Discussion
Having just moved house in to the wilds of the pennines I'm looking to buy an 'suv' with good winter weather capability. The new forester fits the bill nicely, it will be a daily use car covering approx 20k miles a year. Simple question, any reliability issues with the 20ee diesel engine ? Thanks in advance.........
I am on my second scoobi with a Boxer diesel. First one was an 08 plate Legacy which I traded in at 60k miles for a 62 plate XV. Only two comments that are not really problems:
1. After my legacy had done about 30k The engine got a bit clattery when first started on a cold morning but the clatter disappeared when warned up. (The appearance of the clatter did not produce any issues with oil consumption, fuel economy or smokey exhaust).
2. Scoobi diesels seem to have a habit of producing the occasional judder on tickover once warmed up (usually at traffic lights). Both the Legacy and the XV do this but I understand that this is an engine management reset and quite normal.
Otherwise both cars with the Diesel engine gave me no problems at all.
1. After my legacy had done about 30k The engine got a bit clattery when first started on a cold morning but the clatter disappeared when warned up. (The appearance of the clatter did not produce any issues with oil consumption, fuel economy or smokey exhaust).
2. Scoobi diesels seem to have a habit of producing the occasional judder on tickover once warmed up (usually at traffic lights). Both the Legacy and the XV do this but I understand that this is an engine management reset and quite normal.
Otherwise both cars with the Diesel engine gave me no problems at all.
2008 & 2009 ones have something of a reputation for spinning main bearings. Allegedly it was sorted on 2010 (new shape) legacy. You will see quite a few which are not on the original engine.
If it happens, you can not easily get parts. It's expensive. Buy a 2L petrol...
If it happens, you can not easily get parts. It's expensive. Buy a 2L petrol...
Edited by pistol pete on Sunday 4th August 09:20
Thanks for the feedback, I will be buying new or ex-demo so will have bags of warranty, it's just reassuring to read some experienced feedback. i ran a few subaru petrols some years ago but defected to Honda CRV's only for the diesel economy when fuel prices became silly and before the boxer diesel was available . The Hondas were good cars but the poor weather capability is nothing like the Subarus which is brilliant. Looking forward to a boxer diesel now.
The petrols are more economical than before (start stop and all) and are now the bigger sellers I believe. The petrol and CVT is very smooth. For more power try the new XT. All have full 5 year warranties and roadside cover and are a huge quality step up from the previous Forester (2009-2013). They are also larger. I parked next to a new'ish X-trail yesterday and they are almost the same size and height.
I've had my 2008 Outback diesel since 2010 and just turned 60k miles today (bought with 9k miles on). No reliability problems at all (apart from the 12v socket fuse!). Had a 2.0 petrol turbo legacy in the 90s that I took from 80k miles to 126k miles I think, only thing that went on that was the clutch
There have been reports of some diesel legacies having mega problems with clutches but mine has been fine - those with problems report needing to start off with 1500rpm showing, but I easily start with under 1k most of the time (stall it once every couple of months though) and v little clutch slipping. It's quite fast enough, I think, though nothing much happens below 2k revs
A friend has one with a funny noise in the engine that has not yet been diagnosed...
Did you know that the diesel Outbacks and Foresters are due to get CVT autos available next year?
I like my Subaru lots and am currently considering either a BRZ or Forester XT2.0 for my next car, but the Outback is running so well it seems a bit sad to change it for a while yet (plus wife from a family that thinks you have to run a car until it becomes stupid expensive to maintain - mother in law's last car lasted 18 years I think)
There have been reports of some diesel legacies having mega problems with clutches but mine has been fine - those with problems report needing to start off with 1500rpm showing, but I easily start with under 1k most of the time (stall it once every couple of months though) and v little clutch slipping. It's quite fast enough, I think, though nothing much happens below 2k revs
A friend has one with a funny noise in the engine that has not yet been diagnosed...
Did you know that the diesel Outbacks and Foresters are due to get CVT autos available next year?
I like my Subaru lots and am currently considering either a BRZ or Forester XT2.0 for my next car, but the Outback is running so well it seems a bit sad to change it for a while yet (plus wife from a family that thinks you have to run a car until it becomes stupid expensive to maintain - mother in law's last car lasted 18 years I think)
My 08 outback has now covered 100k and averages 40 mpg rather than the 44mpg the computer shows. Other than servicing it's needed replacement of front drop links and wishbone bushes at 90k. They're a cheap to run with no cambelt and tyres lasting c25k. Only worry is clutch replacement, as only Subaru supply a DMF so a good £2k+ bill.
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