Used 2008 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
Used Outback for sale
Mexican big rig or PZEV OB?
Betty, 11/21/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first Subaru. My past 2 cars were Toyotas. I thought I'd give the OB a try. First complaint is the shockingly LOUD "engine" warm up due to the PZEV. It sound like a big rig truck from Mexico! I have started to notice quite a few rattles in the passenger compartment. It inconsistently shifts on hill climbs. But, the biggest concern is the "clunk" from the rear end or transmission at slower speeds. It is at the dealer now, but I'm told they were unable to reproduce the "clunk." At 5,000 miles, a car should be a pleasure, not a concern!! Regretting my purchase!! Going back to my trusty Toyotas!!
Great Choice
Doug, 03/23/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I did a lot of research and really wanted to buy my 4th Honda. I looked at the CRV and didnt like the interior. I am a fly fisherman and like to have a vehicle in which I can lie down and take a rest. I have a serious back problem and need to take breaks in my fishing day. The CRV just wasnt able to provide a long rear floor space. When the rear seats are folded down there is plenty of room for me at 59. Interestingly enough, the Honda dealer sent us to Subaru! The Subie us everything I wanted. I am an environmentalist and biologist so my carbon footprint and controlling pollution output is important. So far we have gotten 25 mpg in mixed driving short trips (a bit disapointing).
2008 Subaru Outback for sale near you
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- 2.5I WagonMSRP: $8,89541 mi away
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None better at this price
Eastharlemboy, 03/31/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First 4500 miles impressions: good handling, comfortable, quiet, decent stereo, sufficient (not great) power, averaging 28 MPG. For around $21K - $22K I believe this car is a bargain compared to other all wheel drive vehicles.
Rattles Be Gone!
Jim D, 02/03/2009
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my OB LTD w/VDC on 4/30/08 and the car was plagued with various rattles coming from several different places. I was totally unhappy with the vehicle. I'm happy to say almost a year into owning the vehicle, all the rattles have stopped. Now the vehicle rides like a new car should - tight and quiet. So now I'm happy with the purchase and I enjoy driving the vehicle. Maybe the "bugs" had to be worked out.
Great Car
Scott, 12/11/2007
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We were looking at small SUVs (CRV, Santa Fe, RAV4) and decided to check out the Outback as well. What a difference! The ride is so much better. Subaru is a much safer and more reliable car than the others we looked at. The exterior is much improved and the interior is very simple. This is our "baby car", so we are happy the car seat is easy to install and the cargo space is awesome. The 170 hp engine isn't great, but is still muc better than the models I listed above. I tested all the models on a nasty hill near our house and the Outback actually performed the best.
Disappointed
ashecnc, 03/02/2009
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had the car one year, kept having a burning smell that dealer couldn't fix. Deal pedal had a cheap plastic button holding that and the carpet down, and mine had a horrible squeak. Took to dealer 4 times, no fix. Had lots of rattles, and the car seemed weak, no power. I made a bad decision when I got this car, and traded it in.
Happy Outback owner
happy Outback owner, 05/19/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Outback 2.5i 5-speed manual for about 6000 miles, and I'm very happy with it. It gets good gas mileage, is fun to drive, handles well, deals with lousy weather very well, has plenty of room, and looks great. My mileage has averaged 25.4 mpg overall since I bought it, with a low of 22.2 mpg and a high of 30.3 mpg. That's good for an AWD vehicle. With the 5-speed manual it feels lively and energetic, and the manual transmission shifts very easily. It's a great all-around vehicle that can handle pretty much anything thrown at it and do it very well. It's a practical car that's enjoyable to drive.
Transmission is Plague
designer, 06/22/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Replaced my 2006 Outback sport with the larger version. Nice upgrade and significant price increase. I liked the AWD and style of the 08. Car handles great. Constant problem since I have owned the car is the transmission. It has been fixed twice, the third time the shop could not "duplicate it" Going in again tomorrow. The transmission shifts hard and clunks, feels like it is slipping. It was really bad the first 2 times. Now it does it under 40 MPH in city traffic. It's driving me nuts, litterally!
Great Value, Reasonable Compromises
mj, 04/16/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had the Subie for about four months now. I am very happy with it. The lackluster acceleration is noticeable, but the trade-off is very good fuel economy with standard fuel (25-29 mpg), I suspect the tranny largely to blame for the slow feeling to the car, and a fifth gear would help mpgs too! The stereo is quite weak, and there is no rest for my elbows on either side when driving this car. That said, the car has generally been delightful. Coming from Volvos I am impressed with the comfort of the driver seat the value (half the price of the XC70) safety gas mileage and reliability. I'd strongly recomend this car-but realize that there are compromises made for mpg & low price.
Great find!
Lee2706, 04/23/2008
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had a 1995 Legacy wagon that aspired to be an Outback. Years later, I bought the car I always wanted! My big feet took some getting used to in the footbox, not to say that it is cramped, but pedals are closer than my Honda. I am no WRC racer, but I do like how easy the clutch engages and shifting action feels great. Is surprisingly responsive when passing, especially for a four banger that is a bit heavy in the hips. Excited for the snow and rain, I'd like to see how the AWD handles it. Mileage is better than expected, 27+ in 50/50 city/hwy (as long as the dash computer is correct).