Are Subaru Legacys good first cars?
Yes. Subarus Legacy can be a strong first car for drivers who want all-wheel drive, solid safety features, and a roomy interior, especially in regions with snow or wet weather. However, budget for ongoing maintenance and be mindful of the CVT used in many models, plus potential oil consumption or wear issues on higher-mileage examples.
To understand if a Legacy is the right fit, it helps to know how the model line has evolved, what ownership costs look like, and what issues commonly appear as cars age. This article weighs the main advantages, practical buying considerations for used Legacys, and how they compare with other mid-size sedans for first-time buyers.
Why the Legacy appeals as a first car
Several traits make the Legacy attractive to first-time buyers, particularly students, new professionals, and commuters in areas with winter weather:
- Standard all-wheel drive on most trims, which improves traction in snow, rain, and slick conditions
- Strong safety features, including EyeSight driver-assist tech on newer models, which can help new drivers build confidence
- Spacious interior and a comfortable ride, making it easy for new drivers to handle and for passengers to ride long distances
- Solid resale value and a reputation for reliability within the mainstream market
- Wide dealer and service network, which helps with maintenance and repairs
In sum, these strengths translate into a practical, forgiving everyday driver that can support a new owner through learning and daily commuting.
What to watch when buying a used Legacy
Before you search for a used Legacy, it helps to know which checks and questions can prevent common pitfalls and costly surprises. The list below outlines practical steps for prospective buyers.
- Check the transmission health, especially if the car has a CVT. Look for smooth acceleration, even revs, and any hesitations or shuddering during starts or gear changes.
- Review maintenance history for routine CVT fluid changes, oil changes, and timing-related service items. Ask about oil consumption and any prior head gasket or engine-related repairs.
- Inspect for signs of oil consumption or leaks, and verify oil level on a cold-start check. Note any blue smoke on startup or excessive oil consumption during a test drive.
- Test all safety features and driver assists (EyeSight, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking) to ensure they operate correctly.
- Assess tires, brakes, suspension, and steering for even wear and reasonable performance; AWD cars can wear tires faster, so look for uniform tread depth.
- Run a vehicle history report and verify recalls have been addressed; confirm there are no unrepaired recalls or flood/body repair records.
Following these steps can help you land a safer, more reliable Legacy and avoid common trouble spots with older or high-mileage examples.
Trade-offs and caveats
While the Legacy offers many positives, there are important caveats first-time buyers should consider before committing to a mid-size sedan with AWD.
Transmission and maintenance
Many recent Legacys use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can deliver smooth operation and good real-world fuel economy, but it can be more expensive to repair than a traditional automatic if problems arise. Regular CVT fluid changes and prompt attention to unusual shudders or slips during acceleration are advisable. Budget for potential maintenance costs, especially on higher-mileage examples.
Fuel economy and ownership costs
Fuel economy is competitive for a mid-size, all-wheel-drive sedan, but it may trail strictly front-wheel-drive compact cars. The AWD system adds weight, which can modestly reduce miles-per-gallon. Insurance costs can also be higher for AWD vehicles, and winter tires or AWD maintenance adds to ownership costs.
Alternatives to consider
If you’re weighing options beyond the Legacy, several other sedans with strong safety credentials and competitive practicality are worth evaluating. Consider these common rivals:
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Accord
- Hyundai Sonata
- Kia K5
These models often offer similar safety equipment, comfortable cabins, and reliable performance, with their own trade-offs in terms of ride feel, payload, and feature sets. A test drive and a careful price/ownership cost comparison can help determine which is the best fit for a first-time buyer.
Safety and reliability snapshot
Across recent years, Legacies have emphasized safety features and stability control, with EyeSight as a common standard across trims and a track record of solid IIHS and consumer ratings for crash protection in many configurations. The AWD system remains a key selling point for drivers facing winter conditions or uneven terrain. However, as with any aging car, the reliability of a used Legacy depends heavily on maintenance history, mileage, and how well previous owners cared for preventive service.
Summary
The Subaru Legacy stands out as a strong first-car option for drivers who value all-wheel drive, safety features, and a forgiving ride in diverse weather. Its spacious interior and confident highway manners add to its appeal, particularly in winter climates. Potential buyers should be mindful of the CVT in many models and the possibility of higher maintenance costs on older or high-mileage examples, and they should prioritize vehicles with complete maintenance records and evidence of timely service. If you want a capable, safety-forward sedan with practical comfort, the Legacy is worth considering alongside its mainstream rivals—and with careful shopping, it can be a dependable first car that grows with you as a new driver.
