300,000 Miles In The Outback! What It's Cost To Get Here & To Be 100% Again! Worth A New Upgrade?! 

My uncle had a 90’s Subaru wagon…it was a 5 speed, we called it the meat wagon. He commuted to work in it for a long time, 4th gear never worked. We use it as our “bush beater,” we take my grand pop to his deer stand, and bring the deer out of the woods with it. The odometer stopped working around the year 2000 and it had 647,000 miles on it.

My old 97 Forester hit over 400,000 until the rear main seal went which was a shame and had a few gremlins in the motor. Loved the old silver stallion and eventually got the 2001 model but after all that we got the new Outback and now upgrading to the new Outback XT Sports absolutely love Subaru

The LL bean is why I found this channel. I bought my first Subaru, an LL Bean, this past January and you have helped me out so much.

Hi from italy. I’ve 3.0 H6 bh outback. Now 180k km ca. 112k miles… I lovely my car!!

This gives me hope on my 214K miles ‘05 OBXT! Though I think the Subi n/a motors tend to last longer and suffer less than turbo motors. Provided you take care of them properly, these cars last a really long time! For 300K miles, that Outback looks awesome!

I love the mechanical reviews and the cost reviews. I have a 2010 Forester with 145,000 mi on it. I bought it with 17k mi and it had not been well maintained. I recently caught up on some deferred maintenance, with the help of your channels recommendations and still love this vehicle.

I LOVE your channel, MrSubaru1387. I owned a 1984 Subaru Hatchback for 10 years, put on nearly 100,000 miles, only had to change the clutch at about 90k miles, but otherwise had trouble-free service from that little 1600cc, 4-speed manual transmission trooper, and got 42 MPG highway. Fast forward 38 years and I just bought a brand-new 2022 Subaru Forester Premium that I'd love to keep around for as long and for as many miles that you have on your 2002 Outback now that some of the bugs from the earlier Foresters have been remedied by Subaru. Thanks for your great channel - liked and subscribed.

Thank you for making me feel better about my purchase. Got a 03 Outback L.L.Bean 3.0 from the mother in law. 60K original miles, garage kept all its life. Complete coolant and trans flush at 50K. $3000 purchase price. I replaced engine mounts, trans mount, Idler pulleys, CV axles and new starter. Runs and drives like it drove off of the lot yesterday!

I just recorded 100,000 miles today on my 2015 XV. Thank you for this channel.

Thanks for the cost analysis, I also believe in keeping older cars running. I'm on my 5th Subaru now. It's a 2017 outback that I got pre pandemic. It's the model just below the touring and has all the bells and whistles, eyesight, leather, sunroof winter package. Nicest car I've ever owned and I've had Suburbans and a Yukon. I just found my son a 2012 Forester with 53000 miles that was owned by an older lady that kept it in a garage always. It's like a brand new car. Also have a 2005 F350 FX4 Lariat that I picked up cheap in and 2019. Had the motor rebuilt and bulletproofed and transmission rebuilt and beefed up. Love not having a car payment!

My 2018 legacy just hit 150k. No issues yet, love your videos 🎉

165k on my 2004 H6 and it's still going strong. Just a bit of normal maintenance (fluids, brakes, belts, tires, etc) as needed.

Awesome. I have a 2006 Matrix 4WD with just over 200k miles. Paid 12.5 in 2010 for it with 25,000 miles. About 5k in repairs. Works out to ten cents a mile...so far. I do all services on it myself- just did the transfer case and rear differential. It runs perfect.

Thank you so much for your no frills videos. You have helped me tremendously keep my 00' outback on the road.

Over 350k in my 02 2.5 i paid $300 for it with a blown trans put a $150 trans in it and $1k in other parts now i just drive it till it ticks and dump a couple qts of random half full bottles of oil in it

I don't own a subaru any more and I'm sad because of it, but I'm subscribing. I had a 2005 outback VDC model. ABSOLUTELY LOVED that car. I did treat it horribly but changed fluids religiously. Unfortunately the head gasket was giving out. I know now when I bought it back in 2013 up in concord NC, it had a tiny leak. I only know that now because of tale tale signs I wasn't aware of earlier in ownership. Fantastically manufactured machine. IT took all the abuse I gave it and laughed it off. I eventually sold it to carmax during this insane car market value for 1700 bucks. I just had too many irons in the fire so to speak, so I couldn't afford the repairs that would make the old thing back to 100%. I miss this car. Thanks for the run down. I want to get back into the subaru family at some point. This gives me a reason to keep an eye on the channel.

I paid $150 for my 02 LL Bean Outback, it had 180k when I bought it. The thing was trashed, punched out ignition, broken windshield smashed in drivers door, chopped off exhaust. Missing title and all. It was still worth it to go through the hassle of getting it registered in CA. She has all the same leaks as yours. The only trouble it’s given me is the alternator + battery and the heating element going out on one of the 02 sensors.

I bought a 99 legacy outback wagon,30th anniversary edition ,loaded options ,automatic 132k on it with ,yes bad orig. Oe multilayer headgaskets, paid 600.00 for it cosmetic condition perfect , spent about 2200 going thru motor ,wheel bearings brakes ball joints sus bushings etc. Now runs great !

I have an 03 Bean I bought new in Sept 2003, right after the 04 models came out. I paid $27,002 for it. It now has 106K on it. It has been garaged since new and has probably not spent more than 10 nights of its life outside. It's been towed twice, once when an idler pulley failed and then about five years later when a tensioner failed. I've had the A/C hoses replaced twice. Had a couple bushings replaced and both front axles. It's on its third set of tires, and they were changed for age rather than wear. It's never had, or needed, an alignment. Current tires are four years old, rotated regularly, and wearing evenly. That's it other than the usual brake pad replacement/flush (still on original rotors), coolant change, etc. Absolutely nothing leaking, anywhere. It's serviced every six months by a small independent shop by a mechanic who drives an 02 Outback and has two Foresters for his wife and teenagers. This thing will run for a long, long time.

I got a 2007 legacy gt with 173xxx Very reliable and parts are abundant. Easy to work on as well, thanks to you!

These older Outback's are solid and bulletproof.

Install a set of Bilstein struts on my 3°Gen Legacy (270.000 km), and the behavior of the vehicle is much better in comparison with the original ones. I recommended that upgrade. Thanks to your videos I was encouraged to do an extreme makeover to my car. My last purchase ($2,600 on 60 parts), to restore it because I do the same analysis and I prefer this car and enjoy it instead of throw money every year. My culture is to repair not waste.

congrats--300K is a good milestone.

Congrats from NC! 300k is my goal too and it's achievable for every Subaru if well maintained, Your videos sure help us keep more Subarus on the road, and increase the value of the brand. My next vehicle will be the upcoming Solterra EV, hopefully in a few years.

100k miles on a 2014 Forester thank you for the advice on this channel

Oh, yeah. Insurance too... My '01 Legacy GT wagon checks all the boxes I need. Keep up the good work. Love the videos. You've saved me $$$$.

Have had several over the years but one outback. It was a 2012 bought it from the original owner with only 28000 miles in 2014 and traded the 2010 Impreza that was bought new but needed bigger. Drove it till the end of 2018 and when I sold it had 289000 miles on it. The only things I had ever had to do to it was several sets of tires several sets of brakes lots of oil changes (didn't burn leak or seep) did the 3rd timing belt right before I sold it as the tensioner was starting to get the Subaru tick to it again and it was at the mileage that I run them too (I change them at 80k and I have a feeling that is why I never had any head gasket issues and the fact that I ditched the Subaru coolant for standard green) 4 flushes on the cvt trans and it worked flawlessly front and rear struts 1 rear cv shaft only cause it was seized in the wheel bearing that went bad a battery serpentine belt 4 sets of spark plugs a gas cap (the only time i ever had a check engine light) and several headlight bulbs and a few tail and brake light bulbs. When I sold it it was running flawlessly and still getting 32mpg that it always got. I know the family it went to and they are still driving it and has just over 400000 miles on it now still oe cvt and head gaskets the new owners have followed my maintenance regimen and they have only had to do basic maintenance. A couple of wheel bearings and had to rebuild the front differential do to a bearing and seal failure

Thank you. 225k miles on my 09 Forester 2.5 NA NT AT . Safe travels.

I have a 2002 Subaru Outback 2.5 has 267,000 miles still going strong replace the original clutch at 215,000 miles !!!

Mr Subaru is precisely correct! I have been through the same process with my 2005 Forester XS with now 201750 miles. I ended up spending around $2,800, in parts as I did everything myself, to remove the engine to change all seals, new Six Star head gaskets, head bolts, timing belt, pulleys, tensioner, and water pump. Replace all clutch components, the flywheel was fine so it was resurfaced. Replace rear wheel bearings, and replace all struts (the springs were fine) and housings. And lastly, replace all brake calipers, rotors, pads, and master cylinder. Oh, and replace all sway bar bushings and end links. I now have a car that will easily last another 100,000 miles. I considered getting a new CrossTrek, but the cost of ownership was significantly higher and I intensely dislike the new electronics...eyesight etc. Thank you for clearly stating the reality of ownership Mr Subaru!

Thanks again Mr S - I’ve found your reports are very honest, factual and well detailed - here in Australia I’ve owned 10 different used Subarus only due to lifestyle changes - my first Forester was the original 1997 RX Auto which lasted to 425,000 km until a cam shaft seized - most of the models were 2.0 litre pre-2000 without the head gasket issues and a 2009 XT Turbo Forester, 1981 Leone Wagon, 1990 Liberty wagon with the flawed air suspension and 1996 Outback - I don’t like CVTs and the lack of a coolant temp meter in all models from 2008 so my next car will be a pre-2008 Forester with conventional automatic transmission

I have a 2008 LL Bean forester with 245k, new head gasket, whole new exhaust are the biggest things this far

Have a July 2003 in Australia bought with only 160000km on clock soon too click over too 200000km. Only 2 owners before but the factory service in those lives took a lot to be desired. A few negligence probs . Glad I'm a mechanic having Subs since 1978. Love it. But you never stop learning. Love Mr Subaru. I was always called Subaru Steve.

Have a 2022 Subaru wilderness, got to say I love the car. We are pulling out pop up trailer with it. My husband is 6'4" and this was the only car he fits in front and back with plenty of leg room. Man it has power when you need to speed up for Texas highways. We bought a 2015 Crosstrek for my daughter. Love Subaru!!!

Fantastic video. I like the financial breakdown at the end, comparing old vs new.

03 forester 225K this month. Still runs and drives beautifully. Bought with 194K and just had to do suspension, tires/alignment and timing belt. Original single layer head gaskets still too.

my outback blew up yesterday at 259648 miles, good thing i got a ej22 to throw in there for now

Great vid!! I agree that maintaining this car verses purchasing a new equivalent is the better option. Just bought a ‘19 crosstrek limited, and last year bought a ‘19 Ascent premium. And the crosstrek was more expensive than the Ascent. Plus it was higher mileage. We bought both cars through the same sales rep and from the same dealer. They explained that the Subaru’s inventory shortage was the reason. In disbelief I looked the same model crosstrek, and found out that their price for the crosstrek agreed with everywhere else. Simply said, a new or new/used cost plenty more than the MSRP these days. Maintaining this vehicle is clearly the most cost effective option.

The cheapest way of having a car is driving it until the wheels fall off. Good choice, Mr. Subaru! I will do that with my Tribeca as well, at least until the kids don't fit in the third row anymore.

That outback is almost as nice as my 2002 Subaru forester S 😁 Except my car only got 140k miles on it ! 😄 Bought for 4k last year no oil leaks or transmission leaks at all so far. Had to swap the power steering pump from my other 2002 forester because the lesser miles S forester has gasket leaks on it needing rebuilding.

I agree why would want all of that undo cost for a car that's going to depreciate 20% when you drive it off the lot from the get go. Looks like a pretty clean Subaru to me.

there is a small mechanic shop that has a 2005 Subaru Outback with 251,000 miles, they have a good reputation as mechanics in this town, they said it looks like it was pretty well maintained. They are "asking" $2,500 for it. The brakes + tires need to be done soon, so that would probably be about $1,500 I assume for that? I will try to look at it and use some of what you have taught us here on this channel. NEW subscriber...thank you for all your effort and time to teach us about these wonderful vehicles

One thing that most people do have to contend with is the labor to do all of those repairs. Obviously being a Subaru mechanic you don't count that labor. I would love to see a revised cost of ownership figuring in what you'd charge a customer if you did all of that work for them. My guess is that 7K vehicle would be closer to double that. Still not bad but more realistic.

I run a 91 Land Cruiser as my daily driver. Cars of this era from Japan are probable the best. The only thing that goes on them is the bits made out of rubber, but any rubber will perish eventually. Having said that, most of my rubber components are original! Slowly changing them as a matter of course.

Our 1999 Impreza outback has 300,000 miles, but I’m ready to get a new Subaru.

You should do a video about the 60000 mile service and the 120000 mile services. Getting a lot of conflicting info on forums and a ton of different prices.

2012 legacy 335k miles: I just replaced the original radiator, all I’m missing now is to replace the original steering wheel pump(still running strong) all other components have been replaced during the last couple of years. All these labors have been DIY thanks to your channel. Thank you.

I’m selling my 01 Outback H6 VDC after 5 years of ownership 😢, I bought a 2010 q5 3.2 🥲 still loved it my Outback 267k kms on it. I’ll get another one sometime in life.

2014 legacy here with 165000 and hoping to get as much as I can out of it.

This is the car that got me onto your channel years ago, as I have the Oz equivalent car. I agree these seem like the best years for the outback and they feel almost over engineered.

Your comparison at the end is true, but buying new isn't nearly the best strategy. If you buy a used but fairly new car instead, you can get a much better price, and have much less depreciation over time. Then you can sell it around when the warranty ends, and only lose the difference in price which won't be that much considering you already bought used and the most depreciation happens when you drive it off the lot. Just looking at the market, I found a 2020 Subaru Forester with 32k miles sold for 24k next to a 2020 Subaru Forester with 119k miles sold for 17k. That difference plus maintenance costs comes out to about 10-12 cents per mile, not as cheap as yours but certainly not bad considering you get to drive a much newer car with new features. Either way you end up paying way more for gas than for the car.

I have 380k on my '97 Astro van. OG engine and trans. With care cars will last a long long time.

i have a 2001 outback L.L. bean edition with 112,000 miles on it and this helps me know what i could expect in the future

I like the way you think. I was given (long story) a 2001 Forester in 2019. It had a very slight head gasket leak. I never did figure out where the coolant was going. I simply added a cup every couple of weeks. Engine finally gave up summer of 2022 at about 275,000 miles (non head gasket-related). I bought a used engine in Salisbury NC and installed it near my home outside of ATL. Gotta love my low payments. And insurance. And license tags. Air blows cold, all power accessories work

My 00 outback @280K has been the best Subaru I have ever owned. The only problem I had with it is the trans when out in it which, was no fault of its own, Just the previous owner never maintained it so it hated going into drive. I tried to resurrect it but it was too far gone so I just replaced it. Now aside from an annoying roof leak its the most reliable car out of any of them (that I own) I will never give up on this car just as it has never given up on me.

I have an 05 outback LL Bean and NEVER thought about calling it a Bean Machine!!! So excited to call it that from now on. Congrats on 300,000., I am at 217,500 and will be doing head gaskets and timing chain this month, everything else has damn near been replaced (mostly preventative maintenance and for ride comfort, and because I like working on my car), 2" LP Adventure lift kit, and murders the trails out here in CO and on the road.

The other alternative is another used one 10 years newer with maybe less stuff that needs fixing. I realize that you know this one inside and out, and the cheap original price cant be beat, but the math is not this one versus new , but this one vs used with say 120,000 miles on it. Just a thought. Otherwise your channel demonstrates cost savings of doing your own repairs. Thanks for the education!

I have a 2011 Outback with 200k miles on it. Hopefully it lasts as long as my 1986 IROC-Z which has 300k+ and is still going strong.

have 2001 h6 3.0 228000 miles replacing crankshaft pulley now, replace struts, lower control arms (bad bushing), ball joints, inner outer tie rod ends. other odds and ends, brakes, tires etc and general maintenance. every other oil change do drain and fill on tranny ,still going.

LOL, I've just been Down Under visiting my brother and we took his motorhome to Coober Pedy. I thought you meant a long trip to that "outback"😂 BTW a Great channel! Greetings from Sweden (2014 Forester XT and 2005 Legacy 2,5)

Nice. I got the family hand me down 01 Forester to 313k miles before it had to be scrapped. Sadly a mostly northeast life bathed in winter salt plus Philly potholes cracked the rear subframe. Engine still pulled like a champ, I really wanted to keep it running till the engine gave out.

I love my Subaru I own a 93 LL Bean Although she’s in the shop Getting a major oil leak repaired Timing chains and water pump being installed

I have an 08 outback L.L.Bean. the original owner didn't have a clue. She blew the original motor, and put a crappy motor in it and sold it to the dealer I bought it from. They overtightened the head bolts and two of them pulled the threads out of the block and then it bled oil. Well needless to say I just put a new (decent) engine with 90k on it. Other than the dashboard being a sticky mess it's a nice car

Amen! Can anyone tell me what year Subaru "solved" their head gasket problem COMPLETELY. Thanks.

Nice. You got a great find there. Yep that Rod knock will definitely head an old car to the Scrappy. (If you cant wrench turn yourself)

Nice breakdown, when folks think about 80 cents a mile vs 8 driving a hooptie makes sense (and cents) I drive a 2004 sentra with a mere 120,000 miles. Love not having a car payment.

Hi Mr Subaru, I love your videos. I have had 6 Subaru vehicles in NZ. Only real benefit of a 2014 or later is eyesight. I have a 2017 Outback and the safety features make it worth the money ($25000nz) put 300kms on a 2009 and it was still running sweet, Not sure why Subaru gets a bad rep other than jealousy lol Cheers Bob

Its a good car to run because of economy and the reward for the usability of it! I love my 1994 Legacy L wagon and I am at about 4K with investment in it and purchase price used for 40k of use

I thought I Never going to hear that Subaru car can go to Over 200,000 or more. So this video makes me keep my 2014 Forester 2.5 I Regular boxer engine.... I'm tempted to buy a new version of the Forester

Here in NY, my 04 ll bean is starting to have rust related issues and some oil leaks. If I could decide I'd never drive anything else. Been to 36 of the lower 48 in it. Keeps me up at night thinking about the day it'll die.

Would love to have them headlights in mine,seems you can only find them on eBay in a foreign country,my 2001 just turned 204000

IMO this is something Subaru had and is now missing: the compact wagon with ~70 Cu Ft of cargo space., like the SG Forester. The Crosstrek has identical footprint (175 in.), but ony 55 cu ft. The new Outbacks come closest with the same utility, but are bigger cars. I want a modern SG Forester with a 6 or 8 speed auto and 200 HP and 9" ground clearance. If the BRZ drivetrain could go AWD, that would be great.

I drive a 1983 Subaru brat. Cost from California wa $2000. Cost $1000 to ship to upstate NY. Put about 50 hours of work painting it. There was no rust, just sun damaged paint. Plus had some Subaru Brumby accessories shipped from Australia. Total cost was about $5500. Gets 26 mpg. People are always complimenting me and asking me about it. Much better deal than a $800 per month truck payment.

i am a newly converted subaru owner. i bought a 2008 outback 2.5i for $1200, with blown headgaskets, a broken windshield and also needed the usual brakes, sway bar links, a few other gaskets hear and there and a cv boot. after doing all the work myself and getting both the cylinder heads i was into the car for a little bit under $3000. this is my first winter driving this car, and i am sold on subarus all wheel drive. although the fuel mileage is average considering the size of the car its way cheaper to operate this car opposed to driving my diesel truck which due to reasons i dont understand, cost $300 to fill at $2 per litre.

I think this and the 5th gen are one of the best looking models.

Absolutely love the 3.0’s had a ll bean myself and I beat the hell out of it. Still got me to 280k with nothing more then a alternator and radiator.

I purchased my 2015 3.6R Outback new, and have religiously kept up with the maintenance. It has 71k miles on it now, and I plan on keeping it till the wheels fall off, LOL! I even had the transmission fluid changed at 50k miles, as well as the brake fluid. I hope that mine will get to 300k miles as well, and beyond!

YOU MADE IT!

Having run and driven subaru's as a business for pest control since 1991. 296,000miles is my record on a 1.8 l series estate with manual gear box. The turbo models will wear quicker.

My 96 Outback went to 316,000. My 08 Outback has 286,000 and is running great. Cars today will easily make 200,000 without any major repairs. But people still believe that 150,00 is over the limit and need to buy new.

2011 Legacy 3.6R with 221k miles. Owned since 7k miles. Aside from normal maintenance items (fluid changes, brakes, tires, filters, lugs, etc....) I haven’t had to replace a single part. I drive it like an old man, but longevity is the mission... Want to hit 300k. Doing a preventative suspension upgrade (just stock stuff) this winter as it’s getting a bit “clunky” over bumps. Overall, best car I’ve owned. My recommendations for a long-life car with minimal maintenance: Accelerate slow, take corners slow, try not to accelerate in hard turns (or at all in any turn if possible) and stop slow / gradually. Most importantly importantly, I always let my car warm up until rpms are at idle. Lastly, I use Castrol Edge full synthetic for all oil changes

My 2008 Chevy Malibu 2.4L four cylinder engine has 296000 miles with original engine and transmission. All I do is change oil and brakes. It is definitely the most reliable car I ever owned.

...not to mention the depreciation on the value of the vehicle, when you calculate how much it would cost you to own one vs the other.

I really enjoy your content Mr. S.

I agree w/your thinking. We have (2) vehicles (both paid for), oldest is a 2005 while the "new" vehicle is a 2009. Both in very good cosmetic and running condition. Also, being older vehicles they have far less electronics/modules to fail requiring expensive repair. Keep running them, y'all.

226,000 on my 2010 Outback and still going. Biggest one-time cost has been an $800 transmission valve body that I changed myself. Haven't done any major engine repairs yet, not even the infamous head gaskets. They're not leaking. The oil separator plate sprung a leak recently and that will be tended to by me for a low, low price.

2015 Outback Premium FB25, 180K. Other than maintenance, spent about $1300 in repairs (CVT valve body and rear wheel bearing). We're shooting for 300k. Worst part of the car is the "leather" seats.

I have an llbean suburu. Over 200 th miles. I was gonna junk it but I love it to much I paid $1000 like 6 years ago and did maintenance and seal fixed.

Took my 97 OBW limited 186k to 286k before it sacrificed itself to save my daughter. 😢 It DID have new suspension on it and hugged the corners nicely. Oih, what a dance partner.

I like the look of the old Subarus.

I have a really cool 05 legacy with every single add on you can buy, but it's running but won't move! 5 speed. New clutch, help!

Last week I was helping my mother look for a new to her used car. I found one of these Outback’s on a stealerships lot. I don’t know how much he was selling it for but from his other stuff in the same age bracket, it was probably too much. And by the shape of the body, it probably needed a lot of work under the hood. I told my mother to stay away from it.

Its amazing how most of the stuff needing to be done are suspension or moving components it gives me hope for my ej253 which is still going nicely at 180 000 miles

I have a love hate relationship with Subaru but man... The ez36 is an engine I REALLY want with the 4 speed trans.

Got 189k on my 05 outback H6, zero mechanical repairs except regular maintenance.

Again thanks for the video. I have a 2015 and a 2018 Forester, both payed off and run great. The new one have some nice Gadgets but not worth them new payments. Please keep that LL-Bean going.

My 2006 forester basket case only has 260k and I need to yank the motor and replace quite a few seal that are pouring on it. And swap out the steering rack which visibly cracks the casing from some Lord only knows incident. I think it's worth fixing, but I honestly don't have the time. Nor the funds.

If you ever want another H6, 09 Legacy 3.0r 125k miles, would rather trade than sell. 8/8 til 9/1 downtime to fix the damage from a brick on the highway. If you do a reseal of the LL Bean it would be a wonderful FYI. I have an extra 5.3 oz of THREE BOND 1217H I'll donate to the cause. I'd like it to go to a good cause and let me forget the lower pan, upper pan, front cover and rear cover reseal completed recently. The new water pump, (at least I believe I can perceive the difference), has me believe that the parallel flow coolant system started in the 3.6 gives a better clue about the uneven cooling on previous versions. RIP H6

So I bought a 2008 Impreza with a blown engine. I replaced the old engine with a junkyard one with unknown mileage. I did the timing belt and components, and a compression test before I installed the engine. The car starts and runs perfect but as soon as the rpm’s go above 4000rpm there is a code for cylinder 3&4 misfire, it stops flashing as soon as I go back under 4000rpm. I tried new NGK plugs, wires and a different used coil pack. And swap the injectors around but I still get the same thing. Any ideas on what to check next? Is there anything that cylinders 3&4 share that could cause a misfire?

Buying a new car almost never saves money over fixing a used one, at least if you can fix it yourself.