1997 Subaru Outback Limited review from North America
"Expensive to run, but functional wagon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Shift lock didn't work well when I got the car, many oil leaks from engine and transmission lead to replacement of several gaskets, but new leaks are coming all the time. Few days after timing belt was replaced by dealer at 100K, one of the camshafts skipped few teeth and dealer charged me $450 for the repair stating it was my fault. I also head few minor electrical problems and the engine makes lots of noise when cold. Car is overall very noisy.
General comments?
The quality is not what you would expect from a Japanese car and is simply to complex for a Subaru dealer to service. Parts and service are extremely expensive. Other wise it's roomy, comfortable and good looking.
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| Nice if I was ever able to afford the repairs to drive it |
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| Subaru Head Gasket |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 90000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 150000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Citroen BX |
| Date of Entry | 25th March, 2004 |