I am thinking of buying a 2002-2005 Subaru for my kids first car.  Will probably have close to 200,000 miles on it.  I was wondering if these older Subaru's have a lot of issues?  Transmission  trouble? Etc.  Thanks for any input.

 

To most of us, anything newer than the year 2000 is brand spankin new by Subaru standards.

 

For those years, the two things to look for are the timing belt and the head gaskets. Headgaskets on these car leak externally so look (or have someone with an eye for these cars check for leakage or signs of any headgasket trouble. Also, you would want to see that the timing belt is good to go - not cracked or showing wear/age. If the seller can provide receipts to show that either of these have been done previously, all the better.

 

We just sold my wife's 2000 outback (same generation/motor/transmission as the one's you mentioned) with 341,000 miles on it and still going strong. These are great cars. Do some leg work to pick a good one for your kiddo and you'll have a very dependable machine.

From that era you want to make sure the head gaskets have been changed. Timing belt is a major consideration as well since the change interval is every 105k miles.

 

The manual trans has some issues with the AWD transfer gears, and the input shaft bearings will wear out around 200k.

 

Auto trans are generally trouble free wih the exception of wear in the transfer clutch pack causing binding when turning. This is generally able to be repaired for around $500. Less if you can do the work yourself. Only requires basic hand tools.

 

Other general things that apply to any used car like worn wheel bearings, brakes, rusted out exhaust, worn suspension parts are also likely.

 

Other than body style, 2000-2009 are mechanically very similar and will have many of the same possible issues.

2000-2004 have some problems with the fuel pump which can cause hard starting and driveability issues but this is an easy fix for about $60.

Kids first car, pick up a 95-99 Subaru with a 2.2 engine in it!  Solid as can be.  Cheap insurance and safe!

+1 to what lmdew said.  Makes a lot of sense.

Kids first car, pick up a 95-99 Subaru with a 2.2 engine in it!  Solid as can be.  Cheap insurance and safe!

 

Agreed!

 

and probably cheaper, too.

Edited June 26, 201411 yr by heartless