After a rebuilt engine in my 2012 outback should I trade it. Upper engine blew lost 3 cylinders

I'd trade it in and stay away from Subaru's as most mechanics on here will tell you.

Pat_69- what exactly did you have done?? Your characterization of the "upper engine" losing three cylinders doesn't jive with the fact that this is a "horizontally opposed" boxer engine... Sounds more like you blew out the head gaskets on the right and left side? Is this what also happened?? And, how many miles were on your car when you did this? Or, maybe you had a timing belt failure and it ruined all the valves which can also occur?? So, now that you paid for all of this work, the previous post tells you to just "sell the car"? How is this helpful?? Do you have the CVT transmission or the manual transmission?? IF your car is running great now? I would keep it for another 50,000 miles and get some value for the money you just invested, otherwise, you're throwing away money.. Just my two cents. Good luck.

enginecreator-. SUBARU is a niche vehicle.. you must know that. Also, it's one of the most popular cars sold today and for years has been one of the few cars enjoying increasing sales statistics year after year. So, telling people that mechanics say that you should NOT purchase one is EXTREMELY DISINGENUOUS. Kelly Blue Book , US News and World Reports and Consumer Reports have consistently rated Subaru cars for their quality, safety and build.

I look at from practical standpoint. Cost of repair/how often mechanical issues pop up, VS actual drive time/fun time. Have been in the mechanical field and understand the following they have and also understand if somebody wants my opinion I will give it without bias view points. I have a friend that loves them and has them modified for street racing, and take them over to GA to get tuned every year or more often at $4500.00 a time and spends all his money on repairs is the reason for the tune cost so often and drives his grandpa's Toyota Tacoma everyday and leaves his Subaru at home or the shop Because if he drives it it goes back to the shop.

Look at it this way it has all ready cost a huge amount of money to repair at just 5 years old, it is just now getting to the age to need even more costly repairs on all the other mechanics that go out on Subaru's and that head/upper rebuild job will never be the end of that because they have build issues from the developer. Like I said your best option is to sell or trade it in and not on another Subaru. Not to mention that all cars have a shelf life and to get your money back you should be out of before the 5 year period.

They seem fun to drive off road or take it the track, just know that the odds a catastrophic failure is eminent, just hope its not on a busy highway or interstate on/off ramp or on that off road trip or leave you stuck out in the freezing cold or hot weather or in bad neighborhood at night.

Hardly ever see a Subaru older than 5-6 years old on the roads any more, they simply do not last, take a look around next time your out driving, you will 10 older Chevy/Fords to 1 old Subaru Still on the road. I do remember Mark that you own or owned a Subaru and hats off to you for hanging in there so long since Subaru has gotten worse every year instead of better, you may need its AWD to get out of those mud slides or sink holes where you live, hear yall are flooding out Almost Biblical would you say/or not say. I call that some climate change

Jim, well said. Not sure exactly what this person spent to repair the car but, it makes sense to drive for a while without car payments to recoup some of the money invested. That's a great technique.... I drove my old Honda Accord for 15 years with no additional car payments and had some expenses, but, they were FAR LESS EXPENSIVE than $400 per month every month..... that is $4,800 per year times 15 years ...A lot of people don't realize that this adds up to $72,000.... You can get a lot of repairs and NEVER reach this number.

enginecreator- Well, first of all, who races a Subaru Outback?? Your ridiculous assertion that these cars fall apart in 5 years is absurd, in fact, they are some of the longest lasting cars on the road. Probably the reason you don't see as many is because they are not as popular in your area or the economic demographics don't support a lot of sales where you live? Subaru cars are not the most EXPENSIVE cars on the road, but, they are certainly more expensive than a Ford or Chevy product. Sure, it's raining here, but, the city is not washed away..... Any area can have an occasional sinkhole....You make it seem as though we're all falling off the coast... Not true. ... You would NEVER make it as a financial advisor.... Very sad.

Pat_69 can keep a link to the question they ask in their email and just click on it and come back here and let us know what they decide to do and if they hold on to it and how well they make out even years from now. I can wait to find out. Best wishes to all.

Pat_69-. Yes, keep us posted on what you are going to do... And, if possible, please answer my questions about what you actually repaired and the mileage on your car. -----Thanks, Mark

Hi. Our engine failed while out of state on a family emergency. Took car to dealer there. They are rebuilding engine at Subaru expense as we were only 109 miles over the drivetrain warranty & had the car just 5 yrs. the dealer advocated for us & also got us a rental to come home. At our request they are replacing serpentine belt at our expense of course. Interestingly we investigated & found out this has been a problem for the 2012 Outbacks so we are considering what we're going to do. This is our 4th Subaru. Very disappointed. Esp since we have to go back 270 miles to pick it up. Bad timing too as our emergency is my that my brother is terminally I'll & now in hospice.

Mileage is 61,108.

Sorry to hear about your brother. I am happy that Subaru is taking care of you at their expense for the rebuild and rental, 270 miles ouch.

I have heard of Subaru Lovers going back to the 2011 and older Subaru's if this helps any I thought I would tell you anyway as they have less issues but are much older now and may not be the best option. Its my understanding that the newer models have bad and/or just thin castings and gasket material and way its manufactured is some of the reason they are failing. The mechanics themselves are impressive but they are making bad choices to save money.

Thanks for the good info. Given us food for thought.

Pat_69- You're welcome.... I'm so sorry for your personal situation with your brother, my Mom was on hospice recently. I have to say that the hospice team were the most compassionate and caring group ever. So, I personally know what you are going through. Not a good time to worry about a car when you have family to be concerned with.

I purchased a 2004 Impreza wagon Jan 2014; perfect exterior and interior, new tires and the major work due at 60K was done by previous owner at 5 years; with 42K miles on it. Purchased from a respected local Subaru dealer. They are fair in my dealings with them absolutely. I need transportation when car is serviced; and they provide a loaner (new Subarus) for 30.00/day; but if the repairs go longer than one day the loaner is always gratis. Lately this year 2017 some major repairs including catalytic converter just over 90K miles; and the loan is practically paid off just a few more payments; so I am continually wavering trade in/keep; and I consult with the service staff/mechanics at dealership; if I was wealthy; I would purchase another car likely; but I need to be more careful and weigh each decision such as this one. My belief currently is it is very well maintained by myself and previous owner; serviced 100% since 2004 by Subaru; and my goal is to take it another 100K miles--- you have to have a goal? But, I am also saving for the down payment to buy another Subaru; it will be second hand and I hope I get something as nice as the car I have now. It is beautiful; persons stop and remark about it. A Subaru mechanic using the same gas pumps as I but not from my dealership was all over himself exclaiming how "clean" and well maintained it was for a 2004. You fall in love with Subaru; but I am weighing and planning and saving to give myself options. I will not be able to support not having a dependable car; or one that is costing my salary to support. Decisions....they never cease.

MEANDMYSUBARU- I know what you mean...I had an old 95 Honda Accord..it was in remarkable condition and I would get compliments on my car... with offers all the time.. You have to evaluate whether you want updated safety features.. that's the best reason to purchase a new car..once you know that, it will most your decision easier. Good luck.

I actually deplore the rear camera and the touch system radio. Also do not like the key less entry fob; I think alot of consumers don't like those features. Once the loan is paid the monthly loan amount I figure will go to repairs; but I want to purchase new car within next five years to have something with life in it as I head into retirement, which is something I keep putting off. God willing good health; enjoy working. But reality is this car will be more problems as we head toward 200K; so hope a newer car maybe provide more time with less problems. My last car died at 200K; I found myself getting around and being towed back home too often; got to know all the local tow truck drivers a little too well; but I used the time to consult with them on what cars they would recommend; they see it all.

MEANDMYSUBARU-. I understand. I've had cars approaching 150,000 miles and usually think that this is the upper limit and time frame for switching to a younger model... with less headaches and more life...it's a balance. Seems like 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first is the best time. All of the cars I've owned beyond 15 years or 150,000 miles have caused problems. No car payments are nice, but, then again so is reliability. I certainly don't like waiting for the AAA. You only need ONE good car. Honda used to be great, but they've rested on their laurels from the 1990s.. they're not the car company I used to know... My 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 has been good to me so far.... only 84,000 miles. Our other car is a 2009 Toyota Prius...my mechanic says that the Prius will outdistance the Subaru easily to 250,000 miles... Good luck, it's a complicated situation trying to find the right car replacement.

Deplore/Hate the touch screen as we can push buttons & turn knobs better, more accuratly, faster. Sitting looking at a computer fine, doing so while driving is the same distractions as texting and using a phone while driving which is against the law in my State so why is there one on my dash looking at me needing my every input for the simplest of things, now back up camera is o.k. for me, but key fob when its working is great but when issues arise of course I understand how this can be frustrating. The light blinking when a car approaches blind spot is another deplore, its more distracting then anything, instead of improving driving habits, which it does not do, best to look and observe and know whats around.