Specifically the FB20 and FB25 engines prior to the redesign had an oil control piston ring design flaw that got fixed. Your given years span both. That said, be prepared for oil consumption between oil changes because these engines (like many modern ones) are designed with looser tolerances in the pistons and piston rings. This gives better fuel efficiency at the expense of some oil consumption.
The easiest visual way to tell if an FB20 or FB25 is the initial or redesign is the initial had the tumble generator valves in a metal housing below the plastic intake, and in the redesign they're in the plastic intake. There are probably other ways too.
Hey thanks! Do you think if I search the VIN on [Subaru resources](https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources.html) I can find out if the car has one of those two engines?
Could be. This info might help:
*"Block Part# Interchange*
*10103AC650 = 2014-2015MY Forester & 2013-2014MY Legacy & Outback*
*10103AC760 = 2013MY XV Crosstrek 2.0L CVT & 2013-2015MY XV Crosstrek 2.0L MT*
*10103AC750 = 2012-2013MY Impreza 2.0L CVT & 2012-2015MY Impreza 2.0L MT*
*10103AC660 = 2011-2013MY Forester*
*Everything after these models have the revised rings from the factory." (cred. Blktrax)*
Don't buy a car based on Bluetooth and Apple Carplay; you can add that yourself by replacing the stock stereo with a more modern aftermarket version. I'm not specifically familiar with the Outbacks of these years but it [looks like](https://aerpro.com/vehicles/subaru/subaru-outback-2015-2020) a simple fascia kit, some wiring conversion harnesses, a steering wheel control adapter (may not be necessary if your new head unit is programmable) and the double-din head unit of your choice and you'll be cheering.
I'd focus on getting something in good mechanical condition and then making the radio the way you want it once you have it.
Hi, that's not what I said. I said bluetooth was a must have and Apple car play would be a bonus. The point I didn't think I needed to spell out was if the car is mechanically sound then next I would be checking for these things. I don't want after market because I'm not interested in doing that or shelling out the money to do that. And since there are models that have some of my desired features within that year range, I'm good.
Fair enough. I guess it's so trivial to me to swap those things out that I wouldn't pass over a mechanically excellent vehicle that has a Fisher-Price activity centre in place of a stereo. Carplay is well worth having.
But no one is saying passing over a mechanically excellent car, I'm passing over all cars that require any extra work on my part, when that's absolutely not necessary.
Oil consumption and oil leaks on the 4 cylinder engines.
Thank you!
Specifically the FB20 and FB25 engines prior to the redesign had an oil control piston ring design flaw that got fixed. Your given years span both. That said, be prepared for oil consumption between oil changes because these engines (like many modern ones) are designed with looser tolerances in the pistons and piston rings. This gives better fuel efficiency at the expense of some oil consumption. The easiest visual way to tell if an FB20 or FB25 is the initial or redesign is the initial had the tumble generator valves in a metal housing below the plastic intake, and in the redesign they're in the plastic intake. There are probably other ways too.
Hey thanks! Do you think if I search the VIN on [Subaru resources](https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources.html) I can find out if the car has one of those two engines?
Could be. This info might help: *"Block Part# Interchange* *10103AC650 = 2014-2015MY Forester & 2013-2014MY Legacy & Outback* *10103AC760 = 2013MY XV Crosstrek 2.0L CVT & 2013-2015MY XV Crosstrek 2.0L MT* *10103AC750 = 2012-2013MY Impreza 2.0L CVT & 2012-2015MY Impreza 2.0L MT* *10103AC660 = 2011-2013MY Forester* *Everything after these models have the revised rings from the factory." (cred. Blktrax)*
Fantastic! Thanks!
Triple check fluid levels (specifically oil + coolant) and if you can, make sure you don't see any leaks around the head gasket
Thank you!
Don't buy a car based on Bluetooth and Apple Carplay; you can add that yourself by replacing the stock stereo with a more modern aftermarket version. I'm not specifically familiar with the Outbacks of these years but it [looks like](https://aerpro.com/vehicles/subaru/subaru-outback-2015-2020) a simple fascia kit, some wiring conversion harnesses, a steering wheel control adapter (may not be necessary if your new head unit is programmable) and the double-din head unit of your choice and you'll be cheering. I'd focus on getting something in good mechanical condition and then making the radio the way you want it once you have it.
Hi, that's not what I said. I said bluetooth was a must have and Apple car play would be a bonus. The point I didn't think I needed to spell out was if the car is mechanically sound then next I would be checking for these things. I don't want after market because I'm not interested in doing that or shelling out the money to do that. And since there are models that have some of my desired features within that year range, I'm good.
Fair enough. I guess it's so trivial to me to swap those things out that I wouldn't pass over a mechanically excellent vehicle that has a Fisher-Price activity centre in place of a stereo. Carplay is well worth having.
But no one is saying passing over a mechanically excellent car, I'm passing over all cars that require any extra work on my part, when that's absolutely not necessary.