Overall maintenance

[Tseekins]

So, looking at cars101, I've been able to find the typical maintenance schedule for the newer cars but it seems to end around 2010. 

 

When I make my purchase, I'm buying new and most likely a Forester or Crosstek, basically the same car anyway. 

 

I'm pretty intrigued with the 2.5L boxer but the maintenance seems to be a lot more frequent than on my 2011 F-150 except for the Subaru Blue coolant. 

 

I have to ask another newbie question and not trying to strike a nerve, but, are the boxers a good or a great engine? 

 

Have they trended in either direction over the years? 

 

I've heard that the new CVT transmission is somewhat quirky as compared to the older transmissions.  Any input would be appreciated. 

 

When I buy a vehicle, I consider it to be at least a 10 year / 150K mile investment. 

 

Please discuss. 

[1 Lucky Texan]

Are you buying new or used?

[gbhrps]

Tseekins,

 

Subaru engines today are pretty much bullet proof if they receive regular maintenance and aren't abused.

 

I've owned 4 Subarus, a 1997, a 2004, a 2007 and my present 2012. I've never had to do any more than oil changes to any of the engines in all of those years of driving. Oil changes, a couple of wheel bearings, wiper blades, brake pads, the occasional burned out switch light/headlight/tail light bulb (I run with my headlights on at all times).

 

The boxer engines are trouble free, as are the transmissions. Consumer Reports and everyone else loves the Forester (I have no knowledge of the CrossTreck personally). With a good set of winter ice grip  tires, they are like being crazy glued to the road. Just remember that you will have no more Stop than anyone else, but the go is almost non stop.

 

As for the frequency of the oil changes, that has more to do with the busier 4 cylinder spinning to make the power versus your 8 cylinder just having to lope along.

 

As I've stated, I've owned 4 Subarus (all OutBack LTD's), and I will own more of them before the Big Guy upstairs says its time.

 

You can't go wrong with either the Crosstrek or the Forester, but the Forester will have more room, and I believe a better resale.

[moosens]

When we can't expect 10 years and or 150k from Subarus you'll have riots in the streets.

 

Like I mentioned in your other post , just maintain and protect what they give you and you'll be happy - historically. Finding people complaining about Lemon Law issues from new Subaurs would be difficult. But they also are not making products to fully survive the road salt/treatments of winter. That's where you come in.

 

Engine-wise , we like to think they are "bulletproof", but they'll throw us a dog every now and then. Typically the dog engines even get you 10 years and 150k.

[Tseekins]

^^^^^

 

Awesome post and very honest sir, thank you. 

 

My current vehicles include a 2011 f-150 Ecoboost with no issues at 67K miles, a 2004 Expedition with no issues at 112K miles and a 2010 Ford Focus at 61K miles an no issues.  Each vehicle has enjoyed a 5K mile dump cycle and the Expy has had two Trans flushes and a coolant flush. 

 

I'm a maintenance freak and chase every little thing that squeaks.  There are a ton of Subies on my mail route and EVERYONE is completely happy. But, these folks are a bit older than I (i'm 55) and they don't crawl around on the ground to inspect for issues. 

[moosens]

Yeah I'm still a crawler at 53 ????

 

Those older folks , they've kind of been there done that , usually a good reference.

[wtdash]

my .03 (inflation):

Since you're buying NEW, I'd ensure you test drive them both as the Crosstrek's 2.0 will be 'less enthusiastic' power-wise than the Forester's 2.5. Your EB-equipped F150 will feel like a dragster compared to either, regardless.

 

The current version of the CVT is actually better, if my online browsing is accurate. They use one in the WRX and I've read good things about it in that application, too.

 

And 3 Fords w/no issues? Lucky owner.

 

GL,

TD

[1 Lucky Texan]

^^^, yeah, I've read the Crosstrek Hybrid is faster than the gas-only unit.

 

while it may be fine for a college kid, if you frequently have passengers or gear/cargo and need to aggressively battle for merging from on-ramps, you may need more power available.