Subaru Outback - The age old question

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Wed 9 Sep 2015 17:36
Subaru Outback - The age old question - Cluedo
Hi all - apologies if this is getting repetitive but I will soon be in the market for a new motor and have pretty much decided on a Subaru and an Outback if I can make the finances work.
The logic behind my choice is that I do a bit of country pursuits so the AWD will come in handy from time to time and I like their reputation for longevity.
The question is what fuel and gearbox type should I go for. I am a lazy driver so like the idea of an automatic (or CVT in Subaru case) but am not convinced it is the long term choice.
I do about 8k a year and 5 days a week it will be used to drive me to work 5 miles away my current car (520d SE) does not even get warm by the time I get to work.
Any views and thoughts would be appreciated.
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Wed 9 Sep 2015 17:43
Subaru Outback - The age old question - concrete

With that sort of low mileage you really shouldn't consider diesel. It may be a pain but try to find a longer route to work to get the engine to full working temperature. If you intend to tow anything I am not sure that an automatic would be the wisest choice. Others on the forum know more about this though. Hope it helps.

Cheers Concrete

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Wed 9 Sep 2015 17:44
Subaru Outback - The age old question - RT

On that mileage, stick with petrol which is only available new with the CVT automatic - I've had a 2.5 petrol 4-speed automatic Outback which performed flawlessly although my high mileage and the fuel consumption didn't sit well together - and test driven the 2.0 diesel CVT automatic, and I soon forgot I was even driving a CVT, seemed an excellent transmission.

The manual diesel ISN'T a good choice for towing as it applies more torque on the clutch than is good for it.

Edited by RT on 09/09/2015 at 17:46

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Wed 9 Sep 2015 18:53
Subaru Outback - The age old question - gordonbennet

Brilliant car, however judging by the number of Diesels, of not starship mileages, that have been up for sale with knocking and far worse engines, i would only go for petrol, unless you will definately replace when or before warranty expires.

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Wed 9 Sep 2015 21:00
Subaru Outback - The age old question - Cluedo
Thank you for your comments.
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Wed 9 Sep 2015 22:28
Subaru Outback - The age old question - daveyjp
When I was buying my Forester we discussed reliability and the dealership said they get far more problems with diesels, generally due to lack of use.

For 8,000 miles go petrol, I did for 10,000 a year.
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Thu 10 Sep 2015 16:04
Subaru Outback - The age old question - madf

Pre 2011 diesels can and do break crankshafts. New engine is £11k...

No brainer really

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Sun 13 Sep 2015 20:38
Subaru Outback - The age old question - joc

Outback 3.6R. Fab, smooth & interesting flat 6 petrol engine with auto box. More efficient than old 3.0 too. Not many about, relatively cheap o/a high road tax etc etc Often cheaper than the diesels without all the risk/costs they seem to have. Worth seeking out in my opinion.

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Thu 17 Sep 2015 20:35
Subaru Outback - The age old question - Ed V

And room to convert to LPG.

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Mon 21 Sep 2015 14:00
Subaru Outback - The age old question - hillman

I've got a '56 reg Legacy Outback 2.5 litre auto which I've owned since new. The auto box is a pre CVT style with a fluid torque converter. Apart from an irritating spurious fault on the ECR it has performed flawlessly. I have it serviced by an independent every 5000 miles and do things before the recommended mileage. Present mileage about 98,000.

It tends to be expensive on fuel and tyres but it never gets stuck on bad roads or in icy conditions.

You will need to have a run of at least ten miles every weekend to get the engine hot and keep the oils clean with any car that you buy.

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