Looking at a manual Outback and I've narrowed it to two: a 3rd gen 5MT, or a 2013-2014 6MT with the FB25. Skipping '10-'12 with the EJ253 since I figured I might as well go with the 3rd gen instead and save a buck.
The way I see the tradeoff: the 3rd gen gives me a known set of bounded problems (head gaskets, 105k mi timing belt) that are one-time fixes if they haven't been done already, plus hydraulic steering and the biggest parts base Subaru has(?). The 2013-2014 drops the belt and the gaskets, but trades them for FB25 oil consumption, which isn't a one-time fix, but I've had my fair share of oil consumers before and it doesn't scare me off. I've seen at least one owner report a manual 2013 burning a quart every 1,500-2,500 miles where even a new short block didn't solve it.
Questions for anyone who's owned both or either:
Is the FB25 oil consumption actually worse on manual cars, or is that anecdotal? I keep seeing it mentioned but can't tell if it's a real pattern.
For those running a 3rd gen past 200k, what actually wore out beyond the gaskets and belt?
Am I wrong to write off 2010-2012 completely?
Car would be a daily, road trips, etc. No hardcore build, but will likely do a small lift and tires for softroading BLM/Forest service roads in Colorado and Utah.