Subarus are everywhere in the Northwest, and most of them have lived the life—ski trips, gravel roads and wet winters. I come to the seller, test the car and show you exactly what I find, so you know whether you’re buying a good one.
Modern inspection $299 (2006 and newer) · Luxury & Exotic $349 (luxury & exotic models) · Classic inspection $399 (2005 and older) · The booking form picks the right one for you
What I pay close attention to on a Subaru
Matching tires for the AWD system
Subaru’s all-wheel drive wants four tires that match in size and wear. I measure tread depth on every tire, so you can see right away if one tire is newer or more worn than the rest.
CVT behavior on the road test
Most newer Subarus use a CVT. On the drive I watch for shudder, hesitation, flaring or whining, and I scan the transmission computer for stored codes.
Oil and coolant leaks
I look for oil seeping from the engine and for coolant leaks around the radiator and hoses, and I check under the oil cap for sludge or milky residue.
Wheel bearings and suspension
Humming or growling that changes with speed can point to a wheel bearing. I listen for it on the drive and check the suspension for clunks.
Rust underneath
Cars that came from snow country can have rust on the rear subframe, rocker panels and brake lines. I check underneath and photograph what I find.
EyeSight and the electronics
I scan the car’s computers for active and history codes. Low-voltage events can leave codes behind on Subarus, so I explain what each one means rather than just listing them.
Subaru models I inspect
- Outback
- Forester
- Crosstrek
- Impreza
- Ascent
- Legacy
- WRX
Gas, diesel, hybrid and electric are all welcome. The powertrain doesn’t change the price.
What every inspection includes
- 146-point hands-on inspection by an ASE-Certified Master Technician—the person you book is the person who shows up
- Computer scan of the engine, transmission, ABS, airbag and other systems, with every code explained
- Paint meter readings on every body panel to spot earlier bodywork
- Tread depth on every tire, plus brakes checked through the wheels
- A road test of at least five miles when it’s safe and the seller allows it
- 40+ photos, a plain-English report and a phone walkthrough with Antone
Nothing is taken apart. The inspection is a condition snapshot, not a warranty or a guarantee against future problems.
See a real Subaru Forester inspection, start to finish →
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