2013 Subaru Outback Touring Package 2.5 from North America
Faults:
No problems or faults since purchase.
General Comments:
I purchased this car new off the showroom floor in December 2012. My initial intent was to look at the Impreza, but I liked the ground clearence and extra cargo space of the Outback better. I've had the car 11 months now and have had no problems of any kind. The only trip it's made back to the dealership was for an oil change.
Overall it is an extremely well built vehicle. However, it ain't perfect. The ride is stiffer than necessary. I realize the suspension was designed to handle off road conditions, but it could have been made a bit more civilized for real world roads.
The steering feels a bit heavy. This could be the tires, I'm still running the Continentals that were on it when I bought it. I'd like something with a lighter feel, but still has good feedback from the road.
The CVT transmission is the most annoying thing about the whole car. It is working properly, but because of the way they work, there is in my opinion, excessive engine noise as a result. I wouldn't buy another one similarly equipped.
And speaking of noise, there's lots of that when you're on the highway. When I first got the car, I put the increased road noise down to the winter tires I had installed. But when warmer weather came and I changed over to the all-seasons, there wasn't much improvement at all.
Other than the issues I've stated above, it's been a great car from day one. It is way too much fun in the snow. It's just too bad Subaru couldn't have given it a smoother ride and made it a lot quieter in the passenger cabin. If those two thing were sorted, I could probably live with the CVT.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th November, 2013
17th Jan 2021, 12:49
There are so many problems with Subaru, they are falling behind other Japanese brands. Good Subarus were made back in the 90's. Today, too many problems around both transmissions, head gaskets (up to 2015), sensors, all more expensive to repair than on other brands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMI8JseM40c
https://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/problems-maintenance.66/