2013–2024
Is a used Subaru Crosstrek a good deal?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-12
Quick answer
A used Subaru Crosstrek holds value stubbornly because demand is high, so your job is mostly verifying it wasn't neglected: 2013–2017 FB20 engines can consume oil (check the dipstick), the CVT on 2013–2018 cars falls under Subaru's extended 100,000-mile coverage, and the 2.0L is slow enough that many were driven hard. Mechanically honest examples are great small-AWD buys.
Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid (and best years to buy)Known issues to check first
- 2013–2017: oil consumption on the FB20 — verify level and top-off habits
- 2013–2018 CVT: extended warranty to 100,000 miles tells you what to ask about — service history or replacement
- 2018+: windshield cracking complaints and minor battery drain issues
- Underpowered on highways — test a full-throttle merge; a screaming but smooth CVT is normal, shudder is not
How much mileage is okay?
200,000 miles is realistic with care. The engine is understressed in daily driving; oil top-off neglect and skipped CVT fluid are what shorten lives.
Common questions
Which used Crosstrek years should I avoid?
2013–2015 carry the most oil-consumption and early-CVT risk. 2018+ second-generation cars are the safest, with mostly minor complaints.
Why are used Crosstreks so expensive for their size?
Outdoorsy demand plus Subaru loyalty. Expect to pay near-new prices for 3-year-old examples — which makes verifying condition more important, not less.
Is the Crosstrek too slow to buy?
It's slow but functional. The buying risk isn't speed — it's that previous owners flogged it. Listen for CVT shudder under hard acceleration rather than judging the spec sheet.
Found a Crosstrek listing? Check it before you message.
Paste the ad link or text into the analyzer and Dealscan scores the deal, flags the risks above when they apply, and lists the questions worth asking this specific seller.
Check a listing free