Subaru Legacy buyer’s guide
The Subaru Legacy has earned a quiet but devoted following over the years. It's not the flashiest car on the road, but it doesn't need to be. What it offers instead is something far more valuable: genuine reliability, capable all-wheel drive, and a practical package that holds up remarkably well over time.
Whether you're eyeing a used Subaru Legacy estate for weekend trips or hunting for a dependable daily driver, there's a lot to like here. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before buying — from key features and model comparisons to what to check on a test drive.
Is the Subaru Legacy a Good Car?
Short answer: yes, very much so.
The Legacy has been in production since 1989 and has built a strong reputation for durability and safety. Unlike many mid-size cars, it comes with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard — not as a premium add-on. That alone puts it ahead of many rivals in its class.
In the UK market, the Legacy has always occupied an interesting position. It's not as widely recognised as a Toyota RAV4 or a Volkswagen Golf, yet it often outperforms expectations in reliability surveys and owner satisfaction polls. If you want a car that quietly does everything right without demanding constant attention, the Legacy is worth a serious look.
Key Features of the Subaru Legacy
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is one of the Legacy's strongest selling points. Later models come equipped with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist system — a camera-based suite that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic pre-collision braking.
Euro NCAP ratings for the fourth and fifth generation Legacy models are solid, with strong scores for adult occupant protection. Coupled with the standard AWD system, which improves stability in wet or slippery conditions, the Legacy feels like a car built with real-world safety in mind.
Performance and Engine Options
The Legacy's engine range varies by generation, but most used examples in the UK come with either a 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre petrol engine. Diesel variants were also offered in certain years, though petrol models are far more common on the used market.
The flat-four "boxer" engine is a defining Subaru characteristic. Its low centre of gravity improves handling balance, and it pairs naturally with the AWD system. Don't expect supercar performance — the Legacy is tuned for comfort and efficiency — but it delivers more than enough for motorway cruising and spirited country driving.
Comparing Legacy Models
Saloon vs. Estate vs. Outback
The Legacy comes in three main body styles, each with a distinct personality:
- Saloon: A clean, traditional silhouette. Well-suited to those who want a composed, car-like feel without sacrificing practicality. Boot space is generous for the class.
- Legacy Estate: The most popular choice for UK buyers. More practical than the saloon, with a bigger boot and a higher roofline that makes loading easier. If you regularly carry equipment, luggage, or the family dog, this is probably the one.
- Legacy Outback: Essentially a raised estate with mild off-road capability. Sits higher off the ground, offers more ground clearance, and has a more rugged appearance. A good choice if you want a bit of adventure without fully committing to an SUV.
Consumer Insights and Reviews
User Experiences
Legacy owners tend to be a loyal bunch. Common themes in owner reviews include long-term reliability, low running costs, and the reassurance of AWD in challenging weather. Many owners report covering well over 100,000 miles with minimal issues when the car has been properly serviced.
The CVT gearbox divides opinion. Some find it smooth and effortless; others miss the engagement of a traditional manual. If you're test-driving one, give the gearbox a proper workout before committing.
Expert Opinions
Automotive reviewers generally praise the Legacy for its practicality and all-weather capability. The Outback variant in particular has received warm write-ups for offering near-SUV practicality at a lower price point. Critics occasionally point to the interior quality of older models as a weak spot — it's functional, but not luxurious.
The boxer engine is widely admired for its character and balance, though it does require Subaru-specific servicing knowledge. Sticking to a Subaru specialist for maintenance is strongly recommended.
Buying Tips
What to Look for When Purchasing a Subaru Legacy
Buying a used Subaru Legacy is a smart move — but only if you do your homework first. Here's what to check:
- Service history: A full history, ideally with Subaru specialist stamps, is the single most important thing to verify. The boxer engine rewards regular oil changes.
- Head gaskets: Earlier 2.0-litre models (particularly pre-2004) have a known head gasket issue. Look for white smoke from the exhaust or coolant contamination in the oil.
- CVT gearbox: Listen for any jerking or hesitation during acceleration. CVT replacements can be costly.
- AWD system: Test the car on both dry and (if possible) wet roads to confirm the AWD is engaging correctly.
- Bodywork and underbody: The Legacy handles UK winters well, but check for rust on the sills and around the wheel arches on older examples.
- Timing belt: Most models use a timing belt rather than a chain — confirm when it was last replaced and factor in costs if it's due.
A pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic is always money well spent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standout safety features of the Subaru Legacy?
Later Legacy models come equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system, which uses dual cameras to monitor the road ahead. It provides automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. The standard symmetrical AWD also contributes to safety by distributing power evenly across all four wheels, improving traction and stability. Earlier models without EyeSight still benefit from solid passive safety, including front and side airbags and ABS. Overall, safety is one of the Legacy's most consistent strengths across all generations.
Are all Subaru Legacys all-wheel drive?
Yes — all Subaru Legacy models sold in the UK come with Subaru's symmetrical AWD as standard. Unlike many rivals that offer AWD as a costly optional extra, the Legacy includes it across the entire range. This makes it an especially strong choice for drivers in areas prone to rain, ice, or uneven terrain. The symmetrical layout means each side of the drivetrain mirrors the other, which contributes to better handling balance. It's one of the key reasons the Legacy stands out in its class.
Are Subaru Legacys reliable?
The Subaru Legacy has a strong reputation for reliability, particularly when regularly serviced. Owner surveys and long-term reviews consistently place it above average for dependability in the mid-size car segment. The main caveats are the head gasket issue on pre-2004 2.0-litre models and the importance of CVT maintenance on automatic variants. With a full service history and attention to these known issues, a well-maintained Legacy can comfortably exceed 150,000 miles. Buying from a reputable source with a clear history — such as Cazoo — is the best way to reduce risk.
How do you change a side light bulb on a Subaru Legacy?
The process varies slightly depending on the generation, but the general steps are as follows. Open the bonnet and locate the headlight assembly. You may need to remove a dust cover or access panel at the rear of the light unit. Twist the bulb holder anti-clockwise to release it, then pull out the old bulb and push in the replacement (typically a W5W or similar sidelight bulb — check your owner's manual for the correct spec). Reverse the process to reassemble. If you're unsure or uncomfortable working in the engine bay, any local garage or Subaru specialist can handle it quickly and cheaply.
Does the Subaru Legacy have a boxer engine?
Yes — the Subaru Legacy uses Subaru's iconic horizontally-opposed "boxer" engine, where the pistons move side to side rather than up and down. This design lowers the engine's centre of gravity, which benefits handling and stability. It also pairs naturally with the AWD system. The flat-four layout is found across the Legacy range, whether in 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre form. The boxer engine has a distinctive exhaust note and is well-regarded for its longevity when properly maintained, though it does require specialist knowledge — so always use a Subaru-experienced mechanic.
