If you have ever heard of Subaru as a company, you most likely associate them with their Outback. One of the reasons this car is so popular is because it can tackle terrain that is typically reserved for bigger SUVs. With six generations, spanning from 1995 to 2021, it’s very possible you will come across an Outback, but should you buy a used Subaru Outback?
If you are looking for a safe and versatile car, the Subaru Outback offers great value for your money. However, buyers should beware of the head-gasket problems which plagued some of the older models.
Let’s look more closely at this wagon to see if it might be a good fit for you and your family.
Are Subaru Outback’s Reliable?
Regardless of whose rating you look at, the Outback has proven to be a reliable vehicle. Below you will find a list of J.D. Power’s reliability ratings by year.
| Year | Rating | Year | Rating | Year | Rating |
| 2022 | 71/100 | 2017 #3 in Midsize SUV | 80/100 | 2012 #3 in Midsize SUV | 82/100 |
| 2021 | 71/100 | 2016 #5 in Midsize SUV | 79/100 | 2011 #3 in Midsize SUV | 82/100 |
| 2020 #6 in Midsize SUV | 70/100 | 2015 #7 in Midsize SUV | 76/100 | 2010 #5 in Midsize SUV | 81/100 |
| 2019 #6 in Midsize SUV | 79/100 | 2014 #3 in Midsize SUV | 82/100 | 2009 #8 in Midsize SUV | 81/100 |
| 2018 #2 in Midsize SUV | 81/100 | 2013 #6 in Midsize SUV | 81/100 | 2008 #9 in Midsize SUV | 81/100 |
All in all, the Outback has an above-average reliability rating when compared to most vehicles in the category.
How long Do Outback’s Last?
A vehicle is typically considered to have high mileage at about 120,000 miles. However, if properly cared for, an Outback can easily exceed this and reach 250,000 to 300,000 miles. If the vehicle is driven an average of 15,000 miles a year or less, it could last anywhere from 16 to 20 years.
How Much Will It Cost to Maintain a Used Subaru Outback?
According to CAREDGE, the maintenance and repair cost for a Subaru Outback will average $2,137 for the first five years of its life, and an average of $8,037 during the first ten years of service. During this time there is a 23.97% chance of a major repair being needed.
| Year | Probability of Major Repairs | Yearly Maintenance Cost |
| 1 | 2.47% | $278 |
| 2 | 4.10% | $325 |
| 3 | 4.60% | $399 |
| 4 | 8.13% | $518 |
| 5 | 11.64% | $617 |
| 6 | 13.10% | $772 |
| 7 | 14.13% | $1,087 |
| 8 | 18.26% | $1,212 |
| 9 | 20.18% | $1,328 |
| 10 | 23.97% | $1,501 |
What Are the Most Common Problems With a Subaru Outback?
When trying to figure out what problems a car might have, you must think about things like, “Who drove the car?” and “Where was the car driven?” Obviously, a vehicle that was kept in a garage maintained on time, and rarely driven is going to have fewer problems than a car that was driven like a racecar on snowy roads and never maintained.
However, there are some problems that plague all Outback’s, no matter who has driven them. This content is owned by moc.sotuaytsur. Below you will find a list of the most common problems reported by drivers along with the average price of repair.
| Most Common Problem | Repair Cost |
| Excessive Oil Consumption | $1,500 |
| Windshield Cracks Easily | $600 |
| Transmission Failure | $6,500 |
| Brake Bleed | $95 |
| Battery Test | $44 |
| Wheel Alignment | $152 |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System Relearn | $44 |
According to CarComplaints.com, the worst year for Outback’s was 2015, which had the most overall complaints. However, the 2013 model’s repairs cost more and appear at lower mileages. The most-reported problem was in the 2017 Outback and was for dead batteries.
Are Subaru Outback’s Safe?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducts crash reviews and rates vehicle performance with a 5-Star Safety Rating system. According to NHTSA, the Subaru Outback has received 5-Stars in both frontal crashes and side crashes in all models from 2013 to 2021. Additionally, each model received 4-Stars in the rollover test. You can look at the safety rating of each year in more detail on NHTSA’s website.
In addition to NHTSA, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is funded by insurance companies and associations, also tests vehicle safety ratings. It is IIHS that issues the Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Pick awards. The Subaru Outback has received both Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ in all generations, with superior ratings in many of their tests. You can find more about each individual year here.
How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Used Subaru Outback?
It’s important to understand that insurance prices depend heavily on their age, location, driving history, and credit score. Additionally, some companies may offer different discounts that apply to you, so it is always a good idea to shop around. However, you can find the average price to insure each model year, along with the lowest quote, in the table below.
| Year | Average Price | Lowest Quote |
| 2020 | $1,411 | Allied: $599 |
| 2019 | $1,461 | Cincinnati Insurance: $832 |
| 2018 | $1,108 | GEICO: $723 |
| 2017 | $1,425 | GEICO: $579 |
| 2016 | $1,854 | Allied: $633 |
| 2015 | $1,089 | GEICO: $505 |
| 2014 | $1,063 | GEICO: $486 |
| 2013 | $872 | GEICO: $423 |
Compare Subaru Outback’s by Year
2022
- Price: $26,945 to $39,945
- Average Used Price: $39,343
- MPG: 24 to 29
- Horsepower: 182 to 260
- Seats: 5 passengers
- Drive Type: AWD
- Engine: 4 – Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
2021
- Price: $26,795 to $39,945
- Average Used Price: $37,182
- MPG: 26 to 29
- Horsepower: 182 to 260
- Seats: 5 passengers
- Drive Type: AWD
- Engine: 4 – Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
2020
- Price: $26,645 to $39,695
- Average Used Price: $35,397
- MPG: 26 to 29
- Horsepower: 182 to 260
- Seats: 5 passengers
- Drive Type: AWD
- Engine: 4 – Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
2019
- Price: $26,345 to $38,995
- Average Used Price: $29,996
- MPG: 23 to 28
- Horsepower: 175 to 256
- Seats: 5 passengers
- Drive Type: AWD
- Engine: 4 – Cylinder, 6 – Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
2018
- Price: $25,895 to $38,690
- Average Used Price: $27,667
- MPG: 23 to 28
- Horsepower: 175 to 256
- Seats: 5 passengers
- Drive Type: AWD
- Engine: 4 – Cylinder, 6 – Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
2017
- Price: $25,645 to $38,195
- Average Used Price: $24,498
- MPG: 23 to 28
- Horsepower: 175 to 256
- Seats: 5 passengers
- Drive Type: AWD
- Engine: 4 – Cylinder, 6 – Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
2016
- Price: $24,995 to $33,395
- Average Used Price: $21,083
- MPG: 23 to 29
- Horsepower: 175 to 256
- Seats: 5 passengers
- Drive Type: AWD
- Engine: 4 – Cylinder, 6 – Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
2015
- Price: $24,895 to $32,995
- Average Used Price: $19,046
- MPG: 23 to 29
- Horsepower: 175 to 256
- Seats: 5 passengers
- Drive Type: AWD
- Engine: 4 – Cylinder, 6 – Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
2014
- Price: $23,495 to $32,095
- Average Used Price: $15,770
- MPG: 21 to 27
- Horsepower: 173 to 256
- Seats: 5 passengers
- Drive Type: AWD
- Engine: 4 – Cylinder, 6 – Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic, Manual
2013
- Price: $23,495 to $32,095
- Average Used Price: $13,243
- MPG: 21 to 27
- Horsepower: 173 to 256
- Seats: 5 passengers
- Drive Type: AWD
- Engine: 4 – Cylinder, 6 – Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic, Manual
Older Models Average Used Price
- 2012 Average Used Price: $11,943
- 2011 Average Used Price: $10,453
- 2010 Average Used Price: $9,196
- 2009 Average Used Price: $8,354
- 2008 Average Used Price: $7,862
- 2007 Average Used Price: $6,974
- 2006 Average Used Price: $6,779
- 2005 Average Used Price: $6,996
- 2004 Average Used Price: $5,308
- 2003 Average Used Price: $5,081
- 2002 Average Used Price: $4,844
- 2001 Average Used Price: $4,508
- 2000 Average Used Price: $4,504
If you do choose to buy a used Outback or any used car, it’s worth investing a few dollars to check the VIN number against the vehicle database. An audit with a company like VinAudit (links to VinAudit) will guard against Mileage fraud, Salvage rebuilds, Title washing, Vin cloning, and a ton of other uglies.
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Is SUV good for a first-time driver?
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- About the Author
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John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.