Does the Subaru Outback hold its value?
The Subaru Outback has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts and practical drivers alike, thanks to its reliability, versatility, and rugged appeal. But when it comes to resale value, does this popular crossover SUV live up to its reputation? In this article, we’ll explore whether the Subaru Outback holds its value over time and what factors contribute to its strong performance in the used car market.
Why Resale Value Matters
Resale value is an important consideration for car buyers, especially for those who plan to sell or trade in their vehicle after a few years. A car that holds its value well can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Here are some key reasons why resale value is crucial:
- Lower Depreciation Costs: Cars that retain their value depreciate at a slower rate, meaning you lose less money over time.
- Better Trade-In Offers: When it’s time to upgrade, a higher resale value can lead to better trade-in deals at dealerships.
- Increased Buyer Demand: Vehicles with strong resale value are often in higher demand in the used car market, making them easier to sell.
How the Subaru Outback Performs in Resale Value
The Subaru Outback is widely recognized for its excellent resale value. According to industry data, Subaru vehicles, including the Outback, consistently rank among the top brands for retaining their value. Here’s why:
- Reliability: Subaru has a reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles, which makes the Outback a trusted choice for buyers.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): The standard AWD system in the Outback appeals to drivers in regions with harsh weather conditions, increasing its desirability.
- Strong Brand Loyalty: Subaru owners often stick with the brand, creating a steady demand for used models like the Outback.
- Practicality: With its spacious interior, off-road capability, and fuel efficiency, the Outback is a versatile vehicle that meets a wide range of needs.
Tips for Maintaining Your Subaru Outback’s Value
If you own a Subaru Outback and want to maximize its resale value, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Regular Maintenance: Keep up with scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, to ensure your vehicle stays in top condition.
- Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of all repairs and services performed on your Outback. This can reassure potential buyers about the car’s history.
- Protect the Exterior: Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint and prevent rust or damage.
- Address Issues Promptly: Fix any mechanical or cosmetic issues as soon as they arise to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
The Subaru Outback is a standout when it comes to retaining its value. Thanks to its reliability, practicality, and strong brand reputation, it remains a smart investment for car buyers. By taking good care of your Outback, you can ensure it holds its value for years to come, making it a win-win for both your driving experience and your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are used Subaru Outbacks so expensive?
Because Subaru of America's new car supply is the lowest of any automaker, and the used Subaru inventory is also low, a lightly used, low mileage, three to four-year-old Crosstrek, Forester, or Outback prices will remain high.
What is the best Subaru model to buy?
The Crosstrek stands out as one of the best Subaru SUVs for fuel economy with a traditional gas-powered engine. While vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive have been said not to be as fuel efficient, the Crosstrek uses direct injection and a Continuously Variable Transmission to power its SUBARU BOXER® engine.
Does Toyota or Subaru hold their value better?
Kelley Blue Book: Subaru nabbed “Best Resale Value” awards in 2020 and 2021, and models retained around 14% more of their original value compared to other brands.
What is the life expectancy of a Subaru Outback?
200,000 to 300,000 miles
With regular maintenance and responsible driving, Subaru Outbacks typically last 200,000 to 300,000 miles. Their high-reliability ratings and solid build quality place them among the top contenders in longevity, giving them a 22.3% chance of surpassing 250,000 miles—well above the industry average for SUVs.
What are the weaknesses of a Subaru Outback?
Some top Subaru Outback problems include weak windshields, poor cooling systems, oxygen sensor failure, excessive oil consumption due to oil leaks, and faulty airbags.
Why are used Subaru outbacks so expensive?
Because Subaru of America's new car supply is the lowest of any automaker, and the used Subaru inventory is also low, a lightly used, low mileage, three to four-year-old Crosstrek, Forester, or Outback prices will remain high.
What is the biggest issue with a Subaru Outback?
Head Gasket Leaks
One of the most notorious issues plaguing Subaru vehicles is head gasket leaks, particularly in older models with the EJ series engines. These leaks can lead to coolant loss, overheating, and potential engine damage if left untreated.
Which Subaru has the highest resale value?
The Subaru BRZ has the best resale value among Subaru models, which retains 75.7% of its value after the first 5 years. Following the BRZ is the Subaru Crosstrek with 73% resale value. The Subaru Impreza (wagon) ranks #3 with a resale value of 71.6%.
Does the Subaru Outback have good resale value?
The Best Model Years to Buy a Subaru Outback
With the 2023, you would only pay, on average, 81% of the price as new, with 92% of the vehicle's useful life remaining. The 2022 and 2021 model years are also attractive years for the Outback, and provide a relatively good value.
What years of Subaru Outback are best?
Best Subaru Outback Model Years
With the exception of the 2020 model, the current Outback generation has accumulated plenty of goodwill among its owners. Within recent memory, the 2017 and 2018 models have been solid, too. Even farther back, we'd recommend the 2005 and 2009 editions.
