I drove one, looking to replace a 2005 Forester. The maintenance history was strange: they replaced engine oil like clockwork, but I didn't see any other maintenance. I had to ask about that timing chain, but they just shrugged their shoulders. I can't believe anyone would pay nearly a grand to get that done and there not be a record of it, or any way to easily inspect if the work had been done.

Isn't 2012 also when they started having the engine oil consumption issues? We got lucky with our '14, as the engine replacement (because of excess oil consumption) was a warranty repair, but a '12 would not be covered. Don't want to buy the car and then pay $5K for a new motor.

That said, the car ran well, for what that's worth.

Edited February 10, 20197 yr by TheGoodShepherd

The seller knows where it was done so just ask the the location and call them.  I would assume that it wasn't done.  And it's a timing belt, not chain. 

The seller purports to not knowing much. The original owner had been so punctual with oil change maintenance that neglecting other, very important maintenance creates something of a double bind.

And there is a bit of confusion online regarding belts and chains, when it was this or that. I looked it up, but the "expert" I read must have been incorrect.

2012 Outback should have an FB engine, which is a timing chain. 

If it is a FB engine it does have the oil consumption "issue" that has a extended warranty. 

IMO. If it does consume oil, just get in the habit of checking it. And I believe on that vehicle it even has a low engine oil light. When it comes on, top off the oil. Very reliable engine besides the consumption.

The FB engine is chain drive. No maintenance schedule for that like the belts. If it's an EJ engine then it has a cam belt and the 105k/105m scheduled but no oil consumption issues

Edited February 11, 20197 yr by matt167

17 hours ago, golucky66 said:

2012 Outback should have an FB engine, which is a timing chain. 

2012 is the last year of the EJ25 - so it's not an FB engine and it has a timing belt. 
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2012.html

On 2/9/2019 at 9:59 PM, TheGoodShepherd said:

I drove one, looking to replace a 2005 Forester. The maintenance history was strange: they replaced engine oil like clockwork, but I didn't see any other maintenance. I had to ask about that timing chain, but they just shrugged their shoulders. I can't believe anyone would pay nearly a grand to get that done and there not be a record of it, or any way to easily inspect if the work had been done.

Isn't 2012 also when they started having the engine oil consumption issues? We got lucky with our '14, as the engine replacement (because of excess oil consumption) was a warranty repair, but a '12 would not be covered. Don't want to buy the car and then pay $5K for a new motor.

That said, the car ran well, for what that's worth.

2012 outbacks don't have oil consumption issues - they don't get that engine until 2013. 

the 2012 has occasional headgasket issues instead. 

it's very common for people to just replace the oil and that's it.  car enthusiasts, forums, and the like make it sound like impeccable maintenance is normal, but it's not. 

i wouldn't be concerned about anything with that car except the CVT fluid hasn't been changed.  change that and the timing belt with a complete kit as soon as you get it. 

also - timing belt isn't that critical. i'd almost rather find one that hasn't been replaced if it means i'm paying some premium for a sub-par job i'm going to redo anyway.  even if you find one "that's been replaced" - it's often aftermarket parts or just the belt or the belt and water pump and not the rest of the timing pulleys/tensioner.  i just bought one this summer with brand new timing belt and went in and replaced it all anyway to make sure I choose Subaru parts and all the timing  components are replaced, not just the belt. 

Idosubaru has a great point.  The timing belt hasn't broke, so it's no problem.  Just change it immediately after purchase, change everything the belt touches, and do it with the OEM or Aisin kit.

Thank you, one and all. The Subaru was at a smaller used car dealer, and my gut told me not to get the car. Additionally, we almost bought a 2002 RAV4 before learning the 01-03 models were notorious for having the ECU and transmission go out around 90K.

We instead went to a larger dealer and found a 2013 CR-V EX-L, which we felt safe buying.

Personally, I hope 2019 brings changes to Subaru that will drive me back.