2000 Subaru Outback 2.5L from North America

Faults:

I have loved my Subaru Outback 2000. But at 80,000 the head gasket cracked. Thankfully, Subaru 'repaired' it under warranty, which is more than I've heard from these other reports. Now, again, at 110,000 both head gaskets are leaking. Apparently, it is standard procedure to machine plane the gaskets, but they checked them, deemed them okay, and now they're leaking again. Very upset.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th February, 2007

2000 Subaru Outback Wagon 2.5 from North America

Summary:

Great car with the exception of the 2.5-litre engine

Faults:

Blown Head Gaskets; once at 102,000 kilometers and both leaking now at 268,000 kilometers. First repair was warranty, still discussing with my dealer (and Subaru Canada) this time.

Faulty Knock sensor (check engine light) gone twice. First time about 3 years ago, now again in December, 2006.

Exhaust heat shields rattling when accelerating. Continually having them fixed by dealer at least a few times a year.

Strong smell of raw gasoline in winter time when car first starts up. Under some extreme conditions, smell will last for days. Dealer has identified the problem as leaking fuel lines that they re-tighten periodically.

Heated smell in car (like coolant or burning rubber) in hot summer months. Cause has never been pinpointed.

Oil sensor switch leaking now and just replaced at 268,000 kilometers.

General Comments:

In spite of the mechanical issues I had (and continue to have), this car offers a nice quiet and solid ride.

Well appointed options and interior have made long road trips very comfortable. No interior rattles, etc.

Even though it only is powered by a 2.5-liter engine, it still offers decent off the line acceleration and highway passing power.

Was broad-sided by a guy running a red light at 65 KPH (roughly 40 mph) and walked away without a scratch. Very safe car to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd February, 2007

2000 Subaru Outback 2.5 from North America

Summary:

Great car, but with out Subaru to back it up with a proper recall its not worth it

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 110000.

General Comments:

The left head gasket blew at 110000 even after the dealer had put in the special goo to the coolant to fix the issue. I can't believe that Subaru knowing about this fault dreamed up the idea that, we'll just add some goo to the coolant and call it good. I think what they did is to have it last until 100000 miles and then say too bad. well I think its too bad on Subaru. a proper recall would do wonders for Subaru.

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

Review Date: 18th January, 2007

19th Feb 2007, 21:06

North of the 49th reporting back on my head gasket woes. I don't have to worry about dining on crow, as I suspected I wouldn't.

My dealer reported back to me that Subaru Canada couldn't provide any additional support on my vehicle with respect to the blown head gaskets (for the second time). The reason was the amount of kilometers driven since the last time it occurred. How many times should one expect this problem to occur over the life of the vehicle?

The original dealer quoted my $1500.00 plus taxes to repair, but was prepared to work a deal of a minimum of 10% off the bill. I thought it might be worth getting a couple of additional quotes just to compare. Quote #2 was $1269.53 including all taxes; quote #3 was $1040.00 including all taxes and the inclusion of a new timing belt with the head gasket work. It apparently pays to shop around a bit! By the way, quote #2 is an exact price because the shop that quoted me had just done the same job on another 2000 Outback and was able to show me the paperwork.

As I suggested before, in general, I have loved driving my 2000 Outback and generally have received good service by my local dealer. It's just a shame Subaru Canada wasn't there to provide them with any support when needed.

2000 Subaru Outback limited from North America

Summary:

The 2000 Subaru Outback is not what I hoped for

Faults:

When we first purchased the car we found that the driver side wheel made a noise. The dealer attempted to fix it by "balancing" the tires. Our mechanic said it was a bearing which the dealer then fixed and it took care of the problem. Since then I have had one sensor go out at a cost of $250. This car has been overheating the last 2 months. I have carried coolant with me and filled it when needed. The first mechanic I took it to could not find the problem. It has now been at another shop for the last 2 weeks while they diagnosed the problem, order a head gasket kit and is waiting to be fixed. Cost to fix will be $1250. Now I'm trying to decide whether to continue to drive the car or trade for a toyota.

General Comments:

Very disappointing. My previous subaru was a '93 which handled fabulously in the snow and I never had any problems with it. The '93 had 175,000 miles on it so I wanted to get a newer one since I drive 100 miles a day and hoped to have a dependable car for years to come. It doesn't handle as well as my old one and has had many problems. I still see my old one driving around town.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th November, 2006

13th Jan 2008, 18:51

I experienced the same problem with my 2000 Outback and this is what was told to me. The engines in the 2000 Subaru were sent to the US to be assembled. it was blundered in the assembly and the head gaskets are prone to leak. Subaru knows about it and extended the warranty. They have since stopped shipping engines to be assembled in the US since they cannot control the quality of the work. Engines are now sent assembled.Don't blame Subaru blame the US assemblers.