How many miles is too many for a used Outback?
There isn’t a fixed mileage cutoff for a used Outback. Many examples reach 200,000 miles or more with proper care, while others can require costly repairs earlier. The deciding factors are maintenance history, model year, and how well the previous owner cared for the vehicle.
This guide explains how to think about mileage when evaluating a used Outback, highlights model-year differences that affect longevity, and lays out practical steps to assess condition before buying. By focusing on history and condition rather than just the odometer, buyers can gauge value and risk more accurately.
Mileage ranges and what they typically imply
Use these mile-age bands as a rough guide to expected wear and potential upcoming maintenance. They are not guarantees, and a well-documented high-mileage example can still be a good purchase.
- Under 100,000 miles: generally low wear for many components, but maintenance history is still crucial. Look for records of regular oil changes, filter replacements, and CVT fluid changes.
- 100,000–150,000 miles: common for many used Outbacks; important to confirm major systems have been serviced on schedule (engine basics, CVT health, brakes, suspension).
- 150,000–200,000 miles: high mileage, but still within the realm of reliability if maintenance has been consistent. Expect wear on belts/hoses, tires, brakes, and possibly suspension components; verify no chronic leaks.
- 200,000+ miles: not unheard of, especially with diligent maintenance. Price should reflect the increased probability of parts needing replacement; insist on a thorough inspection to uncover costly items (CVT, head gasket history on older engines, rust, etc.).
Bottom line: mileage is a signal, not a verdict. A well-documented high-mileage Outback can be a solid buy, while a low-mileage example with spotty maintenance can be riskier than a higher-mileage car that’s been meticulously cared for.
Model-year caveats and common issues across generations
Different generations of the Outback age differently. Engine design, transmissions, and common failure points shift over time, which is why the model year context matters as much as the odometer reading.
- Older EJ-series engines (earlier Outbacks): head gasket and related cooling system issues have historically been a concern if maintenance wasn’t up to date; check for coolant/oil mixing and prior head-gasket work.
- Early modern engines (transitioning to FB/FA-series around the 2010s): timing chains replace timing belts, which reduces some maintenance tasks but still requires periodic inspection; CVT reliability improves with proper fluid changes.
- Mid-generation updates (roughly 2015–2019): generally more refined CVTs and improved engine management, but the long-term reliability still hinges on service history, recalls completed, and wear items held to schedule.
- Latest generations (2020s onward): newer engines and infotainment features, ongoing recall campaigns, and more comprehensive driver-assist systems; ensure all campaign work is done and test all systems (EyeSight, sensors) during a test drive.
The model year matters when assessing a given mileage: a low-mileage example from a generation with known aging issues can be riskier than a high-mileage example from a generation with a proven track record and thorough maintenance history.
What to check before buying a high-mileage Outback
Before you buy, use this checklist to gauge current condition, expected maintenance needs, and potential future costs. A professional pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is strongly recommended for anything with substantial mileage.
- Maintenance history: verify regular oil changes, filter changes, coolant flushes, and, for CVTs, the status and intervals of transmission fluid changes.
- Engine health: look for oil leaks, unusual valvetrain noise, exhaust smoke, and confirm no signs of overheating or coolant/oil mixing (head gasket concerns in older generations).
- Transmission and drive system: test drive for smooth CVT operation, avoid harsh shudders or slipping; inspect CVT fluid color and level and confirm service history.
- Brakes and suspension: check for uneven tire wear, worn brake pads, and any clunks or excessive play in suspension joints.
- Cooling system and hoses: inspect for leaks, worn hoses, and a healthy radiator; ensure the water pump has not been bypassed or replaced with questionable parts.
- All-wheel-drive components: listen for unusual noises in the drivetrain and verify that AWD engages properly; check for leaks around the differentials.
- Rust and body integrity: pay attention to hail, rust-prone areas on the frame rails, undercarriage, and wheel arches, especially in regions with road salt.
- Recalls and campaigns: pull a VIN-based history to confirm all recalls and service campaigns have been completed.
- Electrical and safety features: test the headlights, sensors, infotainment, and EyeSight/driver-assist systems for proper operation.
- Documentation: ensure the title is clean, verify mileage through a reputable history report, and check for inconsistent odometer readings.
With a trusted PPI and clear records, a high-mileage Outback can be a sensible purchase. If the inspection flags major issues, price accordingly or walk away.
Takeaways for buyers
Getting a used Outback with substantial mileage is feasible, but success hinges on meticulous due diligence. Prioritize maintenance records, confirm model-year-specific reliability patterns, and obtain a professional inspection. A well-kept, high-mileage Outback can deliver years of dependable service, often at a lower upfront cost than a newer, lower-mileage model.
Summary
There is no universal mileage cutoff for a used Subaru Outback. Reliability depends on how the vehicle was maintained, its model year, and how well issues were addressed over time. A high-mileage Outback with complete service records and a clean pre-purchase inspection is often a more prudent choice than a low-mileage car with a poor maintenance history. For buyers, the smartest approach is to evaluate mileage alongside documented care, current condition, and potential future repair costs, then negotiate accordingly. With careful evaluation, an Outback can still be a long-lasting, capable vehicle well into the 200,000s and beyond.
Are subarus reliable after 100k miles?
Yes, Subarus can be reliable after 100,000 miles, but it is heavily dependent on consistent maintenance and addressing potential issues like head gaskets. With proper care, many Subarus can last for 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more.
Factors for reliability after 100k miles
- Maintenance is crucial: This is the single most important factor. Regularly following the manufacturer's service schedule for things like oil changes, fluid flushes, and timing belt/chain replacements is essential for longevity.
- Common issues to check for:
- Head Gaskets: This is a well-known potential issue in older EJ engines, often occurring between 100,000 and 130,000 miles.
- Engine reseals: Newer FB engines might require a more involved reseal around 150,000 miles.
- CVT transmission: Early models of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) had some documented problems, so it's worth researching the specific model year.
- Model and engine differences: Older EJ engines are known for head gasket issues, while newer FB engines have a timing chain instead of a belt but may need a different type of service later on.
- Inspection and service history: If buying a used Subaru, a clean vehicle history report and documented service records are vital.
How to ensure long life
- Follow the 100k-mile service: At the 100,000-mile mark, be prepared for a service that combines previous intervals and includes replacing spark plugs, transmission fluid, and differential fluid.
- Preventive maintenance: Continue with all standard maintenance items like oil changes, tire pressure checks, and air filter replacements to prevent other components from failing prematurely.
- Be prepared for other repairs: Once a car hits 100,000 miles, various other parts like suspension components, wheel bearings, and the alternator may start to need replacement, even if the major mechanical parts are still sound.
What year to avoid a Subaru Outback?
Years to generally avoid for the Subaru Outback include 2010-2014, 2017-2020, and older models 2005-2009. Common issues in these years include CV/transmission problems, engine oil consumption, electrical failures, and early models were known for head gasket and cooling system issues.
Years to avoid and common problems
- 2005-2009: Known for head gasket failures, coolant leaks, and oil leaks.
- 2010-2014: Experienced significant transmission issues, oil consumption problems, and electrical and steering column defects.
- 2017-2020: These years often suffered from frequent windshield cracks, electrical issues like faulty alternators and battery drains, and problems with the infotainment system.
- The first year of the sixth generation, 2020, had early adopter problems, particularly with the infotainment system and CVT.
- 2013-2014: Specifically had issues with the CVT transmission and the 2.5L engine, leading to oil consumption.
- 2015-2016: The 2.5L engine developed leaks from the valve covers and cam carriers.
What to look for instead
- Post-2014: These models are generally more reliable, but specific years like 2015 and 2018 have been singled out by some sources.
- Post-2021: Many recent models have improved reliability, although some 2023 models had issues with the infotainment system and electrical accessories.
- 2019 3.6R: This is often recommended as a good model to track down due to high mileage customer vehicles and a history of good reliability.
What is considered high mileage on a Subaru Outback?
For a Subaru Outback, "high mileage" generally means anything over 150,000 miles, but due to their durability, many properly maintained Outbacks can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more. A mileage in the 150,000 to 200,000 range is often considered high, but a vehicle's longevity heavily depends on its maintenance history.
What to consider with high-mileage Outbacks
- Maintenance is key: A well-maintained Subaru can last significantly longer. Regularly check maintenance records to see if major services like timing belt replacements (on older models) have been performed.
- Potential repairs: Even with good maintenance, components like suspension, brakes, and exhaust can show wear at 150,000 miles or more. Some models may also experience oil leaks or transmission issues as they age.
- Longevity: Some models have been reported to reach well over 300,000 miles, with a greater than average chance of surpassing 250,000 miles.
- Purchasing advice: When buying a high-mileage Outback, always have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection to assess the vehicle's condition and identify any potential upcoming issues.
At what mileage do Subaru Outbacks start having problems?
The average life span of a Subaru Outback is 160,000 to 200,000 miles, which gives you more than 10 years of use if you drive 15,000 miles a year. With proper routine maintenance, a well-maintained Outback can easily go beyond the 200,000-mile mark without experiencing any major problems.
