Subaru's replacement for the troubled EJ25, found in the newer Legacy and Outback — a genuinely revised design that addresses the earlier engine's defining head gasket concern.
This engine represents a genuine architectural revision over the EJ25, with Subaru specifically addressing the head gasket material and design that caused such widespread discussion on the earlier generation. The real-world track record since reflects that improvement — the external coolant leak that defined the EJ25's reputation has not carried over in any comparable way, and the overall documented concerns here are limited to minor, typical wear items.
Not a guarantee, but a pattern seen consistently across owner forums and independent-garage reporting.
Minor oil consumption, where reported, typically becomes noticeable within this range on a subset of examples.
Core engine internals are routinely still original and sound on examples with documented maintenance.
Check oil level yourself if possible, given the minor consumption reports on a subset of examples.
Beyond general maintenance history, there's genuinely little else specific to flag on this meaningfully improved engine.
If the car has a CVT, consult the dedicated transmission page for that component's own, separate considerations.
Model-specific pages, with notes on how it behaves in that particular car.