Somewhat strangely, there are two Skoda models that are more or less direct rivals to the Outback. In terms of prestige and overall size, the Superb Estate 4x4 offers even more space in the cabin and a truly massive boot, but even though it has four-wheel drive, it can’t match the Outback’s off-roading ability. For that you’ll need the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2014-skoda-octavia-scout-review/n2267">Octavia Scout</a>, which has a raised ride height.

Another strong VW Group rival is the Audi A4 Allroad quattro. If anything they’re even thinner on the ground than Outbacks, but have rather more badge appeal and are more conventionally handsome, if less roomy inside.

Finally, you may want to consider the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc70/estate/used-review/n918">Volvo XC70 Cross Country</a>. It’s similar in size to the Outback, both inside and out, but with a much classier dashboard. The five-cylinder diesel engine is both long-lived and quiet, if a touch thirsty, but like the Outback, it’s disappointing to drive on road.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

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What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

The radiators can be fragile and develop ‘cold spots’, meaning they will have to be replaced. Once the car has warmed up, check that the temperature gauge is sitting dead in the centre of its readout, and without actually touching it, check around the radiator itself to ensure that it’s heating up evenly across its surface.

Both diesel and petrol engines can develop oil leaks. On the petrol, it’s usually down to a failing head gasket, so check towards the back of the engine for streaks.

On the diesel, it’s more usually the result of failing alternator belt tensioners, and will tend to leak oil towards the front of the engine.

Subaru is generally lauded as being one of the most reliable and dependable car makers out there, and the Legacy Outback does little to detract from that reputation, but you still need to check that the drivetrain is in good shape.

On full steering lock, knocking noises or a whine from under the car can indicate that the centre differential has worn out and needs replacing.

Check cars with a manual gearbox for any nasty smells coming from the clutch or any 'baulking' between gears, especially between second and third.

A vibration from the diesel engine, felt through the clutch pedal, can mean that the dual-mass flywheel needs replacing.

All of these issues are actually very expensive to rectify, with even a clutch replacement (and Outbacks do seem to be quite hard on clutches) costing more than £1,000.

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Estate

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

OUTBACK

A stereotypical Subaru – sacrifices interior appeal and ride comfort in favour of reliability and all-round ruggedness.

Used Subaru Legacy Outback 2009 - 2014

Either engine is going to be pricey to run on a daily basis. The petrol might be smooth, but it’s very thirsty and you’ll be lucky to break the 30mpg barrier in daily driving. CO2 emissions of 194g/km aren't too clever, either.

The 2.0-litre diesel does better on fuel consumption; you should be able to average close to 45mpg. However, emissions are still as high as 155g/km with the manual gearbox, which means your annual road tax bill will sting.

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A stereotypical Subaru – sacrifices interior appeal and ride comfort in favour of reliability and all-round ruggedness.

The Subaru Legacy Outback holds its value well, so be prepared to pay through the nose, even for an older car.

The cheapest 59-reg Outback we could find came with an asking price of £4,995, but at least it was powered by the desirable diesel engine. Oddly, the cheapest petrol version, also a 2009 car, was significantly more expensive at £7,900.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/subaru">Subaru</a> buyers, it seems, tend to hang on to their cars for longer than most, because when you get to the newer model years, Outbacks become even more scarce. A 2012 example would easily command £15,000 and there are still some touching the £20,000 mark.

When the Subaru Legacy Outback was new it looked pricey compared with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4-allroad/estate/review/n17204">Audi A4 Allroad</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/superb/estate/review/n17344">Skoda Superb Estate 4x4</a>. As a result, the Outback was never a big seller, and tracking down good used examples can be tricky.

Even when you do, your engine options are limited to a 147bhp 2.0-litre 'Boxer' diesel and a very thirsty 2.5-litre petrol. Neither is ideal, but in spite of the diesel’s relatively high emissions, it’s the one we’d choose.

We’d also recommend SX trim, which gives you 17in alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a reversing camera, and climate and cruise control.

Our favourite used Subaru Legacy Outback: 2.0D SX

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

There are some terrific estates at most price ranges. The humble Skoda Fabia Estate offers cavernous space for not much cash at all, for example.

Further up the price range, another of our perennial favourites is the Skoda Superb Estate;&nbsp;it’s great to drive and as practical as most people should ever need. Meanwhile, for serious mile-munching ability and a premium, well-finished interior, it’s hard to look beyond the BMW 5 Series Touring.

Don’t be dismissive if you notice that a Legacy Outback has a blown bulb – the headlight units are hard to access and the bulbs are difficult to swap out, so changing one can actually end up requiring an expensive visit to the dealer.

As with any car designed with off-roading in mind, check carefully for signs of damage underneath.

Subaru owners do tend to be a little bit better informed about the capabilities of their cars than most, but even so, some will have been a bit too optimistic at times, and may have tried to traverse terrain that the car was simply not designed for.

Like the Audi A4 Allroad, the Subaru Legacy Outback is an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/estate">estate</a> that’s dressed up to look like an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/large-suv">SUV</a>.

Four-wheel drive is standard across the range. And while many owners will never go far off road, the Outback is actually better at coping with rough terrain than most proper SUVs.

Sadly, the Outback is nowhere near as impressive on road. The steering is vague and the ride is far too firm and unforgiving (a surprise, given the long-travel suspension).

The plain, mostly plastic interior is another disappointment. However, you do get a big boot, and standard equipment is decent.

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Used Subaru Legacy Outback 2009 - 2014 review

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The Subaru Legacy Outback holds its value well, so be prepared to pay through the nose, even for an older car.,The cheapest 59-reg Outback we could find came with an asking price of £4,995, but at least it was powered by the desirable diesel engine. Oddly, the cheapest petrol version, also a 2009 car, was significantly more expensive at £7,900.,Subaru buyers, it seems, tend to hang on to their cars for longer than most, because when you get to the newer model years, Outbacks become even more scarce. A 2012 example would easily command £15,000 and there are still some touching the £20,000 mark.,Either engine is going to be pricey to run on a daily basis. The petrol might be smooth, but it’s very thirsty and you’ll be lucky to break the 30mpg barrier in daily driving. CO2 emissions of 194g/km aren't too clever, either.The 2.0-litre diesel does better on fuel consumption; you should be able to average close to 45mpg. However, emissions are still as high as 155g/km with the manual gearbox, which means your annual road tax bill will sting., 

Find out how much the Subaru Outback 2009 - 2014 costs to run, covering expected MPG, servicing costs and insurance costs.

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Used Subaru Legacy Outback 2009 - 2014 review

Subaru Outback 2.0D SE 4WD Euro 5 5dr (SNavPlus)

Subaru Outback 2.0D SE 4WD Euro 5 5dr

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