Looking at a 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5 with 157k for cheap but don't know much about Subaru's. Is the Outback 4th generation an overall reliable car or should I be hesitate to buy it?
They are generally reliable they fix that gasket problems by then. But Subaru is advised that weak automatic transmissions if it is an automatic have a mechanic check that closely before you buy
It has some promise, but have it checked out carefully by a mechanic. That's a fairly early CVT version and does not benefit from the changes Subaru made in later models. If there is even a hint of shuddering, slippage, or bad noises pass it by.
Also that year Outback is in the range of years that had oil burning problems due to defective piston rings which resulted in a class action lawsuit that Subaru settled with an extended warranty. Unfortunately the car you are considering is beyond the warranty period. Check the tailpipe for oil residue and if possible check spark plugs. (They are a PITA to access in overhead-cam Subaru engines. A pity, the old pushrod models were easy-peasy.)
If it’s truly cheap, might be a good buy. Overall reliability with that year Outback is average to maybe a little above.
But a big but (cue suggestive image over Scotty’s left shoulder): that’s a lot of miles. And even though the design flaw with the head gaskets had been fixed by then, you could still lose a head gasket if it wasn’t maintained or had been overheated. Also, with that many miles, you can wear piston rings leading to major oil consumption... and I would guess that may be why the current owner is getting rid of it.
and yes, transmission is weak, especially if it was used for towing.
on the upside, those EJ series engines are otherwise cheap and easy to work on. If you can get it checked out by a shop that works on a lot of Subaru’s and they give it a thumbs up, it could be an OK option.
