1999 Subaru Outback 2.5 AWD review from UK and Ireland

The Subaru Outback promises much, and delivers a lot - of problems. This car had a lot of miles on when I got it, but had a full service history and I purchased an extended warranty.

Persistent complaints were made regarding smells from the transmission, squeaking from the dual-mass flywheel, and coolant loss; the dealer responded by replacing all the alloys under warranty, and the flywheel once, which failed to cure it. All existence of the coolant loss was denied until after the warranty expired, upon which a blown headgasket was diagnosed along with leaking input shaft seal on the gearbox causing the oil smells (all this after a timing belt service).

Subaru of America have acknowledged a problem with the headgaskets on the 2.5 SOHC engine; their solution is to extend the warranty to 8 years or 100,000 miles as long as "Subaru Coolant Conditioner" is put it. This is better known as Stop Leak, and shows just what a reprehensible approach to customer care Subaru take. Subaru UK denies there is a problem; the trade disagrees, with a typical trade value for this car of only £1,300 (retail of £6,000).

In addition to this, the car is rusting around the windscreen frame and on the tailgate. This is not the result of stonechips or accident damage, but is coming through from behind.

They are competent and fast when they work, though very poor on fuel. Comfort is subjective of course, but I found that most passengers found the ride vomit-inducing, the ventilation inadequate despite the twin sunroofs, and visbility poor. As a driver, I found the front seat absurdly low for the type of car, with no thigh support and terrible shaping.

It does tow well, with a dual range box.

You have to use the right tyres to get the handling right on it. The wrong sidewalls will make the car understeer like it's riding on crossplies.