subaru outback
130

Asked by OutbackStakehouse Nov 15, 2018 at 02:41 PM about the Subaru Outback

Question type: General

Hi Folks! I am looking at couple of 2008 Subarus (one is 2.5i Limited and other 3.0R).

2.5i Limited has 135k miles on it and 3.0R has 144k miles on it. I am a first time potential Subaru owner (coming from chevy)

What are some of the things I should pay attention to? From my existing research, I learnt Subaru uses composite head gasket that tend to go bad more often due to poor cooling. 2.5i Limited car has the head gasket replaced at 110k miles and not sure about 3.0R 6 cyliender one that I am looking at.

What other problems should I pay attention to? are timing belts a problem? What are the big expenses one should prepare for if one decides to go for either of these vehicles.

Please also share your advice on best practices in terms of maintenance and long term care. For starters,

5 Answers

F_O_R answered 5 years ago

Timing belts are not a problem unless you neglect to change them. If you do not have the cars history have the belt inspected for cracks or missing teeth. Head gaskets can be a problem, they don't fail due to poor cooling but can cause poor cooling. Have the car inspected by a Subaru specialist. Clearly keeping the car up will extend the life just like any other car. Neglect it and it will bite you!

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
130

OutbackStakehouse answered 5 years ago

Thanks for clarifying that head gaskets can cause poor cooling.. I was able to read the carfax for H6 and found no mention of head gaskets and timing belts being replaced. I have not seen the car in person yet, but given it has 144k miles on odometer, would you say the timing belt needs replacement? I read H6 engine's head gaskets do not fail more often as 4 cylinder one, what are your thoughts on that? Either ways, there certainly seems to be a major expense hidden in this H6 Subaru; is it possible to buy additional Subaru warranty?

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

F_O_R answered 5 years ago

Subaru recommends changing the timing belt every 105,000 miles. Look for a sticker under the hood indicating a timing belt change. The H6 has a chain which should not need replacing.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

F_O_R answered 5 years ago

Based on the information you gave I would lean towards the car with the 4. It has a few less miles and the head gaskets have been changed. Good luck!

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • subaru outback 5 Answers

    Hi Folks! I am looking at couple of 2008 Subarus (one is 2.5i Limited and other 3.0R). 2.5i Limited has 135k miles on it and 3.0R has 144k miles on it. I am a first time potential Subaru owner (comin...

    Subaru Outback

    -

    General

  • subaru outback tire optios 1 Answer

    Could I put 205/60/R16 winter tire/rims that came from another Subaru Outback on a 2011 Subaru outback 2.5i premium which currently has all season 225/60/R17?

    2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium

    -

    General

  • Subaru Outback model 2 Answers

    I am looking for a used Subaru Outback and have seen some models listed with an NY/NJ designation. What does this mean?

    2008 Subaru Outback

    -

    General

  • Subaru outback 3.6 limited 2 Answers

    I saw earlier a 2010 3.6 limited Subaru outback with 81,291 miles for $11.553 for sale. Did you sell that car?

    2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited

    -

    General

  • 2018 Subaru Outback 3 Answers

    2018 Subaru outback came to a dead stop on major interstate. Brand new car. Waited 5 minutes and then restarted. What's going on?

    2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD

    -

    General

Outback

Looking for a Used Outback in your area?

CarGurus has 39,037 nationwide Outback listings starting at $975.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.
Write a car review

Shortcuts

Search Subaru Outback Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,250
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,330
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,310
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
1,056 Great Deals out of 25,523 listings starting at $1,200
Used Subaru Crosstrek
608 Great Deals out of 25,552 listings starting at $5,995
Used Toyota RAV4
1,968 Great Deals out of 28,608 listings starting at $1,200
Used Honda CR-V
1,953 Great Deals out of 41,268 listings starting at $1,050
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,149 Great Deals out of 18,199 listings starting at $1,550
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,943 Great Deals out of 32,451 listings starting at $2,990
Used Subaru Legacy
333 Great Deals out of 6,977 listings starting at $499
Used Subaru Ascent
295 Great Deals out of 10,065 listings starting at $14,650
Used Subaru Impreza
359 Great Deals out of 7,455 listings starting at $2,000
Used Toyota Highlander
1,328 Great Deals out of 18,467 listings starting at $1,100
Used Toyota Camry
2,017 Great Deals out of 34,507 listings starting at $500
Used Mazda CX-5
1,175 Great Deals out of 38,835 listings starting at $3,200
Used Ford F-150
6,079 Great Deals out of 132,240 listings starting at $900
Used Honda Accord
1,494 Great Deals out of 29,258 listings starting at $450
Used Honda Pilot
966 Great Deals out of 29,192 listings starting at $711

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.