1998 Subaru Outback review from North America
"Great wagon, very practical, rugged, and easy to maintain"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The only major problem was blown head gasket at 85000 miles (mostly short trips) and it will cost $1600 to fix.
It's had a few oil leaks that were worked on when they replaced the timing belt.
Also, I had to have front brake pads replaced at 81000 miles at a cost of $200. If this were a German car, that would have cost a grand.
General comments?
Overall, a very reliable car. Quiet, comfortable, undramatic (a good thing). Only major problem was blown head gasket at 85000 miles (mostly short trips) and it will cost $1600 to fix. Keeping my fingers crossed that new gaskets will hold.
People shouldn't be so quick to bash Subies. My 1995 Impreza went 88000 miles without any problems (at which point I sold it). Not so much as a squeak or rattle. Maybe I should have kept it! As for my 1998 Outback, it has been very reliable. Sure it's had a few oil leaks worked on when they replaced the timing belt. Also, had to have front brake pads replaced at 81000 miles at a cost of $200. If this were a German car, that would have cost a grand.
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| Stay away from Subaru |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 85000 miles |
| Previous car | Subaru Impreza |
| Date of Entry | 13th April, 2007 |