Are any Subarus good and are they a reliable brand I’m moving across the country and I need a good reliable car and I’m just looking for help please
The first Subaru I saw a 2007 Subaru
https://bend.craigslist.org/cto/d/bend-2007-subaru-forester/7532775043.html
and there’s this one
https://bend.craigslist.org/cto/d/powell-butte-2002-subaru-outback/7530162618.html
but I have no idea which one is good or if Subaru is worth buying
This is not your first question here.
It depends. The head gasket thing is real, but only applies to certain engines in certain years, which it is possible to look up before you buy (or in some cases, the OEM gasket has been replaced). A good place to start is the Mr. Subaru YouTube channel. ( https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-aq0hDvKJ5Q). He is an experienced Subaru specialist who has details on the head gaskets and a lot of other maintenance issues on older subies.
The bigger issue is that Subaru’s are inexpensive cars, there’s no denying it. Overall they have above average reliability. But they are absolutely full of cheap hardware and fasteners (things like lug nuts and body fasteners). Stuff is gonna need fixing. Stuff is gonna rattle and creak.
But there’s a lot of upside to an old Subaru, too. They are extremely easy for DIY repairs and maintenance; if you are at all handy with a wrench, you can do most service yourself. And parts are generally affordable (The big ticket parts - AWD, differentials, transmissions - are generally well made and quite durable.)
Subaru is a funny brand. Brand loyalty is legendary, but appeal is, shall we say, selective. Places where they are popular they are super popular. Places like Colorado, Vermont, and the Pacific Northwest. Looks like you are going to Oregon. You’ll have no trouble finding a good independent Subaru shop there; maybe you can get one to do a pre-purchase inspection.
Good luck!
I would keep looking.
No Subaru before 2012. Potential head gasket issues. There are some that may be ok, but generally speaking, nothing before 2012.
