What year model is best Subaru outback

The only real issue that you need to look for on any of the 2.5L models is the head gaskets. My wife has a 2007 legacy that had the gasket replaced under warranty at about 80k. Other than that and the usual maintenance the car has been wonderful. It now has 180k on it and still kickin ass.

You can get a lemon in any year (that's just the facts with all cars), buying used is always a gamble. So rather than look for a specific year, find one you like and take it to a trusted shop for a prepurchase inspection, most don't even charge to do it.

I appreciate your desire to ferret out the best model year, but, your question is too broad. As someone else stated, it all depends on condition and maintenance in a used car. You didn't say what your budget is, but, I'd recommend getting a lease return as opposed to purchasing one new, you'll save a lot of money and buy a certified used car. You can even get a warranty to 100,000 miles. There are lots of good used cars out there that are three to four years old. I know, I recently purchased a 2010 Outback 2.5 and it runs great. By the way, the H4 with the CVT is very smooth and powerful enough. The CVT transmission is superior to the manual and conventional automatic. Try driving one and you'll see what I mean. The certified used cars have a premium price, but, it's worth it. They're reconditioned to Subaru standards.

One more thing, the head gaskets issue is pretty much resolved with the introduction of the multi layered head gaskets in the 2010 model and newer. Good luck.

I am a 2nd owner of a 96 outback 2.2 .Bought the vehicle at 120k ,I'm currently at 266k,and only repairs in 11 years have been the following.... brakes clutch tires timing belt fuel pump I am in construction and I pull a utility trailer for work nearly every day, I also have a cargo area full of tools 300+lbs my suspension is shot, but what do you expect with that abuse. Motor is a little tired, but reliable. Manual transmission is original...oh yeah did do cv joints.

everyman- well done, I think you're getting your money's worth out of this car, and, it's still working , even though it's tired. OK, so, its a little TIRED, after 250,000 and 20 years on the road with all the abuse you say it has had, what else can you expect? BUT, it is still reliable and does what you want. It's your WORK car. Keep going until the bitter end, you'll save money keeping this going . Then, get yourself a newer vehicle. How much did you pay for this car? I'll bet that your cost per mile is very low.

I have a 2002 H6 outback. Had a valve spring crack a few years ago. It's a wonderful car. The MOMO steering wheel is a bit too big but everything else is perfect. Will hate to see it go in the next few years...

Hornet_2811- replace the steering wheel.... I imagine that you're not the original owner and didn't purchase this? Enjoy your car.... sounds great. Maintenance is the cornerstone of good motoring and if you're careful you can easily go to 200,000 miles.

Both my 2001 and 2008 Outbacks have about 200K miles each. They are both LL Bean editions. The 2008 is simply a wonderful car in every respect. I've driven newer ones and I'm happy with mine. The 2001 has less gimmicks, and in some small ways the center console and stack is laid out better. The H6 is a great engine and the quality of construction and materials is tops.

@halnwheels does 2008 outback H6 suffer from head gasket wearing out?

My 2000 ;-)

Neither of my H6 Outbacks have had head gasket issues. The 2008 in particular is like a new engine. It idles silently with no tapping or ticking. I can say without reservation that it's the best car I've ever owned.

Beware of the CVT trans. They are bad and costly.

@harry why do you say cvt are costly? Most new subarus have gone to cvt

Subaru had some issues with cvt transmissions when they first introduced them. They didn't issue a recall, but they did extend the warranty for some of the vehicles that had cvt in them. Also, the head gasket issue is still an issue. Yes, even in post 2010 models. Basically plan on replacing the head gasket in the 4 cylinder non-turbo models somewhere around 100K-150k interval. If it hasn't been replaced in the car your looking at, plan on spending $1500-$2000 to do so at an indy-mechanic. Timing belt needs to be done every 60K-70k-ish. Also, torque bind can be an issue with the awd if the previous owner didn't keep up with regular (every 30K) fluid changes in the rear differential. With all that said, Subaru makes a solid car. you can beat the piss out of them and they'll keep charging forward. With proper maintenance, it's not uncommon for them to cross the 300k mile mark with the original engine and transmission.

I own a 2005 outback limited beautiful gorgeous car around the only 3rd owner in great shape 180000 miles on it and still going strong it looks about 5 years old only beautiful car I love the all wheel drive specially in Wisconsin nothing beats it through the snow not even a 4 by 4

Mark says that CVTs are reliable transmissions! Haha! Once I saw that I threw his opinion out the window.