What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Buying a Subaru Outback

We are thinking of buying a 2008 Subaru Outback diesel as we live in a rural area that has been cut off the last few winters when it snows.

We have a budget of £15000. Should we be aware of any problems with this model? It has done 55,000 miles. Do they have cam belts, and if so, when should they be changed?
Do you think Subarus cost more to maintain than other 4x4s? We are hoping to keep the car for a long time!

Asked on 12 January 2012 by NE

Answered by Honest John
The Subaru 2.0 diesel had a few problems with DPFs and DMFs when it was first introduced. Better with the 6 speed gearbox. Unlike Subaru petrol engines the flat four diesel is chain cam. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/subaru/legacy-and-ou.../
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I have between £6-7k to spend on an estate or economical 4x4. I would like a BMW, Mercedes-Benz or other high end brand, but would be open to other makes. I do around 15k miles a year. I've always had...
Which would be the better buy? I'm thinking of a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDi or 2008-'09 Range Rover Sport HSE 2.7. I have a budget of about £25K. I currently run a 53 plate Mercedes-Benz E320 CDi Avantgarde...
My Volkswagen Polo 2006 is uneconomical to repair and I must replace it. My garage has recommended a Honda HR-V or a Toyota RAV4. I am a horse owner who travels 24 miles (round trip 48) to look after my...