Used 2012 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
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165,000 and counting
AWD Boxer LUVR, 02/10/2017
updated 08/14/2017
2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
We have always had japanese cars in our family including Honda accords, Acura MDX, so Infinity g35 so we had high expectations of reliability with our Subaru and it has not disappointed us. We love the look of the Outback, it is a utilitarian vehicle with a bit of an attitude. The 4 cyl engine gets us about 24 mpg around town and up to 31 mpg on the highway. The CVT transmission can be a bit noisy during hard acceleration but it is quiet at cruising speed. The materials and build quality of the interior is excellent, my only complaint is that the sheet metal on the exterior seems thinner than I am used to. When waxing the car the body panels and hood flop and flex quite a bit more than I am used to so I actually have to be careful not to press too hard for fear of denting the panels in certain spots. I like to DIY the oil changes and basic maintenance on the car and I love the fact that Subaru has made things like oil,air,and cabin filter changes easy. We don't get a lot of snow where we live so I can't comment much on the AWD on the car. So after 165,000 miles the car still runs like new, only maintenance items so far have been regular oil and filter changes, a timing belt replacement, spark plugs, tires, and brakes, and a battery. I do plan to change the CVT transmission fluid very soon though. Update: I am now at 170,000 miles and I still love my Subie. I do a lot of outdoor activities including fishing and hiking and the Outback gives me plenty of room for all of my gear. I just took a 1200 mile trip with the family. 4 people 2 dogs and luggage stowed in a Yakima roof top box, the Outback got 26 mpg and is still running flawlessly at 170k miles.
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2012 Outback 2.5 Longterm
WT, 10/31/2018
2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
My Subaru Outback 2.5 has held up well at 170,000 miles. I have kept up with the oil changes, regular maintenance such as timing belt change, transmission fluid replacement. It has been very reliable and still gets between 25-29 mpg. Some of the problems I have encountered has been replacing rear wheel bearings at 80k miles ($600) CVT problem at 100k miles (covered under an extended warranty), and ABS module failure at 165k miles ($1200). Ongoing quirks have been the sunroof sticking starting around 120k miles and water leaking through the rear center brake light which was an easy fix by using silicon caulking. I’ve gone through two sets of front rotors and brake pads which I guess is acceptable for a vehicle with 170k miles. I’ve recently replaced the front and rear spring/coil struts which has made a significant difference helping the vehicle drive like new. Also noticing the front headlight covers starting to deteriorate. I invested in the underbody armor for the engine, transmission, and rear differential which I believe have saved my vehicle from damage from road debris such as 18 wheeler tire treads and a dropped ladder on the freeway.
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DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!
Anonymous, 03/21/2017
2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
Around 120,000 miles everything major breaks and cost BIG $$ to fix. In 4 months we have had to sink $6,000 into this car to replace the clutch, head gasket, thermostat, etc. We bought this car new in 2012 because Subarus are known to last for 200,000-300,000 miles and we intended to keep it for a while. Normal repairs and upkeep are expected but this many MAJOR repairs in such a short period of time right after it turns over 120,000 miles is NOT right. Also, 80-90% of the 124,000 miles we have put on the car are highway miles. We will N.E.V.E.R. buy another Subaru.
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Love my Subaru!
Linda, 04/24/2016
2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
24 of 26 people found this review helpful
It's hard to believe some of the other reviews are talking about the same car. This is my 3rd Subaru (one Forester and 2 Outbacks). I bought it pre-owned from the dealer with 35K miles on the odometer. I'm at 50K and change now. These cars run forever with just basic maintenance. When I wanted a Subaru my husband said, "that's a Mom-Mobile". Then he drove it and agreed that this is a great car. Solid handing in wet or dry conditions, I have never experienced the 'drift' some reviewers mention. I do notice better handling since I bought new tires, I got better quality than the ones that came stock on the car. I don't like the placement of the clock (my 2007 Outback had it near the speedometer) and the AC/Heater controls on the 2007 were more user friendly. But those are pretty trivial complaints. I love the All Weather package (heated seats!). I don't need a heated steering wheel. My 2007 had navigation, I wish this one had it but I just use my smartphone. It could have more pep but it's a 4 banger and not a sports car. Love the Blue Tooth. I took the middle headrest out of the back seat to improve rear visibility (it pops right out). I feel safe in this car.
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6 Month Review
gebdog, 10/31/2011
2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
29 of 32 people found this review helpful
After approximately six months of owning this vehicle and 10K miles of driving I have to say I am very impressed. My wife and I tested similar vehicles before choosing the Outback. We are getting better than the advertised city and highway driving mileage. We decided to change out the factory installed tires for Michelin HydroEdge and happy we did. The new tires make an already nice ride feel more stable although with a little more road noise. We lost the passenger door speaker and once that was replaced the Harmon Kardon stereo sounds great.
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