes squeal very loud until warmed up.

General Comments:

Handles like a Porsche, accelerates like a lawn mower.

Interior is nice and comfortable.

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

Review Date: 1st December, 2001

20th Jun 2002, 02:08

Agree with the great handling, feels almost sporty, if I could only get it to accelerate once it hits 3rd (1st and 2nd gear aren't too bad, I can keep up with a 325 until it pops into 3rd)