Used Subaru Outback: Is It Worth Buying Pre-Owned?
You’ve probably seen a Subaru Outback in every parking lot from Burbank to Big Bear — and there’s a reason for that. But when you’re shopping for one used, the question isn’t just whether it’s a good car. It’s whether it’s still a good car after 90,000 miles, a previous owner or two, and a few years of California highways. The short answer: usually yes. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting one of the good ones.
Why the Subaru Outback Has Such a Devoted Following
The Outback occupies a unique niche: it’s part wagon, part crossover, and fully capable. Every single Outback rolls off the line with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment — not a pricey upgrade, not a trim-level exclusive. That matters when you’re shopping used, because you’re never guessing whether a particular example has AWD. It does. Pair that with 8.7 inches of ground clearance on most trims and a cavernous 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and you have a vehicle that genuinely earns its reputation as a do-everything family hauler. Reliability is the other pillar. The Outback has landed near the top of its class in long-term dependability studies for years running. That reputation has a practical benefit for used car buyers: a well-maintained Outback at 100,000 miles is often a smarter buy than a competitor’s model at 60,000.
Which Model Years Are the Best Used Buys Right Now?
Not all Outbacks are created equal, and targeting the right generation can save you both money and headaches. The 2015–2019 fifth-generation models are the sweet spot for budget buyers — typically priced between $12,000 and $18,000 depending on trim and mileage. These cars introduced Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping) on upper trims, which is genuinely useful tech to have on a used vehicle. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is the engine to prioritize: proven, fuel-efficient at around 26–32 mpg combined, and far cheaper to maintain than the optional 3.6-liter six. If your budget stretches further, the 2020-and-newer sixth-generation Outbacks offer a noticeably better interior, a more refined ride, and EyeSight standard across every trim level. Clean used examples typically start around $20,000–$26,000. One generation to approach carefully: 2013–2014 models used an older head gasket design that was prone to coolant leaks. If you’re shopping that era, insist on a compression test and coolant inspection before you commit.
What to Check Before You Buy
Even the most reliable vehicles deserve scrutiny at purchase time. On a used Outback, focus on these four areas. First, head gaskets on pre-2015 models: look for white exhaust smoke, a sweet smell from the engine bay, milky residue under the oil cap, or unexplained coolant loss. Any of these is a red flag. Second, the CVT transmission used in later models is smooth and efficient but can be expensive to repair if it’s been neglected — ask for transmission service records and listen for whining or hesitation during the test drive. Third, check the undercarriage for rust: Outbacks are enormously popular in snowy states, and many migrate to California after winters in Colorado, Utah, or the Midwest. Road salt corrosion on the frame or brake lines is a serious concern. Fourth, if the car has EyeSight and the windshield has ever been replaced, confirm the cameras were professionally recalibrated afterward — an uncalibrated system can behave erratically. Always run a full vehicle history report through CARFAX before you buy. It won’t catch everything, but it surfaces major accidents, odometer rollbacks, title brands, and how many previous owners the car has had.
What It Actually Costs to Own One
The Outback is genuinely affordable to live with day-to-day. Annual maintenance costs average around $650 — right at the industry average for all vehicles, and well below what you’d pay for a European crossover of similar size. The 2.5-liter boxer engine uses a timing chain rather than a belt, which generally lasts the life of the engine and eliminates one of the most common big-ticket maintenance items. Oil changes run $80–$120 at a shop. Tires are the most frequent expense; the Outback’s standard 225/60R18 fitment runs roughly $140–$180 per tire at major retailers, so budget for a set every 40,000–50,000 miles. For insurance, drivers in the Los Angeles area typically pay $1,200–$1,800 annually on a used Outback, depending on driving history and coverage level — competitive for a mid-size crossover with AWD. According to Edmunds, true cost-to-own figures consistently put the Outback among the most affordable options in its segment when you factor in depreciation, fuel, insurance, and maintenance together.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
Compared to a used Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, the Outback typically comes in $1,500–$3,000 cheaper for a comparable year and mileage — partly because Toyota and Honda command a resale premium. In return, you get more interior volume, standard AWD on every example, and a driving character that leans toward comfort and long-haul efficiency. If three rows of seating are a must, you’ll need to step up to a Pilot or Highlander. But for a driver or couple who wants a spacious, capable, reliable used crossover under $20,000, the Outback is one of the best values on the market right now — especially with used car prices up more than $1,300 so far in 2026, where every dollar of value matters more than ever.
Ready to Find Your Next Car?
If a used Subaru Outback — or any dependable pre-owned crossover — sounds like the right fit, Iconic Garage in Burbank, CA carries a rotating selection of quality used vehicles with flexible financing and no-pressure, appointment-based shopping. Browse our current inventory to see what’s available, or schedule an appointment and one of our team will get back to you within the hour.