Subaru's head gasket problems were solved when the 2.5L engine was redesigned for timing chains in place of the old timing belts during the 2011-2013 time period. Oil burning problems were mainly in 2013-2014 models due to faulty piston rings, similar to the problem Toyota had with their 2.4L engines. CVTs are an issue, especially since Subaru of America insists on the "lifetime fluid" nonsense.

If that 2017 Outback really has only 15K miles you could start a regimen of CVT fluid changes that would enhance its reliability and longevity. The mileage is suspiciously low for an 8-year-old car though and would need to be verified. Worst problem for that model was a battery drain issue which resulted in a class action lawsuit. Relatively few engine or transmission problems are reported:

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Subaru/Outback/2017/

The 2015 Honda CR-V looks like it has had issues with vibration in the engine and transmission:

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/CR-V/2015/

(You need to drill down in each category to see the details.)

Of course with a used vehicle the most important thing is the condition of the specific one that you are considering. Be sure to have a good mechanic give any used car a thorough examination before purchase. 

My post of 40 minutes ago had some errors or omissions. Below is the corrected copy.

Dear Scotty,

My son is looking at used cars at a use car dealership called Aidan Car Sales in Anchorage, Alaska. He needs a safe and dependable vehicle that works well in lots of ice and snow. Their inventory is limited. His budget is about $13,000. They have as of today:

1) a 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium (CVT) with 63,110 miles asking $12,999;

2) a 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited (CVT) with 99,808 miles asking $15,499;

3) a 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium (CVT) with 57,006 miles asking $14,999; and,

4) a 2015 Honda CRV LX (CVT) with 65,811 miles asking $13,499.

Are any of these worth consideration? I know that you don't care for Subaru or CVT's in general, however the choices up there are not many. Moreover, the model years mentioned above have a history of numerous problems: head gaskets, oil consumption, oil dilution, air bag sensor failure, engine stalling, oxygen and knock sensors failing, transmission fluid leaks. The Honda also shares some of these problems but also has fuel injector issues and faulty actuators for the doors and the AC.

Any advice you may have for us would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Phil Gonzalez

Posted by: @flipper

↑

My post of 40 minutes ago had some errors or omissions. Below is the corrected copy.

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Being sold by a used car dealer, by the way, is a big red flag. Most of them are buying cars at auction with no known history to flip with minimal cleanup and would rip off their own grandmothers given the opportunity. As already mentioned a pre-purchase inspection by a good mechanic is an imperative. If the dealer won't let you do that, run away.