Used Subaru Outback review: 2009

Few carmakers have thought as laterally as Subaru has over the years.

NEW

There was the switch to all-wheel drive, there was also the Outback wagon. The idea of a high-riding all-wheel drive wagon with limited offroad capability has always seemed a good one, after all few people really want to do any serious bush-bashing, they just like the high driving position afforded by a jacked-up wagon.

With the Outback you could have a regular wagon with a high ride height that gives you the road view you want without going all the way to a road clogging SUV. The Outback has grown over the years as most cars tend to do, but it's still a reasonable size for the suburban crawl.

As with earlier Outbacks, the new model in 2009 was heavily allied to the Liberty. The main differences to its lower riding model mate was its high ride height and some extra body cladding to protect it from the bumps and scrapes that inevitably come with a bush life, and there were some new bumpers to add to the differentiation.

The Outback sat 70 mm higher than the Liberty, which gave it 13 mm more ground clearance, the secret to going beyond the black top. Along with the Liberty the Outback was longer and wider than the previous model, and it had a longer wheelbase.

With its increased dimensions came increased interior space, particularly for rear seat passengers. Subaru offered three engines in the new model, including an economical 2.5-litre four, a zippy 3.6-litre six, and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel fuel-miser.

Those opting for the turbo-diesel engine were lumped with a six-speed manual gearbox, those going for the 2.5i petrol engine had the choice of the six-speed manual or a CVT, while those who chose the 3.6 got a five-speed automatic.

Drive was, of course, through all four wheels all the time. Local tweaking of the suspension resulted in a flatter, more reassuring ride through corners and over undulating roads. One downside in a vehicle allegedly designed with the bush in mind was the temporary spare tyre.

NOW

Like all Subarus the Outback is generally well built and durable, but that doesn't mean it can't have issues as the kays accumulate. The Outback has been the subject of three recalls.

The first was to address a potential leak from a hose related to the CVT transmission, the second was the fix a wiring fault that affected the operation of all systems related to the steering column, the cruise, sound system, paddle shifts etc., and the last was related to a production fault that somehow meant some six-speed manual gearboxes escaped from the factory with a vital oil supply hole left undrilled.

Check that these have been done, it should be indicated in the owner's manual. If not check with your nearest Subaru dealer.

When checking an Outback prior to purchase, one that is equipped with the CVT transmission, it's important to conduct a thorough test drive to look for possible glitches in the way it drives. Look for stumbles, hesitations and shuddering.

Otherwise check for a service record to ensure the factory recommended servicing has been carried out.

SMITHY SAYS

Good on road and off, without the bulk of a regular SUV the Outback is a standout.

Subaru Outback - 2009
Price new: $40,490 to $55,990
Engines: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 110 kW/350 Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 123 kW/229 Nm; 3.6-litre 6-cylinder, 191 kW/350 Nm
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, CVT, 5-speed auto
Economy: 6.4 L/100 km (2.0TD), 8.4 L/100 km (2.5), 10.3 L/100 km (3.6)
Body: 4-door wagon
Variants: 2.0D, 2.5i, 3.6R
Safety: 5-star ANCAP