Subaru
 

I’m thinking of expanding the home fleet and strapping outside the warm fluffy Volvo pocket. Having ad a V60 CC that’s a little bit rare in U.K. roads I fancied something a little different. Has anyone o here had any experience with Subaru? Especially the more modern ones? Do they live up to their legendary reputation? The Levorg looks a decent motor and they’re not bank breakingly expensive either? All input is welcome

TT

How modern is modern? We dropped a 2ltr 150bhp into my bro’s t25 - came from an 02 impreza sport. Now pushing 150k but currently poorly with the worn pulley bolt.

Things to look out for:

Worn pulley bolts
Cam belt changed on the nose
Rot
Avoid the autos, cvt garbage.
2.5- single cams weren’t great
The early diesels aren’t much cop
H6- glorious but only in b-spec
If getting to six figures head gaskets/ seals need replacing

The scooby crowd are a really friendly bunch, drop onto one of their forums for advice. Can only say driving that brick with scooby power is immense

We’re talking 2020 plate, what’s up with the CVT box? I’m after Auto. As per usual the reviews contradict each other. All makes come with their gremlins, I’m after something that will last four and a half years and do circa 11-13k per year.

You have to be wary with the "CVT is awful" crowd, in my experience. For some reason they can't accept that any automatic gearbox is awful so it doesn't matter what the technology is, and they tend to extrapolate a CVT not feeling like a conventional slushbox into mechanical frailty.

I'd not heard there was anything wrong, from a reliability point-of-view, with the modern Subaru CVT. But I also haven't ever looked into it. A lot of people complain they feel odd, but it's a automatic so I don't see why they care.

I had a Honda on loan with a CVT, I loved how smooth it was. I wouldn’t if though Subaru would have fitted it if it was kack. Can’t be any worse than some of the common or garden auto’s in the market

TT

Oh I’m going on my long time association with Subaru engines and transmissions. If you’re trying to make a point give it another shot

Reliability….. I’m looking for t something that’s going to be be a comfortable drive that’s going to be reliable for 4/5yrs then that’s all I’m after. As long as the CVT box is going to last the distance then I’m happy with that. I’m Mr 65mph cruise control on the motorways these days so stoopid acceleration isn’t at the top of my list. As long as it all works Thongy is happy.

TT

To be fair mate if you’re looking that new it’s no issue, cvt doesn't tend to become an issue until later into life on units that haven’t been looked after/ serviced. I’ve encountered mutlitronic gearboxes with 150k plus on them, it’s just the earlier Subaru versions weren’t good and anybody would warn you off them for the obvious reasons. Everybody wanted to be Colin once upon a time

I’m looking at buying a motor with a few thousand on it, ex-dem for example. The reviews slate the motor for its mpg and CVT slush box but there’s nothing about reliability, gotta be a good sign. Dealers are a bit thin on the ground but I have a specialist four miles away so it’s not too much of an issue. Plus I’ve always wanted a Subaru:)

TT

At that age you should have no problems and not a big deal to extend the warranty during your ownership.
CVT is slated but I prefer it, why have an auto that you can feel change gear?
Have you driven a modern Subaru? They drive like nothing else you ever experienced but the interior and exterior build quality is far from Volvo.