Quick answer
A used Subaru Outback starts from €10,000 (Gen V) in Lithuania with permanent symmetrical AWD as standard. According to WHEELSTREET data, the older EJ25 boxer engine has a critical head gasket issue (repair: €1,500-3,000) — buy 2015+ models with the FB25 engine instead. The CVT Lineartronic requires fluid changes every 60,000 km to avoid premature failure.
The Subaru Outback occupies a unique position — a compromise between estate car and SUV. With Subaru's Symmetrical AWD, horizontally-opposed (boxer) engines and raised ride height, the Outback offers genuine all-wheel drive capability without SUV bulk. In Lithuania the Outback is more of a niche choice, but it has a loyal following among owners who value its unmatched AWD ability and winter reliability.
Generations Overview
Generation IV (2009–2015) ⭐ Budget Option
Solid base Outback with reliable EJ boxer engine.
Price: 10,000–20,000 €
Strengths:
- Symmetrical AWD — excellent in winter and off-road
- Good EJ25 (2.5) naturally-aspirated boxer engine
- Estate practicality + 213 mm ground clearance
- Adjustable front ride height
Problems: EJ25 engine — head gasket failure (known as the most significant Subaru issue). Pre-2012 models most affected. OBD diagnostics essential. CVT Lineartronic — can fail after 150,000 km.
Recommended? Yes — with manual gearbox and EJ25 with full service history.
Generation V (2015–2019) ⭐⭐ Best Buy
Updated with FB engine series — more reliable than the EJ series.
Price: 18,000–32,000 €
Strengths:
- FB25 (2.5) engine — more reliable than EJ, lower head gasket risk
- Better cabin with more modern technology
- EyeSight safety systems (adaptive cruise control, Lane Assist)
- Lineartronic CVT — improved version
Problems: CVT Lineartronic still a risk after 150,000+ km. EyeSight calibration — needs recalibrating after windscreen replacement or significant impact (300–500 €).
Recommended? Yes — one of the best AWD estates on the market.
Generation VI (2019–present) ⭐⭐⭐ Most Modern
Updated platform, improved comfort, latest technology generation.
Used price: 28,000–45,000 €
Best Engines
Petrol
FB25 2.5 173 hp (Gen V/VI) — better and more reliable than the EJ series. Recommended.
EJ25 2.5 175 hp (Gen IV) — good engine, but head gasket is a known risk. Inspect carefully.
2.4 Turbo 260 hp (Gen VI, XT version) — powerful, but higher maintenance costs.
Avoid:
- EJ20 (2.0, older generations) — also subject to head gasket problems
- CVT in any generation — choose manual gearbox when possible
Known Outback Problems
1. EJ25 Head Gasket — Critical Check
This is the most serious Subaru Outback problem, especially on EJ25 engines in Gen IV. The head gasket can begin leaking after 100,000–150,000 km. Symptoms: coolant level dropping, white steam from exhaust, engine overheating. Repair cost: 1,500–3,000 €. Before buying any Gen IV — mandatory cooling system inspection and coolant analysis.
2. CVT Lineartronic Failure
Subaru's CVT (Lineartronic) can start slipping after 150,000–200,000 km. Replacement cost: 2,000–4,000 € (reconditioned unit). CVT fluid should be changed every 40,000 km — most owners never do this, which is a costly mistake. If buying a CVT car — verify the fluid change history and run diagnostics.
3. EyeSight Camera Calibration (Gen V/VI)
The EyeSight camera system requires recalibration after any windscreen replacement or significant front-end impact. Calibration cost: 300–500 € at a Subaru dealer. If not properly calibrated — the system may react incorrectly.
4. Corrosion (Older Models)
Gen IV sills and wheel arches can corrode. Full underside inspection is mandatory on any older example.
What to Check Before Buying
- ✅ VIN history check — Outback imported from Japan, UK, USA
- ✅ Head gasket check (EJ engine) — coolant colour and level
- ✅ CVT fluid change history — has it been serviced?
- ✅ OBD diagnostics — engine and CVT fault codes
- ✅ EyeSight calibration — is the system functioning correctly?
- ✅ Underside corrosion (Gen IV)
Prices in Lithuania (2026)
| Version | Year | Price (€) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen IV 2.5 EJ manual | 2009–2014 | 10,000–17,000 | Budget with risk |
| Gen IV 2.5 EJ CVT | 2010–2015 | 11,000–18,000 | CVT + EJ risk |
| Gen V 2.5 FB CVT | 2015–2019 | 18,000–28,000 | Best buy |
| Gen V 2.5 FB EyeSight | 2017–2019 | 21,000–32,000 | With safety systems |
| Gen VI 2.5 FB CVT | 2019–2022 | 28,000–40,000 | Most modern |
Subaru Outback vs Rivals
vs Volvo V60/V90 Cross Country:
- Volvo: better noise insulation and more premium cabin
- Outback: better AWD in real off-road conditions (Symmetrical AWD)
- Volvo: more prestigious; Outback: more practical for rough terrain
vs Skoda Octavia Scout:
- Octavia Scout: lower price and better parts availability
- Outback: superior AWD system, higher ground clearance (213 mm vs ~170 mm)
- Outback: more capable in genuine off-road conditions
vs Toyota RAV4:
- RAV4: more reliable overall, more units sold
- Outback: estate practicality + higher ground clearance
- RAV4: easier to sell in the used market
Our Recommendation
Best buy in 2026: Subaru Outback Gen V with FB25 engine, CVT Lineartronic with verified fluid change history, EyeSight functioning, 2016–2018, mileage 60,000–110,000 km, price 20,000–28,000 €.
Budget alternative: Gen IV with EJ25 manual gearbox — head gasket inspection is mandatory.
Strictly avoid:
- EJ25 without head gasket inspection and full service history
- CVT without fluid change history
The Subaru Outback is a unique vehicle — its Symmetrical AWD winter capability cannot be matched by many rivals. With a verified engine and CVT history — it serves families brilliantly when genuine AWD and estate space are both needed.
FAQ
Is the Subaru Outback reliable?
Gen V (2015–2019) with FB25 is genuinely reliable. Gen IV with EJ25 requires careful head gasket inspection — it's a known issue and can be expensive to fix, but many examples are fine with proper maintenance. CVT fluid changes are the single most important maintenance item to verify. Manual gearbox versions are lower risk.
EJ25 or FB25 — which Subaru engine is better?
The FB25 (Gen V onwards) is significantly better. Subaru redesigned the engine specifically to address the head gasket issues that plagued the EJ series. The FB25 has much lower head gasket failure rates. If you can afford Gen V, it's worth the premium over Gen IV for this reason alone.
Is the Subaru Outback good in winter?
Yes — it's one of the best. Symmetrical AWD means equal torque distribution at all times (not just when slip is detected), combined with 213 mm ground clearance and good winter tyre clearance. For Lithuanian winters with uncleared country roads, the Outback is genuinely excellent. This is the main reason its owners are so loyal to it.
Looking for a verified used Subaru Outback in Lithuania? WHEELSTREET sources and inspects Outback models from Japan and across Europe. Contact us for a free consultation.
You might also find useful:
- 🚗 Used cars at WHEELSTREET — verified models with warranty
- 🔍 Car sourcing service — we find the best AWD estate for your budget
- 🏆 Family car guide — SUV and estate comparison for families
- 💰 Leasing calculator — calculate your monthly Subaru Outback payment
WHEELSTREET ☎ +370 610 33377 | wheelstreet.lt
