1998 Subaru Outback review from North America
"Stay away from Outbacks!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Blown Head Gasket
Cracked Engine Block.
General comments?
I have owned several Subaru's, but this was the first 2.5 liter engine. We drive long distances in the snow and the Subaru is the best car for winter handling.
At about 95,000 miles, the head gasket went while I was driving home. The car overheated and the third cylinder was damaged.
After numerous attempts to repair the problem at a total cost of over $3,500, I traded the car in for an older, smaller engine model.
Later I have learned that Subaru has experienced this problem with many of their 1996 - 2000 Outbacks with the 2.5 liter engine.
I will never buy another Outback until I am convinced that this problem has been corrected. It cost me thousands of dollars and not even one apology from Subaru.
Recommended reviews
| 1998 - Outback Limited Edition 4 cylinder We love the car, but not the cost of repairs! |
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| Stay away from Subaru |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 40000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 110000 miles |
| Previous car | Subaru Legacy |
| Date of Entry | 14th June, 2004 |