Used 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) Consumer Reviews
Outback do not buy
First of all the vehicle looks very nice. The ride is between a 1968 pick up with the windows open and a go cart. Seriously, The noise level with the windows closed is terrible. The roof rack and lack of insulation in the front cause the front tire noise to reverberate into the passenger compartment. The CVT transmission typically allows the engine to rev up to 3500 rpm before shifting on a hill. The dealer performed tests and said it is with in specks. On the first oil change the dip stick showed over one quart low. Dealer was called, second oil change same thing. Dealer said if problem continues they will do a oil consumption test. 40000 miles later the agreed to perform the test. The dip stick was 2/3 of a quart low, after adding oil the week before. The mechanic read it a s 1/10 of a quart low. I have a degree in engines and drive trains, as well as over 5 years as a fleet mechanic. So right away I questioned the mechanics vision. When I got home and checked the oil level after the dealer had changed the oil for the oil consumption test the oil was 1 quart over filled. I checked the work order and it listed 6 quarts of oil. That could be the problem.. But if I hadn't checked and came back at 1200 miles they were apparently thinking that the oil level on the dip stick would be at acceptable levels. We are now scheduled for an other oil consumption test. The fuel economy in the winter is around 21-13 miles per gallon, in the summer on trips we have gotten as high as 31. I am over 6 ft tall so getting in the front seat involves backing to the side of the car sitting down and swinging my legs in. Would I buy this car again. No there dealer and manufacturer support they deny there is a issue even though there is a class action suit on going in New Jersey. With the regular Automatic or manual transmission the shifting issue is solved. The CVT transmission is just junk. The oil consumption issue isn't just with the 4 cylinder outback it is with the 6 cylinder as well and is also in other models. The manufacturer even with the suit refuses to admit there is a internal engine problem. I have had Chevy and VWs with lesser oil consumption and the dealers rebuilt the engines with no hesitation. It is a real shame that a formerly so reliable vehicle has been allowed to go down hill so much. It is understandable with so many Subaru being sold between 2010 and 2016 having the consumption issue the repair costs will be in the millions of dollars. If Subaru doesn't step up and repair their design flaws there will be very few second time buyers.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Avoid at all costs - try Hyundai instead
Subaru is aware of engine oil leaking problems with this year/model and it hit us hard. Our 2013 Outback has had every scheduled maintenance, yet at 108K it suffered 3 separate oil leaks that will require the engine to be removed. All of this will cost about 3k. Hyundai seems to be coming on strong as a Subaru competitor (Toyota and Honda are great/better in my opinion). Since Subaru shows no loyalty to it's owners I can't imagine why anyone would want to buy one. Too many other options out there.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- 3.6R Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,99037 mi away
- 3.6R Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $15,9983 mi away
- 2.5i Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $14,99848 mi away
2013 OB 2.5i CVT 9 month update
Performance? is Meh, but it can handle fast bumpy on/off ramps with sublime decorum. Roll on speed 40 to 70 is fairly respectable for a family Wagon, and upshifting/downshifting is far smoother in the CVT...Hooning lightly around town in the snow will reveal one startling realizaiton...downshifting with all 4 wheels engaged + traction control on snowy roads is surreal! If your in this car on snowy roads, watch your back at icy stop signs and intersections; getting rear ended by those who cant possibly stop as fast is a real issue. Still too new to judge reliability..Add snowtires and go nealry everywhere in the snow. bottom line: I feel safe with my family in this car in all conditions.
First Subie Love
We've had our 2013 Outback since the Winter and its been awesome. The suspension was definitely stiffened up this year which can make poor road conditions more noticeable but high speed and back road handling is spot on. Our latest road trip was 400 miles to NH and we averaged 33.6 MPG with 3 people, cargo and lots of mountain roads. We've hit a few off road trails and the car has tackled mud and dips with ease. The interior is quiet, spacious and the harmon kardon audio is very good. No issues to date!
Transmission problem Transmission
151k miles and transmission broke down. Subaru didn't recommend any transmission service before. I wonder if I would do transition service it would work longer. I had also issue with engine oil consumption. Car had only 70k miles Subaru did replace engine block on warranty. One dealer didn't see problem another one was pleasant to deal with and they did repair it for free. Overall good car no another issues.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value