Subaru Tribeca B9

The Tribeca is Subaru's foray into the big seven-seat SUV class — and it stayed a genuine niche model. The polarizing cockpit face of the early years, the heavy fuel appetite, and the low production numbers depress values to this day. If you want a rare, characterful flat-six boxer with permanent all-wheel drive and can look past the styling, you get a sturdy, comfortable family car in return.

Under the hood are two naturally-aspirated H6 units: the early EZ30 (3.0 litres, around 245 hp) and, from the 2008/2009 facelift, the EZ36 (3.6 litres, around 260 hp, 335 Nm). Both run silky-smooth, are timed by three chains, and are mated to a 5-speed torque-converter automatic. Clear recommendation: get the EZ36 from 2009 onward if you can — stronger and a touch more durable than the EZ30, even if the typical weaknesses stay similar.

The most important trouble spot is the power-steering belt drive: the serpentine belt wraps far around the idler pulleys, whose bearings seize under the high side-load. If the belt snaps, power steering and cooling fail instantly — on the test drive, listen hard for whining or squealing from the belt area. Add worn timing-chain tensioners (chain rattle), grinding wheel bearings whose drone rises with speed, and the 5-speed automatic's torque-converter shudder around 40 to 90 km/h. That last one is documented in a TSB, never a recall — a converter swap costs moderately and doesn't require a full transmission replacement. On top come rust at door pillars and rockers, a known fire concern at the step lighting, the Takata airbag recall (model years 2009-2013), and the usual weakening A/C.

Repair costs stay affordable thanks to mass-production hardware: belt tensioner and idler pulleys are cheap, wheel bearings sit in the mid-three-figure range. It only gets expensive if you ignore the symptoms.

2026 market price: in Germany the range runs roughly from 1,750 to 7,450 euros with an average around 4,700 euros. Real examples: nearly 300,000 km, first registered 2007 for 5,800 euros; 147,000 km, 2010 for 4,490 euros. The EZ30 lasts around 250,000 to 300,000 km when cared for, the EZ36 about 300,000.

Test-drive red flags: belt whine, chain rattle, droning wheel bearings, and above all the converter shudder — check deliberately at 40 and 80 km/h. The Takata recall, timing-chain tensioner, and a freshly replaced belt drive should be documented. Insider pick: a service-history EZ36 from 2009 onward with the Takata recall done and a fresh belt drive — the most sensible, most durable Tribeca.