Dealer visit checklist
2022 Subaru Crosstrek checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2022 Subaru Crosstrek problems to check
- Oil consumption between changes — the 2.0L FB20 engine used in base trims has a documented history of consuming oil faster than expected; check levels every 1,000 miles
- Infotainment touchscreen sluggishness — the Starlink multimedia system in non-Sport trims can be laggy and unresponsive, particularly with wireless CarPlay retrofits
- CVT whine under hard acceleration — the lineartronic CVT can produce a noticeable drone when pushed hard, though it rarely leads to premature failure at normal mileages
- Seat comfort on long trips — the base cloth seats have limited lumbar support and can cause fatigue on drives over two hours
- Windshield stress cracks — Subaru EyeSight camera housings are mounted to the windshield, making replacements costlier ($400–$700) than non-ADAS-equipped vehicles
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $27,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away