subaru?

[sachilles]

As to head gaskets. The headgasket issue is largely confined to the phase 1 2.5 liter motors. Phase 2 motors which started in various models around 2001 have not had nearly the issue, and when they do it's an external leak. So this is in cars with the 2.5 liter non turbo motor.
The tire thing is largely misunderstood. Often it has been used to upsell folks on new sets of tires. Each tire can rotate at different speeds for various lengths of time due to cornering, tire inflation variations at each tire, alignment and so on. The differential would break if this were an issue. The simple fact is, the newer cars survive just fine with mismatched tires even had speeds and high abuse levels. It is actually one of those things that endears the car in racing community.
It originates from early model automatic cars being towed with two wheels touching the ground. Subaru automatic transmission were equipped with a fuze that could disengage the center diff enabling the car to be towed like a normal front wheel drive car. It's not advisable to tow a subaru on anything other than a flat bed should you ever need that to happen. You can run mismatched tires in terms of tread depth without risking mechanical failure.
It's one of those urban legends that has grown enough that tire sales people love to repeat it.
I'm not trying to say the cars are perfect, but there is a lot of myths that tend to get perpetuated that are not always 100% no matter how well intended.

 

[jnweinmann]

No matter how great a car it is just be sure to purchase from a dealer that knows how to service the car. Even though we liked the car, the maintanence department at the dealership did not take care of our car when it went in for a service. We were driving on the freeway one day after the service was performed and the engine seized. We later found out that during the service they forgot to put oil into the engine. So be carful from who you purchase your car from. Thanks Wilde Subaru, Waukesha Wisconsin.

 

[Pooh2]

Thanks for all the great input!

 

[benniecooper]

I am glad sachilles chimed in about the tire myth as I was coming to post basically the same thing.

My dad grew up as a die hard Chevy man and was a drag racer in his earlier years. However, he has been a Subaru driver since 1978. Aside from his Silverado truck, he always owns a Subie. Currently he and my mom have a 1990 Legacy, a 1998 Legacy and a 2003 Legacy GT.

My DH and I have had 3. We had a 2001 Impreza 2.5RS and it was a fun car. Now my DH has a 2006 WRX STI and a Toyota FJ Cruiser. I have a 2008 Tribeca and a 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Track model. I LOVE the Tribeca. It's Subarus crossover SUV and it is wonderful. Tribecas are often overlooked but it is very versatile and so nice to drive.

 

[sightcrr]

You didn't say if you are looking at new or used. In 2010-11 and some 12s several people ended up with steering shake issues and a few got turned in with lemon laws.

In 2010 we wanted a Subaru but bought a CRV instead because of this. We just traded it in on a 13 Outback. We got the 3.6 because the smaller engine and CVT seemed a little gutless. We couldn't get past the road noise of the 2010 CRV. We have had it about 2 months still will less than 300 miles so gas mileage is not a big issue for us but it does get less than the smaller engine.

Here is a link that will give you lots (maybe more than you want) of info.
http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/104-gen-4-2010-present/
Also many people don't like the Subaru nav system.
Hope this helps.
Sightcrr

 

[Pooh2]

You didn't say if you are looking at new or used. In 2010-11 and some 12s several people ended up with steering shake issues and a few got turned in with lemon laws.

In 2010 we wanted a Subaru but bought a CRV instead because of this. We just traded it in on a 13 Outback. We got the 3.6 because the smaller engine and CVT seemed a little gutless. We couldn't get past the road noise of the 2010 CRV. We have had it about 2 months still will less than 300 miles so gas mileage is not a big issue for us but it does get less than the smaller engine.

Here is a link that will give you lots (maybe more than you want) of info.
http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/104-gen-4-2010-present/
Also many people don't like the Subaru nav system.
Hope this helps.
Sightcrr

We are looking at buying new.