Subarus are pieces of junk

"Stupidru" (Schm1an)
11/05/2014 at 10:09 • Filed to: None

On my way into work this morning, I hear a whirring and whining noise as I'm sitting at a stoplight. When it came time to make the last mile of my trek into work, I lightly hit the accelerator and my engine sounds like marbles. Get into work and check it out and it sounds like it's coming from the bottom of the engine which probably means it's the water pump. This pisses me off royally because I just paid $3000 less than 2 years ago to have the head gaskets (4th set on this #$%^&*car!), water pump, thermostat, and timing belt replaced at a reputable dealer who I will not throw under the bus unless they don't honor their work. But really, about 25k miles and <2 years and now the water pump is gone again. And from what I'm reading online, it's around $1k to fix. At the time, I don't have $1k to spend on fixing our junk car when our nice car (2009 Forester XT) has a shoddy main bearing which will cost me $1800-$2300 just to pull the engine and replace the main bearing, not to mention if there's anything else that needs to be fixed. Oh, and have I mentioned that my 2006 Legacy GT lost compression in cylinder #4 because of a failed ringland? Yeah, 3/3 Subarus have left me high and dry. I'M NEVER BUYING THESE CARS AGAIN!

DISCUSSION (68)

thebigbossyboss > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:11

Wow. That sounds painful.

Crashsector > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:13

Just playing Devil's Advocate here, as a long-time Subaru enthusiast... any chance either of these vehicles have been modified?

titsinmymitts > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:15

Subaru engines must be shit.

Cé hé sin > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:17

Those of us who live somewhere Subaru's market share is about 0.2% and falling say to ourselves "there's a reason why nobody buys them anymore"

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:17

HAHA! I knew that Subarus were overrated , my hunch was correct! Take that Michigan!!

On that note, I'm very sorry for your misfortunes. :(

Raphmoe > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:19

What model and year Subaru are you talking about?

How many miles on the car?

Maybe you shouldn't have spent $3,000 on a car that has already blown THREE SETS of head gaskets previously and thought to yourself "sometimes, the smart financial decision is to stop dumping money in to a car that clearly has issues and use that money on something more reliable".

Also, 2 years is a long time for more parts to wear/tear/break. Acting like you JUST replaced something when it was that long ago is tricking yourself in to a lie.

Andrew T. Maness > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:26

Ah man that sucks, always a bummer when a pretty reliable car drops a wallet bomb. That being said, at least it's Subaru parts you're paying for and not German ones.

Margin Of Error > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:29

Holy shit dude that sucks.

I'm sorry to hear this, but at least you learned something that will benefit you in the future. Never buy these complicated rice-mobiles again.

V8 + RWD + No-nonsense is where it's at.

Kinja'd!!!

duurtlang > Cé hé sin
11/05/2014 at 10:29

Yes. That, and ungainly designs, engines that don't fit market demands, few dealers, expensive parts and difficult resale. Honda is similar, just not as bad.

And yes, I did once own a Subaru. A 1997 Legacy wagon.

thebigbossyboss > Raphmoe
11/05/2014 at 10:30

I personally just can't believe anyone would put a car though 3 or 4. I mean 1, maybe, but at a point I agree. If it blew the 2nd gasket I'd just give up.

Stupidru > thebigbossyboss
11/05/2014 at 10:34

We didn't know about the previous 2 replacements when we bought it until we had to pay for the new set and I ran a CarFax and noticed it had spent significant time in the shop previously. I think the first set at 40k, second set at 55k, third set at 95k

Stupidru > Raphmoe
11/05/2014 at 10:35

T5Killer > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:36

He says they are junk LOL. My '96 2.2 Legacy has been across the country twice when I PCS'D and it currently has 380k miles. It just depends on what engine they have. EJ SOHCs FTW.

Stupidru > duurtlang
11/05/2014 at 10:36

See I'm thinking of replacing our FXT with an Accord V6 coupe... how bad are these Hondas? I thought everything was honky-dory in Honda land

Stupidru > Margin Of Error
11/05/2014 at 10:36

My 2 best buddies owned F-bodies in high school (one Iroc and a Trans Am GTA). Those things were a hoot!

Stupidru > Andrew T. Maness
11/05/2014 at 10:37

Subaru parts are cheap, but Subaru labor is what really thins out your wallet

Stupidru > titsinmymitts
11/05/2014 at 10:37

Seriously never buying another 2.5L Stupidru. In fact I think I'm done with this brand entirely

Stupidru > thebigbossyboss
11/05/2014 at 10:37

You could as my wallet, but it's so light that it already flew away

ColoradoTaco > duurtlang
11/05/2014 at 10:38

Not difficult to resale here. Suabrus may as well be the official state car.

Doge_Supreme drives a BRZ > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:42

I'm guessing you have one with a 2.5L. Ive had two with the 2.5L and that platform has nothing but issues, that's why I always look for the 2.0 now, they're way less prone to failure.

titsinmymitts > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:44

If I had that experience, I wouldn't either.

Seems the only brands that make bulletproof cars these days are Toyota and Honda.

Edit: And Honda has been scumbaggy with the airbag recall.

Stupidru > Raphmoe
11/05/2014 at 10:45

2003 Impreza Outback Sport, just approaching 124k miles so it's not like its that high of miles. I paid $3k to have the anything that could go wrong taken care of. A water pump should be a 100k mile part, not a 25k mile part regardless of the car's age. Now please, enlighten me on what might be more reliable than an NA Subaru

Stupidru > Doge_Supreme drives a BRZ
11/05/2014 at 10:46

Yes, all 3 have been the 2.5L. I still think I'm going to stay far away from the brand until I hear more about the 2.0's long term reliability or until they come out with their new H6

Stupidru > titsinmymitts
11/05/2014 at 10:47

I'm looking at getting a 2003 Accord Coupe with the V6 and manual trans to replace the FXT, just so we can save money on a car loan (could probably buy it outright) and maintenance since I could likely do anything by myself

Doge_Supreme drives a BRZ > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 10:53

so far the new FA series of engines have proven to be pretty reliable. Their design should prove in the long run to out last even the older 2.0's seeing as they traded out the timing belt for a chain. The new H6 has been out since last year.

NaturallyAspirated > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 11:11

Are all three of your Subarus turbo 2.5l? Maybe it's time for a N/A car.

BigBlock440 > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 11:13

Now please, enlighten me on what might be more reliable than an NA Subaru

Apparently a lot of things

duurtlang > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 11:25

Not a clue. Ce he sin and I are both located in Europe, where Subarus are almost unicorns and where Honda has lost most of its market share and has become a rare sight as well.

Shift24 > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 11:37

Depends on the year. Early 00s (6th gen seen below) body with V6s have auto transmission problems. Manuals have no problems but that didnt start until 7th gen, which that gen is great with auto and stick, which started in 03 so any V6 coupe after that. The alternative to the 6th gen with a V6 is the Acura CL Type S which has the 6 speed i think...

Also the 4 cyls are great for these years and no trans problems. (Also easy way to tell v6 from 4cyl, 2 exhaust tips=v6)

Kinja'd!!!

Opposite Locksmith > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 11:41

"Now please, enlighten me on what might be more reliable than an NA Subaru"

A WRX, mines at 60k without a single issue at 365 hp 420 tq

Lol

Rock Bottom > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 11:52

Kinja'd!!!

Rico > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 11:54

Get a Honda. At this point, no point in caring about any sort of "character" in a car, you need something reliable that you're not pouring money into every year. Get a Honda, get some snow tires if needed and save the money you aren't pouring into a shitty Subaru into a fun weekend car.

Rico > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 11:55

Do it, or get the sedan, tons of space and reliable.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 12:05

Don't worry, he knows more than you. /sarcasm

Stupidru > Doge_Supreme drives a BRZ
11/05/2014 at 12:41

The new FA (and FB)s have a timing chain? Well that's a welcome change for once. I heard Subaru is redesigning a brand new H6 3.0L

Stupidru > NaturallyAspirated
11/05/2014 at 12:43

The Impreza is an NA. I think it is time for something a little more simple, like a V6 or an I6 instead of boxer engines

Stupidru > Shift24
11/05/2014 at 12:45

I was looking at an 03 and 04 coupe and after 10 minutes researching all looks good, but it would serve me well to spend an afternoon on the Honda forums doing a bit more digging. I drove my college roommate's '02 V6 sedan and it was actually pretty fun to drive. I think he drove it until 280k before he got a job and decided he wanted a new car

Stupidru > Opposite Locksmith
11/05/2014 at 12:46

I've always wanted a WRX but it seems like that dream may have to wait until I get my finances in order and can afford to drop $1k at the tip of a hat to fix whatever may arise

Stupidru > Rock Bottom
11/05/2014 at 12:47

UR A BUS

Stupidru > Rico
11/05/2014 at 12:49

I'm going to take a look at a few Accord V6 coupes once we get back from our little mini-vacation this weekend (Texas, warm weather, yay!). We were talking and if we can drive cars that are paid off and reliable for like 3 years, then we could have a decent savings built up if we want to buy another car or just keep fixing what we have

Doge_Supreme drives a BRZ > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 12:49

they came out with a 3.6 now to replace the 3.0. its in the new foresters outbacks and tribecas I believe.

Stupidru > Rico
11/05/2014 at 12:49

It just stinks that they don't offer the V6 + manual in the sedan, otherwise I'd be all over that

JEM > Rock Bottom
11/05/2014 at 13:05

That.... that is f'in hysterical. I love it.

Stupidru > Doge_Supreme drives a BRZ
11/05/2014 at 13:14

That engine came out in 2010. They're working on a new 3.0L I believe

http://blog.caranddriver.com/freshly-unveil…

Travis B. > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 13:18

I have a 2014 Forester with the 2.5 FB and am in the early stages of dealing with the excessive oil consumption issue. Going through a quart in about 1,200 miles. The car has been a pleasure to own thus far, but I'm extremely nervous about the prospect of having the entire engine swapped. So, no, the FB aren't having much better track record.

Rico > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 13:19

Why not just trade in all these cars and get something more reliable?

anothermiatafanboy > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 13:19

They do, you just have to look around a bit more!!! Epic sleeper.

anothermiatafanboy > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 13:21

Cant say enough good things about those cars. Engine is an absolute fucking GEM. Avoid auto transmissions with V6 accords from 1998-2007. They have a bad reputation. But how much are you looking to spend? I had considered buying one but most with lower mileage were going for 8k or more in my neck of the woods.

Eazy-O > Opposite Locksmith
11/05/2014 at 13:36

420 toques amirite?

Shift24 > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 14:09

Depends on price range too because there is a ton of TLs with a stick out there if you are looking sedan wise. They roll off the same assembly line so idk why these years are so hard to find sedan Accord v6 manuals

here is one with less than 100K for $9k

Stupidru > Rico
11/05/2014 at 14:43

We're going to sell the Forester for sure. We might just pay the bill for the water pump and ride this car out as long as possible and then buy a Honda or something that I can at least fix without having to take to someone else to get fixed

Stupidru > anothermiatafanboy
11/05/2014 at 14:44

I found a few, I just figured since they stopped for the current gen that they never had it. At that point wouldn't it basically be a TL?

Stupidru > anothermiatafanboy
11/05/2014 at 14:45

Obviously less is more in this case, but we want to stay under $10k. What's the difference between a V6 Accord w/ manual and an Acura TL?

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 15:26

I have only ever heard about subaru problems on the internet. Never have I actually seen a problem with my fathers 2002 Forester. He drove his previous one from 200k to 300+ k km. without any problems. He even drove it on Lpg, wich is more prone to failing. He dented it, so he got a 2003 facelift model Forester.

Maybe you just had shitty luck with Subaru's?

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 15:30

My 2005 FXT had a mouse chew the O2 sensor which caused the PCM to die. Not their fault. But they did replace the PCM under warranty so I kept my mouth shut.

Alternator

Cracked radiator tank

Wheel bearing

Turbo died at 135K. Used replacement turbo is sounding cranky now 15K later.

I did a clutch,brakes, the timing belt and water pump together. Other than that, oil changes.

Andrew T. Maness > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 16:09

Sure does, that's why ya gotta do it yourself or have a father that could be a master Subie tech to help you.

I feel your pain, have had my fair share of S.R.F.O.R.(Subaru Related Fits Of Rage) but ultimately they're great cars that will rust off the road before the motor quits.

ranwhenparked > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 18:50

But, they do run on love. And can take you up a half mile dirt road to get firewood or over mildly wet back roads 2 miles to and from work.

George McNally > Stupidru
11/05/2014 at 18:54

I'm in the same boat......I have a 2008 Outback with 70k on it.

Last month, a bolt backed out of the torque converter and rattled around in the bellhousing between the back of the motor and the face of the torque converter until it caught on the rear of the engine and made itself a silver dollor sized hole into the rear of the block and said bolt imbedded itself in a crank journal.

Result, new shortblock and a 5000 dollar bill. I had a new water pump, timing belt,new head gaskets, etc installed as well. Gonna drive it until the motor warranty run out and we're gonna sell it.

We are the original owners and the motor/transaxle has never been out of the car, we've been going to the same mechanic for 25 years, he's built hundreds of Subie motors.....he's never seen this happen before.

Lucky us.

This is our 3 (and last) Subaru, we've had head gasket problems with the first two and numerous other issues.

Never again.

Next car will probably be a Hyundai, I bought a 2014 Elantra earlier this year, sure it ain't the most prestigious vehicle, but I like the 10 year powertrain warranty.

Stupidru > ranwhenparked
11/05/2014 at 19:36

Probably why mine break all the time, because I hate them now!

Stupidru > George McNally
11/05/2014 at 19:40

Sorry to hear about your situation- sounds awfully familiar. Hyundai has really turned their act around lately and I wouldn't mind the warranty like you mentioned.

Eike > Opposite Locksmith
11/06/2014 at 09:08

Stop, you're making my n/a cry with those numbers :(

Opposite Locksmith > Eike
11/06/2014 at 09:34

don't worry I spent a ridiculous amount of money, and she's in storage cuz I'm having seizures laaaaame

Eike > Opposite Locksmith
11/07/2014 at 03:34

Duuuuuude, that's so laaame. Get some pictures up so she knows she's still loved.

Cars can feel, right..? c:

Opposite Locksmith > Eike
11/07/2014 at 09:00

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/rambling-car-r…

Review my buddy did

Socraticsilence > Stupidru
11/08/2014 at 13:24

It's kind of odd, for some reason the 2.5 has had far, far more issues than the 2.0 at least ancedotally for the 200x Subarus— seriously, I've heard of far more head gasket issues from stock LGTs, FXTs and WRXs post-2005, than I have from non-moronically modified pre-2006 WRXs and that obviously should be the case given both mods and the nature of the average now 2nd or 3rd hand WRX buyer (you know the near redline at every stop "rockin' my Flat-Brim bro" dick).

Socraticsilence > anothermiatafanboy
11/08/2014 at 13:26

Any experience with the 200x Si's gotta be honest that dash shifter almost won me over despite all the other factors pushing me to a WRX wagon— I mean it just has so, so much character.

Stupidru > Socraticsilence
11/09/2014 at 09:01

It befuddles me but I think as far as I understand that they just tried to save a few pennies here or there in manufacturing and ultimately in the sale price, but it comes at a price to the consumer. The STI engines were typically pretty stout because they used forged internals and what have you, but Subaru decided that nobody else would abuse their cars as much and didn't beef up the rest of their engines to match.

Socraticsilence > Stupidru
11/09/2014 at 13:19

Makes sense, and would also explain why the 2.0 WRX and 2.5 STI engines seem less prone to failure- small niche vehicles where the failures would have basically ruined sales entirely vs. Mass market targeted cars (the pre 2006 WRX s and STI came with non Subaru steering wheels for heavens sake, I mean I love my Momo wheel but that's not something the mass consumer is going to jump on, there going to ask "why doesn't the steering wheel match?"