Will a Subaru last 10 years?
Yes. Subarus are known for longevity when properly maintained, and a well-cared-for model can easily reach 10 years of service or more. In practice, many owners hit that milestone and continue to drive beyond it with routine upkeep.
To understand the likelihood of a Subaru lasting a decade, consider model year and generation, maintenance history, climate, and driving habits. While some older engines had reliability quirks that affected specific subsystems, overall Subarus have earned a reputation for durability when owners follow recommended service patterns.
Durability drivers
Model-year differences
Subaru's engineering has evolved across generations, with some older engines facing known issues that later models resolved. Design changes—especially in engines, transmissions, and cooling systems—can influence long-term reliability.
The following factors commonly influence how long a Subaru remains reliable.
- Engine and drivetrain design, including boxer engines and symmetrical AWD
- Maintenance habits and service history
- Quality of parts, dealer/service network, and local climate (rust risk, road salt)
- Model-year revisions that fix early-generation issues
- Driving style and typical mileage patterns
Long-term reliability improves with attention to these factors and timely addressing wear items and failures as soon as they arise.
Used-subaru evaluation for a 10-year horizon
Used-subaru evaluation checklist
When evaluating a vehicle intended to last 10 years, consider resilience indicators such as service history, known model-year quirks addressed, and current condition of critical systems.
The checklist below helps buyers assess a used Subaru's potential durability by looking at history and current condition.
- Comprehensive maintenance history and receipts
- Known issues for the specific model/year (e.g., gasket history, CVT records)
- Rust underbody and frame condition, especially in cold climates
- Evidence of regular recalls or service campaigns completed
- Overall engine and transmission health during test drive
Evaluating these factors helps predict how well the car may hold up over the next decade.
Maintenance plan to reach 10 years
Adhering to a proactive maintenance schedule is essential. The following steps outline a practical routine.
- Follow the manufacturer's oil-change interval with high-quality oil and filters; keep records.
- Regularly inspect the cooling system; check coolant level and condition; perform coolant flushes per manual.
- Maintain the transmission or CVT with the recommended fluid changes and inspections.
- Keep brakes and tires in good shape; rotate tires and monitor wear; address suspension components as needed.
- Protect underbody and chassis from rust in salted climates; wash regularly and apply rust protection if appropriate.
- Follow timing belt (if applicable) or timing chain maintenance per engine family; replace belt on schedule and inspect chain tensioners if needed.
- Replace air filters, spark plugs, and maintain fuel system cleanliness to protect engine health.
- Monitor the battery and electrical system; replace as needed to avoid breakdowns.
Sticking to this plan reduces the risk of unexpected failures and helps extend a Subaru's life toward the 10-year target.
Summary
In short, a Subaru can reliably reach 10 years with diligent maintenance, careful purchasing decisions, and regular care. Across generations, the most important factors are following recommended service intervals, addressing issues early, and choosing well-documented, rust-free examples. With these practices, many Subarus can provide dependable transportation well beyond a decade.
