Dealer visit checklist
2024 Subaru Crosstrek checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 3.6x more owner complaints than nearby model years
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 2024 Subaru Crosstrek problems to check
- Oil consumption on the 2.0L FB engine (less prevalent on the newer 2.5L but worth monitoring with periodic checks)
- CVT transmission can feel sluggish and has shown long-term reliability questions in higher-mileage examples
- Head gasket sensitivity is a historic Subaru concern — less common on 2024 models but inspect coolant condition regularly
- Infotainment system responsiveness lags behind competitors and has received mixed reliability feedback
- Paint and trim scratches easily, particularly on lower body cladding in off-road or parking-lot conditions
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Subaru of America, Inc.
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT: Subaru of America, Inc.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $24,000 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