Why I bought a 2011 Subaru Outback | CarGurus at Home Review
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- čas přidán 1. 08. 2024
- Senior Editor Matt Smith invites you in for a look at his personal car: a 2011 Subaru Outback.
When Matt was shopping for a vehicle, he prioritized all-wheel drive, cargo space, and price. Add in a versatile roof rack, and the Subaru Outback was an easy choice.
While the Outback offers lots of space and features a great all-wheel-drive system, its 2.5-liter H4 "boxer" engine leaves something to be desired (most notably, more horsepower and torque). Still, the Outback has proven reliable, giving Matt no mechanical headaches in the 25,000 miles he's driven it (the car has roughly 85,000 miles on the odometer).
Thinking about buying your own Subaru Outback? Check out CarGurus for great deals from great dealers: cargur.us/zP1T8
Presenter: Matt Smith
Editing: Elliot Haney
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Totally concur with all his comments. I just sold my 2011 2.5i with 137K (bought it new). It was the MOST RELIABLE car I ever owned (I'm 49). Ony had to do maintenance (brakes, tires, timing belt, plugs, etc.). It even had the original battery and alternator. I just bought a 2020 Onyx XT. I couldn't pass on it since it seems so bulletproof, and there was 0% financing for 63 months (and got 7K off the sticker). Go Subaru!
@Emma Collier Around 115K
@@Yellow-Rose thats on older ej's from the 90's when they used some cheap single layer gasket
This is honestly one of the most informative car reviews that I have watched.
I just bought a Used 2012 outback and I can't tell you how happy I to have found the video! Like Matt I am a 30 something bearded white guy who lives in New England and wanted something super reliable. This review has calmed all my fears and I can't wait to take my outback to Vermont to buy cheese and go hiking!
I’m a Northeastener as well. No beard but plenty of flannels and I consider myself a pretty practical person. I love my 2012 Outback limited that I bought a few years ago. Great car with 110,000 miles on it and I’ve driven it all around the northeast. I’ve taken it through Philadelphia, NYC, Maine, Portsmouth, Upstate NY, and it’s been dead reliable. Terrific in the snow too especially with snow tires. Only complaint is that it can be a bit noisy with the CVT growling. Tall hills and acceleration are not this cars friend either. Apart from these niggly little issues, it’s been great
I bought a 2011 outback 3 months ago and the first thing that I had noticed was this thunk but thanks for this video. I realized I am not alone! . It a great car! I live in Dallas and the outback saved my life in the recent snowstorm and it just went so smooth as if there was no snow at all... I loved it!
Hi from New Zealand. I have had five Subaru from early days from basic Legacy to Outback. Totally reliable dependable cars and as skiers the AWD magnificent. So great to drive up the mountain and not have to put chains on. They continue to get better and better and now my daughter and husband into their first outback.
It looks like new and probably you and the previous owner look after it.
For the thunk problem, I had the same issue, not just in the winter time, and I did a little bit of research and it's fine now. First, when you stop the car in the parking lot, do not remove you foot from the brake pad. Then put gear into neutral. Use the hand brake and then put the gear into parking mode and lastly, remove your foot from the brake pad. That will prevent that thunk issue.
Thanks for your post Saeid! I'll have to try those steps. Although my hand brake is the electronic parking brake, I imagine it should still work in the same manner.
Thanks. I’ve had the same issue with my 06 forester. This sounds like good advice. I have noticed it usually happens when I am parked in an uphill position.
I’ll give it a try.
I do the same on any automatic car, stop, neutral, handbrake, left foot off the pedal so the car rolls a tiny bit freely, then foot brake again and only then go through reverse into parking. Takes a second.
Got the 2012 H6, it's literally the perfect car for all my needs. Same color as yours too!
Just purchased one 6 months ago. 2013 Outback 6 speed 82k one owner car! Love it so SPACIOUS! I also have a 97 Outback manual one too! I bought a new Crosstrek in 2016 brand new manual! I love Subaru's!
I have a 12 with the 6 cyl. Almost 140k and going strong.
I have a 12 with 155 ~ 0 problems ~
I have a 13 with 135 no problems
@@dylanbesaw7256 I have a 13 3.6R 135k too!! no problems either
Racecar
I just bought outback premium 2011 yesterday, and I love it! Thank you for sharing this video!
I bought a 2011 Outback with the 6 cyl engine new. It has been a great vehicle for me. I wanted reliability in icy conditions in the mountains, lots of room, and something that took regular gas (not premium). I also have the "thunk" when putting into gear and it has always been that way with no discernible problems. I had to replace the rear brake pads and rotors last year. It was making a noise like old bedsprings. At first they thought it was tie rods. I don't drive much - have only put 65,000 kms on it. (In Canada) I feel safe on ice, snow and heavy rain. I am getting that noise intermittently again after a quiet year - might be the front brakes this time. But overall I am really happy with this car. My husband liked it so much he went out and bought a 2019 last year. He is pissed that the model he bought doesn't have the cool roof rack for some reason.
Outback’s are the best. My 2003 h6 lasted just under 300,000 miles. About to buy a gen 4/5 this month.
Thank you! This review helped convince me to get a 2011 or 2012 as my new car!
We have two Outbacks. My wife's is just like yours, a 2011 2.5 with a CVT. I find the CVT to be like driving a refrigerator but it works fine. On a whim, when I got frustrated with owning BMWs for 20 years, and the crazy ridiculous repair bills, I sold my 2013 X5 and bought a way way used 2013 Outback with a manual. I think it had about 90k on it when I purchased it; now it has 2x that. Cost about half what I sold the bimmer for, and I just stuck the difference into my eTrade account. Unlike my wife's CVT-equipped one, the manual is tons of fun. The stickshift really really helps you wring out good performance and it feels waaaayyy more powerful even though it isn't. The stickshift action is just okay-feeling, but the clutch is pretty light and all in all it works great. The stick also greatly decreases the rate at which brake pads wear, at least if you downshift coming to a stop.
The thing about the Sub's is, sure, they do have little maintenance issues once in a while, but they're cheap to have fixed. We don't bother going all the way to the dealer, just the mechanic down the street. Very inexpensive and nothing major. I always took the BMWs to the dealer for service even though it was an hour away. Once the warranties ran out on those cars, I would get high anxiety walking into the dealer's service department -- it's just soooo insanely expensive and I often had major, major repair bills. I mean for heaven's sake, a nice set of new tires for the Outback is $550 installed; for the BMW it was well over twice that. Even if the warranty has lapsed, it's no big: half of New Englanders own out-of-warranty Subarus and nobody gets too verklemmt about it.
I also like that the car has just the right options and absolutely no others. It has heated seats, an electric driver's seat with lumbar, and bluetooth for hands-free phone connections and music. The CD slot is never used but it's in just the right place to mount a Garmin GPS unit.
BTW my wife's Outback has a sunroof but mine doesn't. If you're tall, definitely consider whether you really need one. There must be 2" more headroom in my car than hers.
I was looking for a big vehicle for car sleeping when I go camping and I found the same 2011 Subaru Outback in May of 2023. It’s great! And with the back seats and front passenger seat folded down, I can even put my almost 10 foot kayak inside ! Or if I prefer, the kayak can go on the available roof. I think this Subaru Outback compares to an SUV
Nice! It still looks new. Hopefully it will be reliable for years to come 👍
thank you for making this. I found a used 2011 at a dealership and had contacted them early tonight. watching this really gave me reassurance that I am making a smart choice. I'll probably look into adding a hitch so my bike will be ground level. Thanks!
Did you end up buying the car? If so, how is it so far?
Brotha
Enjoyed your honest assessment of this model! 🙏
I have a 2011 outback but with the H6 engine. Normal maintenance. No issues at 163,000 miles. The 'thunk' when shifting into gear is well documented online so I won't go into the simple fix. Love the car. Everything about it. The 3.6r does not have the CVT. I run Falken Wildpeak AT Trails year round. Perfect for here in the Smoky Mtns.
Matt, I own a 2011 Subaru Outback I bought new in March 2011. Current mileage is 69,000 (July 2024). The only time I experience any resistance or "clunk" when shifting from park to reverse is when the car is on an elevation. If it is a pronounced elevation I set the parking brake. I have had no transmission issues at all. I will admit, however, that I was a career engineer in the Navy and am a maintenance fanatic. We kept our shipboard propulsion plants performing well for years due to attentive maintenance. Take care of your Outback and it will serve you well for years. I would not hesitate to drive mine anywhere, any distance, anytime.
Regarding the reverse shift clunk you describe, if parking on an incline, set the e-brake first before putting it in park. If you just pulling up somewhere to park and you're in drive go from drive to reverse quickly instead of slowly and you will notice the clunk disappears.
Bro your review is pretty good.
*AND BEST OF ALL WITH THE 2011* ... *no horribly designed START STOP system* requiring it to be manually shut off, 3 levels down on the touch screen EVERY TIME you start the car !
True Dat!!!
I have same 2011 car, but it is my parents, mine is super messy rn but it has over 190000 miles on it and it runs like an angel
We have a 2011 Outback with 195k, going strong great in the mountains and snow
Any preventative measures or repairs you have done so far besides oil and fluid changes
4 or 6 cyl?
I’m thinking of buying one with 181Xxx super clean
@@candylandkm dude same. Exact same mileage too
Did you have a blown head gasket that Subaru is notorious for?
I have a 2014 2.5 outback 90858 miles. Had the thunk noise until I had all fluids changes recently. Now I am even happier with this car. Everything is so smooth. Everything you reviewed here is spot on. I just wanna drive and take it places after the pandemic ends. Brakes, rotors, and spark plugs will be my next ideal preventative measures. Hope mine last past 200k miles. Perfect ideal family hauler and daily driver to work! More outback videos please!
Edit 02/22/21: 110k now no issues
What is this trunk noise you speak of?
How’s it been holding up?
Wonderful vehicles ! Got a 2012 as my first ever vehicle and it’s absolutely lovely ! Snow mud anything
Great review! Thanks.
I'm a 2011 Subaru outback owner. Everything you say is true. Wish the paint was a little more durable as I get chips very easily. Good news is that the blue paint I got, is a smack perfect match.! Enjoy
Just got a 2011 outback, glad to hear the thunk from park to reverse is "normal" or at least common. It was one of my concerns with the car
How to get around the transmission 'thunk': when you park on flat ground, put the car in Neutral first, then activate the parking brake, let the car settle, then put it into Park. I have the 2012 and someone long time ago told me it's the parking paw (not sure what that is), but this resolves that thunk sound.
Do you have to do this everytime?
I just bought a '11 Outback at the beginning of this summer, with 145,000 kilometers on it. I do get that annoying thunk at times when putting it into reverse. Not only when cold, but also when it has been parked on an incline. I also agree with almost everything else Matt said....almost.
Personally, I refuse to buy/drive a 4 cylinder car. Extra cost & fuel economy be damned!! And I am so extremely happy that I did buy one with the 3.6L engine!! That engine, coupled with the 5 speed auto, absolutely rocks!!! That is the other thing I disagree with Matt about. I consider my Subie very sporty!! There have been a few times already where I have been pulling away from a dead stop, making a left hand turn, and gotten on the accelerator hard. My girl crushes the turn!! I guarantee that if the same turning angle/speed was done in a Wrangler, the Jeep would definitely be flipping over onto its side. And there have been many, many drivers that I have stunned/shocked by leaving them in the dust off the line!!!
I have had my first two snow adventures in my Subie as well. First storm was prior to getting my snows put on. My girl handled the snow like a champ, even with the all seasons on. But the next storm, after the winters had been put on, INCREDIBLE!!!!! I am now praying for many more snow storms this winter!! 😜
yes, its sporty because it has 86 more horsepower than the base model!!!!!!! takes turns well due to its low center of gravity due to engine design!!!!!!! fairly certain matt is driving the 4 cyl base model!!!!!!!!!!
Wait for that thunk to turn into an $8000 transmission. No I didn’t misspell. Just happened to mine. Same year and model. They even extended the warranty for this crappy transmission as it was a total lemon and why they cost so much. I would sell as soon as possible!
I have a mazda 3 and i had the same thunk, it happens when you park the car and let it roll back. my fix was, I pull into my driveway and park then pull forward just a little and hit the brakes to stop and gradually press it down as far as itll go and then put the parking brake on. itll never 'thunk' again
Hey... I had that issue... Shifting the transmission from P to R it was hard.
But follow this.
While stopping the vehicle keep the vehicle in P apply electronic back then turn off the engine. When you start press the break, shift the transmission from P to R then release the electronic break. This way you never have hard shifting.
I love my 2012 2.5i limited Outback with the navigation system that I bought a few years ago. Since I am a college student in the northeast, a car with a lot of cargo capacity and AWD was what my needs were while looking for my car. I also didn't really want an SUV or a sedan, so a wagon was what was left of my options. Volvos were too expensive to repair and I didn't really like the interior of them.
I chose the Outback since I liked its AWD, resale value, and cargo capacity. It's not a rocket ship, but 170 horsepower is plenty for my needs, I am a slow driver anyways and usually stick to the right side of the road haha. So far it's at 91,000 miles and still ticking away, so I think I am gonna keep it for a few more years and then sell it. I think my next car after this will be a 2014 Lexus rx350, which I know is an SUV but I love the added techy stuff the used Lexus offers that my current car does not feature such as led headlights, power tailgate, ventilated seats, and blind-spot monitoring, which are all features that I would hope my next car will have.
All in all, my Outback has never left me stranded (knock on wood), it's been very capable on dirt roads, summer thunderstorms, and through tough winter conditions. It also gets decent range and I usually end up getting around 500 miles worth of range after a full fill up. Really it is a perfect vehicle, albeit lacking in a few modern features like BSM, rear climate control, it wasn't even an option on the highest trim level in 2012, and a power tailgate. All these do come on the 2015 model, so maybe in stead of the Lexus I'll opt for a 2015.
Good review thanks!
I have a 2010 limited 2.5i 198k. Super dependable. Brakes, tires, etc...show it some love, do the maintenance and it keeps on going.
Nice car, I have a 2001 outback. I like it's handling.
166k on my 2011 with the 2.5. so far wheel bearings, radiator, brakes and my engine light was on with brake and traction. Changed the gas cap it went away then came back. Opened the radiator cap heard suction and been topping off radiator the last week assuming air bubble trapped fired the engine light because it turned off when I released the air pocket in the coolant system.
2010 3.6R here, approaching 15 years and 191K. had 2 major repairs:
1. torque converter at 168K (lockup shudder shop replaced)
2. valve body at 178K (turbine speed sensor 2 - I replaced)
had several minor repairs (minor as I did the work)
VVT solenoids at 160K (rough idle)
2 front wheel bearings at 189K (roaring from left front)
A/C condenser at 175K (corrosion- causing a leak)
Belt tensioner at 185K
Lower front control arms at 140K
Struts/Shocks at 155K
2 knock sensors
Car will cross over 200K in the middle of this year
I have a 2003 Legacy wagon with 160k that has been awesome. I hope to keep running it and hopefully it'll be my last internal combustion car.
Good review Matt, if well looked after and follow Subaru maintenance schedule, they will usually last for years, that's why you hear of so many 200kplus milers out there.
I have a friend with a 2011 Outback 2.5i Premium, and it has 306K miles on it. No joke.
Got mine and its the boxer diesel 6speed Manual love it live in the Snowy Mountains Australia
A few years ago, I was close to getting the same wagon in white pearl with the sunroof package until I saw that the backup camera showed a blue screen and the front leather seats had rips and it was under 114k on the odometer.
In my family fleet there is a 2013 outback limited and a 2018 limited fully loaded both with 4 cylinder engines and the newer one accelerates faster and has a longer distance to empty range even if it's larger, plus the ride is also smoother and quieter.
My wife just totaled her 11 outback 2.5 premium with 159k on it. She got t -boned and it held up good. No problems at all, just regular maintenance, had the thunk when putting in reverse. Planned on keeping it for a couple more years. Looking at the 19 premium now, it's the last model year that still has some buttons to push instead of all in the touch screen.
Mike - I bought a 19 outback limited with 21xxx miles and love it... Its such a quiet and a smooth car.. I have always loved how well the Subarus are built..
Nice video which is very informative. Can you do a video of the Subaru legacy estate car?
Have the same model love it..just did the sparkplugs..my son actually did...wasn't horrible but everything I've done to it..just regular maintenance
Mine thunks in reverse too. Nothing horrible but made me go “hmmm” .
Mine does too
Mine to
I've learned before putting it in park to hold the brake down and turn on parking break whenever at any incline. Also maybe replace transmission mount to help
A few times I had that clunk when shifting to reverse, but I figured it was because I had just started the vehicle and it was in high idle mode as it was trying to warm up. Other time I figured it was because I didn't set the parking brake. Haven't had the issue since I've started letting it warm up a couple minutes and using the parking brake.
I am currently car shopping and my wife suggested the Subaru as her aunt drives an older one and it’s very spacious. Is this a good family car for kids/dogs?
I bought a 2012 Subaru Outback. Roughly 100k miles. I drove it for seven days and returned it because it had that issue you described. But instead of thunk, it stalled and it sounded like it dropped a refrigerator in the back onto the road. It wouldn't shift out of first anymore. All the alerts lights came on. Carmax tech reset the codes, called me and said that there is nothing wrong with it.
I really hated having to trade in my GMC Sierra because the engine was still drivable but damaged enough that it could have failed me at any time leaving me stranded on the freeway. I traded it for a Subaru outback yesterday and was wondering if I did the right thing. Your video helped to ease my mind about the situation. Thanks
I've had 2 Outbacks and both have a hard time switching to Reverse in Canadian winter's even with the BY.
I have a 2014 3.6R with some 52k miles. Whenever you get to stop and park first I break, go to neutral turn on electric break, release break and position in Parking. That's it
Have a 2010, 146,000 miles and just a recent leak of power steering fluid. Just put a little Lucas and the leak is gone. Other than that, no issues.
I have 2011 outback as well. Cvt made a loud jolt for me when going into reverse. Also seemed like it would almost stall out coming to stop. Contacted SOA, went to local dealer, and they changed torque converter for free. Your 2011 outback has - 10 year, 100k mike warranty for cvt, if you didn’t know
Because it was a lemon…..after that 100k…..it costs over 5k for a high mileage used and 8k for a refurbished! No joke….. those transmissions are garbage and I just had to replace mine. No transmission should cost 8k. Why do they? Because they are garbage and quit producing them. Very well documented. Sell that money pit before yours goes out!
Good review, bought the Outback from a one owner who had maintained a very good maintenance history.
As this my first Subaru, learning as I go.
Also do notice the "clunk" sound when shifting to reverse.
Not sure if it is as noted in previous post, warm up issue, parking break engagement,etc...
Other than that no issues thus far.
The maintenance records which the majority of services have been done by dealership was a plus for me.
Is a 2014 Subaru Outback worth the extra money if you can afford it? What is the cargo space with seats folded and not folded please?
12 with 94k. No problems yet. i love my subaru
2011 model still has the EJ253, so you WILL have head-gasket issues eventually. But that's ok, the MLS replacement head-gaskets they make these days are bomber and will likely result in a lifetime repair once needed (compared to the single-layer metal gasket on your engine). :) You'll have trouble with that CVT way before the head-gasket though.
I love my 12. 139k and running strong
The head gasket problem is not fixed. I have a 2011 Outback Premium 2.5i with $130k miles. Guess what needs to be repaired, the head gasket!
I'm gonna guess here but does the Subi idle higher when cold? Increased RPM may lend itself to clunk. Possible fluid not thin enough when cold. My truck clunks when first started but RPM is up till warmed up. Anyway appreciate your opinions on your Outback. Looking myself for a reliable 3rd vehicle as putting too many miles on work truck for simple errons.
Hii, its been 7 months. Did you resolve or find out more information about the thump?
Would anyone recommend this as a first car. I’m looking for a reliable first car for mine and I’ve looked at the outback but I don’t know many with them. So can someone please let me know
Mine OB 2010 does too, but I found the problem. Apply the parking brake before releasing the brake pedal. The "thunks" when puting in reverse is because when on P position the car is still trying to roll, thus pushing the gerabox to stop it. It is really not a problem but annoying.
I just bought a 2011 Outback Premium today! 132,000 miles but only $8300! I live in rural Maine and can't wait to see how it does in snow and mud. Her name is Dorothy.
If Dorothy's timing belt, water pump and thermostat have not been replaced, you might look into it.
@@gui-texzan7477 Thanks so much! I know nothing about how to take care of a car, so I do appreciate that advice!
Hello from Tennessee
I have a 2013 Outback 2.5 CVT I brought my car used with 101,000 miles on it. I had some issues with the oil consumption and the CVT making a whinny noise. I contacted Subaru of America and they fixed both issues for free… talk about great customer service.since then no more issues with the car I now have 196,000 on it and it’s been trouble free so far I had the car for 4 years and counting.
Boy you lucked out because Subaru didn't cover my blown head gasket. Runs great but didn't take but a few seconds for it to happen. Enjoy
Change the PCV valve on your subaru is using oil. Easy fix and they do get clogged.
My mom has a 2011 outback. Its red with lether beige interior. However her does not have the dual zone climate option yours has
My outback has the 5 speed auto (3.6R engine) and it does the trans "bang" when its cold hahah
Shift linkage will break, change trans fluid, warm it up
Is there any different between 2010 and 2011 sir?
Hi I have a 2005 outback it is the best car I have driven bad weather,I was going to Wisconsin about 4 times a year in winter never fell not safe. JE Long
I think not only Subaru is affected by this thunk sound/jolt. I have a Mercedes C-class which does the same, and not only in Reverse put Drive too - every morning. Not sure what it is - been driving it as such for the last 2.5 years, will try the parking break suggestion from the comments.
On another note - are there Outbacks with automatic transmission that is not CVT?
U will b doing headgaskets. Bought mine with 133k. Headgaskets leaked internally. Older 2.5 Headgaskets leaked externally , single layer headgasket. Multilayer leak internally. The FB motors ( timing chain) seem to have fixed headgasket issue. Son has 17 outback 195k. No issues.
Hi mate I have a 2011 outback I had to but a another motor in due to the dreaded head gaskets but apart from that I do like it no thumping into reverse tho. I was the same when buying was looking for a 4wd but couldn't find anything in my price range with lower ks. I'm in Australia Queensland and whe. I bought it it had 128000km and then the gaskets went bit overall it's very practical for us with a teenage kids plenty of room. I didn't know this about the roof racks so I'm about to go check
I had no idea the rear seats reclined!
How is the transmission for a 2011?
I have a 2011 as well,was lucky to hit 30 miles a gallon mostly city driving,(canadian gallons) In April i mouved to the country,now doing 35 miles per gallons (without AC).
Bye.Lucien.
Yeah I really like the look of the Outback, the AWD and high ground clearance but have a tough time trusting the brand....got burned on an earlier Forester with blown head gasket. Know there are some very loyal Subaru owners however. I would definitely get the bigger V6 engine or the 4 cylinder turbo.
Sounds like more of a dishonest seller (or dealership). Sorry about your bad experience - it’s a shitty shitty feeling.
@@aquacrimefighter2368 Unfortunately not a dishonest salesman/dealership. Subaru's EJ25 (2.5L boxer) is well-known to have cooling problems, which can result in blown head gaskets. Also, the CVT transmission is very expensive to fix or replace if/when it craps out on you.
My 2011 Outback has been great for all of the reasons listed in this video, but frustrating for those I mentioned.
@@gui-texzan7477 yes had to put a head gasket on. Runs great but didn't take but a few seconds for it to happen. Thanks
Same sound on my 2011 outback while changing to reverse.
I have a manual transmission 2011 outback, bought 4 years ago. Mine needed a new clutch only 6 months after buying, and now needs a new transmission. Fml I guess I'm just unlucky??
That sucks. I was thinking about buying one so I was doing research and came across major issues Subaru is notorious for like a blown head gasket that is very costly to repair.
I’ve got the six speed manual which is a much better match for this engine size. Bit of a slog in traffic but very zippy.
Wait, 2011 outback rear seats recline? I have a 2011 outback 2.5 limited, was that feature included in that trim level?
Of course, the one feature my car shares with yours is the car thunk going in reverse, it’s real and awful.
They sure do! There's a small plastic lever about a third of the way up the seatback on the outboard seats. Pull that lever to recline the back seats.
No big dumbass screen in the dash is what sold me.
I have a 2011 2.5i base with 140k miles (one owner, well maintained, but all original parts, original rotors, water pump, and belts) It zips around the city at 24mpg. Highway is 29mpg. I've gotten it up to 120 which is very odd considering I can't find a single video of it going over 105mph 😂 Anyways, it's a solid car and I plan on driving mine until it falls apart.
Did you do the recommended timing belt change around 115k? I just bought a 2011 2.5i with 134k, and it hasn't been done yet.
I get that thunk as well on my 2002 but I found that if I put it in drive first then reverse u don't get the thunk try it
I thought the fuel consumption was great until I got a 2015. Slightly bigger engine sips a little more.
Reliability? How 'bout that Sox magnet on the tailgate???
Now let's talk about the head gaskets ($4,000), the CVT ($3,000+), the radiator ($800), the CV shafts and lower control arms ($1,500). Don't believe the "4th generation is fixed!" crap. All these issues start up at about 125k miles.
The transmission thump is probably because SOA says the fluid is "lifetime". It gets dirty from the CVT belt wear and starts clogging the valve body solenoids. Which can only be purchased through Subaru with a new valve body.
The transmission fluid, the front and rear differential fluids and coolant need to be changed out every 3 yrs/50k miles. And synthetic oil every 5-6k. And a new radiator about 10 years, as the plastic gets brittle.
How do I know? I have a 2011 2.5L Outback.
It has a better mpg than a R version. I wouldn't complain. 😀
Yes i just brought one and my do the same thing
2011 subaru legacy with 2.5 ,cvt and 180000 miles . Can feel the torque convertor lock up clutch engage. Change the cvt fluid. Air bag recall twice. Plus 3 sets of head gaskets with the third set needed to be retorqued to stop an oil leak.
Still a nice car though
My bf needs to replace his car and he was eyeing this one. Should I tell him to reconsider considering all these problems?
I’ve got the 3.6 and it is very powerful compared to my 2015 Subaru forester 2.5
We are 3rd owners of a Sub outback 2011. I want to install a remote start and apparently it's a bitch to do on this particular model>?
I've heard the manual transmissions are the way to go. These automatics can fail and lead to 8k+ in repair bills.
One thing to be aware of is the torque converter issue on this generation Subaru. My 2010 legacy had it and then I fixed it, the way you can see if you have it is go to a very steep hill, and then at the top, stop very abruptly. You'll feel the car transmission shudder a little bit, and if it's bad enough the engine will stall. If it doesn't stall, then your torque converter is good, if it does still, you'll need a new torque converter for it.
How much was the bill for that?
John Foley, he said he has the 4cyl with the cvt so that doesn’t apply to him but yes if you have the 5 speed that could possibly be an issue…
We have a 2016, fuel economy is about the same. Average 26 mpg.
Engine is plenty powerful enough if you know how to drive it
I just bought a 2011 3.6R with only 42K on it. Feels solid. Doesn’t anyone know if the Bluetooth technology on this model is just completely out of date at this point ? I tried pairing my phone for Spotify and for making calls but doesn’t seem to work at all.
I bought a '11 3.6R Outback this summer and it has the Bluetooth. But I do not use my cell phone much, and hardly ever in the car. So I have not tried pairing it. I will try to give it a go within the next week or two and then come back here to let you know how I fared with it.
I have the 2011 3.6r & I am not super tech savvy so I looked it up on youtube and paired my phone easily.
Paired my 2011 Ltd. just fine, but I can't get the mp3 thing to work with my phone, on which I have several audio books. Checked this site today looking for help on that from a video. No luck just yet.
My 2011s head gasket failed at 80k miles. Don't think it'll redeem itself from that.