Are the Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and other new all-wheel-drive models easy to maintain? Check the Subaru report before you do the maintenance yourself.
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How easy are the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, 2023 Forester, 2024 Outback, and other models to maintain yourself? When shopping for a new or used vehicle, it's essential to check its maintenance and repair costs in addition to the monthly lease payment. But newer cars are more challenging to do the regular maintenance yourself.
U.S. News says, "Pick wisely, and you can enjoy years of low-cost trouble-free driving. Pick wrong, and your car could wind up being a money pit that drains your wallet month after month."
Can you do the regular Subaru maintenance yourself?
Today's cars are more complicated to maintain than older models. While most newer cars don't require a traditional "tune-up," each service interval starts with an oil change and usually involves checking a long list of vehicle systems and components. Subaru vehicles do require the spark plugs to be changed at regular intervals. See the schedule below.
"The routine maintenance, you can pretty much still do on most cars," says Michael Calkins, Manager of Technical Services for AAA. "Beyond that, it has become increasingly more difficult."
Subaru makes it easy for owners to perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks like checking the oil, windshield washer fluid, and the vehicle's coolant level. U.S. News says, "Lift the hood of cars such as the 2023 Subaru Outback, and you'll find that the automaker highlights inspection points and user-serviceable areas with bright-colored markings."
"Newer Subaru vehicles have their oil filters mounted on the top of the engine, so you don't have to get under the vehicle to access them." But you still need to get underneath the vehicle to drain the oil. Then there is the issue of getting rid of the used oil.
What are the Subaru maintenance services? Unfortunately, Subaru's regular maintenance is more expensive than the top car brands and not easy to do yourself.
Why Subaru maintenance is unusual.
Subaru has a different powertrain design. All vehicles except the BRZ sports coupe come standard with all-wheel drive. And its engines are horizontally opposed concerning its cylinders. Subaru calls this a "Boxer engine."
Because of its unusual powertrain, Subaru owners can expect to perform differential fluid changes more often than they would with a conventional vehicle.
Changing the spark plugs is something Subaru recommends every 60,000 miles, which is an adventure. The engine mounts are disconnected and lifted slightly to allow the Subaru technician access to the plugs, which are snugly situated against the sides of the engine bay.
Another exceptional service is the continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid change. The vehicle needs to be running while on the lift to change the fluid as the OEM Subaru CVT fluid is added.
Your Subaru's major 30,000-mile service can range from $300-$400. The items performed with this first significant service are:
Spark plug replacement
Transmission fluid flush
Differential fluid service
Brake fluid service
The cost for a 60,000-mile Subaru service can start at $600. The recommended services at this mileage include:
Replace engine oil, filter, and drain plug washer
Replace transmission fluid with Subaru high-performance Fluid
Rotate tires, inspect tread wear, and check and adjust tire pressure as needed
Service battery, clean terminals, install anti-corrosion pads, and check battery condition
Lubricate all door, trunk, and hood latches and hinges if needed
Replace front and rear differential fluid
Replace engine coolant and test protection levels, if applicable
Adjust emergency brake to within factory specifications as needed
Replace the air filter element
Replace brake fluid
Replace spark plugs
Subaru's timing belt service.
Subaru recommends bringing your vehicle in for timing belt service every 105,000 miles. A timing belt replacement will cost from $500 to $700 and vary by model.
Subaru's significant services are more expensive because they are more comprehensive and involve Subaru's unique drivetrain. However, if they are all performed as recommended, the vehicle's life will be improved.
If you want to perform minor maintenance on your Subaru vehicle, there is a fervent enthusiast fan base. If you have a problem, there's a YouTube video showing how to fix it. Some content is aimed at professional mechanics, while others are at a do-it-yourself level.
You Might Also Like: 5 Things Every New Subaru Owner Should Know Before You Get It Dirty
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 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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