How many miles can you expect to get out of a Subaru Legacy?
A well-maintained Subaru Legacy is commonly expected to reach about 200,000 miles, with many examples hitting 250,000–300,000 miles and some surviving beyond 400,000. Actual results depend on maintenance, climate, and driving habits.
What affects the lifespan of a Subaru Legacy
Several factors influence how far a Legacy can go, including the engine and transmission design, maintenance history, climate and road conditions, driving style, and how proactively issues are addressed. Subarus are widely regarded for longevity, but certain model-era details and preventative care conditions can shift outcomes.
Engine and powertrain variations
Legacy models have used a few different boxer engines over the years. Some older configurations were prone to head-gasket failures or timing-related wear if not serviced on schedule, while newer engines emphasize durability and longer service intervals. The drivetrain—especially all-wheel drive—adds complexity and routine wear, but also resilience when properly maintained. Transmission choice (CVT versus traditional automatics) also affects long-term reliability, with regular CVT maintenance being particularly important for longevity.
Typical mileage you can expect
Below is a snapshot of common mileage outcomes reported by owners, reflecting a range from routine maintenance to exceptional care.
- 200,000–250,000 miles: common for well-maintained Legacy models.
- 250,000–300,000 miles: achievable for many with attentive maintenance and careful driving.
- 300,000–400,000 miles: seen in cars with meticulous upkeep, rust protection, and timely repairs.
- 400,000+ miles: rare, but documented by enthusiastic owners who kept up with maintenance and preventive care.
These figures illustrate typical outcomes rather than a guaranteed lifespan. Individual results will vary based on how faithfully the maintenance schedule is followed and how well the vehicle was cared for over its life.
Maintenance practices that help reach high mileage
Adhering to maintenance intervals and addressing issues early are the best ways to maximize a Legacy’s lifespan. The following practices are widely recommended by technicians and experienced owners.
- Follow the factory maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes with the recommended viscosity and quality of oil.
- Maintain the cooling system and prevent overheating; keep coolant at the proper level and replace it at recommended intervals.
- Attend to the transmission: perform CVT or traditional automatic maintenance as advised by Subaru for your model, and replace the fluid at the manufacturer’s intervals to reduce wear.
- Inspect and service the timing belt (if your engine uses a belt) at the recommended mileage; if your engine uses a timing chain, ensure tensioners and related components are inspected as directed in the manual.
- Replace spark plugs, air filters, and fuel filters as recommended; keep ignition and fuel systems clean to maintain performance and efficiency.
- Address head-gasket concerns on older EJ-series engines if they arise, and review recall/technical service bulletin histories for your specific model.
- Protect against rust and corrosion, especially in cold climates with road salt, and keep the undercarriage clean and well-sealed.
- Monitor wear items and steering/suspension components; timely replacement of worn parts prevents secondary damage and preserves reliability.
Following these maintenance practices consistently can significantly improve the odds of reaching higher mileages, while also preserving safety and reliability over time.
What to know by engine era and model focus
Across generations, the Legacy’s longevity has generally improved with newer engine designs and better materials. Older EJ-series engines were more susceptible to certain failures if neglected, while newer FB-series engines and modern transmissions emphasize durability. In all cases, routine service, timely repairs, and attention to cooling, lubrication, and driveline wear are the biggest drivers of long-term durability.
Summary
In brief, a Subaru Legacy can reasonably be expected to last around 200,000 miles with solid maintenance, with many cars reaching 250,000–300,000 miles and some exceeding 400,000 miles. The key to maximizing longevity is disciplined maintenance, early addressing of issues, and careful driving, especially with models featuring all-wheel drive and newer transmission designs. Prospective buyers and owners should consult their specific model year manuals for exact maintenance intervals and recall histories to optimize the vehicle’s lifespan.
