Dealer visit checklist
2024 Subaru Outback 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 2024 Subaru Outback problems to check
- CVT transmission can feel sluggish under hard acceleration and has had isolated reliability complaints in higher-mileage examples — ensure fluid is changed every 30,000-40,000 miles
- Head gasket issues that plagued older Subaru flat-four engines are largely resolved in the FA24 engine used here, but the brand's history means inspections are still recommended at purchase
- Eyesight driver-assist cameras are sensitive to windshield damage — a chip or crack often requires a full recalibration ($200-$400) on top of the glass replacement cost
- Infotainment system (11.6-inch portrait screen) has received user complaints about laggy response and an unintuitive menu structure, though software updates have improved it
- Roof rails and panoramic sunroof trim can develop minor water ingress or rattles over time — check seals and weather-stripping on any used example
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $28,500 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