6th Dec 2008, 21:59
I have a 2005 outback with 102k and a 2002 outback with 94K. The 2005 has been much more reliable. The 2002 had the head gasket start to go at 58K (dealer said they had to add the liquid fix) and by 61K it had to replaced. Luckily with a fight they fixed it under warranty. Now the check engine light has come on and they say we need a new catalytic converter. But all in all this is the first major repair work that we have done. No problems with the 2005 other than breaks and timing belt replacement at 102K.
29th Dec 2008, 18:25
I thank all of you for posting as I have just finished reading all of the posts, and WOW.
I recently purchased a 2000 Outback with 142,000k on it, paid $4000 for it. I have been driving it for 3 months, manual base model, one previous owner, I had my mechanic check it out, a full examine, he said "if you don't buy it I will".
Check engine light comes on and off, ohh well I have had worse, besides it is my winter car.
Small squeak in the wheel. Oh well, $175 for for a new one.
I would have to say it took a while to get used to the manual 2.5 boxer engine, got it now!!
Shutters at times due to improper shifting, hasn't fallen out of gear, good sign as my VW manual did that.
-45 starts first time, I have a block heater, but I don't use it. I live in Ottawa; believe me, we have salt, and snow this car rocks for it.
Is it as good as a Toyota - NO?. LEXUS - NO?. Better than the Honda Accord, definitely. And the rest of the cars filling in the land fill site.
I can't complain about it YET... I suppose I should call the previous owner and let her know she fixed all of the problems for me, this car is a gem, mulligans are only taken in golf.
Advice, lease the car if you don't want the warranty issue, and buy a warranty, or realize they are money dumps, risks, not an investment but a privilege. or do what I did, buy used cheap used from a reputable dealer get to know a salesperson that will sell you one at black book not retail.
Merry Christmas and happy new year, wish me luck with the car I just praised, I will keep you posted...
30th Dec 2008, 21:56
I have a 2000 Outback with about 141,000 miles. Been smelling antifreeze, living in a small Iowa town, no one could figure it out. I have had this car since 1999, change the oil every 3000 miles, took great care of it. Some issues with the 02 sensors, replaced those twice. The coolant smell is the dreaded head gasket issue. I am trying to get Subaru to cover it even tho I am past the warranty since there are SO many others with this issue. Yes, I had the additive put in in 2004. No it did not stop the problem. Be careful... my 1984 Subaru was amazing, not a lick of trouble and ran till I sold it when I bought this one. Love the Subaru for the driving, not liking this head gasket issue.
Patty in Iowa.
3rd Jan 2009, 10:19
Did anyone ever get to the bottom of the gas smell in the cabin mystery? I have the same issue with my 2000 Outback with 115K. My mechanic, who is outstanding, has spent the day checking everything (O-ring on fuel injector, pulled up the rugs to look at the fuel line, checked clips, etc) and has not been able to identify the source. We do need a new catalytic converter, but he does not think this would be the source of the gas smell (it would smell more like exhaust if anything). Any help would be greatly appreciated.
6th Jan 2009, 22:13
2001 Subaru Outback.
Not here to complain, have been very happy with vehicle. Like everyone else just now starting to get the gasket problem with leakage with 115k miles of mostly hard city driving (Chicago area).
I have a very reliable and honest mechanic. I know that sounds funny, but it's true, and he maintains it very well for me.
Just had clutch/flywheel redone, O2's and knock sensors replaced at 110k, and replaced warped rotors at 50k. Just put third set of tires on. Had a Honda CRV that was on 3rd set at 60k no matter what I did.
All in all, I have been very happy. I have driven and owned much worse, and would buy another Subaru.
6th Feb 2009, 22:11
I have a 2000 Subaru Outback with 40,000 miles. I had the dreaded antifreeze smell in the cabin. Opened the hood and could see steam rising from the back of the engine on the drivers side.
Added a bottle of K-Seal two weeks ago. No more smell! No more loss of fluid! Car seems to run better.
Saved me from junking it!
3rd Jan 2010, 17:52
I have a 2000 Outback with fuel smell problems. We did the O rings on the injectors. Smell still there. Tightened and replace clamps. Smell still there. Then I replaced rubber fuel lines between fuel rails and supply lines; two inches on the driver side and about six inches on the passenger side. No more smell!! Yeah, that was it.
Took to the dealer and two other mechanics that told you a lot, but didn't fix the problem. It never showed any visible fuel leak. Only thing we figured was possibly dry rot or the leak was so small that it evaporated instantly. Not a mechanic, but have a wife who always lets you know it still isn't fixed.
25th Feb 2010, 11:45
I have a 2000 Outback with many of the problems reported here. The fuel smell bothers me the most. It isn't funny to have the windows rolled down when it is -25 degrees Celsius outside, and blowing snow!
The person who replaced the fuel line hoses (posting in Jan 2010) - can you describe what was done in more detail or provide some pictures? It would be very helpful.
11th Oct 2008, 09:28
This is a follow up on my recent post for the 2005 Outback 2.5i. The technician replaced the fuel injectors/seals and tightened fuel line clamps. I picked it up today and the smell is still there. I immediately drove back to the dealer to let them know I still have the problem. So the service person had the tech that worked on my car come outside to take a look/smell. Well, both the technician and the service person both still smelled the gas. The car will be going back to them again at the beginning of the week to run some more tests. Note: I have not paid one dime to have this done. Also, note that the actual fuel lines were not replaced, only the injectors and injector seals. I bet that he next thing will be to replace the actual fuel lines. Also, note that this is only on the right side of the engine (passenger side). Will post again in a few days.