Scotty,
with the recent bad weather I’ve been thinking about getting a used Subaru with a manual transmission around a 2012 to 2015 . Should I get a 2.0 or 2.5 ? None turbo of course
Are the head gaskets on a little newer ones any better ?
Scotty talks about Subarus with a Subaru Outback
Subaru Engine Specs and Common Problems
Some years had excessive oil consumption issues, check out which years had the most complaints
Most of the issues happened in the years you are considering and Subaru switched from a belt to a chain in the 2.5 engine in that era so issues did pop up make sure yours isn't affected.
Like Scotty said, avoid vehicles with the valve spring recall whether repaired or not
Additionally, 80,000 Toyota and Scion vehicles built in 2012 and 2013 are covered by the recall, including 25,000 Scion FR-S models sold in the U.S…"
For those years I’d go with the 2.5 personally. Go to the website motorreviewer.com select Subaru and look at the 2.0 and 2.5. That will tell you everything you want to know about both motors. If you find one with higher mileage make sure the head gaskets been changed since they used bad gasket material especially during those years.
I have been having that exact same thought myself lately. The 2.0 was actually turbocharged, so for that reason I would say the 2.5.
One thing in favor of the turbocharged Subaru engines is they did not suffer from head gasket issues because a better gasket design was used with the turbo. The downside of course is turbocharging brings with it other complications.
The turbocharged engines still had head gasket issues, it was just less common because the early 2.5 engines had a faulty head gasket design. But as Scotty said, boxer engines are hard on head gaskets by design.
I would say either one would be good, depending on what Subaru you want. Those model years could get you an Outback, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, and WRX/STI in manual transmission.
+XV Crosstrek
Get the 2.5. The Outbacks are good AWD cars.
Subaru is the gold standard for a foul weather car, and for good reason: they are light weight, well balanced, reliable in the cold, and have excellent AWD systems. It’s no coincidence they are extremely popular in places like Colorado and Maine.
I’d be careful right now though. Used car prices in general have been distorted since Covid, and now with all the weather news I would guess that the same people who were hoarding toilet paper a year ago will be hoarding Subarus now. Don’t just buy the first one you see... make sure it’s a good car at a good price.
