Used Subaru buying guide
About Subaru
Since the mid-1970s, Subaru has tackled life’s great adventures with its selection of all-wheel-drive SUVs and sedans. Subaru digs into its World Rally Championship heritage from the Brat to the modern WRX, bringing race-inspired AWD technology to the streets. Crossover SUVs like the Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent are among the most off-road capable in the Subaru lineup. In a throwback to the brand's early days, the BRZ appeals to enthusiasts as one of the few stick-shift RWD coupes on the market.
What CarMax customers like
Ride and Handling,
Fuel Economy
Reliability
What CarMax customers don’t like
Cabin Noise
Technology and Entertainment
Power
Subaru FAQs
Buying a used Subaru is no different than buying any other used car. It’s a good idea to check for a service history, perform a visual inspection, and take it for a test drive. You should also check for any outstanding recalls.
While lower-mileage Subaru models might offer more life, there’s more to consider than how far a car has traveled. You should also consider things like age, maintenance, and vehicle history for more information. Read more about what to look for when it comes to mileage on a used car.
You can find the best year for a second-hand Subaru by combining individual vehicle history with reliability data you can find through RepairPal. You should also check our vehicle research pages to find the model year with the trim levels and features that suit your needs.
The 2019-2024 Subaru Forester and Outback are very similar in size. When comparing passenger volume, the Forester is slightly larger (111.6 vs 109 cu-ft), and the Forester’s 41.2 inches of headroom is taller than the Outback’s 40.1 inches. As for cargo capacity, the Outback has 3.7 cu-ft more than the Forester’s 28.9 cu-ft.
The year 2025 is the last for the Subaru Legacy, adding it to a list of models the brand no longer offers. Other discontinued Subarus include the B9 SUV (2012), Baja crossover pickup (2006), XV CrossTrek Hybrid (2017), and the WRX Sports Wagon (1995).
1. Subaru Impreza
CarMax owner rating
2. Subaru WRX
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Quick acceleration
Impressive handling
Precise steering
Cons
Lots of road noise
Infotainment touchscreen difficult to use
Cabin lacks refinement and upscale materials
Compare used Subaru models
When it comes to the Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Forester, both crossovers ace off-road adventures with all-wheel drive, sip fuel, seat five adults, offer rear cargo storage, and have a cabin filled with modern tech. The Subaru Crosstek third generation (2024-present) base model offers a heated steering wheel, available remote start, and a sunroof option.
While none of those options are on the base trim Subaru Forester sixth generation (2025-present), you do get memory seats, heated mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, running boards, a navigation system, and a power hatch.If you're in the market for a large SUV from Subaru, you've likely been eyeing the Subaru Outback and the Subaru Ascent. Both are ready to take on gravel roads with their all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance than compact SUVs or vans. However, there are a few key differences. The base trim 2025 Subaru Outback seats five passengers and has a 182-hp engine, making it more agile on twisty highways and easier to fit into small city parking spots. The 2025 Subaru Ascent, however, seats up to eight passengers thanks to a third row. To help it get around, the 2025 Subaru Ascent features a 260-hp turbocharged engine. Both offer towing, with the 2025 Subaru Ascent being the stronger choice, towing an estimated 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.
The 2025 Subaru Outback still tows a respectable estimated 3,500 pounds — plenty for a small camper — when properly equipped.If you love the look of a compact sedan, but secretly admire smaller SUVs, the 2024 Subaru Impreza and the 2024 Subaru WRX both offer up sporty, four-door rides with all-wheel drive and seating for five. In 2024, Subaru dropped the sedan styling and opted for a hatchback-style crossover body for the Impreza, giving it a more modern appeal. All Subaru Impreza models from the sixth generation (2024-present) feature a four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission, ample rear cargo space, and a rear-seat reminder system so you don't forget about children or pets riding along. This vehicle is built for family road trips and business travelers alike. If you're looking for a peppier sedan, the 2024 Subaru WRX (sixth generation) has a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood and the choice of a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. You can channel your inner race car driver and enjoy those highway straightaways easily, after all, the Subaru WRX was initially designed for rally racing in the early 1990s.
Green-conscious shoppers with the desire to drive an electric-powered SUV will find the Subaru Solterra (debuted in 2023) and the Subaru Trailseeker (debuted in spring 2026) attractive. While both feature all-electric drivetrains, spacious seating, and ample cargo space, the two were designed with different audiences in mind. The luxurious Subaru Solterra offers daily drivers premium technology, including a 14-inch multimedia system and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration to make interstate commutes and roadtrips with the kiddos a breeze. The Subaru Trailseeker, however, is ready to tackle the backroads and mountain adventures with its special grip control for extra traction on dirt and snow, and towing abilities. If you need a daily driver that's up for pulling the weekend camper, the Subaru Trailblazer can get the job done.
Smaller SUVs—including the Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Outback—are easy to drive, fit into tight city parking spaces, offer modern tech, and provide roomy comfort for up to five passengers. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV (the smaller of the two) with a hatchback, ideal for weekly grocery runs and hauling kids to school. But don't let the size fool you. There's plenty of room for hockey bags and science fair projects. The 2025 Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV with more rear cargo room, taking it from a daily driver to a weekend road tripper with ample space for luggage, sports equipment, or camping supplies. Plus, it has a more robust turbo-powered engine option and increased towing capacity (on the Wilderness and XT trims) if you want to bring a toy trailer along.
Are you curious about other vehicles? Check out our comparison tool, where you can view the specs for up to three vehicles at a time.
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RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.