Oppopinions wanted high miles 2012 Subaru Outback for $2,500

"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland) 07/18/2019 at 12:51 • Filed to: subaru

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My dad has a buddy who is going to sell his 2012 Subaru Outback for “around $2,500". It is a CVT and has 189,000 “mostly highway miles” on the ODO. I think he used it as a commuter between Missoula and St. Ignatius MT, about a 100-120 mile round trip.

I need a car for my teenagers and am thinking this would be an excellent candidate. Even if I need to put $1,000/year into it to keep it going it pencil’s out pretty well. I need to investigate a few things like were the major services done etc.. but I think I’ll at least take a look. My biggest concern is if the cvt goes or it needs a new exhaust system with cats. That’s like $2,000 right out of the gate. The goal is to have a somewhat reliable car for the next 4 years maybe 3,000 -5,000 miles a year. 

2012 boring car for your time.

random001 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 12:55

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I’d set aside about $3000 for the engine rebuild...

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > random001 07/18/2019 at 12:58

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I can add a lot of 10w-30 for $3,000. But yeah, you are not wrong. 

Dogsatemypants > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 12:58

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The cvt is likely on its way out. Even if the po was religious about regular preventative maintenance, the cvt trans has some pretty gnarly things happen in its old age.

benjrblant > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 13:00

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seems like a gamble to me. why a subaru? 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > benjrblant 07/18/2019 at 13:01

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It’s safe, it has ABS, it has airbags, we get a fuck ton of snow here so AWD that is easy to drive would be very desirable. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Dogsatemypants 07/18/2019 at 13:04

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No idea. If I can get 15,000-20,000 miles out of it, it’s a win. 

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 13:05

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Well I currently own a 2012 with 140k on it. Nothing happened yet. Shit I think it's a good deal. It's going to need a timing belt at 200k and you might want to look into possibly changing the CVT fluid. They it's good for the life of the vehicle but I dunno about that. I am going to look into it when I get close to 200k. Also maybe struts. 

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 13:14

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Having a 2016 Outback - so next gen, but a lot of carryover, that sounds like a spectacular deal assuming it has been maintained. It’s borderline throwaway money - although I know it’s not a trivial amount, and the risk is more on the maintenance end of things.

For the money you can’t really get anywhere close to what you’re getting here elsewhere...so it’s a question of whether you’er OK with the risk or not at that price. I say it’s worth considering. 

vicali > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 13:15

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Wouldn’t, too many ‘good cheap cars’ are just worn out..

CVT+EJ253+high miles does not make a deal.

You’re better off buying a honda.

Dogsatemypants > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 13:19

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You might. I wouldn't count on it.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! 07/18/2019 at 13:19

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The oppo consensus is at 50/50. Honestly I’d rather have a mid 2000's forester with a standard automatic transmission and less tech to worry about. But they are going for $ 5,000-7,000 depending on miles. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! 07/18/2019 at 13:24

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Word on the street is you should change the fluid in your cvt, this life of the car is BS.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > vicali 07/18/2019 at 13:25

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You are not wrong, but if my kids are driving home and the roads are icy there isn’t much out there that is as good as a Subaru to get them home safely, or randomly abandon them halfway between Kalispell and Whitefish. 

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 13:26

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I’d buy it, as long as the owner isn’t seeing any major oil consumption issues.

Timing belt would be a dealer service for me, otherwise everything is straightforward to DIY. CVT is a drain & fill, easy. There have been quite a few high mileage complaints about the CVT, but poor maintenance is likely the culprit. They run rough, but don’t explode, fail, or leave you stranded while moving (though sometimes stall at idle).

It’s $2500. I’d buy that or a 4th Gen Legacy if I was into a budget Subaru , but at least since you know the owner, you also know it’s history.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 13:29

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I’d say NP, assuming that the transmission is okay. 

vicali > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 13:32

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I agree with your plan, wife and kids drive daily in the Forester for the same reasons. But Subarus do Subaru things some times ..

I would look for a rav4/crv/ tuscon/ rogue t hing before I’d go with that particular car.

RacinBob > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 13:47

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If it drives like new, buy it. Change the CVT fluid and take your chances. It may need a head gasket. Who knows. I think I would say if you could find a comparable car for $5500 with 130,000 miles, the premium is worth it.

PS the going rate for that car on autotrader is more like $6000 anyway. I think it is NP. https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars+between+2000+and+6000/Subaru/Outback/La+Crosse+WI-54601?makeCodeList=SUB&searchRadius=0&modelCodeList=SUBOUTBK&zip=54601&minPrice=2000&maxPrice=6000&startYear=2012&endYear=2013&marketExtension=true&sortBy=derivedpriceDESC&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0

RacinBob > RacinBob 07/18/2019 at 13:49

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PS, I agree it is an excellent candidate for the use you describe. Especially as they have a 1/3 chance of damaging it anyway. 

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 13:52

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Agreed on changing the fluid

and 100 more > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 14:01

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AWD cars are plentiful these days, and don’t have questionable head gaskets. This sounds like someone it trying to unload a headache. I know the price it tempting, but you’re better off getting a cheap AWD CR-V or RAV 4 and putting decent tires on it.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > and 100 more 07/18/2019 at 14:05

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I like the RAV4 and it’s certainly on my list.  I’m not a fan of the crv, they make good cars but their AWD is a legit joke.

Jordan > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 15:02

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If it was a manual, I’d say go for it. But that CVT is a deal-breaker. Not a reliable transmission. Unless its been replaced or rebuilt recently, I’d give it a miss.

Amoore100 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 15:23

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I know nothing about Subarus, but after extensive research on their engines and essentially how unpredictable they are, we ended up with two XC70s where maintenance is expensive, but for the most part expected. I’m still interested in Outbacks, though, and for the money, I feel like this is cheap enough to get out if it’s a nightmare but a screaming deal if it turns out to be a peach. I’ve heard the 3.6R/3.0 (whatever displacement flat six) tends to be less problematic than the fours, but if it’s made it to 189k I feel like that’s past when most of them have issues so it’s a survivor so to speak. If I were in your spot and it drove without any red flags I’d probably pick it up in a heartbeat, but since I don’t have any real advice or experience I couldn’t full heartedly recommend it. Still, mighty tempting though—it’s a lotta wagon for the cash.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > RacinBob 07/18/2019 at 17:34

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The assumption that it’s going to hit something is also playing into my decision matrix. It will most likely be a low speed OH SHIT and a curb or tree or light stand. Nothing to bother with fixing. 

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 18:28

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High-mileage Subaru with a CVT... I mean, sure $ 2k sounds cheap, up until you wish you had thrown it at something else.

PPI, PPI, PPI

Derek > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 18:37

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Im a service advisor at a Subaru dealership in Oregon. Oil consumption is something you need to watch out for. They extended the warranty for that concern but it expired at 100k. The transmissions aren’t bad on these things. Torque converter may fail but it’s much cheaper than replacing the trans. If you do need Subaru cats, they are around $1500 to replace with a factory cat. You could always go aftermarket. If you're looking to get a few years out of it you should be fine. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Derek 07/18/2019 at 18:42

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I am well aware of the oil consumption issue . Subaru replaced the short block in my 2013 Outback in 2016. It still burns oil but not 1 qt/1000 miles.

Rick Shaw > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 18:46

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Terrible deal. You can get my cousins 1999 Acura Integra with only 297k miles for only $4k more. Why is that a great deal?  Because Integras gonna be going for millions in a few decades

MUSASHI66 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 19:09

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Bad CVT is more like $3500 out of the gate, for a used/refurbished unit, at an independent shop . My mom’s  2010 Outback started acting up at 62k miles. It would stall and shut down when you’d come to a stop. We traded it in for a Forester XT and Subaru came out with a recall 6 months later.

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 19:29

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That's NP if you ask me. 

RacinBob > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/18/2019 at 23:10

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Exactly. Enough car to cause guilt, not enough to result in financial impact...

MrCastro88 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/19/2019 at 02:58

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I say go for it I have a 11 legacy with 167k, battery and a hub only things I have replaced. I’m a certified tech and in my experience with high mileage vehicle if the transmission is running and shifting fine DO NOT TOUCH IT!!! you change the ATF and change viscosity then you could be asking for big issues blown seals, solenoid problems Valve body nightmares. Also i have driven my CVT hard i mean HARD hevy foot to the fl oor basicly everywhere i go off road with a li ft of course and not a single issue If it works don’t touch it just my 2 cents, but I would say buy that right up can’t beat the price!!!

someassemblyrequired > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/19/2019 at 11:43

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What other recent-ish car with AWD are you going to get for $2500? I mean if you get a year out of it, it’s a win.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > someassemblyrequired 07/19/2019 at 11:53

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Exactly. Otherwise I’m spending $10,000 on a “reliable” boring 2wd car. 

Motorcritter > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/19/2019 at 12:22

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It’s a NP, so long as you view it as a ‘disposable car’- those CVT units are ‘ good’ - up until they ‘aren’t good’. Oil consumption can lead to a blown engine, which may be a lesser concern that the transmission. I would buy it, but I’m a retired auto tech, so I wouldn’t   fear whatever demons are trapped under that hood. Mere mortals, like you, should have trepidation, though. 

someassemblyrequired > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/19/2019 at 12:24

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There’s definitely $2500 in parts on a high mile  2012 Forester, even with a grenaded CVT.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/19/2019 at 13:58

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I have a 2012 with 110k on it as my daily driver. It’s been a solid, reliable mode of transport for the four years that I’ve owned it. Make sure it has a good service history and keep up with it and you should be golden for the foreseeable future.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/19/2019 at 14:08

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IIHS rankings/evaluations for 2012 Subaru outback are solid as well. Could do a lot worse. 

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/subaru/outback-4-door-wagon/2012  

Stef Schrader > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/19/2019 at 14:39

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This smells like a trap to me.

I haven’t gotten as many panicked emails over the years from any single article moreso than this short note on a Subaru class action lawsuit , which includes that generation. I even updated it with a link to the class action settlement in hopes that I’d fend off more emails from saddened owners whose Outbacks get trash gas mileage, consume oil or otherwise done blow’d up, and no! I got another one this week. It is YEARS old at this point and I don’t even work here full-time anymore , and yet, people desperate for any fix on that-gen Outback’s problems still reach out to me.

Do. Not. Recommend. Screw this garbage car. Run away. Get something else.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Stef Schrader 07/19/2019 at 14:52

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Ha ha ha, I actually have a 2013 Outback that is covered under the lawsuit and Subaru replaced the short block in my outback in the fall of 2016. It was burning 1qt/1,000 miles. I know, but it’s Stockholm syndrome.  

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/19/2019 at 22:42

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You could have just bought a bmw =p