1999 Subaru Outback Limited Edition 2.5L from North America
Summary:
A moderate value for a All Wheel Drive family car
Faults:
The oil pump has been resealed two times under warranty. 1st at 40K then again at 60K. Finally at 80K I had to buy a new oil pump because now it was out of warranty. Maybe they should have done this in the beginning...
I've had to purchase new rotors due to wear - I wish the dealership said something while it was getting a state inspection! I probably could have saved the rotors. No noise was heard and the service techs did not inform me of the brake pads where so badly warn.
The car is only 5 years old with 114K miles.
At 100K miles, I had to replace the front left wheel bearing, hub and axle! Not a cheap repair. Plus it was very dangerous to drive, so I had to pay for a rental. (no free loners here).
Now with 114K miles on the car, again it is in the shop. This time it's been in for 3 days and they can't find out what is wrong with it. When I step on the gas after starting the car it is very sluggish and almost stalls, then it kicks in and runs fine on the highway. I'm sure this is going to cost me money again!! I'm spending over $1500 a year in extra expenses.
This is my second Outback. Both have been automatic transmissions. The '95 Outback 2.2L automatic transmission ran great. It wasn't until I bought the 99' that the sales told me that Subaru changed the design of the automatic. The new automatic shifting patters drive me crazy. I live in a very hilly terrain and the automatic downshifting as you coast down a steep, but rather short hill is annoying.
I have a feeling this is my last Subaru. Good luck to the rest of you!
General Comments:
The best features are the All Wheel Drive. I live in NH and the car takes to the snow very well. This is the reason I bought the car.
I also like the storage with hatchback and the all weather package.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 3rd November, 2003
1st Apr 2005, 08:25
I've had the same problem with my 1999 Legacy Outback. Oil pump seal at 50K and the transmission has such lag when you go from reverse to drive that when it does engage, it is very abrupt. New transmission: $3500 (with core return). However, a new transmission needed at 50K just seems weird to me. I'm also from New Hampshire, but now live in upstate New York. When I was younger we all drive Subaru until the bodies fell apart. They lasted that long. Now I'm not so sure.
20th Apr 2005, 09:16
I am looking at an estimate of $2901 to rebuild my transmission. Not happy about that, but otherwise I love the car. I live in VT and it handles extremely well.
3rd May 2007, 11:03
I bought a 1987 Subaru Outback and had it for for 8 years, sold it to my son who was in college, he brought it back and was still going at 200,00 miles. He sold it and it is still out there. In 1999 I bought my 1999 Subaru Outback Limited and have loved it. I just took it in for service and was informed that I need a new transmission. I couldn't believe it. My car only has 80,000 miles. I was told that the cost would be $3800.00. I had someone else check it and sure enough, the transmission has to be replaced plus I have an oil leak. Is there a factory defect that I was not informed of or are Subaru's not making them like they used to?
21st Mar 2005, 14:21
I have exactly the same problem with my 1991 Legacy 2.2 - when it is cold and I start it - and nobody can find the reason. Replacing the O2 sensor had no effect. Have they fixed it?