DO NOT BUY a USED Subaru XV Crosstrek until you watch this! | ReDriven USED car review

This week ReDriven take a look at the first-generation Subaru XV. Based on the Impreza platform, this higher-riding SUV is a decent adventure-focused car for anyone wanting to do some mild off-roading, but there are definitely a few things that should be considered before buying one.

#Subaru
#XV
#SUV

Additional videos and images are used for illustrative purposes, under the provision of 'Fair Use'.

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At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.

Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.

Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.

So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.

We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.

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[rouch]

That cut away after talking about the stereo, just gold!

[mariotriyono]

I've had it for 8 years now, never had any serious problem, CVT was fine, everything else but the rear wheel bearings...so cheap to repair. Great car....

[mal]

Pretty accurate review. I own a 2013 auto model. Subaru originally didn't specify a CVT auto service interval saying it's a lifetime fluid, but later revised their position. I expect this is a prime reason for CVT failure. Genuine fluid isn't cheap either, at around $900 for a 20L drum. As for ride quality, I've never bought a second hand car that didn't still have the original shocks in it, and my XV was no exception. After 100, 000km they're well past their used by date and I'll be replacing them soon. Another key issue is front rear lower control arm bushes fail quickly.

There's a recall out for valve springs and brake light switch. I'll get the brake switch done, but I'm hesitant about the valve spring replacement. It's pretty involved and I don't really want dealership mechanics tearing down the engine, potentially creating oil leaks. The FB20 engine doesn't have the head gasket issues of earlier models, but there's a lot of sealant used in these engines, and it takes skill to reassemble all that without leaks. I just don't want the headache.

On the plus side, Subaru is the only brand that does AWD well, and the low profile boxer engine is super safe in a crash. The CVT is actually my preferred choice for a city car, because some brands use a DCT auto, which doesn't do well in slow moving traffic and often fails quickly. The CVT really shines in traffic. For obvious reasons I don't like manual for a commuter car.

[pats]

ReDriven is my new favorite car channel. Awesome, quick, informative and objective reviews of real-world cars that we all see on the road everyday. The format and the content totally nails it - cheers from Canada, keep up the amazing work!

[Paul-yqls]

I just bought a 2012 xv 6 speed manual. It was super sluggish at first, however once i ran 98 octane in it then gave it a very good flogging. 130klm p/h in third, still not redlining, up to 160 in 4th, with still 2 gears to go. Its no longer sluggish. She absolutely flogs now.
Always run 98 octane.
Also only use recommended oil 5/30 full synthetic or i think the other is 0/40? A lot of mechanics don't give a left nut what oil they use! Even the local Subaru workshops here use a blended oil, which is terrible for boxer engines. Using incorrect oil causes carbon build up which can cause the oil pick up to clog which will cause the oil from circulating, of course.. you know what comes next..?
The vibrations on both the left and right sides of the dash, are the speaker covers on either side.
The gear shift is way ugly! Datson 180B gea shift is better, and they were yuck! It's just way to long and old looking..

Over all its the best Subaru I have driven, it hugs the corners very well, next to no body roll.
They have a 2.0 l twin cam engine with timing chain instead of the old school belt, that needs changing every 100, 000klm mine is still like brand new under the bonnet with just over 200, 000klm I think that's pretty good...

[s.baldrick]

My Dad has a 2015/16 XV with the CVT - it's surprisingly nippy around town with the gearbox, but you do feel it struggle at highway speeds when going uphill. It's mostly driven around town, so the mileage is still under 100k - no major issues so far.

[veronicawhelan]

Love my 2016 Subaru XV. Mine is manual and I have no problem with the gear changes. 5 years old, 140, 000 or so kms and I've had no issues as yet. Apart from the standard services all I've really needed so far is a new set of tyres.

[graemebdh]

I have a 2013 2.5litre Outback that’s now done 255, 000 kilometres. The CVT has given no trouble and I’m very happy with it in all conditions except trying to reverse a trailer up a steep driveway. Ughh! Had to replace a front drive shaft and the original petrol cap with a Repco brand. The petrol cap didn’t seal and caused the engine warning light to come on and tell me the catalytic converter was not working. Took me two years of resisting mechanics’ advice to get a new cat before I came upon the petrol cap answer. Been no problem since I changed it six months ago. Leather seats all still good. It is serviced generally by the book and is in great condition mechanically. Engine still purrs. Great car. And I love the AWD.

[xtravelmedias]

I have a 2015 XV CVT with 70k. It’s a tough likeable car to drive and very reliable. Rear wheel bearings have been changed. There is much mention of CVT servicing and oil changes (or I’m in Thailand, we only get the auto versions and Subaru dealerships routinely change the oil every CVT problems are very rare here.

[duolccmjohn]

I have a 2019 Crosstrek, I love it. Its great on the freeway In Dallas, When I first bought it new 2 years ago it was sluggish. After the engine was broken in at around 1000 miles it changed, I have no issue with the power and it passes with no problem. I get 35 MPG driving 70 MPH, Its great off road as well.

[ellimacaira]

Hi ReDriven and thank you for this review.
I just bought a used Subaru XV 2013 the past weekend after my old peugeot 307's steering started acting out... I'm a lot nervous as it is my first personal car purchase, and I still have a lot to learn about cars, maintaining them and paying for them... I trusted my dad's advice that it was the best one we saw out of all the car dealerships we went to, the dealership also lent me a captiva to use in the meantime they get it road-ready..
The dealerships says it has an oil leak which they will make sure to fix before it gets to me, but after reading the comments and advice from your mechanic I might check with them about the valve spring recall/replacement and make sure the oil leak really does get fixed for good..

I noticed the slow digital touch screen but I have seen worse in previous experiences...

The dealership also gave me a 5 year warranty (meaning free servicing) on it which was also why we/I decided to get it.

I live in the countryside of vic hence the need for a replacement car asap. I'm also not a very experineced driver yet so I hope this car doesn't prove to be another hurdle on top of that.. But when I drove it, it did feel "sure-footed" and the steering responded the way I expected/wanted it to. Mum complained that the seating at the back was a bit rough/bumpy but maybe we just have to get used to it. It's not the same as her smooth speedy toyota camry, but I like that my driving view was more elevated and it had wide side mirrors, I feel at this point I'm more worried about keeping an eye on my surroundings than going 0-60km in less than a minute after a traffic light.. 😅

I hope to put an update here if anything does go wrong with my used subaru xv though.

[ryokagee]

I did and from my time with it - yes you should, it won't let you down. (totally agree with infotainment system - with custom it's great).

[oddities-whatnot]

Ive gone for the latest version. Test drove one today and it was such a great car. Ride comfort and handling exceptional. Smooth responsive CVT, refined and quiet interior. Took it on really bad country roads, what a star of a car. All the car you need for everything.

[andrewwalker]

I bought an Orange, base XV with CVT, new, in 2012. I kept it for 7 years and sold it in 2019 for $15, 000. After 3 years, I was sick of its lack of ability to climb hills and pass trucks, so I took it to MRT Performance at Rhodes, NSW and had them fit an AVO Turbocharger and a full, turbo back, AVO stainless steel sports exhaust with quad tips. It was worth the money and fixed all my issues. I don't drive so much anyway, I sold it with about 25K on the speedo. My car was serviced every 6 months, whether it needed it or not. It had no mechanical issues. I replaced it in 2019, with a new Subaru WRX Premium Sedan.

[ryant]

I used to have a 2012 and I loved it, absolute workhorse.
I never had any issues with my car but I can attest to almost everything the mechanic said. They do burn oil, it's a Subaru thing. There was also a recall on the valve springs a few years back which they have to totally disassemble the engine to sort. Personally, I have always been told the Subaru CVT is one of the best out there but yes it would be expensive if it went bad. I personally replaced the CVT oil on my car at 150K just to be safe and it was only like a $250 job to do.

[johnmatthews]

Bought an XV auto brand new in January 2014. Still got it and still loving it. It’s given no trouble but I have had it serviced at a Subaru dealership every 12, 500 kms or every year (not 6 months), whichever has come first. Based on my experience, I’d recommend buying one of these used but as with any second hand car, one should check service history and be satisfied that overall condition is at least in line with age and mileage.

[turgs]

I love the honest Aussie colourful review well done

[solracer]

In 2022 prices on used 2018+ Crosstrek/XVs are so crazy that it's cheaper to buy new, sometimes thousands of dollars cheaper. However most dealers won't have any in stock so you will have to order. But that's not too bad, we ordered a new manual 2021 Crosstrek in August 2021 and got it 10 weeks later. By the way one important thing to look for on EyeSight-equipped models is the windshield. If you need to replace one because it's cracked you'll be looking at well over $1000 for installation and EyeSight recalibration.

[phillwainewright]

Good review. I've got a 2017 2.0L Premium with CVT. No problems with it at all. 28, 000 miles on the clock. I get 45mpg at a steady 50-60mph. The entertainment system is a lot better in this model, and it's got a reversing camera. Very useful when parking.

[douglaserwinbrandt]

I have a 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring. The harsh ride is the seats. The drivers seat is incredibly hard. Adding a good seat cushion has taken away the harsh ride. Also changed the rear sway bar to the WRX sway bar. Changed the mountain driving handling to great from rear swing to holding the road a amazing.