2005 Subaru outback- replace engine?

Unless you plan on driving the car another 100,000 miles I would either live with the oil consumption or sell it cheap. With that many miles the transmission will be next. If it were my car I would try to reduce the oil consumption by running a heavier grade oil. What oil do you use now?

As F_O_R posted above, I would be very concerned about the transmission being next on the rebuild list. I would consider getting rid of it soon.

Wow, that's amazing, 272,000 miles and still in pretty good shape other than the oil burning issues.... I don't really see how you can complain about your car? This car owes you NOTHING.

How many of you have gone more than 250,000 miles on your "American car"?? Sure, a head gasket job at 175,000 miles is not bad at all... And, the transmission is still working? Keep driving it and watch the oil level. Probably can go to 300,000.. at this point, I wouldn't replace a bad transmission either. You have certainly gotten your money's worth. Use this money you would have spent on this towards a new or late model.

More useless information.... Kalina, first change to 10w40 oil to reduce consumption, or even 20w50 "summer" oil if necessary when/if you're out of winter. Then carefully drain and refill the transmission with 3.5-4qts fresh ATF (NOT synth!). Check again in a few days to see if it's still dirty. If so, repeat, as you only refresh half the fluid each refill. Note: do NOT "flush" the AT; just drain and refill. Good luck.

I just bought a 2011 subaru Hatchback with 242000 mi on it. It looks great everything works. We did have the batteries changed. Except for cosmetic fixes it's a great little car. How long do yo uh think I can drive it before major work is needed and should I go to the dealer to have everything g checked out.

My crystal ball is hazy. Your car could die today or several years from now. Keep up the maintenance!!! Skip the dealer, with their charges you will end up paying for a new car with the repairs they will talk you into.

FOR is correct; there is no history of ANY middle-aged Subaru escaping a Dealer recall or assessment without a multi-$k estimate for "recommended"! 2011 was the last year of the use of the big 2.5i in the baby Imps. Quick, comfy, loud, and a little too much body sway that can be remedied with the WRX rear swaybar. That said, Imps and Foresters were cheaply made in Japan, so tend to have more problems and material wear than Indiana Legacy/OB cousins. Your beast will eat axles, end links, bushings, wheel bearings...all normal cheapies. But if the heads or the CVT goes just throw it away and start over again with a proper Leg or OB.