I'm considering getting an old Outback and I'm torn between the late fourth generation and the early phase of the fourth-and-a-half generation. From what I've read, many posts say that the last EJ25 doesn't burn oil as severely as the first FB25.

Either the EJ25 before '12 or the FB25 after '15!

With a limited budget, consider 10-12 year old EJ models. These are older cars with a minimum of 200,000 km mileage. Maintenance can be costly, and there aren't many left that don't burn oil. Be cautious with 13-14 first-gen FB models. The 15-17 models are better, but those after 17 are the most ideal.

That must be the EJ25 from the 2010-2012 models.