RM 50k for a used Subaru XV, but what are the common problems?

The most popular Subaru in Malaysia is none other than the Subaru XV. It is the smallest car Subaru Malaysia has on sale and considered the entry-level car to enjoy the balance of a boxer engine and the famed Symmetrical AWD. The first generation XV is now on sale in the used car market for around RM 50,000 but what are the issues you should look out for before buying one used?

Common problems

To find out more about the common issues owners usually face on the first-generation Subaru XV, we referred to SBR Technic Sdn Bhd to find out more.

One of the most common issues on the XV is the boxer engine “consuming” engine oil. The issue is caused by the lower part of the piston rail ring’s inability to expand. Hence, the “low engine oil” warning often light up even though the car has just been sent for its routine service.

To rectify the issue, you will have to fork out at least RM 5,000.

Other than that, the XV’s CVT is also known to cause problems. The issue with the CVT is usually caused by the solenoid valve. The bad news is that the valve is not sold separately, so you will have to change the valve body to solve the issue.

Changing the valve body will cost up to RM 5,000 for a new unit, but if you don’t mind half-cut components then it will cost around RM 2,000.

Owners have also had issues with the radiator head and the PCV valve cracking after 100,000 km mileage. Replacing the PCV valve will cost around RM 300 (price not including labour).

Another common issue that owners come across also includes the side mirror folding module failing. To rectify the issue, you will have to replace the folding motor which will cost around RM 150.

Maintaining the XV

The cost to change worn parts like the lower arm bushing, wheel bearing, driveshaft, brake pad, various lubricating oils, and engine oil is around the same price as any Japanese cars of the XV’s class.

But there are a few extra services you will need to carry out with the XV as the SUV uses a Symmetrical AWD system. For example, you will have to remember to change the lubricating oil in the rear differential.

Other than that, it is recommended to change all four tyres at once when you are changing the tyres on the XV.

At every 40,000 km mileage, Subaru will recommend a major service that includes maintainance work like pressure cooling tests and topping up of CVT oil, each service will cost around RM 1,100. The cost to service the car is rather high and you will need to take into account the extra costs when you’re changing any worn parts.

Lastly, as the XV uses a boxer engine, the SUV is not the most fuel-efficient in its class. Our fuel consumption tests on the Subaru XV GT Edition returned 10-litre / 100 km.

Subaru XV on the used car market

You can find the first-generation Subaru XV on the used car market for as low as RM 40,000. But bear in mind that the price on used car listing sites is not final, there are usually extra costs that you will have to fork out to fully own the car.

We estimate that the full price for the Subaru XV if you purchase a car from a used car listing site, would be around RM 50,000.

When the first-generation was launched in Malaysia back in 2013, prices started at RM 139,800. This means that the Subaru XV only retained 35 percent of its value after 9 years.

Conclusion

If you want to experience the fun that a boxer engine can give, the Subaru XV is not a bad place to start as it still offers the dynamic driving that Subaru is well known for.

Though maintaining the XV is higher than the average Japanese SUV, it is still much more affordable than maintaining a continental car. But look on the bright side, you have already saved quite a lot purchasing the SUV used.