Good morning all,
I'm on the market for a subaru, and I've heard about head gasket problems. Which model years should I avoid? Is there anything else I need to look out for? Thanks.
The models to avoid are those with belt-driven overhead cams. The head gasket problem was fixed when the boxer engine was redesigned for timing chains. So for the most part you want to avoid overhead cam models prior to 2012. (Actually the old Subaru pushrod boxer engines were bulletproof but we're talking 1970s-vintage so most of those are gone.)
Also avoid Subaru six-cylinder engines. They are gas hogs and they cost a fortune to repair.
On top of what Chuck Tobias said, avoid their early CVT models too. The new CVT's are better.
Manual transmission is an even better bet! Early Subaru CVTs were trouble-prone but their manual transmissions are solid.
On top of what Chuck Tobias said, avoid their early CVT models too. The new CVT's are better.
