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With Subaru’s plant shutdown in the U.S. through May 2, it may be harder to find a 2021 Subaru Outback or 2022 Outback model this summer. Subaru will lose approximately 15,000 vehicles to the production shutdown affecting SUV shoppers this spring and summer. The microchip shortage is affecting new Subaru models, and it’s raising used car prices.

A new study from Consumer Reports reveals that demand for used cars is pushing prices up with the shortage of new vehicles. The average cost of a used car jumped 12.5 percent over the past year, from $21,020 to $23,643, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association.

As of this writing, Torque News reached out to a source close to Subaru and found 2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Outback, and 2021 Crosstrek inventory is holding up well right now. The source told us they are out of 2021 Subaru Ascent 3-Row family haulers completely.

If you cannot buy a new model now, which is the best year if you shop for a previously owned Subaru Outback? Consumer Reports ranked the most reliable three-year-old midsize SUVs, and the 2018 Subaru Outback scores one of the eight best used SUV choices. You can also check Subaru’s Certified Pre-Owned inventory in your area here.

The best three-year-old midsize SUVs

In addition to the 2018 Subaru Outback, the other seven models Consumer Reports ranks high are, listed alphabetically, the 2018 Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

Which used Subaru Outback should I avoid?

According to a report from online automotive resource CarComplaints, the 2013 Subaru Outback is a year you should avoid. CarComplaints listed 337 complaints about the 2013 Outback, with twenty-four complaints being about the engine.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows fifty-nine complaints were also listed for the 2013 Outback with the 2.5-liter engine. The majority of these complaints were due to excessive oil use because of the faulty piston rings.

Torque News reported in 2014, Subaru was sued over excessive oil consumption, and the 2013 Subaru Outback was on the list. Subaru of America settled the lawsuit, and owners received a “redesigned” $4,000 boxer engine in some of the vehicles found to burn excessive oil. It would be best to avoid buying a 2013 Outback with a 2.5-liter engine.

If you can’t find the 2021 Outback color and trim you want as supplies run low and don’t want to wait for the 2022 Outback models, a used vehicle is a good option. Used car prices are on the rise, but the 2018 Subaru Outback is one of the eight best three-year-old midsize SUVs.

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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 all of 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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