I purchased this 2011 Outback used from CarMax, no issues, 82k. First Subie and I am hooked on the little boxer engine.
A couple months in, the flashing BRAKE, CRUISE, Oil at Temp, were concerning, but would only remain for about 4 or 5 starts. Then reappear at random intervals. Over a few weeks they would come and go, no real performance issues, besides slight over rev when the lights came on.
The CarMax said they couldn't diagnose if the warning lights weren't active. This I will complain about. I now know the codes are all stored, and they could've read the past throws. GRRR.
I purchased a BlueDiver to read the codes so I wouldn't waste the service appointments. The BluDriver was less than the diagnostic fee! Turned out to be the CVT on Blue Driver. Looked it all up on the internet, apparently a common issue that is resolved through the extended warranty. IF you are still covered.
Took it into Premiere Subaru in Branford, CT. Within hours they confirmed the problem, offered to replace it under warranty, no charge. Not even the $149 diagnostic fee, as it is a warranty repair. Service as expected; however these days that seems unusual. I paid for a 6 month service, and that's all. Their service department is on point.
If you have one of these cars, don't wait till the warranty expires! If it's not acting up, trade it in before the warranty expires. I got REALLY lucky and did not have a failure on the road.
Actually this is a warning not a complaint!
I purchased this 2011 Outback used from CarMax, no issues, 82k. First Subie and I am hooked on the little boxer engine.
A couple months in, the flashing BRAKE, CRUISE, Oil at Temp, were concerning, but would only remain for about 4 or 5 starts. Then reappear at random intervals. Over a few weeks they would come and go, no real performance issues, besides slight over rev when the lights came on.
The CarMax said they couldn't diagnose if the warning lights weren't active. This I will complain about. I now know the codes are all stored, and they could've read the past throws. GRRR.
I purchased a BlueDiver to read the codes so I wouldn't waste the service appointments. The BluDriver was less than the diagnostic fee! Turned out to be the CVT on Blue Driver. Looked it all up on the internet, apparently a common issue that is resolved through the extended warranty. IF you are still covered.
Took it into Premiere Subaru in Branford, CT. Within hours they confirmed the problem, offered to replace it under warranty, no charge. Not even the $149 diagnostic fee, as it is a warranty repair. Service as expected; however these days that seems unusual. I paid for a 6 month service, and that's all. Their service department is on point.
If you have one of these cars, don't wait till the warranty expires! If it's not acting up, trade it in before the warranty expires. I got REALLY lucky and did not have a failure on the road.
- Rob S., New Haven, CT, US