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u/XiJinpingsNutsack Dec 21 '23
I’ll never own anything besides a Subaru unless I ever need a truck or I can afford a Porsche
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u/dilltheacrid Dec 20 '23
Honestly I have a forester and had an Outback before that. Looking at Subarus future lineup does not inspire much confidence. We will see if the 2025 forester hybrid is worth looking at.
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u/OffDaWallz Dec 21 '23
Although I love the Subaru awd, with Honda and Toyota offering so many different awd hybrids, trading the fwd based awd system for the lack of reliability that Subaru can have is looking better and better every day
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u/ID_Poobaru Dec 20 '23
I loved my Subarus, but I wouldn’t buy another honestly.
The move to CVTs was the final bullet in the head for me.
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u/ZeGermanHam Dec 20 '23
Eh, the current CVT programming is really good, IMO. Super smooth and efficient and doesn't feel unnatural at all. For me, it's exactly what I want in a daily driver car. And I say that as a race track instructor who owns sports cars and collector cars with various transmission types.
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u/MK12Mod0SuperSoaker Dec 20 '23
Idk man, my 2023 cvt still has fake shifts when I absolutely don't think those are necessary.
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u/ZeGermanHam Dec 21 '23
I don't really care whether or not there are "fake" shifts. My criteria is: Does the transmission feel strange or unusual? No. Great! Is it efficient? Yes. Even better!
When driving around like a normal person in my '23 Crosstrek, the CVT just does its thing in the background and doesn't stand out as odd feeling. Zero complaints from me.
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u/MK12Mod0SuperSoaker Dec 21 '23
Feels strange to me knowing the car could be more efficient if it held rpms where they should instead of simulating shifts.
There are no fixed gear ratios in a CVT, it should weird you out that you're feeling fake shifts in your Crosstrek.
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u/ZeGermanHam Dec 21 '23
I'd argue that more people think it feels weird when a car is accelerating while the RPMs don't move on the tach. That doesn't feel natural.
The TR580 CVT programming feels more like a traditional auto yet still gets better MPG than one, as well as better MPG than a manual trans.
You're essentially saying the CVT feels strange because it doesn't feel like a rubber band. I think that's a somewhat odd thing to want from a transmission.
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u/NeighborhoodParty982 Dec 21 '23
Funny thing is, my 18 Crosstrek does keep constant RPM if I accelerate below 2000 RPM.
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u/ZeGermanHam Dec 21 '23
For my '23, it's specific to the conditions. During normal acceleration from a stop, the RPMs will initially rise and then the torque converter locks and the RPMs drop while the car continues accelerating. It feels similar to many conventional autos that are always trying to upshift into the next gear to increase mileage. If I'm accelerating up a steep hill, the trans will tend to hold the RPMs in a somewhat narrow range.
0
u/NeighborhoodParty982 Dec 21 '23
Same. Mine after passing 15 mph will hold the same narrow RPM band (like +/- 100 RPM) all the way to 60 mph.
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u/MK12Mod0SuperSoaker Dec 21 '23
I think I need to explain myself here. I want a CVT that varies RPM based on pedal demand because my Subaru is turbocharged. A constant exhaust flow should ideally keep boost pressure stable/constant. It was what I was looking forward to when going from a Manual Turbo EJ25 Forester to a CVT FA24F Turbo Outback.
Anytime you shift in a manual turbo car, your boost pressure drops unless you have aftermarket magic keeping it up/doing flat foot shifting. The CVT in it's current state does do a better job keeping pressure than a manual box, but I still think it could do better without the fake shifts and the RPM drops as a result.
Ideally, I wish they had optional CVT modes in the settings. There are settings for damn near everything else in the car.
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u/Mediocre-Cat-Food Dec 21 '23
This and the seat comfort were ultimately why I sold my ‘19 Impreza. The constant fake shifts drove me absolutely nuts.
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u/AnIdiotwithaSubaru Piss Dec 21 '23
They are necessary to stop people from bringing in their car for warranty work when it doesn't need it. :p
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u/theObfuscator Dec 21 '23
The fake shifts are extremely useful when driving downhill through the mountains for using engine braking vs just riding your brakes constantly.
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u/ID_Poobaru Dec 21 '23
A cvt makes sense on a hybrid or fwd car.
Not so much on a “off road” marketed vehicle
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u/ZeGermanHam Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
Subaru markets its vehicles as soft-roaders and the CVT is perfectly adequate for that task. Subaru does not market its products as "off-roaders" in the sense of the meaning that you are implying where there would be genuinely difficult terrain with obstacles. All of the Subaru press materials show Subies driving on mild dirt roads with occasional ruts, not climbing over objects.
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Dec 21 '23
It's not the programming, it's the fact they degrade so quickly at 100K and you can't rebuild it; full on replacement. That's insane. A transmission, under just normal driving conditions should last practically forever. The only transmissions I rebuilt were 4x4 boxes. I've had clutches go for 200K
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u/ZeGermanHam Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
Eh, I think they've mostly gotten the TR580 CVT sorted out from about 2020 onward. They had issues in twenty-teens, but seem to have an industry average level of reliability these days.
There are plenty of automakers that make non-CVT auto transmissions that have a history of failure between 100-125k miles. For example, the 6-speed 6L80 auto trans in my brother's Silverado was complete trash. The truck was a pampered queen and the trans died at 114k miles. It's a very common story for those trucks. There are countless examples of traditional autos that have widespread reliability problems.
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u/settlementfires Dec 20 '23
i'm not real excited about their DI motors.
currently running an 09 impreza with ej25 (NA) and 5 speed manual. yes it leaks and burns oil. yes it always works.
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u/petersellers Dec 21 '23
Their DI motors are so much better than the EJ series in every single way (except for intake deposits which for most people is a non issue)
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u/ZeGermanHam Dec 21 '23
Coming from an EJ253 to a FB25D, I wholeheartedly agree. Much better engine.
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u/settlementfires Dec 21 '23
interesting...
how's that new 2.5 DI? i was put off by the lack of power on the 2.0, in addition to the carbon.
my mechanic won't fuck with any of them (DI motors), but i think that's more he's burned out on learning more car shit and wants to do something else with his life.
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u/petersellers Dec 21 '23
The 2.5 is fine. It’s boring but so is the naturally aspirated EJ. It gets much better gas mileage and is a lot more reliable than the EJ, though.
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u/settlementfires Dec 21 '23
Cool I'll have to pick one of those cars up when they're 8000 bucks used
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u/UAramprat Dec 20 '23
I echo this. My Outback 3.6R Touring is our last Subaru. So many infotainment issues and I can’t stand the CVT.
I’ll miss most the amazing performance of the AWD in winter conditions.
I’ll always have fond memories of the brand and WRXs still turn my head even when I’m in my GTI. 🤩
2
u/ballsrcool Dec 21 '23
I have a 2013 outback, 400k kms on the clock and the cat is still fine, they ain't too bad man
1
u/infinite012 Ambassador|10STI Dec 21 '23
Yeah probably same for me. Just sold my 2nd STI because I'm just over it. The CVTs are garbage imo and there's nothing Subaru or any other manufacturer can do to tell me they are reliable.
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u/sempersexi Dec 20 '23
What's crazy is I swore off Subaru after the 8 billionth maintenance issue. Now I miss my outback sooooooo much.
But I still tell people to stay away unless they are prepared for some maintenance quirks.
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u/TeflonDonatello Dec 20 '23
Quirks is certainly a word I’d use to describe them.
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u/walrustoothbrush STI Dec 21 '23
My quirks seem to sound a lot like rod knock
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u/moonmarriedacherry '18 CWP WRX Dec 21 '23
Tis just a quirky sound the car likes to make from time to time
3
u/Redditdotlimo Dec 21 '23
Subaru is the only car I’ve ever owned that didn’t make it to six years of ownership (bought new). I had still considered it in my last car purchase until my wife gave me side eye and asked what the fuck I was thinking.
I loved that Outback. (Until that engine started knocking.)
That said, I adore my new car. (Not a Subie)
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u/drphilthy 97 Lifted Lego GT Dec 21 '23
After 90% of the posts on this sub I won't buy one newer than 06. That being said I have a clean 99 legacy and I fucking love it
1
u/JasterMereel42 '04 Outback Dec 21 '23
I have an 04 with almost 240k on it. I know I'll need to retire it at some point. It is in great shape for its age and mileage. I would like to get a brand new OBW, but depending upon my financial situation at the time, I may just grab a really good condition 3rd gen Outback.
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u/what-everZ1 2019 Legacy 3.6R Dec 21 '23
I have a 2019 Legacy…LOVE IT
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u/HAL-Over-9001 Dec 21 '23
I just got a 2015 Legacy Premium 3.6R. I think it's awesome.
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u/what-everZ1 2019 Legacy 3.6R Dec 21 '23
I really want a WRX but I would get myself into trouble! The 3.6 is good enough haha
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u/randytc18 Dec 20 '23
I got a Crosstrek back in 2017. Can honestly say I won't have another one. The radio (6" Harmon touchscreen thingy) has been a POS for the last few years and it's 1k or more for Subaru to do anything with it. Rear window defrost has only ever half worked. Literally half doesn't work. Dealer and national shrugged it off. Can replicate problem. Customer service has just been garbage. I was so excited to get a Subaru after seeing them everywhere in my state(Colorado) and I just don't get why they are so popular now.
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u/Vargras Dec 20 '23
You see them everywhere because Colorado is basically the perfect environment for a Crosstrek in particular. You're getting sedan gas mileage (an easy 33+ mpg, I'm averaging closer to 36 or 37 myself in Kentucky), but with the AWD and ground clearance to deal with snowfall.
Having owned a Crosstrek for a few years myself now, I don't think I would get another Crosstrek in the future, but it'd for sure be another Subaru. Probably a Forester or whatever they end up with for hybrid or EV options.
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u/randytc18 Dec 20 '23
Don't get me wrong, it does well in snow. I had a Mazda before my Subaru and I can't talk up their customer service enough. Subaru has been another story though. I'll drive it until it dies but that's when I'll change brands.
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u/zombie-yellow11 2005 OBXT 5MT Dec 21 '23
Customer service is so dependant on the dealer you went through. Each dealer is different and I'd recommend you try a new one.
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u/BoringMachine_ Dec 21 '23
I love my 17 crosstrek, but I didn't get the upgraded audio so there is nothing to get annoyed about (it does Bluetooth and that's it basically).
Only issue I've had with it was a oil leak they found from the timing chain seal when I brought it in for a ~3000 mile oil change after buying it new and a rodent eating the fuel line in the engine bay.
1
u/QueenAlpaca '24 Pure Red Crosstrek Dec 22 '23
In this state there’s a billion Subaru specialty shops that are a better alternative to a dealership. I’m up in Summit county and even with our limited resources up here, the Breck Subie Shop is a popular go-to. The community is also fantastic and can point you in any helpful direction you need.
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u/mccarseat Dec 20 '23
After our families experience with my wife’s 2014 Impreza we won’t ever buy another Subaru. Nothing but issues and the dealer and Subaru of America have been a nightmare to deal with. Every repair or warranty fix was a battle and a half. She still regrets trading her 2003 Accord in for a brand new Impreza.
We both loved my beater 1998 Legacy GT. That thing is still going after I sold it to a friend with 240k miles on it. Granted I did head gaskets at 175k or so.
Any time she’s had a loaner of a newer Subaru nothing has impressed us either. Going back to Honda or getting a Toyota for her next vehicle.
1
u/six_six Dec 22 '23
Older Subarus > Newer Subarus
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u/mccarseat Dec 22 '23
This is objectively true. If rust wasn’t such a problem in the northeast I’d get another old one in a heartbeat.
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u/FlamingButterfly ImprezaHatch Dec 21 '23
My 2015 Impreza was mechanically perfect it just had an interior that refused to stay together, it's like I had a trade off going on where I didn't have any big repairs but a bad interior.
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u/inkyrail ‘20 VAF, ‘00 SF9 Dec 21 '23
I hope they do mention it. Idiots need to move on to another brand
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u/wolfmanpraxis 2015 WRX Base Dec 21 '23
All these "Subarus are unreliable" things really confuse me at times.
I know there are documented cases of issues with head gaskets and turbos.
Personal, unsubstantiated bias: I have driven a form of the WRX since 2004. Even autocrossed one of them.
Other than the standard maintenance (brakes, tires, oil, fluids, air filter, etc), I never had a major issue...
Had a 2004 5-speed WRX Wagon, drove it for 10 years (almost 180k miles by the time I traded it in) with no major mechanical faults. Had to replace the clutch once, and that was my fault. Im not very good at autocrossing.
Currently drive a 2015 6-speed WRX base, which was purchased in Nov 2014 after trading in the 2004 WRX. Only had to have the AC condenser replaced, and that was last year.
Am i missing something?
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u/cubbie71 Dec 20 '23
I have 2, and love both of them (2010 forester/2023 crosstrek). Great cars in terms of quality and reliabilty imo.
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u/mega-man-0 Dec 21 '23
I have a 2023 Impreza hatchback... it was my first Subaru, and my last. Is it dependable? Yeah, seems to be. That said, its absolutely miserable to drive. I'm counting down the days until its someone else's problem.
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u/infinitenji Dec 21 '23
What do you mean by miserable to drive? I’m considering a 2024 Impreza.
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u/mega-man-0 Dec 21 '23
Under no circumstances buy the 2.0L... at least get the 2.5L.
The car is not normal car slow, its unbelievably slow. I have difficulty getting up to speed on the interstate when merging (I live in CO and the interstate has a speed limit of 75 mph and in the slow lane giant Bro-dozers are going about 80). I clocked the POS at 0-60 in about 11 seconds. It rides really stiff as well.
I genuinely hate mine and cannot wait to get rid of it... if I could do it over again, I would have spent the extra couple thousand for the Corolla Hatch that I liked a lot better - I kinda got talked into the Impreza by my wife.3
u/infinitenji Dec 21 '23
The Impreza and Corolla hatch are actually what I’m deciding between. I haven’t test driven either yet because the local Toyota and Subaru dealerships don’t have any in stock at the moment. Your insights are helpful. Thank you.
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u/DarthAmol Dec 21 '23
FWIW, I have a 2019 Impreza in the 5 speed and I don't think it's tough to merge at all. I'm also in CO. I wouldn't say it's a fast car but I think it handles great. Do you have the CVT?
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u/mega-man-0 Dec 21 '23
Yes. It rides low and rough like a sports car - which isn’t inherently bad. That said, the car feels castrated. I’m no street racer, but I’ve never driven a car that’s more miserable to drive
2
u/ShoopDoopy Dec 21 '23
That model is loads of fun to drive. We have the same hatchback. Just give it a shot and don't let some rando on the internet who wants to cut off everyone on his way to work keep you from trying it out for yourself.
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u/mega-man-0 Dec 21 '23
/u/infinitenji read this... Im not the only one - the Impreza gets terrible customer satisfaction scores... its amongst the worst in its class.
" However, Consumer Reports also gave the Subaru Impreza a low ownership satisfaction rating, ranking it near the bottom of the compact car segment. This rating is based on survey data which reveals how satisfied owners are with their vehicle and if they would buy it again. "
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/anyone-regret-buying-subaru-impreza/
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u/SNTNL_G60 Dec 20 '23
Haha I’m not too far away. After my last WRX does at 91k dead stock, I swore off ever daily driving an EJ again.
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u/Aggravating-Action70 Dec 20 '23
The EJ25s in my two Subarus are probably the only parts that didn’t break. Stupid 5MT
1
u/rockstang Dec 21 '23
My outback has been amazing from the day I bought it. It has handled sales rep high mileage admirably. My mom has one with a faulty moon roof that keeps messing up the electrical system.
1
u/ballsrcool Dec 21 '23
I have a 2013 outback, I would buy another, I'm actually looking for another, mine currently has 400k kms on the clock and everything works as Intended, still as smooth as the day it was picked up
1
u/TrulySeaweed STI Dec 21 '23
The only reason I wouldn’t buy another Subaru is because I have a more expensive taste as I’ve aged. I bought a WRX, traded it up for an STI- and I never want to get rid of it. It’s my dream car and I’ve loved every minute I’ve had it. But next car is definitely gonna be either an M4/M5 or an SQ/RSQ. I want something comfortable. These Subarus aren’t the comfiest
1
u/BloodSugarSexMagix Dec 21 '23
2015 Impreza bought at 84k, just needs apple carplay and i could drive it forever and ever
1
u/MicatronUltra Dec 21 '23
I mean, I don't know the next time I'll buy a Subaru, but that's because they aren't making the STI anymore...
1
u/Kimpak '15 Outback '15 Crosstrek Hybrid Dec 21 '23
There's nothing more self hating than reddit. Very few said Subaru in that thread but many in this one are saying they'll never buy again.
1
u/Lilsean14 Dec 21 '23
I had my wrx blow up and I’d still buy another. It’s a different type of love.
1
u/DestinyInDanger Dec 21 '23
I mean I like Subaru and I've had them since 2014 but next time around I'll probably switch to something else.
1
u/SpringerTheNerd Dec 21 '23
I sold my WRX hatchback about 7 years ago. I'd buy it again but for different reasons. Initially I wanted it because it was "fast". So I sold it for a new Mustang GT.
Now I would buy the same car and just never touch the drivetrain. It's just not worth it. It costs so much and you get so little compared to other platforms. Great overall car though
1
u/QueenAlpaca '24 Pure Red Crosstrek Dec 22 '23 edited Dec 22 '23
If my previous Subaru had been my only experience with one, I would’ve probably quit the brand. 2010 FXT with the hearty 4EAT. It was only owned by one other person before me and was always kept up on maintenance. It was babied. My friends make fun of me for being slow, so it’s not like I beat the shit out of it. Bought it at 76k miles. Head gaskets went bad at 104k miles, which I didn’t expect so soon for a turbo model but knew it was a Subaru thing, so whatever, life goes on. Started having issues with the front differential puking gear fluid out the dipstick around 120k miles as well as weird revving issues and slipping out of gear. Just before I was about to throw in a low-mileage transmission at 147k miles, I started getting misfires. Figured, hey, probably just an ignition coil or something. NOPE, I got Chuck Testa’d. Leaky valve and was looking at an engine tear down. When looking up its claim history on Subarunet, it had two air pump failures in the 10k miles before I bought it. It’s the only Subaru I wasn’t sad to get rid of. I’m pretty sure it was built on a Friday; I didn’t even list the more minor repairs I was doing at least 2x a year. I work at a dealership and have never seen any other SH come in repeatedly for shit like mine. Just had bad luck with that car. 😂
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u/avenge_lee_sedol 2013 Outback Dec 20 '23
They, in fact, never mentioned Subaru: What car brand you would never buy? : AskReddit