Are Subarus actually reliable?

[Martin]

They certainly have that reputation, but according to this source, they're not that reliable:

link

 

[mattocs]

Depends on the year. The 2.2l engine is amazing. Change the oil and you'll see 300k miles for sure. Make sure you get a manaul transmission.

 

[Jumpem]

Just get an extended warrant and your set.

We got a 120k mile one for our Fit so we don't have to worry for four years. I'll trade it in at that point and just get high mileage warranty on whatever I get after that.

 

[mattocs]

The 2.5l engine between 1996 and 2000 or 2001 are prone to head gasket leaks. A ton of them do it, and it can cost a lot of money to fix. But, you can get them cheap because of this and get a good deal even after repairs are done, unless the heads are warped or something.

Pretty much any Subaru up to 1995, and some 1996 and 1997 with the 2.2l engine are great. Ones since 2002 or so are alright to...but not as great as they were.

 

[Demo24]

Generally yes. Most of those ratings got affected with the wrx modding scene, which tended to break stuff and then get fixed under warrenty. Treat it well, and it should last you just fine.

 

[mattocs]

Originally posted by: DEMO24
Generally yes. Most of those ratings got affected with the wrx modding scene, which tended to break stuff and then get fixed under warrenty. Treat it well, and it should last you just fine.

I didn't even think of that.

The WRX is a reliable car, too. Just take it easy. Sure, drive her fast and hard sometimes...but keep an eye on things and don't beat it all the time.

 

[fire400]

Originally posted by: DEMO24
Generally yes. Most of those ratings got affected with the wrx modding scene, which tended to break stuff and then get fixed under warrenty. Treat it well, and it should last you just fine.

not as reliable as toyota or honda from what I've seen.

you're right with the WRX, if you plan on getting one, you better have money available for repairs. lol

p.s. celicas, ...once you find out what's truly inside of them, you're basically paying for the exterior body, lol

 

[DaWhim]

my 96 subaru impreza L has 185k and is running strong.

 

[sciencewhiz]

My brother has a '82 DL Wagon with 190K.

 

[Demo24]

Originally posted by: fire400

Originally posted by: DEMO24
Generally yes. Most of those ratings got affected with the wrx modding scene, which tended to break stuff and then get fixed under warrenty. Treat it well, and it should last you just fine.

not as reliable as toyota or honda from what I've seen.

you're right with the WRX, if you plan on getting one, you better have money available for repairs. lol

p.s. celicas, ...once you find out what's truly inside of them, you're basically paying for the exterior body, lol

eh, touchy subject there. also I never said the wrx was unreliable, it is if you cant drive it.

I had a 95 legacy that never really had any problems.

Traded that in for a 05 wrx and only had 1 major issue which was caused by the previous owner(rallying ftl on reliability apparently).


they've been cracking down on warrenty work a bit more now, so their ratings should improve.

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: Jumpem
Just get an extended warrant and your set.

We got a 120k mile one for our Fit so we don't have to worry for four years. I'll trade it in at that point and just get high mileage warranty on whatever I get after that.

you seem to buy a lot of 'peace of mind'.

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
you seem to buy a lot of 'peace of mind'.

I figured $900 wasn't a bad deal to not have to anything other than basic maintenance for 120k miles.

 

[voodoochylde]

The EJ-series engine is, for the most part, dead-flat reliable. The EJ22E and EJ22T are both bulletproof. The first-generation EJ25 has a tendency to pop head gaskets and sometimes warp heads due to a design flaw but the second-phase EJ25 seems to be considerably better.

I bought my 1990 Legacy L AWD with an EJ22E and 4EAT automatic tranny about 1.5 years ago and have put on about 43,000 miles since then. The only problem I've had in that time period was a blown head gasket and shot suspension. The head gasket may have been due, in part, to my going close to 20,000 miles without an oil change. The suspension comes with age.

I rebuilt the entire top end of the motor, short of putting in new valves and valve adjusters, re-ran the PCV system with all brass fittings, threw new Magnecor spark plug wires on, fixed the body, added new struts, and I can still tear up the roads as quick as some performance cars.

I love my Subaru...it's so damn easy to work on and has never left me stranded (except when I blew a head gasket and was too scared to try to limp home).

 

[EagleKeeper]

I had a 2.2l 1988 'XL that I purchased in 1998 w/ 110K.
I had to give it up (still running great) when I moved at 250K in '01.

tires/oil/tuneup and a oil pan gasket was about it.

It did not like starting in sub-zero weather though. I had to use a block heater.
Would get close to 35mpg on the higway at 70+mph.

 

[Skacer]

I'll let you know, I bought a 2007 Legacy after how well my 95 Impreza treated me.

 

[Linflas]

I had a 90 Legacy wagon we purchased new and it was flat out the most reliable and trouble free car I have owned to date.

 

[DivideBYZero]

WRX EJ20. 2 years and the only thing that went with the engine was a radiator top hose, so not really engine related, the hose just got old.

 

[RallyMaster]

2001 2.5L Legacy Wagon: 48k miles and I've already had to replace the alternator. Other than that, the thing is going strong still.

 

[Turin39789]

http://lexington.craigslist.org/car/449498978.html


?

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
you seem to buy a lot of 'peace of mind'.

I figured $900 wasn't a bad deal to not have to anything other than basic maintenance for 120k miles.

$0 is even better.

Eh, to each their own.