Faults:

From about 200,000Km:

1. Rear struts clunking (did not fix).

2. O2 sensor failure (front, check engine light on but did not fix).

3. Anti knock sensor failure (bypassed it).

4. Front CV joint (2) bellows split (did not fix).

5. Blown headlights (multiple).

6. Using engine oil.

7. Overheating.

8. Cooling system pressurizing and discharging coolant.

9. Cold engine knock (piston slap).

10. Radiator (R) plastic tank split, discharging coolant.

General Comments:

I paid 8 grand for this car and I loved it. I travelled 100,000Km in it on long and short trips. I had a Subaru dealer perform the 200,000Km service where all fluids and filters were changed as well as the timing belt and pulleys. This service cost me $1,400!

From 6 above to 10 was the slow decline and death of this car. The overheating is caused by faulty head gaskets installed from, I believe the 1995 model right up to the 2004 model. This is why I did not buy another one, as low mileage Subi's are hard if not impossible to find, and I didn't want to run the risk of a repeat performance. Combustion gasses leak into the cooling system through the faulty head gaskets. This over pressurizes the cooling system. It also causes hot spots at the top/outer end of the cylinders, which in turn causes wear. Thus the cold engine knock and the consumption of engine oil. I feel the radiator failed due to the increased pressure within. These things happened over time however. I never got stuck while I carried extra water though.

It was a great little 'luxury' car that never let me down until the very end. Brilliant on gravel with the 'hold' function engaged. Not the most economical at 10l/100Km (my 4L Falcon does as well), but a well built, comfortable little car.

Faults:

I am the third owner, and thankfully the head gaskets were properly fixed long before I bought this car.

Repairs done/to be done:

Replaced both front axles - driver's side CV started to click when turning, will soon replace the right rear wheel bearing. Small oil leak (probably crank seal or cam seal(s)).

Minor issues:

Headlights seem to burn out in pairs (very strange). Rear wiper stopped working. HVAC & radio/tape player control panel lights burned out.

These all seem to rust behind the left rear wheel. Almost every 1st gen Outback/Legacy I see in Minnesota has a little rust here.

I am willing to do maintenance and minor repairs until the engine or the transmission die. I think this car can make it past 300,000 miles easily.

General Comments:

The sign of a good car is one that lets you know what's wrong long before it breaks, and gives you adequate time to fix the issue. This is very true of the front axles that I've had fixed, and the rear bearing and oil leak that will soon be fixed.

It has never left me stranded or failed to start, even on a -13F day last year.

It is UNSTOPPABLE in snow. Granted I've never owned a truck or SUV with a transfer case 4x4 system, yet it has never gotten stuck in harsh Minnesota winters. Driving through 6" of snow feels like going through a light dusting.

Not the most comfortable seats for long trips (I've driven between Minneapolis and Chicago several times now), but this is a very minor non-issue. Poor cup holder location; again, I could really care less.

General Subaru-specific tips:

Always rotate tires on an AWD car often, so the diameter doesn't vary between the front & rear tires, or you will damage the AWD system. Make sure the timing belt is changed every 105,000 miles. The 2.5 engine is an interference engine, and if the timing belt snaps, pistons and valves will collide.

I would definitely buy another Subaru again, but I am disappointed how big the Outback got in its 4th body style (2010-current). This is supposed to be a station wagon, not a crossover SUV-like thing...?