A Subaru Outback will keep you from getting stuck in the mud. But will buying this model leave you stuck in a vehicle with a short lifespan?

The Outback is a unique breed. Unfortunately leaves you with few alternatives if you decide against buying an Outback but want a similar model.

Many shoppers’ decisions will hinge on how many miles they can get out of a Subaru Outback. Thankfully, we can shed light on whether this vehicle will serve you well for over a decade or if it’ll quickly end up in the junkyard.

Is the Subaru Outback a well-made vehicle?

Yes, the Outback is a high-quality model with a relatively affordable cost. Subaru prices brand-new 2021 models at a starting MSRP of $26,795, and you can buy a used version for far less.

Featuring a wagon-like body shape and a standard all-wheel-drive system, the Outback is a go-to vehicle for explorers. Its 8.7-inch ground clearance protects the underbody from damage while off-roading, and its interior is well-equipped with high-quality materials and cutting-edge technologies.

The 2021 Subaru Outback doesn’t have any true competitors. So you may wonder why other manufacturers haven’t attempted to copy Subaru’s secret recipe. 

Perhaps it’s just because other automakers have a difficult time reproducing the Outback’s success. In addition to its impressive off-road capability, the 2021 Subaru Outback is one of the safest vehicles on the road. 

An average car’s expected mileage is surprisingly high

Most people trade in their vehicle once it begins showing its age, and there are plenty of reasons why.

Perhaps the repair costs begin to outweigh the car’s value. Maybe it no longer performs like it once did. And some people just get tired of their old model and want to drive something new, such as a tech-savvy 2021 Subaru Outback.

However, most cars will live a long life before ending up in the junkyard. According to AARP, an average vehicle can have a 200,000-mile lifespan. But that’s dependant on several factors, and many models won’t reach that mark.

It’s reasonable to believe that the average life expectancy will increase due to the higher build quality of recent models. 

But keeping a car for a long time might not be as affordable as it once was. All the advanced  technology that’s packed into modern vehicles is quite expensive to repair.

Regardless, you’ll still want to buy a model that you can depend on.

Are Subaru models reliable?

Yes, the Japanese manufacturer has a reputation for building reliable vehicles. However, it’s difficult to assess just how well a brand-new model will hold up over time.

For instance, the 2021 Subaru Outback is an interesting case. Consumer Reports gave it a 3/5 predicted reliability rating, despite most previous iterations faring better.

The publication’s assessment isn’t necessarily an indication that this newer model is worse. Consumer Reports utilizes past data, subscriber feedback, and expert analysis to make its predictions. So, it’ll have a better understanding of the 2021 Subaru Outback’s dependability in the future.

How can you get the most out of your Subaru Outback?

The Outback has an average- to above-average reliability history. That means you might be able to get 200,000 miles out of yours if you plan on running into the ground.

However, you’ll have to provide your vehicle with the care it needs in order to reach this mark. 

Regularly changing your oil is the most crucial factor. You should do so at a minimum interval of every 7,500 miles or six months, but following Subaru’s recommendations in the Outback’s owner’s manual is the best practice.
But don’t stop there. Other routine maintenance services will do wonders to help you get the most miles out of your Subaru Outback. These include battery inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments, brake pad replacement, and more.