Crosstrek Buyer Advice

[frontporch]

Hello. I have never owned a Subaru but my daughter has decided it will be her first car. I am looking for some common sense guidance for a father that will not be near his daughter who will be buying a used Crosstrek.

Any suggestions as to which years to possibly avoid and maybe what needs to be tended to in particular years. I am a DIY, shade tree mechanic, so I tend toward the higher mileage cars, but for my daughter I want to find something that doesn't need a lot of "hands on" like constantly topping off oil, etc.

 

[jilesn]

Hello. I have never owned a Subaru but my daughter has decided it will be her first car. I am looking for some common sense guidance for a father that will not be near his daughter who will be buying a used Crosstrek.

Any suggestions as to which years to possibly avoid and maybe what needs to be tended to in particular years. I am a DIY, shade tree mechanic, so I tend toward the higher mileage cars, but for my daughter I want to find something that doesn't need a lot of "hands on" like constantly topping off oil, etc.

Would stay away from 2016-2018 Crosstreks. Bought a used 2017 (Hybrid) w/ ~70k miles. Radiator hose split during a routine trip around town (~90k miles, dealer serviced w/ no previous issues), which led to a blown head gasket and $6,800 estimate to repair. Customer service offered $1k in dealer credit to purchase another Subaru. Unfortunately, will not purchase another Subaru and would advise against purchasing a used one unless you're willing to invest in a substantial extended warranty.