1997 Subaru Outback review from North America
"Safe, reliable, and fairly well built car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced the EGR Valve and Diaphragm. This is not a typical problem with Subarus so I guess I just got lucky. The engine makes a knocking noise when it is cold outside, and until the engine warms up. Dealer doesn't know what I'm talking about.
The brakes seem to make a creaking noise when they heat up after a lot of heavy use, such as long hill descent. Dealer doesn't know what I'm talking about.
General comments?
The car starts reliably, despite any problems mentioned above. It has pretty high mileage, but I would still trust it to take cross-country. AWD has been invaluable so far this winter, and saved me from an accident once already. This is the third Subaru that my family has been involved with, although my first owned privately. Each one has been remarkable and I would gladly purchase again.
My only problems have been with the dealership, whose mechanics are idiots.
Recommended reviews
  | Nice if I was ever able to afford the repairs to drive it |
| A thinking persons do everything car! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 79000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 86700 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Avenger |
| Date of Entry | 19th December, 2002 |