r/subaru • u/UnhappyAd4256 • 1d ago

Buying Advice 2.0 Boxer Diesel. Bad Idea?

Theres a 2008 Outback for sale near me with the 2.0 Boxer diesel engine and 288000km. Im looking for a car to do very long distances in. Ive heard very mixed things about the reliability of this engine but the one for sale is very cheap and has great service history. Any advice on these cars is appreciated.

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

12

u/vodenibivol 1d ago

These engines like to break crankshafts, especially the older ones like a 2008.

Generally everyone says to avoid them.

9

u/cocisvlad 1d ago

I had one. Constant problems and sold it within a year. If you want a diesel, don’t look at Subaru.

High consumption, DPF problems, oil leaks. This is not one of their good engines.

3

u/Adventurepew 1d ago

Diesel is expensive and those engines are not well made .

2

u/CakesForLife '04 FXT 1d ago

They are very cheap for a reason. Glad you are asking for advise. Run!

1

u/BrikenEnglz `04 blob 1d ago

Would rather get gas+lpg

1

u/The_Band_Geek 50th Legacy 3.6R/'97 2.2 L Wagon 1d ago

I don't think I've ever heard anyone say Subaru's diesel offerings were worth even half a fuck, which is a shame. Avoid, unless you're really keen on gutting it for an EV or gasoline conversion.

1

u/Halictus 1d ago

I'd not go for one unless it's Euro 5 compliant. They fixed the issue that caused crankshaft failure just after they transitioned from euro 4 to 5

1

u/kaffeeschmecktgut 2011 Impreza Diesel 1d ago

I've owned a Boxer Diesel for 5 years. Just reached 260 000km on it. Great reliability and fuel mileage. BUT anything Euro 4 (2010 or older) is pretty much guaranteed catastrophic engine failure. But maybe it was changed to a Euro 5? That's some seriously impressive kilometers for that engine.

0

u/Carlos_Spicy_Weiner6 1d ago

If you're doing long drives, look into a second gen prius