2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited: a Year Old and Worth a Used Car Look

Subaru has reworked its flat-four cylinder boxer engines and the new 2.5-liter unit will power the 2011 Forester and the 2012 Outback. The engine will continue with the same displacement but will obtain about a ten percent gain in fuel economy. Regarding the new engines, see my previous article:

Although a used 2010 Outback is equipped with the engine that has served Subaru drivers well for the last 21 years, buyers should be able to save a chunk of change or about $6,000 or so off the price of a new Subaru. Of note was that the 2010 model was updated and although it is a used vehicle, it has the latest design. So, what does the car have to offer?

To start, the 2010 Outback 2.5i Limited was Motor Trend's Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year! At 170 hp, the 2.5-liter engine is reported to have adequate power. The 0-60 time is 9.7 seconds. Paddles on the steering wheel enable upshifts or downshifts as the driver demands or the car can be driven in automatic mode to let the 6-speed continuously variable transmission do its thing. The gas mileage is in the high 20s or low 30s on the highway.

The brakes are four-wheel discs with ABS that stops the limited from 60 mph in 129 feet. The tires are 225/60 17 inch and this vehicle can tow up to 2,700 lbs.

Safety equipment includes stability and traction control, and dual front and side air bags plus front and side curtains.

The Outback Limited is a comfortable vehicle to use on a long trip. It has 71.3-cubic feet of cargo space with the split 40/60 rear seats folded down and 43.3 with the seats up. Other interior items include leather, a six-disc 440-watt nine-speaker Harman/kardon stereo, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering wheel audio controls, MP3 decoder 8-way power driver's seat, as well as auto-on headlights.

The cargo area has a rubber liner that can be quickly removed and shook out like a giant rug. And if things get really messy, the liner can be scrubbed and sprayed with a hose.

As the Subaru Limited is all-wheel drive and it has a beefed up suspension, it performs well in rain, snow or even with off road rutted trails, etc. With 7.8 inches of ground clearance, the Limited inspires confidence that it will drive through tough conditions. However, the entry and exit height is very reasonable for an SUV like vehicle.

The Limited's exterior look is straight forward consisting of clean lines, high greenhouse glass that provides good visibility, and a roof rack. The look is not sporty but practical as are most other aspects of the car.

Motor Tend described the 2010 Subaru Limited like a Swiss Army knife that performed any tasks well (part wagon/part spot utility, and part comfortable cruiser). Additionally, the car's reliability rating is very good.

Expect to pay about $24,000 for a used 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited. If you're into keeping a vehicle for awhile, this Subaru will serve you well for many many years regardless of the weather!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price..." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com . Follow Kyle on Facebookand Twitter.