Used 2002 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
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I want to love this car
Ashley, 11/09/2018
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have wanted this particular year of the outback, since it's aesthetics have always appeals to me compared to the newer models. I bought this car from a Subaru mechanic who used it as his personal vehicle, who put nessecary work in before selling. Stock Subaru headgaskets dont have a great rep, so this guy replaced them with a "much better" headgasket (assuming a closed deck block instead of open deck, since that can make a world of a difference in the engines performance). IMO, it's better to buy used that may have more age but better matinence (title in hand), than one with younger age but no major repairs (it's basically inevitable at some point). I took the chance and bought this with 124k with a 30 day warranty (uncle actually drove 2 hours to pick it up, good thing because I probably didn't have the courage to go that low in price LOL asking $2,900 sold for $2,000). Granted, the muffler rusted off but was easily and inexpensively repaired within a day, the basic matenience of this car is good if you keep a watchful eye on your fluid regularly. Everything under the hood looks great, lots of replacements and brand new parts. What I love most about the outback is it's simplicity and outdoor-looking design. The duel moon-roof is great for both front and rear passangers, heated leather seats, wood trim (which is kinda glossy looking, but I still love it), sound system is fantastic in my opinion, & cargo room is a huge bonus. Ground clearance is good. LOVE the two-tone colors, and lower plastic trim. Where salt is an issue, there is only a small bit of visible rust on the back panels. Otherwise, the rust underneath wasn't bad to have me walk away, and certainly the body looks great since plastic doesnt rust. I'm always told it looks better than most newer cars, and I have to agree, I just want to love this car for many years. Next time I'll get a 3.0, since the 2.5 on this model is pretty laggy. It delays by like 2 seconds when accelerating abruptly. Since I'm a mom now, I wasn't looking for that, instead a car of great practicality and space that gives me "just what I was looking for" in a car. I had a 94 legacy wagon that took me all the way over the 300k mark, so with the proper care and routine maintenance, I have no doubt this car will be a car I can love to love for many more years. Reluctant to let go of my love for the earlier generations of Outbacks. They're appealing in their own right and have their own set of followers. Love the early 2000 aesthetics, both interior and exterior. I'll give another review some time later and see if anything else crops up. I MAY have a small leak since something tends to drip on the exsaust when I'm going up a hill, but that's it. No dramatic change in fluid levels though, and no visible leaking, so we'll see.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Value
Gaik's Car
lemonstr, 08/29/2003
2002 Subaru Outback VDC AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Purchased after extensive review of car's in class. Came down to Forester or Outback. Better ride and quieter than Forester. Forester will probably be my replacement for aging Civic. Would have been happy with a Limited but wife wanted power of H6. Good car, but minor issues. Glove box hard opening, McIntosh stereo crackels on right channel when adjusting volume, water leaks in from child seat strap in rear of cargo area, has had two recalls todate. Gas mileage is not worth the performance in my opinion, wife typically get high teens on a tank, I can squeeze out low 20s with effort, best tank 26 mpg on highway. Overall Good Car!
2002 Subaru Outback for sale near you
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Honda - Next Time
Ex-Coloradian, 06/17/2009
2002 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
OK, I am not a car person. Had an Accord for about 10 years then wanted a larger (similarly reliable) car that could handle snow, etc. Bought an 02 Subaru Outback in 03. Last year at roughly 70,000 miles, I had to put $2,700 in it - head gasket (engine overheating) and miscellaneous maintenance. This winter was cold, and then I got the overpowering gasoline smell in the car on cold days - apparently another known problem. I basically love the car (style, size, driving) but will drive this until it costs me too much not too. Shame on Subaru for not fixing known problems - (head gasket and fuel stink in cold weather), I would not recommend it nor will I buy one again.
Too many problems
StrictlyMediocre, 02/02/2009
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have 122,000 on the car. I plan to keep it until 250,000 if it will last. I am on my 4th set of replacement head gaskets (5 sets total). After the dealer did the first 4 HG jobs, I found a mechanic who says "use the turbo head gasket, it will never leak again." Question: why doesn't the dealer do that? Also replaced the pistons at 122K because originals had seized rings and were so noisy I couldn't hear myself think on a cold day. Now using 3rd party pistons as well. Car handles great. Reset the "learning" engine computer for better performance. Wind noise in driver/pass. window can be fixed by squeezing molding together where side mirror is mounted. This will probably be my last Subie.
Avoid this model
Ridergirl, 06/26/2009
2002 Subaru Outback AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
My previous car was a Nissan Pathfinder which I finally retired at 308,000 miles. I bought this as a Subaru certified, used, at 60,000 miles, hoping I would get the same performance. Not so. The engine had to be replaced at 90,000, the clutch went at 110,000, as did the entire transmission. Check engine light comes on regularly just like an old friend. The fuel smell inside the car in the cold weather is awful. Wind noise is terrible, and the seats are uncomfortable for long drives, with limited leg room if you are taller than 5'7. Junky plastic parts. This car has cost me $11,000 over the purchase price so far. CS at corporate & dealer rude. Shame on Suby for this sub standard machine.