I recently sold my 2011 Mazda 3 hatchback in with 170,000 miles on it. It was having so many problems, so I just sold it to a dealer. Sorry Scotty but I got a Subaru Crosstrek with an automatic CVT Transmission. I got it at 20,000 miles and so far I love it. I got it from a used dealership, it has a clean title. I've had no problems (so far) but I wanted to ask what I can do to prevent common problems that happen happen to with a CVT Transmission. I'm using this car as my daily driver but I'd like to go on light off-road trails in the near future. As for issues that people complain about with speed, It's not bad it merges on the freeway just fine. Overall, what can I do to make sure I don't break this thing lol. Thank you!
I would change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles max and don’t drive the vehicle hard (CVT is the weak link). Also, don’t tow with the CVT and if you go light off-roading avoid any obstacles. CVTs get stressed during off-roading and overall AWD vehicles (especially with CVT) are not really suited for that terrain IMO, so keep the terrain to easy dirt roads that even a FWD sedan can go over.
BTW, changing the fluid before 100,000 miles will probably void any warranty claims with respect to the CVT but if you intend to keep the vehicle for as long as possible well beyond 150,000 miles I would still do it.
Thank you so much!
Follow the maintenance, change the engine oil and filter and the ATF religiously and do not push the car hard.
Sounds good, appreciate it!
Not a bad car at all, there are other options but it's decent for what it is.
Other than having to drive it like a CVT - and avoiding internal slippage / overheating.
Most issues with this CVT are caused by junk (metal, friction packs, ...) getting in the oil.
Constant fluid replacements every 15k-20k miles maximum are a MUST!
Another tip is to not do that, they will cause internal slippage and will accelerate the wear significantly.
Here's a link to a recent post showing what getting un-stuck (rocking back and forwards to get going) will do to your CVT: https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/postid/204823/
(this is one of a Toyota Corolla/CH-R and the Subaru is better off-road but you should still treat it like a CVT and not like a manual / auto)
Keep your radiator clean.
Also, if your engine is the 2.0, check the oil level frequently once it has some mileage on it.
Thank you!
Sorry Scotty but I got a Subaru Crosstrek with an automatic CVT Transmission.
Don't apologize, they are good vehicles. Most companies (including subaru) have really improved their CVTs over the last few years. In my honest opinion, I think subaru seems to be one of the most fairly priced cars overall. All the advice suggested above is valid. These subarus do well if you're up on maintenance.
I'll definitely keep an eye on it, thanks for the advice.
I’d add more of the same. Don’t tow. Off road is ok, but don’t upgrade to heavy all terrain tires (get the manual if you want that).
I’ll agree with the others above that you need to change the fluid, but disagree on intervals. I wouldn’t touch it until 100,000 miles (not just cause it voids the warranty but because there is minimal benefit) and then every 50-60,000 miles thereafter.
FYI, if you do a search on this site this issue has been discussed a number of times so you can find more details. You should also check dedicated Subaru and Crosstrek sites.
Also, full disclosure, I bought Crosstreks for both my son (2017 manual) and daughter (2018 CVT). We have also had a WRX, STI, and Forester in the family.
Sounds good, I love the Crosstrek. Hoping to keep it for a long time, do you use the crosstrees for camping/off-roading?
My son does, frequently. My daughter just uses hers as a daily driver