How are subarus' engines on mileage?

Question

Like hwat would be considered too many miles when looking to buy used, and what age model age, suggestions.

Answer 1

I have had three used 1993 Loyales, a 4wd wagon automatic ( transmisson issues after 200k) Wagon 4wd manual transmission ( other than regular ware items and CV shafts every 100K it is still running every day (sold to neighbor for $500). I also had a FWD 4door car with manual transmission-270,000 miles and still running getting 30-35mpg. I paid $600 for it and invested about 300 in repairs. If you have any mechanical aptitiude they are not very difficult to work on- "the boxer" horizontally opposed engine gives you easy access for most jobs, and any engine of the boxer deisgin seems to run forever- BMW motorcycles use the same concept, as do most piston aircraft engines. I stuck with the 1.8L Loyale series only because I am familiar with them and can repair them easily. There are plenty of good used Subi's with 100-150K for under $1,000.Just watch for transmission/ clutch issues and for any major rust developments in the rear cargo area floor seams. Stability issues - loose front end steering would cause me to avoid buying as well.- They will have some body and electrical switch problems unless the seller has already repaired it.

Answer 2

I wish that there were a final answer to this question, but there is not. It all depends on how the car was was driven and maintained by the previous owner(s). Did they drive it on a race track? Did they drive it hard? Did they change the oil? Did they let it warm up before driving it hard? Did they do mostly city or highway driving?

There are just too many variables to give a good answer. However there are some things you can do to try to make sure you get a good used car:

1/ Ask for maintenance records - many people don't keep them, but if you can get them it's proof that oil was changed and other maintenance was done properly. With out proof you have no way of knowing.

2/ Look at wear items and see if they in good shape - Check the oil, look at tires (tred and pressure), check the rest of the fluids. A car that has worn out parts or low fluids is likely owned by someone who isn't on top of maintenance.

3/ Ask if the car has any cronic problems (burning oil, running badly) - there is no way to be sure the seller will be honest, but you might as well ask and see how they react.

4/ Do your homework on the car you are looking at - go to consumer reports, lemonaid, or other resources like that to learn the details on the particular car you are looking at.

5/ Check that seams are straight and underbody is in good condition - signs of welding or less than perfect body seams are indicators that the car has been in an accident and thus should be avoided.

I hope this helps you find a good used car. Even if you follow all these guide lines there is unfortunatly still no way to be sure you're not buying a problem car. That's the problem with used cars, it's hard to know what you're getting until you've had it for a while.

Good luck....

Answer 3

Subaru engines are well designed enough to last for a good long time if properly maintained.

I am a Subaru enthusiast and I know many people who do tracked their car pretty regularly and still managed to put well over 150,000 miles on it. The cars ran very strong all the way even will upgraded turbos and all supporting modifications. The only reason they got rid of it was to upgrade to an STi when they first came out in the US in 2004.

For any Subaru questions you can go to www.nasioc.com and ask there as well. It is a nice forum with many Subaru experts and enthusiests.

Answer 4

What year and mileage is on the one you are looking at? I have a '93 with 130,000 miles and it runs very well. I have seen Subaru's with over 300,000 miles on them and they are starting to need repair on suspension parts , some may have problems with leaky head gaskets pre 2000 MY. If the car was maintained properly and is priced well. They are great cars. To be more specific I would need more details.
Happy Holidays!

Answer 5

Like any automobile,it depends on the care given by the previous owners. My 97 has 163,000 miles and the engine is strong and uses no oil between 3,000 mile service intervals. If the car looks trashed inside and out,the previous owner probably wasn't that concerned about maintaining the vehicle.

Answer 6

the last Subaru I owned had 287,000 miles on it. Granted, it sounded like a Harley, but when I went to trade it in on a new Subaru, they still gave me $3,000 trade-in. They said the 4WD/body/interior was in such good shape that they could just replace the motor.

FYI-all subies have a sensor that goes off in between 100,000-120,000 miles. The check engine light comes on and won't shut off until you pay to have it fixed. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. Mostly, it is a scam to make $ but it good to have a tune-up done after so many miles. BTW-my check engine light is still on....

Answer 7

anyone will tell you.....subaru motors will out last the body of the car. i dont know how many mid 80 early 80's subie station wagons running around with basically no body on it because of soooo much rust......but the motor still purrs like shes brand new

Answer 8

i have a 99' outback sport with 130,000 miles...not one problem since the car was bought...my next car is going to be a subaru.

Answer 9

well i had a 1987 subaru gl coupe .... it had about 300000 on it when i blew it up :) i like the 80's models .... if it has more then 250000 rebuild the motor it is cheap to do .

Answer 10

Put over 183000 on my old 1980 Suburu and it was still running strong, although it looked like crap.