Should I buy a 2015 -17 Subaru Outback?
Depends on price, how many miles are on it, and how long you plan to keep it. Also do not buy a six-cylinder model. Not only are they gas guzzlers but as Scotty likes to say those become endless money pits as they age.
On Subarus the CVT is the weakest part of the car and extremely expensive to replace when it fails, likely more than the car would be worth once it's several years old. On the plus side the four-wheel-drive system is very good on these if you live in a place where winter driving is a concern and the age range you are considering is new enough to not be affected by Subaru's legendary head gasket and oil burning problems. Always have any prospective purchase checked out by a mechanic with a dealer-level scan tool.
What he said.
They are ok cars but the automatic transmissions are weak so I would only buy a manual transmission 4 cylinder Subaru.
Those are pretty good cars. If you are buying it for the AWD Subaru has the best AWD system. Ideally you would want a manual transmission if you can find one, but the CVT is decent. With Subaru you want to make sure that you are getting a naturally aspirated 4 cylinder engine. You want to avoid turbocharged engines and 6 cylinder engines.
Subaru’s are alright cars as long as you don’t expect it to last you over 150,000 miles.
the 2.5 litter 4 cylinder (FB25B) engine is alright, they usually last about 150-160 miles (although I seen some go well over that) AND
They don’t have many common issues, and here’s how to address them: the VVT system is prone to fail (so monitor oil condition to prevent it getting clogged up), the radiator is known to fail and this engine model in particular can get easily damaged from overheating.
Most common issues are easy to spot, this engine makes knocking and banging even if there’s a slight drop in lubricant level. And floating RPM is usually caused by a faulty electronic throttle.
Do not get the 6 cylinder one, those are garbage.
the automatic transmissions on that outback is not Subaru’s good old 4EAT, it’s the new TR690 CVT (“Linetronic”). I’ve seen them brake-down completely with under 100,000 miles so CHANGE YOUR GEAR OIL RELIGIOUSLY but they usually don’t last much over 130,000 miles either. (All new automatic transmissions are stupid)
lastly, change your differential oil, keep all fluids clean and if you do so, it may last you for sometime.
