The Case for Keeping Your High Mileage Subaru: Value and Reliability Reassessed

Many car enthusiasts and owners consider the Subaru brand to be one of the most reliable and durable on the market. While the brand is on my personal ‘do not buy’ list, this doesn’t mean that your high mileage Subaru is destined for the scrap heap. In fact, with the right maintenance and mindset, a high mileage Subaru can still offer value and reliability. Here are some key considerations to weigh in your decision.

Understanding the Mileage

Firstly, it's important to understand what 'high mileage' means for a Subaru. While the typical depreciation schedule for a car might suggest that every mile adds incremental wear and tear, the truth is clouded with complexities. High mileage can be a loaded term, and it's not just about worn-out parts. Factors such as regular maintenance, quality of ownership, and the driving conditions can all play a role in determining how a high mileage Subaru holds up.

For a car to be considered high mileage, many factors are taken into account, including the total number of miles driven, the driving conditions, and the age of the vehicle. In many cases, a high mileage car that has undergone regular maintenance and was driven under relatively benign conditions can remain functional well beyond its initial expectations.

The Benefits of Subarus Over Time

Reliability and Durability: Subarus are known for their reliability and durability. This is a testament to the build quality of the vehicles, with many owners reporting that their cars continue to run well, even after hundreds of thousands of miles. Vehicles like the Legacy and Outback, in particular, have been praised for their robustness. Regular maintenance and adherence to the car's service schedule can further extend the lifespan of your car.

Cost Savings: Even in the later years of a high mileage car, you can often recoup the cost of maintaining it. If preventive maintenance is a priority, the ongoing costs of keeping a Subaru going can still be less than the purchase price of a new car. Additionally, the resale value of a well-maintained high mileage Subaru may not be as dismal as others would suggest, with many willing to pay a premium for a reliable used car.

Expert Recommendations and Tips

Regular Maintenance: Keeping a high mileage Subaru running smoothly largely depends on regular maintenance practices. This includes changing the oil and filter, replacing spark plugs, and checking the air filters, brakes, and tires. Subarus are known for requiring less frequent oil changes compared to other vehicles, but it's important to stick to the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent any issues down the line.

Quality of Ownership: A vehicle’s longevity can be significantly influenced by the type of ownership it has experienced. Avoiding severe weather conditions, regular cleaning, and using the car for commuting instead of high-speed driving, on/off roading, or long-distance towing can prolong the life of your car.

Recalibrating Your Mindset

It's not just about the numbers on the odometer, but rather about how you choose to value and care for your vehicle. Many owners report that their high mileage Subarus continue to serve them well for years, with minimal issues related to the mileage. While there's no escaping the fact that some wear and tear will occur, many of the more significant components can last far beyond the average lifespan of a car.

Often, high mileage Subaru owners prioritize keeping their vehicles in good condition by performing regular service and maintaining good driving habits. It's important to navigate past the stigma of high mileage and focus on the practical aspects of ownership that keep a car functional and valuable.

Conclusion

A high mileage Subaru may not be the first choice for many, but with the right attention and care, it can still be a valuable and reliable vehicle for years to come. The worth of such a car extends beyond the mileage on the dashboard, and understanding the longevity and reliability of Subarus can help in making a more informed decision. By keeping up with regular maintenance and prioritizing the quality of ownership, your high mileage Subaru can continue to serve you well.