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.
86,825

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.

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