Here's what consumer reports has to say. 2018 was a new gen and overall better than earlier models in terms of specs and reliability:

 

Than you so much!

 

I'd take these colourful CR's guidelines with a grain of salt. First years of every generation are, statistically, somewhat less reliable than the last ones. The closer you are to 2023 the better, though overall there has been little variation in this last generation. Some quirks were corrected along the years, both hardware and software (ex: occasional power loss in heatsoak conditions around 2500 rpm in the first years, solved via an updated ECM software). Most of what was subject to childhood-years recalls was also incorporated into production lines forlater models.

As @Astrokitten said - if you can, do favour the 2018 generation, it's significantly improved over the previous one (which wasn't bad either!)

 

Mew?

The HU was also improved over the years with new firmware but you can only do the updates yourself under certain circumstances. You may have to pay the dealer to update it.

 

i wouldn't go below 2018, and i've had a 2016 premium and now a 2021 sport.

 

Amateurs. My Jeep had recalls before it left the assembly line [emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787]

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

"It's a feature, not a bug!" -- Chrysler Fiat attorney

 

You might consider a car with loads of service records and all the recalls/updates done. As others have mentioned, the 2018+ gen chassis was a big improvement. Good luck with your search.

 

Thank you!

 

The April 2023 CR should shortly be on the news stands. It is the auto issue.

 

Thank you!

 

"It's a feature, not a bug!" -- Chrysler Fiat attorney

"It's a feature, not a bug!" -- Chrysler Fiat Stellantis attorney

 

I can't keep track! Quite buying and selling each other!
And it's even worse with motorcycle manufacturers.

 

Recalls often have more to do with the overall design than when the car was built (unless a particular production run got a bad set of parts). I don't think you can go wrong with 2018+ depending on your budget.

 

oh man. i know 3 people with pontiac Vibes. and the love for them is strong! and they seem to be ultra reliable... its a toyota after all lol. as a 9 month owner of a new to me 18 crosstrek manual. in the same boat as you are but a mechanic. id say an 18 or newer.
but on the other side. subarus are reliable but they need more "love" than a older Toyotas would to stay reliable.
depending on how well you take care of your cars. id say get a crosstrek or find a low mile grandma owned vibe!

 

oh man. i know 3 people with pontiac Vibes. and the love for them is strong! and they seem to be ultra reliable... its a toyota after all lol. as a 9 month owner of a new to me 18 crosstrek manual. in the same boat as you are but a mechanic. id say an 18 or newer.
but on the other side. subarus are reliable but they need more "love" than a older Toyotas would to stay reliable.
depending on how well you take care of your cars. id say get a crosstrek or find a low mile grandma owned vibe!

Thank you for the information!

 

Honestly, the 2020+ Crosstrek is the way to go. 2020 got minor updates like speed sensing door locks but the mid-cycle update with a bit of facelift change and the optional engine is 21+.

If you want the most refined/updated model with all the bugs sorted out, look for 2020+ Crosstrek.

 

Honestly, the 2020+ Crosstrek is the way to go. 2020 got minor updates like speed sensing door locks but the mid-cycle update with a bit of facelift change and the optional engine is 21+.

If you want the most refined/updated model with all the bugs sorted out, look for 2020+ Crosstrek.

FWIW, my 2020 will be 3 years old this month and has yet to have a recall.

 

The Wife's 2019 Carplay and Bluetooth has been problematic since day 1. Had all the updates and now it is out of warranty. Main issue it keeps jumping back and forth between the phone and the radio when on a call making hands free calling impossible. We've deleted and added our phones several times. Both phones are 12 pro's with the latest updates. Going to have enlist SOA next.

Other than that, been a great car.

 

If the dealer applied the updates, check the lemon laws in your state. They only get so many attempts to fix a problem. Not to get a new car out of it but it may give you some leverage with Subaru regarding extending the warranty.

 

Go for the Gen2 MY 2021+ Sport or Limited. The 2.5 litre boxer engine and the stiffer global platform are worth the extra expense for a used Crosstrek. You'll have to come to terms with the CVT, however.

 

One ownership, all records updated, full service book and all original keys. That was me last year and the dealership who sold my 2015 XV Crosstrek loaded Limited w/90K as used $20k aged 7 years, made some money.

Look for meticulous maintenance records and check the entire rust/dent/paint. Everything should work flawlessly.

 

Who in their right mind would pay $20K for a 7 year old car with 90K miles? You can buy a brand new 2023 Base model for $24K.

 

Avoid the '13-14 for sure. Along with the well known CVT problems, they also had high oil consumption. Mine was also recalled to have all the valve springs replaced. Many axles & wheel bearings.

 

Still driving my 14 w/ 206k miles. She chews some extra oil. But none of these other problems.

 

Thread changed focus due to purchase of Crosstrek - Congratulations @BlueEyedMrPickles

Go here to keep reading...

 

And then, No You Could Not.

 

My 2014 Hybrid Touring Sport has never had a recall to this date. It seems the Hybrids were built to a different standard at a different plant.
It also has never had high oil consumption and never had of the other items listed by Belchfire.

 

Thank you to all for your recommendations! Two weeks ago, I traded in my 2006 Vibe for a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited with 69K miles. So far, it's been a great ride! I'm wondering if it would be okay to take it to Midas for service/oil change/transmission fluid check when needed? I always took my Vibe there and they were always reliable. What do you think?