Subaru Outback 3.6R | Lease End Final Thoughts
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- čas přidán 1. 08. 2024
- After nearly 3 years with our 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited, we're getting ready to turn it in. This is a final breakdown of our ownership costs, reliability, recalls and conclusions. Check out my two prior videos for more detail on things we like and do not like about this car.
INSTAGRAM: midnightcayman - Auta a dopravní prostředky
FWIW...2018 Outback 3.6R. Bought new. 80,000 miles, now. I know...old tech with no DI or turbo...two reasons I chose it. Dealer maintenance on-schedule except for oil and filter which I do myself every 6,000 like the manual says. (Pennzoil Ultra Platinum) Very average driving pattern, neither aggressive nor coddling. (no towing) Thing's been reliable as a stone. Zero issues. 22mpg around town and 29mpg on long trips. Uses 1/2 qt oil every 6,000 miles. My Blackstone UOA's show better numbers than any others I've ever seen. (and there are lots of those on web sites and forums) Thinking this may be the best engine Subaru ever built.
Thanks for the info!
Yup.. having owned an older OBXT I’d much rather have the 6 cylinders n/a model now..
Are you sure the 3.6 is made by Subaru? Anyway preferred over the 2.5 for sure. Or any turbo money pit.
My 2.5 na boxer is plenty of power for me, it does everything I need it to do and best of all it gets over 30mpg! Which means it's more affordable to go on long road trips! I myself wanted the bigger engine and never thought I would be happy with the base engine, but when I saw my outback for sale at a local Subaru dealer and they were only asking $20k!! I was like hell yea I'll take it thank you very much!! a year later here I am very happy with my 2018 outback with all the bells and whistles, l especially love the eyesight safety features like the adaptive cruise control that even works in stop and go traffic and I also love the lane keep assist that practically steers the car for you, I also love the heated seats, the sunroof, the auto power rear liftgate and the built in factory navigation with the new bigger (for 2018) 8inch starlink infotainment system....I got myself some new 17 inch gold wheels that look great as all Subaru's do when paired with gold wheels and I'm going to pair them with some nice offroad tires, some toyos all country at3 all terrain tires, 225/65R17 to be exact.......sure more power is always great but that dont stop the little engines from doing everything the bigger engines can, it's just gonna get there 2 seconds later. That's all.
Enjoy!
My 2018 2.5 premium is fine , there's like a $8000 difference between 2.5 and 3.6R
@@lowlifeangler that's what I got too, a 2018 Premium model, it has so many added features that make the outback feel like its loaded with features when compared to the base trim, like the dual zone climate control, the new for 2018 8inch infotainment screen, the heated seats, the fog lights, the rear USB ports and so on, also 2018 was the mid cycle refresh so it got several updates and improvements that make it look more upscale, I especially like the updated LED day time running lights....
FWIW Premium is what Subaru calls the base model.
@@IsaacReddinger not here in the states, first is base, premium, limited, then touring....
We are looking for the same type of wagon and I have the many of the same conclusions as you do.
I’ve owned an older ‘01 Forester which I did literally every on this car myself, from head gaskets, maintenance, services, etc. I now have an ‘05 Outback XT with over 200K miles on it and I’m now considering a ‘17 Outback 3.6r. But I wonder how reliable the 3.6r with a CVT are compared to the two previous engines with real transmissions on these cars. If I could have it my wat, I’d get a ‘09 Outback 3.0 MANUAL, but they’re very hard to find.
I ' m hapilly driving 2015 Forester for 3.5 years and cosidering to buy a 19 outback 3.6R touring, not a less reliable 2.4 turbo. I definitely would change a rear sway bar, install sports filter, two exaust pipes(one for 3 cilinder group). In this case the car would feel better. You would sense it too. I would consider any other auto, but as in summer I need off- road wagon/ Suv I could only choose Subaru. However, you could have choosen more expensive, faster, better looking volvo cc wagon. Why not? Speaking about outbacks and newer foresters they are quite ugly to me, touring is just to avoid these huge plastics on the roof.
Thanks for watching!
Do you have Octavia or Superb Scout in USA? This should be greag choice for your needs.
Unfortunately not. The closest thing we have to the Octavia is the Golf Sportwagen or Alltrak. We did test drive those, but the 1.8L turbo felt underpowered and the seats were uncomfortable for my wife.
@@IsaacReddinger And Golf is so much smaller car, and overpriced, too.
Smaller than the Outback, for sure. The Octavia, maybe. We don't get them here, so there's no way to know
long term flat 6 will last longer and run stonger
Honest, detailed review. Even though you were ultimately dissatisfied with the vehicle, your review (oddly enough) helped me in my purchasing of a 2018 3.6 limited (signed the papers today!). I do want to echo the sentiments of other commenters for those like me who are watching these vids agonizing over a decision: talking with my mechanic, a turbo 4-cyl is never a god idea--at least not long term.
He's seen many that the engines just give out around 100k mi. and the owners are in shock. But the reason is you're basically trying to get mule to run like a racehorse. As someone else said, that same logic holds true--to an extent-- for a 6 cylinder compared to any standard 4-- unless you're a granny driver who never takes it up mountains or hills, a 4 just simply has to work harder, especially over time...
On another note-- I loved the scenery! And as weird as this sounds the video was super relaxing (enough to make me come back and watch it after purchasing my outback haha). You made a GA boy almost want to move to PA to get snow like that lol Thanks for helping me make a decision!
Jared, thank you for your response! I appreciate that you were able take my feedback and make a decision that is right for you. Ultimately, that's all I want. It is also true that a larger, low stress engine will be more reliable than a smaller, high strung engine. Unfortunately, large, low stress engines don't meet strict emissions standards and/or consumer power demands. Good luck with your outback, I hope it treats you well. In your note about the scenery, I'm a born and raised PA boy and love the 4 seasons. I'd be curious how you like my other videos as well. Cheers!
I'll never understand people comparing the H-6 to the turbo H-4.
While they might have similar horsepower, the H-6 hands down, has more torque.
I purchased my H-6 Outback new in 2015, and it replaced a 2009 H-4.
A few months ago, I drove a loaner 2021 with the turbo H-4, and the difference was like night and day.
If after driving your H-6 for three years, you can say there's no difference between it, and the H-4 turbo, says that you weren't paying attention while driving the H-6.
I guess if you never intend to keep a car more than three years, it really doesn't matter, but the service life of the H-6 vs the H-4 is much much better, and means a lot to someone who intends on keeping their car for more than 3 years,
I said have not driven the turbo 4, and was speculating about its performance and drivability. I tend to prefer the idea of the flat six over a turbo 4 because it's simpler and will have fewer parts that could fall long term.
@@IsaacReddinger Yes, the more complex you make something, the more likely it’ll break down, and be more expensive to fix.
My biggest problem with the turbo H-4 is that Subaru is forcing such a small engine, to preform like a much larger one, which will cause a lot more wear on it, making it need repair sooner.
I wish they’d have made an H-8, or turbo charged the H-6 with the new Ascent.
The car is much bigger, and can hold 7 people, that’s a lot of weight to pull down the road in an H-4...
I agree about the fit for the Ascent.
Obviously an H8 will never happen. I think a turbo 6 would be a great choice for maybe a Legacy/Outback STi or Ascent Onyx
@@IsaacReddinger That would be awesome indeed!
But with the very strict regulations, and the jury of public opinion, it's becoming harder and harder to sell cars with larger engines.
And as long as they can make the turbo H-4 last at least 5 years before breaking down, I'd say they're making the smart choice.
It's still sad though...
When I drove the loner Ascent with the turbo H-4, I was surprised at the power it had, but the turbo lag, and total lack up oomph from torque, I could imagine a family of 5, towing a boat or camper, i Colorado...
I guess only time will tell. I think that the only way they'll get the oomph back, is with a hybrid model, that uses the eclectic motors to give it that torque boost from the line, and give the turbo a chance to get moving.
But as far as carrying 7 people, all their stuff, and tow a small boat or camper? I really don't see it happening...
Thanks for doing this kind of review. I would be curious what you decide to get next. I too have a 2018 outback 3.6 limited. My lease is up real soon. I like the 6 cyl. It is a lot more adequate for highway passing than the 4. Now with the 2021s I not a big fan of the turbo in a 4 cyl and even more if its direct injection. There so much pressure in a small engine its naturally going to wear out quicker. I'm torn between outright purchasing this outback or I been eyeing the new crosstrek with the 2.5 4 cyl in the sport version. Crosstrek weighs less and the 2.5 may make it a better experience. Not sure how it would be with highway passing compared to a 6.
That's a toss up. If you don't need the extra space, it may be worth considering the Crossrek with the upgraded engine. Take a look at the reviews from some other places about that vehicle. If you like your Outback 3.6, you might want to consider keeping it, though with a lease buyout, you typically loose a lot of money, all things considered. For example: At my lease end I had payed about 18,000 toward the car with an MSRP of $38,xxx. However, my lease buyout was not the remainder of the car's value that I hadn't payed (about 20,000) but instead about 28,000. So, in the end if I chose to buy it out, I would have payed $46,000 plus interest for a $38,000 car. Obviously I knew about this downside when leasing and this is the only time I have ever done so. But the upside was that it was like a long term rental and if we didn't like the car, we weren't much worse off than if we'd financed it for 5 years and taken the depreciation hit. Thanks for watching, and good luck with whatever you decide!
Where was this filmed?
Pennsylvania
@@IsaacReddinger did your Subaru have engine oil consumption issues ?
@@mugsy7773 I have had a 2014 2.5, 2016 3.6, and 2018 3.6 all without ANY oil consumption or other issues (that weren't handled with recalls).
I did not notice any, no.
What is your other car? We regularly drive the six hours to our daughters in our Outback, and its a pleasure, quiet, great seats, no complaints, love it.
Unfortunately, car seats are a very subjective thing. Some people need soft, cushy seats that have little to no bolstering that helps them slide in and out of the car more easily due to back/joint problems, etc. Others prefer a firmer seat with better bolstering for more support. Often, these two types of seats are not available as options in the same car and thus, they sometimes become one of the sacrifice points for their owners. Thanks for watching!
Logged 4900 miles 2 week trip to out west in a 2018 Outback. Last month I went to Arkansas for week vacation , 2700 miles,. I thought the Outback was very comfortable
I will agree with you about one thing, the Subaru seats are the most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in. For short trips around town they don't bother me but I drive once a month 200 miles and the seats are pure torture. I owned a Volvo and those seats were the best I have ever sat in on long trips.
Volvo are one of the companies known for good seats.
Weird, we do 300 mile trips to our daughters all the time, with no problems, and were in our '70's.
@@fubartotale3389 depends on what you're looking for in a seat. My father-in-law who will be 77 this year hated the seats because they weren't supportive enough. He drives an M4 and looks for firmer seats, as do I and my wife. Different strokes....
I disagree. I find the seat quite comfy. Just my opinion
Seats are definitely subjective. Everybody needs something different from a seat.
I wonder if that guy on the Road was lost
Haha, I would've stopped and asked if he needed to go someplace (now I realize while typing this that he seemed to be heading in the same direction to boot), but maybe things work differently where the video was filmed..
so why the heck does someone think that a transmission with six actual gears is so much better than a CVT with six simulated gears? I really think that's kind of nuts, and I would actually prefer to turn off the simulated shifting and have one smooth transition of power like these CVTs were really designed to have.
Indeed, with my 2.5 Crosstrek, if I keep the revs at 2k when accelerating from a standstill it does not do the simulated shifts. Of course it's not the fastest to get going at that speed, but I'd say unless someone is really in a hurry behind me, there ends up being more space between the cars behind me after 2-4 seconds.
The 3.6 is even better in this regard..
I appreciate Subaru enormously for this, the cars are really well thought out in many aspects including this one.
For most people, the feeling of the car never "shifting" and staying at one RPM is disconcerting. In what I do, I have literally had poeple call me and ask if their car is broken because they were going down a hill, the car sensed it, and downshifted a gear in order to use engine braking to help maintain the speed. They heard the higher RPM and thought the transmission was bad.
More reliable with set gears,durable long term over the "band/chain" and performs better acceleration wise,no hesitation.As far as the droning sound,you do get used to it but still doesn't sound like a real down shift but that part is preference,not performance
@whoami-eb7cq well said!
Great advertisement for not buying a leased vehicle.
Why do you say that?
@@IsaacReddinger 6:30 "did the minimum possible because, to be honest, this is not my car. I'm not going to be owning it long term. I just have to do the minimum due. That is my obligation as what they call a lessee." The I'm just going to do the bare minimum to comply attitude translates into how that person also treats the vehicle in all other respects. It's not mine; I'm just renting it. As such, they will do things to and with the vehicle that they might not otherwise do if they actually owned it. Now I am not saying that you are a car abuser. It's just that your choice of phrasing conveys this disinterest in doing anything but the bare essentials. There are many out there that do even less for their leased vehicle. And that's the reason one should be very careful when buying a lease-back. They may look nice, but many have latent issues and accelerated wear that may not manifest itself right away.
@@onlyonecannoli3952 you're not wrong, though having been working in automotive service for almost 10 years, it doesn't matter how someone owns a vehicle or not, many people though not all, do not properly maintain their vehicles. I would estimate about half of the people I've seen over the years properly maintain their vehicles.
Those are two very different cars to compare mileage. Whereas comparing two different edginess in the same car is more accurate. I ALSO said that I didn't have first hand experience with the new engine and could only speculate.
In the car industry but bought the wrong transmission…
Apparently you didn't pay attention to our reason for settling on the Outback.
premium gas required for the Turbo.
Good to know!
Bull Crap !
Think again. Maybe 10 seconds of research would show you that Subaru developed the 2.4 turbo to run on "regular" gas.
It's always best to follow manufacturer recommendations.