My GarageIs the Subaru Outback a good used car?
The 2015–2019 3.6R Outback is the safest used pick — naturally aspirated H6, no FB25 oil-consumption exposure, mature CVT. The 2020+ 2.4T is refined and modern with proper service.
Buyer's Guide · Subaru Outback · Wagon/crossover
Used Subaru Outback Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Subaru Reliability Guide, Best Used Subaru Models and Subaru Forester Buying Guide.
The Outback is the default all-weather wagon. The 3.6L H6 avoids the FB25 oil-consumption story; the CVT-equipped turbo variants require strict fluid service.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 4.1/5 · Very good
- Reliability
- 4.0/5 · Very good
- Best years
- 2015–2019 (5th gen, 3.6R H6), 2020+ (6th gen)
- Years to research
- 2011–2014 (FB25 2.5L)
- Maintenance cost
- 3.9/5 · Good
- Parts availability
- 4.3/5 · Very good
- Ownership cost
- 4.0/5 · Very good
Bottom line: Yes.
Overall
★★★★★4.1/5
The 2015–2019 3.6R Outback is the safest used pick — naturally aspirated H6, no FB25 oil-consumption exposure, mature CVT. The 2020+ 2.4T is refined and modern with proper service.
Reliability
★★★★★4.0/5
Maintenance
★★★★★3.9/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.3/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.0/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2015–2019 (5th gen, 3.6R H6)
H6 avoids FB25 oil-consumption issues; comfortable and capable.
2020+ (6th gen)
Global platform; refined ride; 2.4T is a strong choice with fluid service.
Side by side
Subaru Outback ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.1/5 | Very good |
| Reliability | 4.0/5 | Very good |
| Maintenance | 3.9/5 | Good |
| Parts availability | 4.3/5 | Very good |
| Ownership cost | 4.0/5 | Very good |
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2011–2014 (FB25 2.5L)
Documented oil consumption; verify history or prefer H6 examples.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Oil consumption on FB25 (2011–2014)
- ✓CVT longevity on turbo without fluid service
- ✓Wheel bearings on high-mileage AWD examples
- ✓Rear differential fluid service intervals
- ✓Battery drain from infotainment on some 2015+ examples
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Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Subaru service is moderately priced; independent Subaru specialists exist in most metros.
AWD tire matching (within 2/32") is critical to differential life. CVT fluid every 60k on turbo.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Engine
FB25: verify oil consumption. H6: silky idle.
CVT
No shudder or slip; fluid history documented.
AWD
Tires matched; no driveline binding on tight turns.
Suspension
Struts, sway-bar links, control-arm bushings at 100k+.
Rust
Rear wheel arches, subframe on Northeast cars.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Comfortable, practical, and genuinely capable in bad weather.
- • Real-world 25–28 mpg highway on H6, 28+ on 2.5.
- • Long-standing enthusiast/owner community; parts widely available.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Subaru Outback?
Yes. Prefer 3.6R (H6) 2015–2019 or 2020+ 2.4T with documented service.
People Also Ask
How many miles will a Outback last?
Comfortable, practical, and genuinely capable in bad weather.
Is the Outback expensive to maintain?
Subaru service is moderately priced; independent Subaru specialists exist in most metros.
Which Outback year should I buy?
2015–2019 (5th gen, 3.6R H6) is the range we'd shop first. H6 avoids FB25 oil-consumption issues; comfortable and capable.
What are the most common Subaru Outback problems?
The issues that come up most often are oil consumption on FB25 (2011–2014), CVT longevity on turbo without fluid service and wheel bearings on high-mileage AWD examples. Each one is checkable during a pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Subaru Outback?
Our scoring puts the Subaru Outback at 4.0/5 for reliability. The 2015–2019 3.6R Outback is the safest used pick — naturally aspirated H6, no FB25 oil-consumption exposure, mature CVT. The 2020+ 2.4T is refined and modern with proper service.
Which Outback years should I avoid?
2011–2014 (FB25 2.5L) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Subaru Outback?
2015–2019 (5th gen, 3.6R H6) are the strongest years to target — H6 avoids FB25 oil-consumption issues; comfortable and capable.
How long does a Subaru Outback last?
A well-maintained Outback from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the Outback expensive to maintain?
Subaru service is moderately priced; independent Subaru specialists exist in most metros.
What should I inspect before buying a used Outback?
Focus on: Engine, CVT, AWD, Suspension. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common Outback problems?
Oil consumption on FB25 (2011–2014); CVT longevity on turbo without fluid service; Wheel bearings on high-mileage AWD examples; Rear differential fluid service intervals
Is 150,000 miles too much for a Outback?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile Outback with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Outback's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Subaru Outback?
Yes. Prefer 3.6R (H6) 2015–2019 or 2020+ 2.4T with documented service.
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