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Buyer's Guide · Subaru Outback · Wagon/crossover

Used Subaru Outback Buyer's Guide

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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.

Shopping on a budget? The Outback is one of the picks in our guide to the best used cars under $15,000.

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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. Prefer 3.6R (H6) 2015–2019 or 2020+ 2.4T with documented service.

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Overall · All generations
★★★★★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· All generations
★★★★★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

CategoryRatingWhat it means
Overall4.1/5Very good
Reliability4.0/5Very good
Maintenance3.9/5Good
Parts availability4.3/5Very good
Ownership cost4.0/5Very 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
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

Is the Subaru Outback a good used car?

Verdict rates it 4.1/5 overall, with reliability at 4.0/5 and running costs at 4.0/5. Shop 2015–2019 (5th gen, 3.6R H6) first and treat 2011–2014 (FB25 2.5L) as a records-only purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is the Subaru Outback?
Verdict scores it 4.0/5 for reliability and 4.1/5 overall. Buy from 2015–2019 (5th gen, 3.6R H6) and the known trouble spots largely drop away.
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). Those years combine the settled version of the powertrain with the fewest recurring complaints in our research.
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?
Maintenance scores 3.9/5 and parts availability 4.3/5. Routine servicing is predictable; the cost risk is the model-specific work listed above.
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, if you buy the right year and the right paperwork. Shop 2015–2019 (5th gen, 3.6R H6) first, treat 2011–2014 (FB25 2.5L) as a records-only purchase, and make the sale conditional on an independent inspection.

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