2001 Subaru Outback review from North America

Transmission.

At 115000 miles my car developed a pinion gear whine. this progressed and by 120000 the car was slipping out of gear and needed a new transmission. this was described by several mechanics and a couple of dealers as a very unlikely event as the manual transmissions are considered very durable and trouble free. I put in a used transmission for $1300 installed.

Engine failure: at 130 000 my engine developed a misfire which turned out to be a blown head gasket. not the usual one that leaks coolant, but rather one that blew oil out the intake manifold side. oil was then pulled into the intake and burned, fouling the catalytic converter.

With the engine torn down the mechanic also found a badly burned cylinder with leaky rings so a head gasket job has turned into an engine rebuild.

I really like the overall layout and design of this car, especially the all wheel drive, which is perfect for where I live, rural Maine. on the other hand major components have failed, components that I thought would have far greater longevity. my 4runner, which has 140K on it has never given me a lick of trouble, by comparison.

This is a practical car, but with serious mechanical failures.