We bought a 2008 Subaru Tribeca in March of 2020 from another private party, it had 158,000 miles on it. We have a 2004 Subaru Legacy we've owned for 2 years and have been very happy with and it's over 200,000 miles. We thought the Tribeca would be a good purchase. We test drove it and the only error it had was for the brake booster and we fixed that for $900 at the dealer, had a full inspection done, no oil leaks, engine seal leaks, etc. Oil was changed.
4 months and less than 3,000 miles later the check engine light comes on, then goes off. On, then off. First time we got it diagnosed from an independent mechanic, it had 3 error codes relating to Catalytic converter, main computer, and transmission. He cleared the errors and suggested taking it to the dealer to find out which was the real error, since on Subaru, one error can cause the others.
I took it to the dealer and they couldn't diagnose it and it actually passed smog! 100 miles later, check engine light was on, and car was running hot, near to overheating. Radiator was dry on water, engine was nearly dry of oil! Took back to the dealer and they diagnosed 2 bad catalytic converters which cost $2k-$3k to replace EACH. Also, now the Tribeca needs a new head gasket, and engine resealed, another $3k, thought to be caused by backpressure from catalytic converters. The dealer also said they don't usually see catalytic converters go out at such low mileage and couldn't explain why. It wasn't worth repairing the vehicle and we got rid of it. I WILL NEVER BUY A SUBARU AGAIN. EVER!!! We have had good experience with Honda and Toyota brands so that's where our money will continue to go.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
We bought a 2008 Subaru Tribeca in March of 2020 from another private party, it had 158,000 miles on it. We have a 2004 Subaru Legacy we've owned for 2 years and have been very happy with and it's over 200,000 miles. We thought the Tribeca would be a good purchase. We test drove it and the only error it had was for the brake booster and we fixed that for $900 at the dealer, had a full inspection done, no oil leaks, engine seal leaks, etc. Oil was changed.
4 months and less than 3,000 miles later the check engine light comes on, then goes off. On, then off. First time we got it diagnosed from an independent mechanic, it had 3 error codes relating to Catalytic converter, main computer, and transmission. He cleared the errors and suggested taking it to the dealer to find out which was the real error, since on Subaru, one error can cause the others.
I took it to the dealer and they couldn't diagnose it and it actually passed smog! 100 miles later, check engine light was on, and car was running hot, near to overheating. Radiator was dry on water, engine was nearly dry of oil! Took back to the dealer and they diagnosed 2 bad catalytic converters which cost $2k-$3k to replace EACH. Also, now the Tribeca needs a new head gasket, and engine resealed, another $3k, thought to be caused by backpressure from catalytic converters. The dealer also said they don't usually see catalytic converters go out at such low mileage and couldn't explain why. It wasn't worth repairing the vehicle and we got rid of it. I WILL NEVER BUY A SUBARU AGAIN. EVER!!! We have had good experience with Honda and Toyota brands so that's where our money will continue to go.
- Jessie D., Roseville, CA, US