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I have a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek I purchased with about 40k miles on it.It has every option.I got 3K below sticker cause it was in monster hail storm we had here in South Denver and has hail dings.ONLY problem I had with it was earlier this year if you put in park the car did NOT think it was in park.Strangely you could remove the key but the stereo and motor would still be running.I was told it’s a shifter plate problem-bad design.Some owners experience this with much newer models as well.Subaru offered to negotiate down a quoted repair expense of about $700 but I’d have to spend $100 to have them look at it first.So I waited.But here’s the amazing part -all of a sudden the problem STOPPED on its own! (Maybe had something to due with cold temps).The problem Last occured in March-which can be cold here in Denver.
The only issues that are a little SUS is the CVT. Got to keep an eye on that and how about the oil burning issue in some motor models. Me proud owner of a Outback 2011, since september of that year. Needed routine maintenance of consumable things.... keep an eye on batteries as Subs are known battery chewers. 1 every 3-4 years. In comparison, my 2001 Honda Accord lasted 7 years on its original battery. Paul
It sounds like these cars last, but require to stay on top of some specific maintenance.
I owned 2 WRXs and 1 Legacy, all new, in the early 2000s. Cars were all extremely dependable and great for living in Michigan and driving into Canada on business. Only issue was one of the side mirrors self-destructed and was covered by warranty. I upgraded the last WRX with all sorts of tuner gear - it was very fast and great fun. Moved to Louisiana and decided I didn't need 4 wheel drive and traded last one in on a used Porsche Boxster. New WRX is out of my retired price range.
Yes, maintenance is definitely something on these cars. Under normal driving they are great, very dependable and fairly comfy. One of the major things to watch out for is timing chain/belt being a known problem. Nothing too crazy as it's not something to go out every year, but when it does it could also take a lot of the top end with it if/when it goes ignored. Outside of that, they're super good cars.If you're looking for something with some space and some fun driving and are ok at looking used, check out the wrx wagons (like 05-06 model) or the 2nd gen Forester which had an STI model. Those were super fun and sporty with the 2.5L turbo and 6speed manual transmission but still had some real practicality as well. Later model foresters became a bit too much a soccer mom car and took some of the fun driving aspect away.If looking at newer models only, the Impreza sport would be the only hatchback to give you some "spirited" driving and even that is a bit of a miss on the new models. They'll all be capable to some degree, but the new crop really are suited as a dependable go anywhere car, not a drift er wide rally car. Most of that comes from the softer suspension and the CVT instead of the good ol 6speed manual. It is the tradeoff made for the better fuel economy and better ride characteristics on the new cars. Just food for thought.
What are the ups and downs of the 2.0 and the 2.5 engine?
One thought that comes to mind is the Mazda 3 turbo. Decent mileage and a zippier driving experience.
Hopefully, Subaru's version of CVT is better than Honda's... as it doesn't really slow the car down.
Interesting that you mentioned battery life. My original battery only lasted about 20 months. I have a Die Hard battery in it now and hoping to get some additional battery life.
