Why I stopped looking for a Subaru (and begged Toyota's forgiveness)

For the past half year or so, I've been frantically digging around on eBay, Craigslist, and local classifieds for a good deal on a Subaru Forester. Until, that is, my research paid off - I came across a cesspool of nasty information about Subaru which has stopped me in my tracks on my hunt for a great all wheel drive (or 4wd) vehicle.

Why, Jeff, have you stopped looking for a Subaru?

The answer to that is quite simple, my friend. The information I've come across is unsavory and tells me that Subaru may be quite the opposite car maker that I thought they were.

Mechanical Problems

Apparently, the lion share of Subarus sporting the 2.5 liter engine are prone to head gasket problems. This is either manifested by an internal leak, which Subaru doesn't seem to cover in their warranty, or an external leak - which they attempt to sweep under the rug with what boils down to a can of stop-leak. The problem is a bit more serious than Subaru seems to be taking it, considering a head gasket failure leads to overheating and possibly warping the head.

To be fair, the Subarus with the 2.2 liter (early to mid 90's Legacy, Impreza, etc) or the 3.0 liter (second, third generation Outback [LL Bean editions], Tribeca, etc) engines seem to be very solid and reliable. If you are looking for a Subaru, look for one with the 2.2 or 3.0 liter engine.

The head gasket problem may not be the only mechanical problem with these Subarus. While looking for reviews on the Subaru I planned on buying, the 2001 Forester, One reviewer said:

"It's a love-hate relationship with our 2001 Forester S. It's always been good & fun to drive, but...

Wheel bearing, 50k (warranty)

failed transmission control master unit, 59k (warranty)

blown head gasket, 70k ($1500)

O2 sensors & catalytic converter, 82k ($1200)

Leaking front axle, 82k ($350)

There is a plague of check engine lights. Now it's come on for the knock sensor. My 92 Honda w/160k has never had a CEL come on in anger. Will never buy Subaru again."

Ouch. Sounds like a little more trouble than I think I'm willing to deal with.

Customer Service Problems

There are numerous reports of people being ignored by Subaru customer service, Subaru customer service being rude, and Subaru not taking responsibility for flaws in their own engines. Now, I'm sure that there are other auto makers who have rude customer service departments, but the overwhelming number of complaints about Subaru on the internet are quite compelling.

It's not a Toyota

I grew up with Toyota, and the only reason I was looking at Subaru was because of their lineup of all wheel drive vehicles. So far, the '89 and '86 Celica, the 2001 Avalon, the 1984 Tercel, and the 1988 and 1986 Supras that have been in the family have never had any major problems like I'm reading about the (much newer) Subarus. I guess that means I should stay loyal to Toyota. Sorry, Toyota, for ever considering leaving you. We're still cool right?