Used 2001 Subaru Outback Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Don't buy this car
Bought this car new. Now have 118,000 miles and it needs its 3rd head gasket. First went at 36,000 miles, 2nd at 83,000 miles. In cold weather (10 degrees or less) gas lines at fuel pump condense, allowing fuel to vaporize into the engine compartment. Smells like you are riding in the gas tank. If I could have afforded to dump this car earlier I would have. Lots of other smaller problems. Seems to go through tires very quickly.
Costly to maintain
Apparently all of those who told me to buy a Subaru because "you'll never have any problems" never owned a 2001 Outback. Granted, I did buy it when it was 4years old and had 100K miles on the clock, but it was fun to drive and looked great. The check engine light has been on more that it's been off: O2 sensors, catalytic converter, knock sensor have all been replaced and yet the light is still on. Brakes seem to wear out quickly and then there were the head gaskets to be replaced. This one has needed more expensive maintenance than any of the other cars I've owned. But it's still fun to drive and the driver's seat is even more comfortable now that my wallet isn't as fat.
2001 Outback
The Outback was our first "new" car, and we can certainly afford anything. This car has been completely troublefree, aside from the cupholder in the back seat that my kids stepped on (and broke). There is a lingering concern regarding head gaskets with the 2.5 engine. We have had no trouble at all. I do not know what incidence exists for these engines. We have a Subaru fanatic nearby who will change both sides for about $1500. Would I buy again? You bet - in fact, we're shopping right now for a Forester for her, so that I can start driving the '01 Outback - my '91 Loyale has 209k on it, and running fine but a bit of an embarrassment in this neighborhood.
LL Bean Outback
I love my LL Bean Outback. It's 2 toned which makes it look like a small SUV. The 6 cylinders give me plenty of get up and go. It has and excellently smooth ride and gets fairly good mileage on the highway, not quite as good in city driving. It has loads of room to pack and haul things. I would buy a new one today but Subarus last forever. At 50,000 miles all I needed was fluids checked and an oil change.
Head gasket on 4cyl.
I'm surprised that the last review is so old. At just under 100,000 miles, my head gasket blew. This appears to be a design flaw. I think Subaru should reimburse me $2400.