Thinking about buying a 2014 Outback with 208K miles… is it worth it?

Hi all… I came across a 2014 Subaru while looking for a car for my daughter and really liked it. It’s got 208,000 miles, which is a lot, but it seems to be in decent shape. I’ve never owned a Subaru before. Any tips or things I should know before jumping in?

Check your oil every week without fail.

Arthur said:
Check your oil every week without fail.

And keep an extra quart of oil in the car, just in case.

Arthur said:
Check your oil every week without fail.

Costco sells two 5-quart jugs for about $30. One for your oil change and one for topping off.

Gentry said:

Arthur said:
Check your oil every week without fail.

Costco sells two 5-quart jugs for about $30. One for your oil change and one for topping off.

This person knows their Subaru stuff.

Arthur said:
Check your oil every week without fail.

Not saying that’s bad advice, but I checked my 2003 about a month after an oil change and the level was still fine. Mine’s got 205K miles. Do the 2014s burn more oil than older ones?

@Palmer
Yeah, the 2013 and 2014 models are known for it. That was when they first brought in the new engine design and a lot of them burned oil. There was even a class action lawsuit about it.

Teegan said:
@Palmer
Yeah, the 2013 and 2014 models are known for it. That was when they first brought in the new engine design and a lot of them burned oil. There was even a class action lawsuit about it.

Wow… that’s crazy.

@Palmer
My 2014 Impreza doesn’t go through oil like some others, but it still uses it up quicker than I’d like.

EmmanuelBrown said:
@Palmer
My 2014 Impreza doesn’t go through oil like some others, but it still uses it up quicker than I’d like.

Good thing I never really liked that generation WRX. No offense to you though!

@Palmer
Better to catch it early than end up with a blown engine. Whether it’s leaking, burning, or just disappearing, it’s better to stay ahead of it.

Arthur said:
@Palmer
Better to catch it early than end up with a blown engine. Whether it’s leaking, burning, or just disappearing, it’s better to stay ahead of it.

Ah yes… classic Subaru mystery oil loss.

@Palmer
They do tend to go through oil, and another thing is the cam cover gaskets – they like to seep. I just check my oil every time I fill up on gas. Takes seconds and can save the engine.

I have a 2014 with 140K. I replaced the suspension and front lower control arms recently. Honestly, 200K is about what I hope to get out of mine. It still drives fine, but things wear out after over a decade. Maintenance is fairly simple if you do it yourself, but labor costs are high now.

Mine burns about a quart every 3,000 miles and just started losing power steering fluid. It ticks when it’s cold, but I still love driving it.

If it’s a manual or a 3.6 engine, I’d consider one with 208K. If it’s a 2.5 with a CVT like mine, I’d pass.

@Tom
Thanks! You and a few others have really helped me out. This one has the CVT, so I think I’ll move on. I really liked it, but the miles and possible problems make me think I should hold out for one with lower miles and no CVT. Appreciate the help!

@Tom
11–12 years? Try 24… now that’s pain.

Gentry said:
@Tom
11–12 years? Try 24… now that’s pain.

I get that! I’ve just got lower expectations now. Mine leaks oil from the cam carrier, the power steering pump is sweating, the CVT could go any time, and there’s still a ton of basic maintenance ahead… and the resale value barely covers the repairs.

First, make sure to have it looked over by a Subaru mechanic before buying. You don’t want a car with a bad head gasket or rust issues — that could mean thousands in repairs or a car that’s not safe to drive.

That’s a lot of miles, even for a Subaru. Hopefully it’s been taken care of and had major work like a head gasket replacement. I’m not sure when they made CVTs standard, but hopefully it has a regular automatic. If it does have a CVT, change the fluid and replace the filter/strainer just to be safe.

Other parts that may need work: timing belt, CV joints, wheel bearings, CVT solenoids, struts.

Good luck!

@Magdalina
Thank you!! This is super helpful. I really appreciate it!

@Magdalina
Should be a CVT with a timing chain, and usually these don’t have the classic head gasket problem.