Subaru Outback 3GEN (2003-2009) Questions & Answers

I’m sorry I’m unable to answer this question

Hi Jolene We had an older Outback (2001/2002 from memory?) and prior to this an even older Subaru 'wagon' (didn't have a model name) so not too sure about the 2007. A couple friends of mine had the 2007/8 though and they, like us, kept driving theirs until the cars' old age.

We loved our old one so much. So solidly built and we felt safe in it. We do most of our driving around town - inner city and suburbs. The bush road drives were nice and we never felt like it would let us down (unlike the new electronic ones). It had an amazing (Irving?) bullbar fitted on the front and was a dream to drive away and for long distances.

The only thing for us is as it aged and did higher Ks on the clock, the value decreased so much and when it came to a major service and inevitable replacement of some operational engine parts (can't remember which one/s) but it became too cost-exhaustive, around the same amount as the whole car was worth. So that was the only thing that got us to buy a whole new car. Prior to that, not much went wrong or cost too much mechanically.

Best of luck.

Thank you.

Buy a Toyota or a Hyundai. Cheaper and will not break down. Subaru engines can be trecherous. I had an engine failure at 80km/h on the Geelong highway.

I have never been a fan of REALLY high mileage cars. Nothing lasts for ever. I would look for an extremely well maintained vehicle that has complied rigorously with the service book with evidence of money spent like invoices. Check out the Subaru forums and ask those guys as there a lot of high mileage Subarus on there. In the meantime have it independently inspected on a hoist and keep fingers & toes crossed!

Assuming you don't drive it hard, you definitely have a car which is using a lot more than what it should. The first thing to do is check for petrol leaks.

No i dont drive harsh... i recently got my car inspected by a subaru specialist... they didnt find anything at all. Another mechanic told the air filter is high time to get changed. He will replace it soon. Will that be the cause?

I have a 2008 Subaru Outback Luxury Dual Range 5 speed, MY01/09 and bought at 91k for average price. Haven't had a problem with it, including head gasket problems. I just changed over the timing belt and clutch after 138k as USA is 168k/105m.. now at 145k after 8yrs. I have two cars bought a year apart to keep the k's down. I change oil every 5k to keep them both clean of small particles for better lubrication and it has worked for me. Some things are cheap plastics and front speakers, but easily replaced. Had the airbag and fuel gadget recalls done, so it's been quite reliable to date.

Well its always best to get a qualified mechanic like nrma for pre purchase inspection. check the revs story , check about the smoke comeout from exhaust. The auto try to put on drive mode if the idle vibrate abnormal means the transmission problem gonna cost you problem and check for oil leak

Thanks Ay. I am quite thorough when it comes to car inspections and have avoided a few duds already. Will definitely get my mechanic to give it a good checkover before parting with my hard earned $.