How to buy a used Outback without oil consumption issues

Asked by Jada Feb 24, 2020 at 05:36 PM about the Subaru Outback

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

Hi all,
I'm looking at getting a 2017-2018 OB but really dismayed about the oil consumption issues.
Part of me thinks I'm crazy to consider this car as long-term reliability is really important to me
(my last car, a cheap Nissan Sentra, still runs fine at 21 years old). However, car seat needs
and visibility leave me few options, so OB it is.
Any advice (other than crystal balls and prayer) on finding one that hasn't had the oil
consumption issues? I'll be asking for service records and having it independently inspected, but
not sure if that will tell much.
Also, are CPOs any less likely to have the issue?

Thanks for the help

2 Answers

F_O_R answered 4 years ago

I know of no way to diagnose an oil burner except perhaps to see if the spark plugs are oil fouled. Oil burning Subaru's are probably reliable as long as you check the oil level frequently.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
48,050

TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 4 years ago

Oh jeez. Save your paranoia for anti-Trumpism, eh? Buy the OB, change the oil to 5w30 synthetic and you'll be fine. If not, Subaru will give you a new motor. (Dsclaimer: I sell 2016-2018 OBs in the Boston area.) Seriously, don't worry about it. Best, Ern TSG/B

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • How to buy a used Outback without oil consumption issues 2 Answers

    Hi all, I'm looking at getting a 2017-2018 OB but really dismayed about the oil consumption issues. Part of me thinks I'm crazy to consider this car as long-term reliability is really important to me...

    Subaru Outback

    -

    Shopping & Pricing

  • I'm Looking to buy a OUTBACK 3.6 used,,, Looking for the best buy?? 1 Answer

    I have a leased OUTBACK, I need to turn it in now,, Who has a 3.6 with low mileage that wants to sell it.. Contact leej4u@yahoo.com

    Subaru Outback

    -

    Shopping & Pricing

  • Is it worth is to buy a 2004 Subaru Outback? 9 Answers

    I’ve don’t know anything about cars and I’m a single mom on a budget so it’s super important that it’s dependable. Priced it $6,969, has nearly 78k miles...just wondering what I should be asking a...

    2004 Subaru Outback

    -

    Shopping & Pricing

  • Looking to buy a 2012 Subaru Outback out of state. Any Advice? 5 Answers

    Im finding that used Subarus in Colorado are a hot commodity and selling for a bit higher. So I found one in So California for a couple thousand less than ANYTHING I can find locally. Its a fully lo...

    2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited

    -

    Shopping & Pricing

  • Should I buy a 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5? 12 Answers

    Thank you all for your help with my last question about purchasing the 2015 Subaru Outback. I do have another question, what risk will I be taking and what should I be looking for if, when consid...

    2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i

    -

    Shopping & Pricing

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.
Write a car review

Shortcuts

Search Subaru Outback Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,230
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,320
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,310
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
1,098 Great Deals out of 28,317 listings starting at $1,542
Used Subaru Crosstrek
656 Great Deals out of 26,102 listings starting at $5,400
Used Toyota RAV4
1,949 Great Deals out of 29,514 listings starting at $1,450
Used Honda CR-V
2,066 Great Deals out of 42,002 listings starting at $500
Used Subaru Legacy
315 Great Deals out of 7,059 listings starting at $499
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,934 Great Deals out of 31,699 listings starting at $3,500
Used Subaru Ascent
319 Great Deals out of 10,554 listings starting at $14,990
Used Subaru Impreza
386 Great Deals out of 7,708 listings starting at $900
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,090 Great Deals out of 19,141 listings starting at $2,000
Used Toyota Camry
2,091 Great Deals out of 37,807 listings starting at $575
Used Honda Pilot
991 Great Deals out of 29,023 listings starting at $1,150
Used Mazda CX-5
1,104 Great Deals out of 38,567 listings starting at $3,200
Used Toyota Highlander
1,247 Great Deals out of 18,209 listings starting at $675
Used Jeep Wrangler
3,225 Great Deals out of 58,177 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford F-150
6,060 Great Deals out of 130,219 listings starting at $1,500

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.