SUVs had dominated an entire market for too long before people started to move away from them towards models like the Subaru Outback. This station wagon quickly became near and dear to many Americans’ hearts.
However, before anyone puts his hard-earned money in a car, it’s only reasonable to ask about its longevity. How long do Subaru outbacks last?
That’s the question we’re about to answer, along with other important insights about Subaru Outback.
Is Subaru Outback a Long-Lasting Car?
Station wagons are hitting an all-time low in the streets of the US, as people are now gravitating towards added space and luxury features. However, the Subaru Outback was one of the few cars that weren’t fazed by this decline.
In fact, the sales of the Subaru Outback are jaw-dropping; this car makes up about 85% of wagons that are still left on the streets! A great part of the reason they’re dominating the streets is their longevity.
Impressive Longevity Statistics
Based on its reputation, the Subaru Outback is a durable, long-lasting car. When we go beyond reputation and look at numbers, they confirm what reputation conveys.
A 2014 study ranked the Subaru Outback among the cars that’ll most likely make it to their 200,000 miles. In fact, 96% of Subaru cars people bought in the last decade are still roaming the streets until this day!
Let’s make one thing clear, though. There’s a level of variability in how long a car lasts. Your proper care makes a world of difference; it can make your Outback last for 300,000 miles instead of 200,000. It goes the other way as well. The lack of care can make that 200,000 miles even less.
To make things easier, let’s translate the longevity of miles into years. Assuming the average person drives 15,000 miles per year, then a total of 200,000- 300,000 miles translates into a full 15-20 years during which the Outback will have your back!
Minor Longevity Concerns
The longevity of the Subaru is getting difficult to measure lately, owing to the trend of car leasing. Combined with the fact that many people trade their cars for newer versions consistently, car leasing has taken Outbacks out of the competition for the most long-lasting car.
Another concern that affected the demand and longevity of Subaru Outbacks is its frequent recalls. In 2018, for example, there were 157,388 total Subaru recalls due to issues with the airbags, puddle lights, and brake lines.
Aside from longevity, it’s worth mentioning that the Subaru Outback isn’t the most suitable option for big families. In that area, the Outback is outperformed by the likes of Honda Odyssey, which is a particularly popular minivan.
This mismatch between the Outback and big families is another reason why the Outback has been left out of many top-car lists.
Does the Subaru Outback Require a Lot of Repairs?
When we say that the Subaru Outback can last for 15-20 years, we mean it won’t break down and require major repairs before that time. What about the small repairs over time, though? The cost of those repairs can add up after a while!
So, it’s only right to examine different parts of the Outback and see how often they require repairs. Not only that, but we’ll also go over things you can do to get the most out of each part.
Tires
Typically, the original equipment tire will last anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 miles, which translates to 3 to 4 years of moderate use. As for ways to maximize the lifespan of the tires, you should first ensure that they’re at the right pressure at all times. You can do so by running a check-up every couple of weeks.
Tire pressure is important for fuel economy, meaning it’ll make your car burn less fuel. It also makes the tire wear evenly, which extends its lifespan. This even tire wear can also be accomplished by routinely rotating your tires. How often should you rotate them? Every 4,000 to 5,000 miles is a good range.
Batteries
The batteries usually don’t need repair or replacement for as long as 4 years. However, this might vary a little, depending on your driving and the climate.
To make the battery last longer, you should fix it tightly in place. Otherwise, it’ll keep moving back and forth with the movement of the car, which will eventually damage the battery.
Brakes
The usual life expectancy of the brakes hovers around 6,000 miles or 4 years. Nonetheless, this will change if you drive your car in areas with heavy traffic, which forces you to stop frequently.
Fortunately, this wear and tear can be curbed if you use smooth braking, which involves hitting the brakes early enough to stop the car gradually. That’s because forceful braking suddenly while you’re driving at high speed is a well-established way of damaging the brakes.
Does Subaru Outback have a Rusting Issue?
Rusting is a legitimate concern with the Subaru Outback, especially after Subaru’s recalls in 2013 and 2015 for rusting and corrosion issues. That said, the Subaru company has made steps to clear the rust off its name, including the rust perforation limited warranty they offer.
Besides, rusting is an issue with many cars, particularly when it comes to the underside. That’s where waxing and regular, thorough cleaning come into play. Rustproofing also might be effective, as it keeps moisture at bay, minimizing the chances of corrosion.
To keep things fully under control, make sure to use rustproofing fluids as a preventive measure, alongside rust removers when any patch of rust rears its head.
Final Words
When looking for a car, people have different priorities. For those who want a family wagon, durability and longevity come first. Aware of their customers’ needs, the Subaru brand has perfected the Outback vehicle over the years.
The Subaru Outback is a durable, reliable car that can last as long as 20 years when used conservatively. True, it’ll require some good care on your part. But ultimately, if you took care of it, the Subaru Outback will surely reciprocate!