Subaru has been taking its compact hatchbacks and wagons and jacking them up, turning them into tough little off-roaders since the 1970s and calling them names like Leone, Loyale and even Gravel Express and the XV has done its best to follow suit.

While this, (and the current model XV) is based on the Impreza hatch, the XV has been reengineered to offer a respectable level of ground clearance and, with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, some very capable off-roading ability.

However when it comes to on-road characteristics, age and mileage have not been all that kind to the XV.

What goes wrong with a used Subaru XV?

• Wheel bearings wear from approx. 60,000kms
• FB20 oil consumption concerns
• CVT transmission valve body and solenoid faults
• Engine valve spring factory recall is critical
• Pre-facelift infotainment system is terrible

Should you buy a used Subaru XV?

We recommend the XV but it comes with conditions.

Avoid the CVT automatic transmission models as the risk of failure and the costs attached are far too high.

If you’re happy with a manual transmission, look for the most recent, lowest mileage 2.0i-S with a solid service history you can find.

If you absolutely have to have an auto, we recommend looking at the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage instead.