Are Used Subaru Cars Reliable? What Long Island Buyers Need to Know Before Buying

Which Years of Subaru Models Are the Best for Buying Used?

Used Subarus can be reliable, but model year matters. Models from roughly 2011 on use a newer engine design than the older engines known for head gasket problems, while some early 2010s engines drew oil consumption complaints and some CVT-equipped years drew transmission complaints. The best used Subaru is one with service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

• Older engines — Subarus from roughly 2010 and earlier use an engine with a well-known head gasket history.
• Early newer-design engines — some early-to-mid 2010s models have reports of excessive oil consumption.
• CVT years — some CVT-equipped model years drew complaints, and Subaru has extended CVT coverage on certain ones.
• Service records — a documented maintenance history says more about a used Subaru than the badge does.
• Standard all-wheel drive — every used Subaru in JTL Auto Sales' current lineup is listed with all-wheel drive.

Searching "are Subarus reliable" turns up plenty of strong opinions, and the data backs up part of the reputation. Consumer Reports ranked Subaru first among all brands in its 2026 rankings, and second for predicted new-car reliability behind Toyota. A used Subaru is a different story, though, because its history and model year matter as much as the brand.

That's why a local dealership with a clear inventory and clear terms matters. JTL Auto Sales Inc. in Selden currently lists used Subarus including the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy, in model years from 2013 to 2023. Shoppers in Centereach, Coram, Farmingville, and across Long Island who want a used Subaru for sale nearby can compare them online before visiting.

👉 Browse All Used Subaru Cars for Sale in Selden, NY at JTL Auto Sales

Use the Make & Model filter on the inventory page to narrow the list to Subaru.

Leading Used Subarus at JTL Auto Sales

Inventory changes often, but these three Subaru models are especially well represented on the lot right now.

• Subaru Forester — A compact SUV that Consumer Reports has named its top pick in the class for 13 years running, according to Autoblog.
• Subaru Outback — A wagon-style SUV with all-wheel drive, a good fit for drivers in Lake Grove and Stony Brook who want extra room.
• Subaru Crosstrek — A small SUV, and the nameplate J.D. Power's 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study ranked most dependable in its class.

Are Used Subarus Reliable? What the Data Says

No single rating tells the whole story. Here's how the main sources line up, and what each one means for a used buyer.

Source	What It Reports	What It Means for Used Buyers
Consumer Reports, 2026 brand rankings	First overall among brands, second for predicted new-car reliability behind Toyota	A strong brand reputation, though predicted reliability describes newer models
Consumer Reports, brand page	Lists Subaru 12th for used car reliability	Solid, not top of the list, so model year and history matter
J.D. Power, 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study	Crosstrek named most dependable small SUV, based on three-year-old vehicles	A good sign for Crosstrek-style SUVs a few years into ownership
RepairPal, as cited by CarMax	4 out of 5 stars, 14th of 34 brands	Above average, though not at the very top

The takeaway: Subaru's reputation is earned, but a used Subaru is only as reliable as its history. That's good news for careful shoppers, since history is something you can check.

What Makes These Used Subarus Stand Out

Beyond the reliability conversation, these models earn their place on Long Island shopping lists for what they offer day to day.

Performance & Driving Dynamics

Every Subaru in the current lineup is listed with all-wheel drive, which can help with traction on wet or snowy roads. Listed fuel economy runs roughly 24 to 26 mpg in the city and 32 to 34 mpg on the highway across the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy.

Comfort & Quality Features

Heated seats and a backup camera are listed on every used Subaru in the lineup. Several add blind spot monitoring, navigation, or leather seats, and a few list Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Practicality & Everyday Use

The Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek all seat five and list a towing capacity of 1,500 to 2,700 pounds. For commuters in Medford and Patchogue or families around Smithtown, that adds up to a practical everyday vehicle.

Value From JTL Auto Sales

Current used Subaru pricing runs from roughly $10,000 to $24,000. JTL Auto Sales also lists complimentary perks on every vehicle under what it calls The JTL Way: a lube, oil, and filter service, an annual NY State Inspection, a 90-day or 3,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 10% off service at the JTL Service Department.

5 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Subaru

A little homework turns a good shortlist into a confident decision. These steps work for any used Subaru, from a Forester in Ronkonkoma to an Outback in Farmingville.

1. Maintenance records — ask for oil change and service history, especially for engines in the early-to-mid 2010s.
2. Model year and engine — know whether the car has the older head gasket-prone engine or a newer design.
3. CVT history — if the car has a CVT, ask about service and whether any extended coverage applies to that VIN.
4. Recalls and campaigns — ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for open recalls and service campaigns.
5. Test drive and inspection — drive on local roads and highway, and have a mechanic inspect the car before you buy.

Shoppers in Terryville, Port Jefferson Station, Setauket, and Holtsville can use the same checklist, wherever they end up buying.

JTL Auto Sales: The Premier Dealership for Used Subaru Buyers

JTL Auto Sales Inc. is a family-owned dealership with 60 years of history. Here's what it offers used Subaru shoppers.

• Broad selection — a rotating lineup of used Subarus alongside other cars, trucks, and SUVs.
• Clear pricing — prices and estimated payments listed on every vehicle.
• Included perks — maintenance, inspection, and a powertrain warranty under The JTL Way.
• Financing options — plans for a variety of credit situations through the finance center, or apply online first.
• Local convenience — 504 Middle Country Road in Selden, with the service department at 502 Middle Country Road.

That mix of clear terms and local service is what makes the next step simple: pick a Subaru, ask about its history, and plan your visit.

👉 Browse All Used Cars for Sale in Selden, NY at JTL Auto Sales

Finding the Right Used Subaru at JTL Auto Sales

For Long Island drivers, a used Subaru can be a smart, capable choice when the model year and history check out. With the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek currently on the lot, there's a practical option for many budgets and lifestyles.

Ready to take a closer look? Stop by 504 Middle Country Road, Selden, NY 11784, or call (631) 732-5909 to talk with the team. JTL Auto Sales Inc. — Quality Used Cars, Trucks & SUVs for Sale in Selden, NY.