How long do 2013 Subaru Legacys last?
In practical terms, a well-maintained 2013 Subaru Legacy can routinely reach 200,000 miles or more, and many owners report hitting 250,000 miles or beyond. With attentive maintenance and sensible driving, these cars can stay on the road for many years.
Beyond that baseline, longevity hinges on how well the car has been cared for, the engine and transmission configuration, climate, and how the vehicle has been driven and serviced. The 2013 Legacy offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (FB25) and, in higher trims, a 3.6-liter flat-six, both paired with a Subaru CVT or a traditional automatic transmission, which influences maintenance requirements and overall durability. The following guide outlines the main factors and practical steps to maximize lifespan.
What determines how long a 2013 Legacy lasts
Understanding longevity starts with the idea that longevity is not guaranteed by year alone. The health of the engine, transmission, suspension, and electronics is largely driven by maintenance and operating conditions. The main drivers are:
- Maintenance history and service quality
- Driving environment (highway miles vs. city driving, climate, salt exposure)
- Engine type and drivetrain (2.5L FB25 vs. 3.6R; CVT vs. automatic)
- Record of repairs and parts replacements (water pump, coolant system, timing chain/belt, sensors)
- Previous accidents or flood exposure
- Owner habits (aggressive driving vs. gentle use)
A well-documented service history with routine maintenance and timely repairs is the strongest predictor of long life, while neglect or harsh driving can shorten it.
Maintenance and care that extend a 2013 Legacy's life
To maximize lifespan, a disciplined maintenance routine is essential. The following practices help keep the car on the road longer:
- Follow the manufacturer’s service intervals for oil changes, normally using synthetic oil and changing every 5,000–7,500 miles depending on driving conditions.
- Maintain the CVT or automatic transmission with recommended fluid changes and inspections; CVT life benefits from timely fluid changes and avoiding aggressive towing or sustained heavy loads.
- Keep the cooling system healthy with periodic coolant changes and radiator checks to prevent overheating that can stress the engine and head gaskets.
- Inspect and replace timing components as needed; the FB25 uses a timing chain, which generally lasts, but tensioners and guides can wear; monitor for unusual noises.
- Replace spark plugs at the maintenance interval (the FB25 typically recommends up to 100,000 miles for iridium plugs); inspect ignition components regularly.
- Replace the water pump as needed, especially when performing major service on some engines; consider replacing it as part of a major service to avoid unexpected failures.
- Monitor brakes, tires, suspension, and steering components; address wear promptly to avoid uneven loading and further wear on other systems.
- Keep up with coolant, brake fluid, and fuel system maintenance to prevent degraded performance and corrosion that can shorten component life.
- In salt-prone regions, wash underbody and treat rust-prone areas to slow corrosion, preserving the frame and sheet metal.
In practice, sticking to a proactive maintenance plan and addressing issues early is one of the best ways to extend life, especially for CVT-equipped Legacy models.
Model-specific notes: 2013 Legacy variants and what to watch
Different engine choices and drivetrain configurations yield slightly different longevity profiles. The 2013 Legacy was offered with a 2.5L FB25 engine and a 3.6L EZ36 in higher trims. The 2.5L is well-regarded for durability with proper maintenance, but it’s important to pay attention to CVT health and cooling system upkeep to maximize life. Some owners report very long lifespans with meticulous care, while others experience transmission issues if fluid changes are neglected.
- Engine: FB25 2.5L is robust with proper maintenance; 3.6L is more powerful but may incur higher maintenance costs as mileage accumulates.
- Drivetrain: CVT is sensitive to fluid quality; regular changes improve longevity, but failures can be expensive to repair.
- Common concerns at high mileage: CVT wear, coolant leaks around hoses or the radiator, oil leaks around valve covers, worn suspension components, and rust in salty climates.
Tip: When buying a used 2013 Legacy, obtain a full service history and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the CVT, cooling system, head gaskets, and exhaust to avoid surprises down the line.
Engine durability and specific issues
The engine itself, particularly the FB25, is designed for longevity with proper care. Regular oil changes with synthetic oil, a maintained cooling system, clean air and fuel systems, and attention to timing chain tensioners help keep the engine running smoothly for many miles. Higher-mileage examples may require more frequent coolant and oil system service as seals and gaskets age.
Expected lifespans by system (general ranges)
Note that these are typical ranges reported by owners and technicians; individual results vary based on maintenance and usage.
- Engine: commonly 200,000–300,000 miles with diligent maintenance.
- Automatic transmission (CVT): often 150,000–200,000+ miles with regular CVT fluid changes; some exceed 250,000 under ideal care.
- Cooling system components (water pump, radiator, hoses): 100,000–200,000 miles depending on climate and maintenance.
- Suspension and steering components: 150,000–200,000 miles, with bushings and ball joints as typical wear items.
Again, proper maintenance and considerate driving can push these ranges higher, while neglect can shorten them significantly.
Summary
The takeaway for prospective buyers and current owners is clear: a 2013 Subaru Legacy can deliver long service life—often reaching and surpassing 200,000 miles—when maintenance is consistent and comprehensive. The exact lifespan depends on the engine and drivetrain configuration, climate, and how faithfully maintenance schedules are followed. Prioritize service records, CVT health, cooling system upkeep, and rust prevention to maximize longevity and minimize costly repairs as miles accumulate.
