2013 Subaru Outback Touring Package 2.5

Faults:

No problems or faults since purchase.

General Comments:

I purchased this car new off the showroom floor in December 2012. My initial intent was to look at the Impreza, but I liked the ground clearence and extra cargo space of the Outback better. I've had the car 11 months now and have had no problems of any kind. The only trip it's made back to the dealership was for an oil change.

Overall it is an extremely well built vehicle. However, it ain't perfect. The ride is stiffer than necessary. I realize the suspension was designed to handle off road conditions, but it could have been made a bit more civilized for real world roads.

The steering feels a bit heavy. This could be the tires, I'm still running the Continentals that were on it when I bought it. I'd like something with a lighter feel, but still has good feedback from the road.

The CVT transmission is the most annoying thing about the whole car. It is working properly, but because of the way they work, there is in my opinion, excessive engine noise as a result. I wouldn't buy another one similarly equipped.

And speaking of noise, there's lots of that when you're on the highway. When I first got the car, I put the increased road noise down to the winter tires I had installed. But when warmer weather came and I changed over to the all-seasons, there wasn't much improvement at all.

Other than the issues I've stated above, it's been a great car from day one. It is way too much fun in the snow. It's just too bad Subaru couldn't have given it a smoother ride and made it a lot quieter in the passenger cabin. If those two thing were sorted, I could probably live with the CVT.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th November, 2013

17th Jan 2021, 12:49

There are so many problems with Subaru, they are falling behind other Japanese brands. Good Subarus were made back in the 90's. Today, too many problems around both transmissions, head gaskets (up to 2015), sensors, all more expensive to repair than on other brands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMI8JseM40c

https://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/problems-maintenance.66/

2013 Subaru Outback Premium, winter package 2.5 boxer (new 2013 model)

Summary:

Super quality inside. Paint is poor quality

Faults:

The paint job on it was not that well put on. Stone chips were a problem, even on an empty highway road. Had to use touch up paint. Or a simple wipe with a towel after a car wash can leave a little enamel scratch, but still visible. Will have to do polishing I guess.

General Comments:

Great mid size sport utility vehicle.

The engine and suspension are what we are paying for, so it's superb Fuji Heavy Industries quality.

Also very safe cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2013

14th Jun 2013, 23:25

The bad news is that water based paints are not easy to apply, and it's hard to get them to dry to a durable finish. And government regulators change the components in the paint yearly. In the United States, California is leading the charge to take any components out that even have a distinct possibility to make anything or anybody sick. The good news is that you can still get oil based automotive paints if you know where to look. My painter can still get it, and has painted several of my cars for me. All have durable and scratch resistant surfaces now. His only request; that he doesn't paint over metallic paint. He says oil based paints don't stick well to metallic surfaces.

2013 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5i

Summary:

A pleasant surprise for its size!

Faults:

Pretty much brand new, no issues yet.

General Comments:

Went to look at the new Impreza, came out with this bad boy. Very comfortable, roomy, and drives like a smaller car, despite its large-ish size. Seems to be about the same size as wagons from the 70's and 80's, for those of you that remember those...

Will keep an ongoing update for the car. Will post again at 5K, maybe after the first 1K, as that's considered the "break in" period.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2012

26th Feb 2013, 15:12

I bought a 2013 satin white Outback Limited with SAP last week.

I have only logged about 100 miles on it, but the average fuel economy displayed on the dash varies between "21-22.9" with 50-50 city and highway driving. I was expecting at least 25-26 average fuel economy.

What kind of mileage are you getting on yours? Is this due to the break in period?

7th Jun 2013, 02:27

I'm now at 8500 miles, and am getting 27 MPG with 60% city and 40% highway (580 between Dublin, CA and Livermore, CA).

Only issue has been a big screw/bolt that was stuck in the tire at the dealer when I took the beast in for her 7500 mile service. Otherwise no issues, no rattles, and MPG is probably as good as it can be.

We took a road trip to visit family in Las Vegas over memorial weekend, and had a great drive. It was however, very windy, and the Outback does have a bit of trouble with strong gusts, but any raised car would. We got 33.5 MPG for that trip, but the were a few times when we were getting 44-47 on a flat stretch on the north side of Bakersfield by the train tracks. I couldn't keep the smile off my face, and this was at 70mph! Very pleased.

I love the saddle brown leather, but wanted the safety of eyesight more as we plan on keeping the Outback for many many years, and our kids may one day be learning to drive in it. I have been scheming on a way to possibly re-trim the Outback in the SAP leather and faux wood, but I'll have to wait for a totaled/destroyed SAP to come my way before I can attempt the transplant. I can't imagine it would be too hard.

Will post another update after the 15K service!

26th Feb 2015, 18:54

My 2013 Outback with the 2.5 premium only gets around 17 or 18 around town. Never went on a long distance trip though. THX Bob.

12th May 2016, 15:00

There are always car owners who exaggerate the MPG they are getting.