How Long Do Subarus Last? What To Know About Lifespan
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Subaru has been synonymous with reliability and off-road adventures for many years. Furthermore, Subaru consistently tops the list of automakers with the highest percentage of brand loyalty. This honor generally means that Subaru owners are satisfied with their purchase and swear by their vehicles.
While Subaru has a reputation for reliability, does that also extend to their vehicles’ longevity? How long do Subarus last?
For today’s post, we’ll talk about the standard lifespan of Subaru vehicles. How many miles can you drive your Subaru before it retires? Does Subaru’s reliability also mean longevity? Which Subaru models are most likely to last? We’ll answer these questions and more.
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How Far and Long Can You Drive a Subaru?
As it turned out, Subaru’s reliability also extends to its longevity. For the matter of “how long do Subarus last,” you can expect to reach around 200,000 to 250,000 miles on your trusty Subaru. Furthermore, Subarus can last up to 10-13 years before requiring a significant amount of work to keep them on the road.
According to Subaru, 97% of their vehicles sold in the last ten years are still on the road today. Considering Subaru’s reputation for reliability and high brand loyalty, we’re inclined to believe that claim. On another note, Reader’s Digest also included the Subaru Outback and Forester in their list of cars guaranteed to last 250,000 miles. Again, the Outback and Forester are known reliable SUVs, so it’s not too far-fetched to believe that they can put on a significant number of miles in them.
In addition, the 200,000 miles aren’t meant to be taken as a hard upper limit. If you religiously keep up with your vehicle’s care and maintenance, Subarus can break the 300,000 threshold, which is nothing short of amazing. However, it would be too optimistic to say you won’t require major servicing after the 150,000-mile mark.
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Subarus Reliability Ratings
One of the most important factors that influence the longevity of a vehicle is reliability. When a car is reliable, it has less probability of having major issues that could keep it off the road or cut its lifespan short. Therefore, it’s crucial to check for Subaru reliability to answer the question: How long do Subarus last?
When checking on reliability, we like to refer to RepairPal. According to RepairPal, Subaru has a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, placing 14th out of 32 car brands. As you can see, Subaru didn’t even break into the top ten of the most reliable car brands. This is because, like all car brands, some Subaru models are more reliable than others. For instance, the Ascent and Impreza had model years with plenty of mechanical problems – dragging the brand’s reliability scores a notch or two.
Furthermore, Subaru has an average cost of ownership of $617 per year for scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs – only slightly lower than the general average of $652. Subaru owners are also likely to visit the mechanic 0.3 times each year for unscheduled repairs.
Overall, Subaru is slightly ahead of the pack in terms of reliability. However, some Subaru models are some of the more reliable vehicles available.
Which Subarus Models are the Most Reliable?
If you’re looking for a Subaru that can reach the coveted 200,000+ mileage, here are some models you should consider.
Subaru Forester
The uber-popular Forester also happens to be one of the more reliable Subarus available. In addition, the Forester is continuously a top choice by numerous automotive blogs in terms of reliability and dependability. The NHTSA gave the Forester a 5-star rating for its excellent safety performance and collection of features. Finally, Consumer Reports also presented the 2020 Forester with a predicted reliability rating of 5 out of 5.
For longevity, Subaru’s flagship SUV is designed to easily reach 200,000 miles, provided that it’s responsibly cared for. Some of the first-gen Foresters had reportedly reached 300,000+ miles, which is fantastic.
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Subaru Outback
Wagons were thought to be a dying breed and won’t sell, but as demonstrated by the Subaru Outback, its demise will likely be postponed. The Outback looks and feels like a wagon but has off-roading chops and car-like road manners. Plus, it’s priced rather competitively to compete with segment kings like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Reliability-wise, the Outback has improved a lot compared to previous generations. With the 2019 Outback, Subaru did a great job addressing the Outback’s sore spots like the engine, transmission, and suspension. The Outback scored a 5 out of 5 predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports.
The Outback is yet another Subaru that happily joins the 200k mile club, and that translates to 15-20 years of service.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek captured customers’ hearts with its balanced combination of practicality, comfort, off-road prowess, and reliability. The Crosstrek is no powerhouse in the engine department, but the addition of a larger engine has made it a tad livelier. For these reasons, Subaru’s smallest crossover SUV remains a best seller.
The 2022 Crosstrek earned a predicted reliability score of 79 out of 100, which is almost a Great rating. Safety-wise, the Crosstrek has earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.
Like many Subaru vehicles, it’s fair to expect the Crosstrek to hit the 100,000-mile milestone easily. However, many users and commenters claimed they managed to put 200,000+ on the odometer.
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Help Your Subarus Last Longer
How long do Subarus last? Believe it or not, the longevity of your Subaru rests in your responsible hands. One of the best things you can do to make your Subaru last is to stay on top of your maintenance services like oil changes, tire rotations, fluid flushes, etc.
Plus, your driving habits are inextricably tied to your car’s longevity. For example, reckless drivers will likely encounter major issues sooner than later, while conservative ones may postpone the inevitable. Road conditions and the climate can also have a significant impact on your vehicle’s longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How many miles can Subarus go?
A: Many Subaru owners claimed they could squeeze 200,000 to 250,000 miles out of their vehicles. However, almost all had significant mechanical repairs when they hit 150,000 miles. Therefore, the number of miles Subarus can go will depend on the owners and how much they will pay for repairs. High-mileage vehicles, including Subarus, are more likely to break down and require expensive repairs.
Q: How long do Subarus typically last?
A: According to Subaru, about 96% of their vehicles sold in the last ten years are still on the road. It’s common for old Legacy from the 90s and Impreza from the early 2000s to still grace the highways. Reliability and longevity go hand in hand, so it’s unsurprising that many Suburus are still on the road today.
Q: What’s the average maintenance cost of Subarus?
A: According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost of Subaru is $617, depending on several factors like age, mileage, location, and shop. However, the charge is generally lower for the first five years at $267 annually.
Q: What factors contribute to the longevity of Subaru vehicles?
A: Several factors contribute to Subaru vehicles’ longevity, including reliability, build quality, and owner maintenance habits. Subaru’s commitment to using high-quality materials and manufacturing processes helps ensure that its vehicles can withstand the test of time. Additionally, owners who adhere to recommended maintenance schedules and practice good driving habits can help extend the life of their Subaru.
Q: Which Subaru models are known for their longevity?
A: Some of the most long-lasting Subaru models include the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek. These vehicles have a reputation for reaching 200,000 miles or more with proper care and maintenance. The Forester and Outback have been particularly noteworthy for their durability, with some first-generation models surpassing the 300,000-mile mark.
Q: Are there any common issues to watch out for in high-mileage Subarus?
A: Like any vehicle, a high-mileage Subaru may be more prone to certain issues. Some common problems to watch include head gasket failures, oil leaks, and worn suspension components. It’s essential to have a trusted mechanic inspect a high-mileage Subaru before purchasing and to budget for potential repairs down the line.
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