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The 4 Most Expensive Older Subaru Models To Maintain And The 6 Best To Buy

What is the most reliable Subaru? Check out the list of ten-year-old cars and SUVs that are the most expensive to maintain and repair. Subaru has four models on the list. Here are the best used Subaru model years to buy.

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With the cost of used cars skyrocketing, you want to make sure you buy a used vehicle that is reliable. Consumer Reports ranked the least and most expensive ten-year-old cars and SUVs to keep on the road. What Subaru models make the list? The study comes from owners who reveal how much they spend on repairs.

Consumer Reports says three Subaru models that make the new list. CR checked ten-year-old models (2011 model year vehicles) to find the least and most expensive cars and SUVs to keep on the road. The study shows Subaru has three 2011 model year vehicles to check out thoroughly before you buy. The 2011 Subaru Forester compact SUV, 2011 Subaru Outback midsize SUV/crossover, and 2011 Subaru Legacy sedan.

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Outback

The 10 most expensive ten-year-old cars to maintain and repair

The most expensive ten-year-old cars under $10,000 to maintain and repair per year are the BMW 5 Series ($1,200), BMW 3 Series ($800), Audi A4 ($550), and the Subaru Legacy ($500).

The most expensive ten-year-old SUVs under $10,000 to maintain and repair are the Acura RDX ($700), Chevrolet Traverse ($590), Cadillac SRX ($530), Buick Enclave ($505), Subaru Forester ($500), and Subaru Outback ($500).

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2013 Subaru Outback

According to another report from online automotive resource CarComplaints, the 2013 Subaru Outback is a year you should also be aware of before you buy. CarComplaints listed 337 complaints about the 2013 Outback, with twenty-four complaints being about the engine. Torque News reported in 2014, Subaru was sued over excessive oil consumption, and the 2013 Subaru Outback was on the list.

What are the best used Subaru model years?

For the first time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports collaborate to recommend the best used vehicles you can buy under $20,000. CR and IIHS say the best used Subaru models are the Subaru Forester (2016 or newer), Subaru Outback (2014 or newer), Subaru Crosstrek (2018 or newer), Subaru Impreza (2014 or newer), and Subaru Legacy (2013 or newer).

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Outback

If you cannot buy a new model now, which is the best year if you shop for a three-year-old SUV? Consumer Reports ranked the most reliable three-year-old midsize SUVs, and the 2018 Subaru Outback scores one of the eight best used SUV choices.

Consumers looking for the best used cars under $10,000 have lots of choices. The 2011 Forester, Outback, and Legacy make the most expensive to maintain and repair list. Some older Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy models make the first-ever combined Consumer Reports and IIHS best vehicles to buy recommendations list.

You Might Also Like: The 4 Subaru Models Most Likely To Need Expensive Engine Repairs

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

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Comments

Michael Smith (not verified)    May 9, 2021 - 3:27PM

I would argue that some of the other companies didn't make the list because they don't make the 10 year mark

Lynn Bragg (not verified)    May 11, 2021 - 6:16AM

You reported a recall the Forrester2018 2019 i have 2019 figured i would get letter for the fix i have not &have seen or heard nothing in news

Dave Hulslander (not verified)    May 13, 2021 - 7:31AM

I'm 78, had 15 since 1973, have 2014 now, sold many to daughters, brothers, friends as I had the first and they knew my travels. 1977, bad, rusted out, '09 burned oil and got poor treatment from Subaru to fix the problem. '14 burns oil and seems to be common problem? Feel Subaru needs to stand behind their car and accept it's responsibility
for certain manufacturing issues. Still ready to buy another used one but can't afford new one.

Mike G (not verified)    August 24, 2021 - 10:51PM

If your a true Subaru Fan, or if the votes came from people who actually knows cars. The Subaru SVX 92-97 is the most expensive Subaru to maintain and keep on the road. I have 2 94s as we speak.