Are old subarus expensive to maintain?
Yes, older Subarus can be pricier to maintain than many comparable aging cars, largely due to head-gasket risks on the popular 2.5-liter engines and drivetrain costs tied to all-wheel drive. The exact bill depends on model year, mileage, and how well the car has been cared for.
What drives maintenance costs in aging Subarus
Maintenance costs on older Subarus are driven by a mix of engine design quirks, common wear items, and the AWD system. The following factors shape how much you might spend each year or at repair time.
Common trouble spots (by engine and drivetrain)
- Head gasket failures on the EJ25 2.5-liter engine—historically the most discussed issue on late-90s/early-2000s models. When the gasket leaks, cooling and oil leaks can lead to costly repairs that often run into the low thousands if not addressed early.
- Timing belt service and water pump replacement—many older Subarus use timing belts that require replacement around 90k–105k miles, a job that typically costs several hundred to a thousand dollars, depending on labor and whether the water pump is replaced at the same time.
- Oil leaks and valve/gasket seals—common leaks (valve cover, rear main seal, oil gaskets) can add up over time if not promptly fixed.
- AWD drivetrain and related components—center differentials, transfer cases, and CV joints can wear, with wheel bearings and axle CV joints costing a few hundred dollars per side to replace.
- Cooling system components—radiators, hoses, thermostats, and the water pump (often replaced with belt work) are frequent wear items on older cars and can be pricey when multiple parts fail together.
- Suspension and steering components—struts, control arms, tie rods, and bushings wear with mileage and can require replacements that add to annual maintenance costs.
- Transmissions—older automatics (and some CVT-equipped models) can require major work or rebuilds, which are among the costliest repairs for a high-mileage Subaru.
Taken together, these factors create a maintenance profile that tends to be moderate to high for long-term ownership, especially if preventive maintenance has been neglected. Diligent care can keep some of these costs manageable, but aging Subarus are known to demand attention as components reach the end of their service lives.
Typical cost ranges for maintenance and repairs
Understanding potential outlays helps buyers and current owners budget for ownership. The following ranges reflect common maintenance and repair scenarios for older Subarus, with the understanding that regional labor rates and part choices matter a lot.
- Routine maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tires, fluids): about $400–$800 per year, depending on driving conditions and parts quality.
- Head gasket service on EJ25 2.5L: typically $1,500–$3,000, depending on exact leak severity and if other components are addressed at the same time.
- Timing belt replacement and water pump: around $700–$1,200, including parts and labor when done together.
- Valve covers and other gasket leaks: generally $150–$500 per item, depending on labor and seal replacement needs.
- CV joints and wheel bearings: roughly $300–$800 per wheel for bearings; CV joint boot replacements are typically $150–$350 per side for simple boot work, more if the joint needs replacement.
- Cooling system overhaul (radiator, hoses, thermostat): $400–$1,000 total if addressed together.
- Automatic transmission service or rebuild: typically $1,500–$4,000 depending on extent of work and model.
- Miscellaneous suspension components (struts, control arms): $500–$1,500 per front or rear setup, depending on parts and alignment needs.
These ranges illustrate why owners of older Subarus often budget more for maintenance than owners of some other aging cars. Keeping up with preventive maintenance and addressing issues early can help avoid the cost of catastrophic failures.
Tips for keeping older Subarus affordable to maintain
Practical steps can stretch the lifespan and reduce surprise bills on aging Subarus. Below are recommended practices for owners and prospective buyers.
- Prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the cooling system, head gasket area, and transmission condition.
- Check service history for regular head-gasket related work in EJ25-equipped models and verify timing belt/water pump replacements occurred at the recommended intervals.
- Maintain the cooling system proactively (coolant flushes, hose checks, radiator condition) to prevent overheating and head-gasket damage.
- Address oil leaks and gasket issues early to avoid escalating repairs.
- Use a qualified Subaru mechanic for AWD drivetrain inspections and, if possible, source OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts to balance cost and longevity.
- Budget for annual maintenance and set aside a repair reserve to cover major expected items as the car ages.
With careful maintenance and sensible ownership, older Subarus can still offer reliable service without breaking the bank, though the outlays tend to be higher than the most frugal budget options.
Summary
Old Subarus can be more costly to maintain than some other aging cars, primarily due to head-gasket risks on the widely used 2.5-liter engine and the costs associated with keeping AWD components in good shape. Costs vary by model year, mileage, and maintenance history, but informed buyers who stay on top of preventive maintenance and address issues early can manage expenses while enjoying a capable, all-wheel-drive vehicle.
