Old Reliable Subaru's

audiocr381ve

I'm getting rid of my truck and looking into older Subaru's under $6,000. I want something super reliable and great on gas. I like to hit light trails every once in awhile too, but nothing to crazy. I've seen a lot of you recommend older Subaru's so I'm hoping you'll chime in. Looking for an older gem that won't need to be in the shop every other month. Any suggestions welcome!

Thanks gents!

pyrocyborg

Maybe an older Outback or Forester if you're going to do light trails. However, when you compare Subaru to similar models, they are far from being "great" on gas (You'll get at most 32 mpg if you accelerate slowly, do not drive faster than 75 mph) and could get on average 26-27 mpg.

Subaru aren't reliable as, let's say Honda/Toyota, but they're great performers and last long as long as they've been taken care off. You could try to get reliability ratings for each model years. As I do not know used prices in USA, all I say about prices are hypothetical, but I think you may be looking at something like a 2000-2001 H4 equiped Forester or Outback : It's the same engine since 1998 or so (H4, 2.5L). There are some 2000 H6 Outback, but they sure are pricier.

If you do very light trails with, let's say, few rocks and such, you could go either for an Impreza or an Impreza Outback (a few inches higher than the typical Impreza).

My 2011 Impreza do great in mud, snow, light water and sure, gravel roads, but I seriously wouldn't take her in a light "rocky" trail, for safety purpose, even with a skid plate.

pyrocyborg

And concerning different engines: Both are quite reliable, but some could argue that older H6 are sturdier than the H4... however, I think that by older, people meant 1997- ones, not 2001+ ones.

obieone

I just did a search of greater SC, and found a 2002 Forrester S, AWD, 156,000 miles, $5,780. When looking at customer reviews, rated 4.5/5 stars.