I bought my 2011 Outback 3.6r when it already had 151,000 miles. Now it has 163,000. No issues. Just regular maintenance. Great car. Bought it for the AWD, the power of the 6 cylinder and 5 speed auto. (No CVT). I have owned a lot of cars over the years. This is one of the best for me.

@bengarrido638

3 ай бұрын

I just picked up a 2012 3.6r for my sons 1st car. We already had a 2012 2.5 one for years. This "new"one has 153k on it and a big change from the 4 cylinder that I was used to for past 10 years. While the MPG is not as good on the 6 cylinder, the get up and power is great. Yes, having a 5EAT is a must, once it went to the CVT with the 3.6 it was too much power and burned out the CVT. Good buy!

@delreed2906

3 ай бұрын

@@bengarrido638 Congratulations. Great car.

I took my outback to get a new washing machine a while back. The guys at the store laughed at me? Guess what, The full sized washing machine in the box, slid right in, hatch closed. The guys at the store had egg on their face.

@morganboutwell8231

3 жыл бұрын

I did this with my Subaru once! The look on their faces was priceless

@abes.4040

3 жыл бұрын

I put a diner table and 4 chairs plus 2 printers and full size microwave oven in the trunk and had no issues.

@DayRider76

3 жыл бұрын

@@abes.4040 I used to have a Cadillac Fleetwood, One day I decided to use it to get new tires for my fire bird. I didn't want the guys at the tire shop to touch my firebird so I put all four tires in the trunk of the cadi and took them in! + the full size spare that was already in there. The look on the guys face when I told them, "Yea. their in the trunk"! Priceless.

@Dawn191

3 жыл бұрын

@@DayRider76 I know I got a Lincoln Town Car the truck is huge.

@nicholasmapes

Жыл бұрын

I fit a kitchen stove in mine lol, they are awesome

ive owned my 2011 Outback since new. Still own it. Still love it. Practical, no nonsense; this car has been reliable and durable. No complaints especially compared to all the other cars I've owned: Mercedes, Mazda, Honda, Pontiacs, Chevy, Chysler, Cadillac. No such thing as a perfect car, but my Subi has been far better than every other car I've owned.

@williamperri3437

2 ай бұрын

Transmission and head gasket?

I bought a used 2011 Outback 3.6R a few months ago, and have been in love with it since! What a great car! As much as I hate snow, I'm wishing for some good snowfall this year so I can see how great it is in snow. KZread has a bunch of impressive videos of outback owners taking their cars through tall snow without any problem.

@Shadow__133

2 жыл бұрын

Bring chocolate, beer and bear spray, just in case 😝

Thank you! Great overview of this vehicle. I think I'm going to buy-in! Thanks!

Thanks for your invaluable time and information regarding the Subaru Outback and features.

2 years ago I bought my wife a new (to us) our first Subaru. I bought it in 2021 and it’s a 2019 year model. She had driven her Camry for 18 years. We bought 54.5 acre mountainous parcel. We live in north central Washington state and get 5-7 feet of snow every winter. During the winter months she would have to park her Camry, drive my 4WD Rav and I’d have to drive our 4WD pickup. We live 5 miles from a small town on a private road that we have to plow and maintain ourselves. I was going to buy her a new Outback but I came across her 19 Outback with only 5,600 miles. I had been looking for a Cinnamon Brown Pearl with Ivory leather interior, but was having trouble because of the Pandemic. When I came across her now Outback I bought it for her. Yes it was 2 years old (lease return), but with only 5,600 miles and savings of $5K, I bought it. We had to drive to Tacoma to buy it (5hour round trip). It was her 50th birthday gift. We’ve been driving Toyotas for 40+ years and even when they were AWD or 4WD we always had to put studded snow tires on every winter. She drove on the factory tires until they wore out. The traction is superior to anything else on the road. We were so impressed with the traction, comfort, safety and Subaru’s reliability. Last year (2022), I decided that because of the traction alone I was looking to buy a Forester Touring to replace my 13 year old RAV4, 4WD Limited. I was looking for a Bronze with Saddle Brown Leather interior. It took me over 6 months. I was looking for a 22 or 23 year model, but I came across another 2019 Forester that I had been looking for. I couldn’t believe the mileage. It had only 4,700 miles on it. I quickly looked up the price on KBB and it booked out for $38,900. My Forester was in Shoreline, WA (a 6 hour round trip) at Carter Subaru. They sold it to me for $32K. We happily drove my wife’s Outback to Shoreline and bought it. I’m so glad that I bought my Forester. The previous owner was more of a maintenance nut than I am. Even though it had only 4,700 miles, he had changed the oil 7Xs. He had the brakes bled and new tires put on at only 1,300 miles. If you own a Subie and don’t do any serious off roading, I’d HIGHLY RECOMMEND buying Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires. Their Awesome on dry, wet, slushy and snow. Get this; we have full coverage on all 3 of our vehicles. When we bought the Outback and dropped the Camry (we donated it to our church), our insurance premiums DROPPED by $300 per year. After selling my 13 year old RAV and adding my Forester, our insurance DROPPED again by $300 per year. I asked my insurance agent (USAA) why our premiums Dropped by $600 per year for both of our Subaru’s. My agent told me that it’s because Subaru’s are the Safest, the best for accident prevention (the eyesight) the best for occupant safety protection and Subie’s are less likely to be stolen. According to the IIHS, our Subaru’s received the Highest Safety Rating, which is the IIHS Safety Plus Award. Our Subaru’s go almost everywhere we want to go, even on logging roads, gravel or dirt roads. I do take my 4WD pickup to my favorite fishing spot as the “road” I take to get there has some serious deep holes and I don’t want to scratch my Subaru or have dead fish in the back. Sometimes I’m wheelchair bound and my Forester is the first vehicle I’ve ever owned (personally) that I don’t have to fold down the rear seat to make room for my wheelchair. Furthermore our 110# chocolate Lab has plenty of room in the rear while the rear seat are up. In 2025 Subaru is redesigning the Forester with the option of the Toyota RAV4 hybrid. If that happens, my wife wants to sell her Outback and buy a new Forester Touring Hybrid to use as her commuter vehicle.

I like my 2012 Outback 2.5i Limited. I bought it two years ago and it's been great. I live in the northeastern snowbelt and it's been through a couple winters which it had handled excellently. Looking forward to crossing the 110,000-mile mark on it soon too with just oil changes so far. It fits my needs as I live in the suburbs but occasionally go to the Catskills to ski. Even though it's 10 years old, it doesn't feel like it. The buttons all work, and they don't feel loose or rattly in any way. The seats have held up nicely as well and I can probably sell it for about the same or more than when I bought it because of Subarus' excellent resale value

@The_Coffee_Rabbit_Hole

Жыл бұрын

At 110k you should be worry about you timing belt mate , it should be change before 100k and if it snap it will waste you engine ... i have a 2011 with 112k and 2007 forrester with 250k on it and the timing belt is very important to look at

Getting one of these soon. So excited

I just bought a used 2011 Outback 4-cylinder CVT with only 52,000 on it. I had a Toyota Sienna before that. While I find the driver’s seat very comfortable, I do hear more engine and road noise than I did in my Sienna, and that’s even with quiet Michelin Defenders on it. Also, I have to give it a lot of gas while I’m reversing, just as someone else mentioned. I just drove it through the mountains of western Maryland and northeast West Virginia. While the engine made more noise than I’d prefer, because I like a super-quiet cabin, the four-cylinder did just fine on the steep hills of Route 68. I was pretty impressed because I figured that would be the test to see if I regretted not getting a six-cylinder model. As far as the Harmon Kardon stereo goes, it’s just okay. I’m researching aftermarket

Good review thanks. It would be good to hear how you thought it drove.

Just picked up a 12 plate outback 2.0 diesel, so far so good! The fuel economy isn't too bad either, just got a bit of snowfall so I'll be putting it to the test.

Thanks for this review. :)

I just purchased a 2011 outback and I enjoy driving it. I have a problem with the driver's side tires that keep losing air. Other than that, I think the car is wonderful. I like how it drives.

I think the 4th generation is the best looking. At least the 2010-2011 ones anyways. Would want one with the EJ engine as well, and would have to be Cypress Green !

have a 2012 and it feels faster than the 2004 Jeep TJ I traded for it and definitely double the MPG it’s been 3 years and I’m impressed and pleased!!!

I read there was a recall for the 2010-2011 Outback related to overheating condition in the windshield wiper motor assembly lower cover. If the motor and associated components overheat o the point of motor failure, operator visibility in wet conditions will diminish.

@saintjabroni

3 жыл бұрын

Any update on this matter?

My 3rd outback loving the 2012 is great on gas 4cylinder average 350 miles with full tank

I got the 2010 OB limited, 11 years old and the only issue i had was a burned out relay switch from the ABS system. Oil, gas, tires and brakes. That's it. I wanna keep it till the wheels fall off its got 150k on the clock. I do all my services at the dealership, oil changes and brakes, belts and filters. All original never from AutoZone. Oh, yeah, the battery is from Walmart.

The 19 and older Outback’s have a 2.5L 175hp engine. The 2020 and newer have the same 2.5L engine with 182hp and Subaru also has a 2.4L 260hp turbo.

Manual shift is a must in this type of vehicle.

@patrickgroll2046

3 жыл бұрын

I have a '13 stickshift and it has been superb. A manual is the way to go whenever you have marginal power

@jeffs3119

3 жыл бұрын

@@patrickgroll2046 Truth! Plus for us drivers with a family.

FYI: The Suburu has a 18.5 gallon gas tank. So, the range at hwy. mileage of 29 mpg for the 2.5i is over 600 miles. I'll be moving into the Outback from a VW Sportwagen TDI. (which has about 650 range at hwy. mileage.)

@ashquatch_

4 жыл бұрын

Thats the same switch I made, the TDI had so many issues. I do miss the mpg though. 12gal tank and a 650 range, cannot beat that. I fill up twice as much than I use to

@2005CessnaPilot

4 жыл бұрын

@@ashquatch_ I still have my 2014 VW Sportwagen TDI 6-Speed Manual! Now has 90K on it. But, still cranking 42-43 Mpg off. I test drove a Subaru Outback (at $26K) and it was kind of boring. Not like I remember the 2004 I once drove, which had tighter suspension. I'll probably drive the TDI 200,000 miles plus.

@ashquatch_

4 жыл бұрын

@@2005CessnaPilot ahhhhh! You got it in a manual😫 those are super hard to find. Miss the crap outta my 2014 tdi, it was in the shop every other month for electrical issues so I finally caved and got the outback. Lackluster compared to the tdi for sure.

@2005CessnaPilot

4 жыл бұрын

@@ashquatch_ Never any problems with mine. Lost 2-4 mpg with the TDI fix. But, still a trooper.

Mine doesn't have the touchscreen! Is it easy to install it to the Limited?

Love my 2010! I have to disagree about the 4 cylinder though. I feel like it has plenty of power & it is not noisy at all. Plus it gets better gas mileage than what you stated. I average between 23 & 27 in city driving.

@DrivenCompanion

4 жыл бұрын

I was just stating EPA numbers - they vary by driver and type of driving

@Kay-bear

4 жыл бұрын

They tend to last longer as well

Hey Mike. I do a lot of outdoor photography, birds mostly. Do you think these cars are as capable as a 4 wheel drive Toyota FJ Cruiser? I’m debating between pickup trucks, FJ or perhaps a Subaru. I never drove a Subaru so I didn’t know! Thanke

@DrivenCompanion

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Gary, an Outback will be nowhere near as capable as an FJ. It will do just fine in snow and on the occassional rough back road but if you're talking serious offroading the FJ or a Jeep would be much better. If you want something capable that still drives really nice on pavement I'd take a look at a Grand Cherokee.

@MrGflan

4 жыл бұрын

Mike C thanks Mike!! I figured that. I did see a Subaru once get out or a huge hole and it was pretty impressive, but I would probably want something more heavy duty. I haven’t really looked at Jeep yet. Do you have any years that you prefer? I’m trying to keep it in a 10k budget if possible.

@billgreen3629

4 жыл бұрын

Figure out if you really need 4x4 capability. The Outback will drive dirt roads all day long. Throw in a section of road where you need 4Lo, locking differentials or need to climb rocks and ledges, it’s game over for the Subaru. If you spend a lot of miles chasing birds and migrations, the Outback will do it at literally half the cost and is much nicer to drive long distances.

On a road trip, with the cruise control set at 68 mph and A/C on, we got 31-34 MPG. Local driving I usually get between 27-29 MPG

@Shadow__133

2 жыл бұрын

Except it is illegal to drive below 80 mph 😆

im gonna buy a subaru outback 4th gen with the 3.6r with the 5 speed auto transmission because the cvts in my opinion are trash and very unreliable and i am not really a fan of cvts plus i believe the 3.6r with the 5 speed will last longer in the long run vs when you get the cvt i have seen one for sale online with 375k miles with the 3.6r 5 speed

V 6 ? Flat 6 surely ?

3rd gen is actually a stand alone model as well

We own a 2014. It is about the most sensible of sensible cars that one can buy. One complaint: It is a huge ordeal to replace the left side headlight bulb. I have considered cutting an access hole in the piece of sheet metal that blocks access under the hood. We have the 2.5L and CVT with flappy paddles, but never use them. The CVT does have a slightly weird rubber band feel but we have had no CVT problems so far, coming up on 78,000 miles. I find the 0W-20 oil recommended to be much too thin - it pours like water. Next oil change I am contemplating a switch to 5W-30 synthetic.

@David-cm4ok

3 жыл бұрын

It's not the worst complaint in the world, is it? A bulb.

@Ready72000

3 жыл бұрын

@@David-cm4ok Definitely not the worst, but why does it have to be that hard? To access it, you have to remove the left front wheel and wheel liner, then reach in with your arm fully extended to remove the old bulb and socket. Then it gets harder. You have to reach back in, arm fully extended, with the new bulb/socket, and get that to clip into the headlight housing, which is MUCH more difficult and fiddly than taking it out. While doing this, you can see the neither the socket or headlight. You can either look up in there and see the hole, or you can reach your arm in there, but not both. So you have to clip it in by feel, which is very difficult. It is also painful, as the opening is not a straight line. There are other components that cause your arm to ache, and your fingers hurt from flexing the clip. But if you use a glove you lose feel, which you need since you can’t see while you are installing it. Overall a terrible ordeal just to replace a headlight bulb. There is an under hood panel that I think you could cut a hole in that would allow you to reach in with just your hand, as you would be much closer to the back of the headlight. This would make it a lot easier to access.

@patrickgroll2046

3 жыл бұрын

I have a '13. The way to deal with this is to go to West Marine and buy a plastic access port. Just install that on the inner fender well right behind the headlight. Super easy. Admittedly it's not a very clever design but this is an easy and worthwhile hack.

@colechapman6976

Жыл бұрын

I would say you should go 5w synthetic. It's the one I use and I'm at 114,000 miles. Definitely runs a lot smoother and it lasts longer

@Ready72000

Жыл бұрын

@@colechapman6976 I have since switched to 5W-30 synthetic for the last three oil changes. A much better oil I think, but I still get some fuel soak from blow-by. 🙁

You know that the Outback is based on Legacy Wagon So, they are related

Can you do a review of the cvt transmission problems for this generation and how subaru extended it to 10yrs/100k miles but that it should really be a recall ? Thanks

@saintjabroni

3 жыл бұрын

Any update on this matter?

@emteebee1872

Жыл бұрын

I’m considering a 2011 Outback but this cvt thing seems concerning

very nice car I think it's made by Fuji which is part of Toyota

Obviously an older review but just to correct a discrepancy in the reviewer’s presentation, he referred to the paddles as allowing for manual shifts then says the floor shift “also” allows manual shifting. For those considering a Subaru for the first time, these are equipped with a CVT, (continuously variable transmission) which shifts automatically for you. The way the manual selection works is as follows: you move the floor shift to the left to “M” and then shift manually with the paddles, up or down. I find that it’s more of a gimmick than a useful option, at least driving around town, on pavement, in normal conditions and traffic. Other owners may have different opinions.

@donrobbie5528

Жыл бұрын

For the 4th generation 2011-14 the 3.6 Engine comes with a 5 speed traditional automatic (the 2.5 has a CVT). Starting with the 2015 model year all Outbacks have a CVT. So on this particular car the paddle shifters do actually shift the transmission. You would be correct for a 4 cylinder of this generation or any newer generation Outbacks.

Love my 2014 3.6 has 132,000

@joananasgardcervantesbenit2305

10 ай бұрын

HI! do you recommend that version? They are selling me one in good condition

Are you independent, or any support from car companys? I am researching Subaru outbacks from 2010 to say 2014 ... for a friend... thank you!

@DrivenCompanion

3 жыл бұрын

I borrow cars from a local used dealership. No support from any manufacturers.

@idkwhtimduin

3 жыл бұрын

I have a 2014 2.5 Limited its been amazing so far i am at 96k miles no issues family/camping hauler

It also comes in a 2.0l diesel with far better range

@DrivenCompanion

5 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately not in the US. A diesel would version would be awesome here!

The 10 has some major problems with drivetrain correct?

@Greiger10

4 жыл бұрын

Head gasket & oil burning on the 2.5L 4 cylinder engines, yes.1

@saintjabroni

3 жыл бұрын

@@Greiger10 But not known drivetrain issues, right?

@amlafrance1918

3 жыл бұрын

@@Greiger10 oil burning started with the 2012 and the new FA engine that replaced the EJ engine. With the new FA engine came with new engine oil requirements of 0w-30. Very thin oil, and from what I’ve heard, had engine piston ring issues as well. I would stick to a 2110-2011 with the EJ engine, you then just have two issues to worry about lol. Head Gaskets, and the crummy CVT. Buy a manual if you can.

It’s not “great” fuel economy…adequate (20-25 mpg) at best. And the biggest difference between the 2010-12 2.5l Outback and the 2013-14 models is the switch from timing belt to timing chain, a huge impact in maintenance and operating costs. This is a poor review.

I was considering a 2012 Outback but more I read about it, I'm concerned about headgasket and engine oil consumption. How can you say this is a reliable car when such an basic yet important engine design issue is plaguing the car?? Are you just lucky you didn't get these problem? I heard it's not "IF" but "WHEN" question, and the only fix is there is no fix, keep throwing $1000's of dollars at it until you get used to it.

@snowman4242424242

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I've owned 7 Outbacks (well, first was a Legacy) and at this point the head gasket is something you just have to plan for in budgeting. When buying used ask if it has been done yet or not, kinda thing. Once that is accepted into your psyche, Outbacks are a dream, and mine has saved me from accidents through the brainy independent wheel drive and braking system. I won't buy anything else. I tried but I keep going back to Outbacks.

@The_Coffee_Rabbit_Hole

Жыл бұрын

2012 have double layered head gasket and should be way more relyable than the 2010 and older model imo

Are these the ones with the bad heat gaskets?

@chuckwilliams6294

3 ай бұрын

😂

Subaru does not have a V6.

Was this car new or used

@DrivenCompanion

5 жыл бұрын

Used

so the manual has worst mileage than the auto?, I'm stunned

@DrivenCompanion

3 жыл бұрын

Thats the case on most newer vehicles - big switch from the past.

@SlightReturn666

3 жыл бұрын

Just a tiny bit. I have this car with a manual but it makes for so much more spirited driving than with the CVT. The mileage penalty is so small as to be not a consideration.

Every time I see the small cap , near the shifter lever, with a screw driver notch on the side, that screem to me, this has been in searious accident, or it had to change the transmission on it.

@caominewcomb5329

3 жыл бұрын

That's actually so you can put ur car in neutral if the battery is dead. Pop the cap up and put a small flat screwdriver in it n push down then you can shift the car. Works great when you need to get it on a rollback. Most 3rd gen Subarus and newer have them

@alainbrisebois8334

3 жыл бұрын

@@caominewcomb5329 And why somone would have to put it in neural if the battery is dead, if not to pull it on towing plate-forme?

Ruff 🐶 rack 😁

The light bulbs were the problem during these years. I just got rid of it...I would never buy another. If you are thinking of one of these, think twice. Don't trust this company, they looked the other way when they have a design problem. Not safe at all when the lights go out every 2 months like mine did.

@saintjabroni

3 жыл бұрын

Every 2 months your lights would go out (burn out)? Wild...hmm.

@patrickgroll2046

3 жыл бұрын

?? I have a '13 and am still on the original headlight bulbs. Perhaps your voltage regulator was out of spec? Seems like an absolutely great car to me

@joycecastona5327

3 жыл бұрын

Light bulb replacements got so bad I was there every two months. Why didn't they just fix it if it was fixable? I bought a Honda crv. Much better vehicle.

@peterkazaks

2 жыл бұрын

@@joycecastona5327 We have a 2011 and go through at least one headlight a year.

@joycecastona5327

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickgroll2046 they couldn't figure it out. I took it to the dealership several times.

Is not beautiful i need ride i need buy 😂🤣😅