Considering 2015 OB 2.4
Asked by JediJinx Dec 07, 2016 at 10:39 AM about the 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i
Question type: Shopping & Pricing
I am completely new to Subaru's and used to and LOVE driving my 2013
Passat TDI which is a torque-y and smooth ride but due to snow here and
oppty to trade now with the buyback I am considering a wagon. Im feeling
the VW Alltrak might be too small. We have to haul stuff - dogs, animals etc.
and not exactly loving the mid-size suv's I've tested (they feel heavy and
phlegmatic). What are some of the differences with the Subaru and how
does it do long term with abuse? Think sitting in the cold for days followed by
750 mile trip... etc. We've never had a H4...
5 Answers
I absolutely love my 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 with the CVT transmission, BUT, they unfortunately developed problems with the engine redesigned starting in 2013 , and the FB series motor. I think, but, I'm not sure if this got all fixed starting with 2016, but, the 2013 through 2015 cars are definitely NOT GOOD. See this below, http://www.carcomplaints.com/Subaru/
The EJ Series engines were built from 1989 to 2012 and got perfected with the Series 2 motor , starting in 1999. The weak head gaskets that were prone to failure, were redesigned for the 2010 model and have much fewer problems. All cars have problems. It's just a matter of degrees. I had two VWs, and would never purchase one again. In terms of AWD, no one beats Subaru, they've been doing this for longer than anyone else.
Wow! Mark finally fessing up that Subaru's are not made in heaven. Take my word as an unfortunate owner of a 2015 that you may like the AWD which is great but be prepared for a lot of grief if you end up with an oil burner like I did. I don't think there are any significant changes for 2016 or 2017.
Full_of_Regrets- I NEVER said that Subaru cars were perfect. I merely stated repeatedly that I liked my 2010 and the 2010 to 2012 cars were VERY good with the EJ Series 2 engine and the newly designed head gaskets. Unlike others on this forum,. I'm NOT at all convinced that there's a widespread problem with the Lineartronic CVT transmission. And, as a point of information, Subaru only offers this automatic transmission in the United States. No more 5 electronic automatic transmissions of the past, the old 5 speed EAT is gone.
Unfortunately, cars are very much like vintage wine....some good years and others well bad to worse. Which is why....it's better, in my opinion, to purchase a car two or three years old, one that is a lease return and has been vetted. In 36 months you are going to hear and see problems with particular models. As tempting as it is to purchase a brand new car, zero miles, and a complete warranty, it means very little if you have problems and have to deal with a variety of repairs and issues in the first two years or so. Plus, the resale value of the car goes down more quickly if it's perceived as a problem car....
