Used Subaru Outback as-is shopping advice?

Asked by Derek Apr 27, 2021 at 07:14 PM about the 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

Hello all.  Going to look at a 2010 Outback 2.5 AT with 72K miles.  The seller
is an off-brand new car dealership that doesn’t certify trade-in vehicles >10
years old. The asking price seems TGTBT, even for an as-is special.  Any
potential red flags a lay person such as myself can look for?  Cheers.  

2 Answers

930

Extremely high risk of CVT failure. Drive extensively when fully warmed up, stopping fully repeatedly. If stalling occurs run away. If front wheel bearing sound exists it's just as likely to be a worn out CVT as well...run away. Old-style 2.5i SOHC motor will need t-belt and pulleys replacement as they've aged out. Check HGs, despite being the sturdier 3-ply ones introduced in 2010. Could be a great find, but not sif trans is shot. Good luck.

1 people found this helpful.
86,775

Derek, I have a 2010 Subaru Outback Limited, 2.5 and the CVT.... It has over 103,000 miles right now and runs great. All I can share is my experience and report that it's one of the best cars I've ever had. I had the timing belt, water pump, tensioner and pulleys changed at 86,000 miles due to time and it was worth doing. It's all about the maintenance and how the car is cared for. I can't evaluate the car you're looking at, so, get an independent mechanic to look it over. I have the benefits of living in Southern California where the climate is really easy on cars. My car has no leaks doesn't burn oil and is extremely smooth. No problems at all with the head gadgets. Good luck .

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,490
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,650
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,380
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
19 Great Deals out of 1,005 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota RAV4
88 Great Deals out of 2,026 listings starting at $3,499
Used Honda CR-V
92 Great Deals out of 3,817 listings starting at $1,995
Used Subaru Legacy
7 Great Deals out of 156 listings starting at $4,999
Used Toyota 4Runner
15 Great Deals out of 341 listings starting at $9,900
Used Toyota Tacoma
53 Great Deals out of 1,029 listings starting at $8,708
Used Subaru Impreza
18 Great Deals out of 454 listings starting at $3,999
Used Toyota Highlander
24 Great Deals out of 719 listings starting at $6,495
Used Toyota Camry
51 Great Deals out of 944 listings starting at $2,212
Used Honda Pilot
44 Great Deals out of 1,202 listings starting at $2,133
Used Ford F-150
296 Great Deals out of 15,534 listings starting at $1,712

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.