Don’t Get Burned Buying a Used Subaru

With the rising cost of just about everything these days and all the shortages around the globe, more folks are holding on to their cars longer or opting for used cars instead of buying new. If you’re one of them and you’re eyeing a used Subaru, there are some things you’ve got to watch out for. This guide breaks down what you need to know so you don’t end up with a lemon—and a big repair bill.

Used Car Lots: They’re Not Always the Villains

I know used car dealers, especially those mom-and-pop independent lots, get a bad rap for being sleazy or out to scam people. And yeah, there are some bad apples, but in my experience, the majority of these folks aren’t trying to rob you blind. The thing is, a lot of them don’t know much about cars.

These guys are salespeople and business owners, not mechanics. They’re not popping the hood and diagnosing potential issues when they bid on a car at auction. They’re just looking to snag a vehicle that looks decent and runs without a check engine light. Problem is, that lack of knowledge can—and often does—bite them right in the butt.

How Cars End Up on the Lot (and Why You Should Care)

Let me paint you a picture. These dealers hit up auto auctions, glance at a few cars, and bid on what catches their eye. Maybe it’s the price, maybe it’s the condition, or maybe it’s just the fact that it starts. They’re not crawling underneath the car or scanning it with diagnostic tools—they’re just winging it.

I’ve been to these auctions with dealers, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen them pick cars that I knew were trouble. I’d spot stuff like a car that had been wrecked or one that needed a new engine, and the dealer would have no clue. That’s how a lot of these problem cars end up on the lot.

The Call I Got About a Used Subaru

I got called out by a dealer I’ve worked with for years. He had a 2008 Subaru Outback, about 172,000 miles on the clock (give or take—it’s what the oil change sticker said). This car was showing the classic signs of head gasket trouble, a common issue with Subarus, especially those in the 120,000 to 170,000-mile range.

The dealer told me they were smelling oil smoke, and there was oil pooling on top of the engine. He had a customer interested in buying it and needed me to confirm the problem so they could decide what to do.

Diagnosing the Problem

Here’s what I found when I got to the car:

Oil Leaks on Top of the Engine

Right off the bat, I noticed oil on both sides of the engine block, more on the passenger side. The oil had made the engine block shiny, clearing away years of dirt and grime as it seeped out. On these EJ-series Subaru engines, this is a telltale sign of a blown head gasket. The pressurized oil escapes and pools right there.

Low Coolant

The coolant reservoir was bone dry. A blown head gasket often leads to coolant loss as the engine starts consuming it. That’s a huge red flag right there.

Burning Oil Smell

When head gaskets go bad, oil tends to leak down onto the exhaust manifold. When the manifold gets hot, it burns the oil, creating that unmistakable burnt smell. That’s what the dealer’s customer had noticed.

Overpressurized Radiator Hose

The upper radiator hose was tight as a tick. When head gaskets fail, combustion gases can enter the cooling system, creating air locks and overpressurizing the hoses. This is a classic symptom.

DIY Fixes and Clues

Whoever had this car before tried patching it up. The factory spring clamps on the radiator hoses had been replaced with worm gear clamps, a dead giveaway that the hoses had blown off before. The upper hose had even started backing off the radiator neck again, a sign of continued overpressurization.

How I Confirmed the Diagnosis

I didn’t have my full set of tools with me, just a pocket flashlight and a little telescoping mirror. Even with that, I could see oil dripping between the cylinder head and the engine block. The rocker cover gaskets seemed fine, but the head gasket was clearly leaking.

On top of that, the car’s cooling system wasn’t functioning properly. The top radiator hose was boiling hot, while the lower hose was cool to the touch—another sign that air bubbles from combustion gases were preventing proper coolant circulation.

Why This Happens (and What You Should Watch For)

Subarus, especially older ones, are notorious for head gasket failures. Once the mileage gets up there, say between 120,000 and 150,000, you’re in the danger zone. By 170,000 miles, like this Outback, either the head gaskets have been replaced, or they’re likely shot.

Dealers often end up with these cars at auctions, either because previous owners didn’t want to deal with the repair costs or because they were traded in at a dealership. Instead of fixing the car, the dealership dumps it at auction. Then, the cycle starts over, and an unsuspecting buyer ends up with the headache.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

You don’t need fancy tools to check a used Subaru for these issues. Here’s a quick checklist:

Look for Oil Leaks: Check the top of the engine block and underneath for signs of oil pooling or dripping.

Inspect the Coolant Reservoir: Make sure it’s full. A dry reservoir is a major red flag.

Feel the Radiator Hoses: If the top hose is rock-hard and the bottom hose is cool, walk away.

Check Clamps: Look for factory spring clamps. If they’ve been replaced with worm gear clamps, that’s a clue something’s up.

Test Drive: Listen for strange noises, watch for overheating, and pay attention to any burning smells.

Final Thoughts

Buying a used Subaru can be a great decision, but you’ve got to do your homework. These cars have known issues, especially with their head gaskets, so it’s critical to inspect them thoroughly. Don’t just take the dealer’s word for it. Look for the signs yourself, or better yet, bring in someone who knows what to look for.

If you take the time to do this, you’ll avoid buying a car that’s just going to cost you thousands in repairs right off the bat.

Bottom Line: Don’t Get Burned!

Take a close look at the engine, coolant system, and any signs of DIY fixes before buying a used Subaru. It might take a little extra time, but it’s better than getting stuck with a lemon. Stay sharp, and good luck out there!

If you’re a Subaru owner or just curious about the brand, be sure to explore his other informative videos, such as his overview of common Subaru problems, in-depth look at engine oil consumption, and tips for maintaining your Subaru’s longevity. Stay informed by subscribing to Mr. Subaru on YouTube for more expert advice and engaging automotive discussions.