Used 2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) Consumer Reviews
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Bad Catalytic converter $$
fino, 08/15/2009
Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
34 of 35 people found this review helpful
I have owned many Subaru's and really loved them all except for this problem. Catalytic converter is bad and estimated replacement is $2,000 to $3,000. I have spoken to some Subaru and non Subaru mechanics and all have said this is a common problem. I am not getting any satisfaction from Subaru USA and this has turned a loyal customer into a doubter. They tried a computer fix that did not work. They blame problem on hills and high speeds. The car also had bad rear bearing that were replaced as a recall.
Great Car! Other than head gasket problem
Francis Zelinka, Dallas, PA, 11/10/2017
Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful
This is a great car, I'm just getting rid of mine now after 180,000 miles. I really haven't done anything to it other than regular maintenance of things like wheel bearings, timing belt, a couple suspension components, and fluid changes. No question that Subaru's AWD system was the best on the market in this era. This car has gotten me out of some sticky situations both on and off road. The achilles heel of these cars, and any subaru with the 2.5 liter engine, is the head gaskets. Sometimes they completely blow, sometimes (as in my case) they just drip a bit of oil. It is a fairly big job, if you want to avoid having that problem I would recommend purchasing the H6 version of this car, (if you can stomach the slightly worse gas mileage). If you are looking to buy a used Outback of this era and all the way up until 2011 look for one that has had the head gaskets replaced. Once you fix that problem the 2.5 is pretty bombproof up to 200K or 250K
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2005 Subaru Outback for sale near you
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First Subaru
Powmaster, 05/21/2010
Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
The Outback was my first Subaru purchase; had Hondas and Toyotas previously. With the manual tranny, I achieve 26 mpg - not bad for a 4wd station wagon. Two recalls, both for the ECU and both were fast fixes and covered by Subaru. No major issues with anything. Headlights do burn out fast (once a year or so). Some minor rattles from the dash, depending on the temperature. Bad wheel alignment from the factory and wore out the tires in less than 28,000 miles. Dealer refused to do anything about it - told me it was my fault which is totally untrue.
Good, but could be better
Jerry Levy, 12/17/2005
Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Excellent driving experience, a good combination of handling and luxury ride. Fun on two lane mountain highways, dirt roads, and freeways. Dealer very helpful when I needed unscheduled maintenance--gave me a new, free car for two weeks.
Never again, going back to Toyota!
msshrink, 07/14/2008
Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this 2.5i Subaru Outback used about two and a half years ago, after totaling my previous car in a nasty rainstorm. The four wheel drive was barely needed overall (milder winters) and my gas mileage plummeted from the mid 30s per gallon (Camry) to more like 20 mpg, sometimes a rare 25 on the highway. Then an annoying clicking sound developed when I turned the wheel and, only two years into the vehicle, both axles were shot. Naturally, they were very expensive because they could not be after-market, only Subaru. Several mechanics told me this is not unusual for Subarus, and after I had to plunk down over $1,000 suggested I head back to Toyota-land.