Need feedback from Outback owners

[chewyheel]

I'm in the market for a used Outback, 2010 to 2014 2.5i model. Upon doing some basic research this seems like a really reliable and quality car but I would like to get some info from owners on what some common issues/problems or just general things to know about this model. I've never owned a Subaru before, mostly a Nissan guy up to this point. Thanks for your input. 

[1 Lucky Texan]

pretty sure those years cross-over the change from EJ to FB engines.

 

EJ have timing beltes that need that system serviced every 105K miles or 105 Months. FB have chains. Early FBs seem to be getting a reputation for a high incidence of oil consumption.

Edited February 15, 2016 by 1 Lucky Texan

[shoebee2]

FB series use chain? The one I helped a friend rebuild had belt driven cams.

[1 Lucky Texan]

from wikipedia;

Subaru FB engine

Subaru FB16 DIT

 

(Japanese: Subaru FB engine) An entirely new generation of boxer engine announced on 23 September 2010.[8] By increasing piston stroke and decreasing piston bore, Subaru aimed to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, while increasing and broadening torque output over the previous generation engine.

 

The FB has an all new block and head featuring dual overhead cams with intake and exhaust variable valve timing (AVCS - Active Valve Control System), and a timing chain that replaced the timing belt. Moving to chain-driven cams is said to allow the valves to be placed at a more narrow angle to each other and shrink the bore of cylinder from 99.5 mm to 94. It results in less unburned fuel during cold start, thereby reducing emissions. Subaru is able to maintain the exterior dimension substantially unchanged by asymmetrical connecting rods like those in EZ36. The FB is only marginally heavier. Car and Driver is told direct injection will be added soon.

 

Subaru claims a 28-percent reduction in friction losses, mainly due to lighter pistons and connecting rods.[9][10] The FB has a 10% improvement in fuel economy with the power coming on sooner and the torque band being broader.

FB25B

Subaru FB25B

 

Displacement: 2,498 cc DOHC

Bore: 94 mm

Stroke: 90 mm

Compression: 10.0:1[12]

Power: 170 hp (172 PS; 127 kW) at 5,800 rpm[13]

Torque: 174 lb·ft (236 N·m; 24 kg·m) at 4,100 rpm

Application:

2011+ North American Subaru Forester

2012+ North American Subaru Legacy

also;http://drive2.subaru.com/Win11/itsWhatMakes.htm Edited February 15, 2016 by 1 Lucky Texan

[Numbchux]

2010-2012 Outbacks have the Old EJ25. Basically the same engine they've been using since 1999. A little less prone to head gasket failure, but still present.

 

2013+ have FB25. As mentioned, timing chain, virtually zero head gasket issues. There was a batch of bad piston rings causing oil consumption problems right from new. Subaru has honored many many warranty claims on these to replace the entire shortblock (initially it was just the rings, but most have gotten whole shortblocks). And, there was just a class-action law suit settled, and letters will begin going out to current owners extending the warranty to 100,000 (or if that's already reached, one-year from letter postmark). 

 

 

Only transmission options for 4-cyl cars in this range are 6-speed manual, or CVT (this may be in the pro or con list depending on your personal preference. I think the CVT is pretty cool, even though it's pretty weird to drive. We haven't had too many issues with them, and getting good used ones is relatively easy).

 

 

 

 

FB series use chain? The one I helped a friend rebuild had belt driven cams.

 

Than it was not an FB.

[gbhrps]

chewyheel,

 

I've owned 4 Subaru OutBack Wagons, a 97, an 04, an 07 and my present 2012, and each one was an improvement on the previous one. All had the 4 cylinder boxer engine and automatic transmissions, except for the CVT in the 2012. And the CVT gives me 33 mpg at 50 mph on flat ground (very flat in my part of the country).

 

The only items that ever needed replacing in all of those cars, other than scheduled maintenance, brake parts, wiper blades, tires and the occasional light bulb, was a door speaker in the 04, and a rear wheel bearing in the 07. That's it, period. All were at least one or two years old before I purchased them and had mileage in the range of 17 000 to 25 000 miles at purchase, and were traded around the 110 000 mile mark.

 

As long as Subaru continues to improve them and make them reliable, I'll continue buying them. They are about as versatile as a car can be, carry people or cargo or a mixture of both, with a simple flip of the rear seats.

 

They have proven to be almost bullet proof, and in winter, when equipped with a good set of ice grip tires, about as glued to the road as you
could be.