By Josh RosenbergHistorically high new and used car prices have been forcing car buyers to look for "older" vehicles that have aged well as a way of saving money, making the issues of reliability and dependability even more crucial.
The good news is that the 2011 Subaru Outback has earned a fairly solid reputation for reliability over all these years. In fact, with proper care, a well-maintained 2011 Outback can easily last well over 200,000 miles and even reach 300,000 miles or more in some cases.
Still, all cars have mechanical issues, including some that may be specific to a particular model, even those with strong reliability reputations. That's just a natural part of car ownership.
So here, ...
- We'll go over the overall pros and cons of buying a 2011 Subaru Outback today.
- Next, we'll review this Outback's features as it was released in 2011.
- And then also go over its areas of possible mechanical problems that should be checked before buying.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Outback
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
And quickly, while we're at it, my #2 Tip is to always know the up-to-date trade-in value of your current car. You can get a quick and surprisingly accurate one at Edmund's Trade-In Quotes.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.
2011 Subaru Outback Pros
Cost Savings: Obviously, older models tend to be significantly cheaper than newer ones, saving a substantial amount of money upfront. However, this savings has to be weighed against the increased risk for possibly higher maintenance and repair costs going forward.
Reliability Potential: Despite potential issues, a well-maintained 2011 Outback can still offer decent reliability and longevity, potentially lasting many more miles without the higher upfront cost of a later model car.
Features vs. Cost: While it might lack some of the latest tech features, it still offers many amenities found in modern cars, such as AWD, ample cargo space, and decent safety features, making it a good value for the price.
Known Issues Addressed: Due to its age, many of the common issues would likely have been addressed or fixed by previous owners, reducing the risk of encountering those problems now.
DIY Maintenance and Repairs: Older models often have more accessible parts and simpler technology, making DIY maintenance and some repairs easier and less expensive compared to newer, more complex vehicles.
All-wheel drive (AWD): The Outback comes standard with AWD, providing excellent traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions or off-road driving.
Cargo Space: It offers a spacious cargo area, which is further complemented by the ability to fold down the rear seats for more room, making it great for carrying gear or luggage.
Ground Clearance: Compared to many other wagons or crossovers, the Outback has generous ground clearance, making it capable of light off-road adventures.
Safety: Subaru is known for its safety features, and the Outback often comes equipped with advanced safety technologies, earning good crash test ratings.
Fuel Efficiency: For its size and capabilities, the Outback tends to have decent fuel efficiency, especially with the four-cylinder engine.
2011 Subaru Outback Cons
Potential Repair Costs: Despite potential savings upfront, older cars are more prone to repairs and maintenance issues due to wear and tear. Plus, if not properly maintained, unexpected repairs can add up over time.
Transmission: A small number of drivers have reported issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can feel less responsive or have reliability concerns over time.
Outdated Technology: The 2011 model might lack the latest infotainment systems and other modern conveniences found in newer vehicles.
Safety Features: While the 2011 Outback has decent safety features, it might lack some of the advanced driver-assistance systems found in newer cars.
Engine Power: Some drivers might find the Outback's base four-cylinder engine lacking in power, especially when fully loaded or during highway passing maneuvers.
Interior Quality: While it's generally well-built, the interior materials might not feel as upscale as some competitors in the same price range.
Noise at Highway Speeds: Road and wind noise can be noticeable, particularly at higher speeds, which may affect overall comfort on longer journeys.
2011 Subaru Outback Review
The 2011 Outback offered a compelling choice for shoppers looking for something different than a traditional wagon or crossover SUV. And following the previous year's redesign, which made the Outback both larger and more comfortable, this appeal widened, as evidenced by the subsequent huge spike in sales.
No longer sought after only by those living in mountainous or snow-ridden environments, the Outback has become well-suited for a wide variety of locations and climates. With its standard all-wheel drive and ample ground clearance, this Outback possesses impressive off-road performance capabilities for a wagon.
And with its comfortable drive, spacious cabin, topnotch crash test ratings and excellent driver visibility, this cross between a wagon and an SUV had the makings of a solid alternative to both.
True, the Outback's size increase came at the sacrifice of some of its fairly engaging road manners. But it's still no slouch and has added plenty of headroom, a nearly sprawling rear seat and more cargo capacity than many midsize SUVs.
And the use of high-tensile steel has helped it earn the highest possible crash test scores, while keeping its weight down at the same time (the Outback weighs 550 pounds less than the Toyota Venza, for example). This also aids the four-cylinder and V6 engines, while helping fuel-efficiency as well.
The larger design of the Outback has brought it closer to a crossover than a wagon. As such, those shopping this segment may also want to consider other worthy vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, the Chevy Equinox and the Toyota RAV4.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2011 Subaru Outback is catorgorized as a 5-passenger wagon and is offered in six trims: 2.5i, 2.5 Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R, 3.6 Premium and 3.6R Limited. Features for the 3.6R models are generally the same as those of the 2.5i models.
Car Buying Tips:
Easily Negotiate The Lowest Price
Do This For The Best Trade-In Price
Understand Wholesale And Trade-in Values
Standard features on the base Outback 2.5i include full power accessories, air conditioning, automatic headlights, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, an alarm system, a tire-pressure monitor, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 16-inch steel wheels, adjustable roof rails and cross bars, and a 4-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
Moving up to the 2.5i Premium adds an 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, foglights, 17 inch alloy wheels and rear privacy glass.
There's also an optional All-Weather package for the Premium that includes heated front seats, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors. The optional 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is also available for the Premium and includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity as well as a 6-disc CD changer.
Opting for the 2.5i Limited adds leather upholstery, the Harman Kardon audio system, the All-Weather package, a 4-way power passenger seat, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The optional Power Moonroof package can be found on some Premium and Limited models and includes a sunroof and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated rearview camera. Navigation is available on the Limited, as long as the Power Moonroof package has been installed, and features a touchscreen interface, a bigger rearview camera display in the touchscreen, a CD player (single disc) and an iPod interface.
Finally, there are port-installed options which include a Bluetooth system that plugs into the open dash slot under the stereo (has its own small speakers) and satellite radio on non-Limited models.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the Outback 2.5i models is a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed ("boxer") four-cylinder engine that's good for 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission on the base and Premium models.
A CVT, with manual-mode shift paddles, is standard on the Limited and optional on the other models. And all 2011 Outbacks are all-wheel drive.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for a 2.5i Outback with the CVT is a very respectable 22 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway. These numbers drop a bit with the manual to 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Under the hood of Outback 3.6R models is a 3.6-liter flat-6 that produces 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. It's coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles and is gas-mileage-rated at 18 mpg city and 25 highway.
Safety:
Standard safety features on all 2011 Subaru Outbacks include traction control, stability control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes (ABS), front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
In government crash testing, the 2011 Outback was awarded five out of five stars in all front and side-impact occupant protection categories.
Interior:
This Outback's interior is attractive and well-designed, while the seating is comfortable and supportive. The controls are generally very easy to see and operate, however, models outfitted with the navigation system have a significantly different dashboard due to the large LCD screen with controls that take some getting used to.
The Outback's larger dimensions are also most noticeable in the cabin. By lowering the back seat, cargo capacity is actually greater than many conventional SUVs, such as the Ford Edge and Subaru Forester, coming in at a very useful 71.3 cubic feet. The generous roominess of the backseat makes for ample legroom and family-friendly road trips.
As a side note, the optional Harman Kardon sound system (includes integrated Bluetooth) is a big improvement for the rather ho-hum standard 4-speaker system.
Drive:
Due to its larger size and transition to a more SUV-like than wagon vehicle, the 2011 Subaru Outback no longer maintained all the driving athleticism that previously had set it apart from crossovers. Neverthless, with its all-wheel drive and generous ground clearance, this Outback still offers impressive off-road performance for a wagon.
While it may have lost some of its fun-to-drive qualities, the overall ride experience is much improved. Roadbumps and rough spots are easily absorbed, resulting in a smoother and quieter ride.
The CVT was considered one of the best available with smooth and well-timed shifts, while the 2.5-liter engine provides fiesty power with either the CVT or the manual transmission. Its impressive fuel efficiency with the CVT, however, make it a compelling choice for most shoppers.
On the other hand, the increased torque of the 3.6-liter six-cylinder will be most appreciated by those who live in mountainous terrain or who often carry many passengers.
2011 Subaru Outlook Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
While generally considered quite reliable, like any car model, some owners experienced various mechanical issues over time. The following areas should therefore be included in an inspection before buying:
Headlight Issue: The most common owner complaint, although not widespread, concerns bulbs burning out prematurely. The headlight controller tends to wear out bulbs faster than other cars.
Head Gasket Issues: This problem was more prevalent in earlier models of Subarus, but some Outback owners have reported head gasket leaks or failures.
Transmission Concerns: Some owners have reported problems with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), such as jerking, shuddering, or premature failure. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any transmission issues can help mitigate these problems.
Stall While Braking: There have been occasional reports of this in the 100,000 mile range and is caused by a faulty torque converter.
Oil Consumption: There have been instances where certain Subaru engines, including those in this Outback, have exhibited higher-than-normal oil consumption. Regular oil level checks and addressing any leaks promptly can help manage this issue.
Suspension and Steering Components: Some drivers have reported issues with suspension components, such as struts or control arms, needing replacement earlier than expected. Similarly, there have been occasional complaints about steering-related problems.
Electrical System: Some owners have experienced issues with the electrical system, including problems with the dashboard display, electrical shorts, or battery drain issues.
Catalytic Converter and Exhaust System: In some cases, issues with the catalytic converter or exhaust system have been reported, including premature failure or inefficiency.
Brake Problems: A few complaints have been made about brake-related issues, such as premature wear or brake pad/rotor replacement needs earlier than expected.
It's important to note that not all vehicles will experience these problems. Regular maintenance and addressing any issues promptly can significantly reduce the impact or occurrence of these potential problems.