Any later model Subaru Outback owners here?

Pros and cons? Look good on paper..............

Considering it as a replacement for an '04 Highlander that is approaching that point of cost of refreshing things vs replacement. The Outback is an appealing size, and has some nice appointments in the upscale models.

Any horror or love stories?

 

Yep, I'm a 2017 Subaru Outback owner. The Outback replaced my almost antique 1991 Toyota Pickup 4x4.

Long story short, I'm glad I didn't buy a Tacoma and upgraded to an Outback from my old pickup. For the offroading I do, the Outback is BETTER than my old pickup. While it obviously can't go everywhere a 4x4 truck can, for the types of roads I travel on it is perfect. Combine that with better gas mileage, huge interior and comfy ride and its a winning combination.

 

Wife has a 15 forester, just hit 19k on it with no issues. Wished we'd have got the Outback for a little bit more cargo room but she was uncomfortable driving tacoma, so outback was a no go.

 

Well, I resolved the Highlander mechanical concern I had for free, so we plan on rolling it some more. Only has 120k and the paint condition (peeling clearcoat) is now the biggest flaw.

My son was also shopping to replace an econobox sedan, he's in Chattanooga. Tacomas and Outbacks, nice, used, at a fair price, are non existent in his area. Even using a radius down to Huntsville/Atlanta/Nashville/Knoxville. And a wholesaler he knows.

So he would up picking up a Subie Crosstrek. To me it's like an upscale Matrix with AWD. Seems it will be perfect for taking the kids/dog out to trailheads where they go to hike/swim. As well as his daily commute down/up the mountain into town.

We were surprised to find the Outback was 5" longer than the Highlander (an '04). Even my '13 AC is bigger, and a bit more compact for the trailhead access in some places is a good thing.

The Highlander won't last forever. Or I'll get tired of futzing with it, even though it's been remarkably trouble free.

However, I'll certainly keep the Outback in mind for when that day comes.

 

The Outback is a long car. How long actually surprised me. My old Toyota pickup was basically the size of a compact car these days. The Outback is 188 or so inches - which is the exact length of a new Toyota 4-Runner.The Outback is also much, much wider than my old truck - which makes it nice and roomy inside although a bit of a tight squeeze to get into my small garage!

 

My son has a Crosstrek and loves it. We've had several Subies over the years and they're fantastic vehicles, can't say anything bad about them.

 

Our outback is great. Amazing turning radius for a wagon, nice ground clearance. When I was buying my truck, I checked the blue book on the outback, and was surprised at what I felt was low resale. But our plans are to keep it for the kids to learn/drive and they are 11 & 13. This way the will be able to drive manual trans.

 

@JLink

My girlfriend is looking at a 2015 or 2016. Certified bumps the powertrain warranty to 7 years 100,000 miles which is pretty awesome. We drove the Rav4, Forester, and Escape and thought that the slightly longer wheelbase made a huge difference in the ride quality.

 

I taught my son at 13, in a snow storm. He was more than ready at 16 to get his license.

Sorry, a little off-topic!

 

Thanks for the tag @pittim



OP-

My wife has a 2011 outback 2.5i limited. It's a great car, very fun to drive and easy to drive. Her's has the cvt trans. I put aftermarket wheels and tires on it, and they make a huge difference in snow. Toyo celcius cuv I believe.
Added a remote start, trailer hitch, that's probably about it.

She got rear ended and took about $6k worth of damage but we got it fixed and it's like new now.

I have been fighting a cooling system problem lately but other than that we love it.

Her build thread- https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jlinks-2011-subaru-outback-build.351951/#post-9447395

Doesn't get updated much.