How many miles does a 2014 Subaru Legacy last?

A well-maintained 2014 Subaru Legacy can typically reach 200,000 miles or more, and many owners report 250,000 miles or higher, with some exceeding 300,000 miles. The exact lifespan depends on maintenance, driving conditions, and the specific model configuration.

This article reviews how long a 2014 Legacy tends to last, what factors influence its durability, and practical steps to maximize its mileage. It draws on owner experiences and the typical maintenance needs for this generation.

Factors that influence longevity

Several elements determine how far a 2014 Legacy will go. The main factors include maintenance history, engine and drivetrain configuration, climate and driving patterns, and timely repairs of emerging issues.

Engine options in the 2014 Legacy

The 2014 Legacy offered at least two primary powertrains—the 2.5-liter flat-four and, in higher trims, a 3.6-liter flat-six. Each has its own reliability profile and maintenance needs. With either engine, careful adherence to service intervals is the best predictor of long-term durability.

Factors that follow influence longevity and are often examined by owners when assessing a car’s future reliability.

• Maintenance history and service quality, including timely oil changes and inspections


• Engine choice (2.5L vs. 3.6L) and overall reliability differences between them


• Driving style and climate (highway miles vs. frequent short trips, extreme temperatures)


• Prompt addressing of problems (leaks, noises, or warning lights) to prevent bigger failures

In short, the combination of care, usage patterns, and the specific Legacy variant largely decides how many miles the car will accumulate.

What mileage do owners report?

Real-world mileage figures come from owner experiences and long-term reviews. The following snapshot captures common outcomes for well-maintained examples.

Real-world mileage ranges

These ranges reflect typical experiences among owners who keep up with maintenance and drive responsibly:

• A common milestone is around 200,000 miles with regular maintenance


• Many examples reach 250,000 miles or more


• Some well-preserved units surpass 300,000 miles

Note that these outcomes depend on service quality, driving habits, climate, and whether recalls or major repairs were completed promptly.

Maintenance practices to maximize longevity

Maintenance plays a critical role in extending a Legacy’s life. The following practices are widely recommended to maximize mileage and reliability.

• Follow the manufacturer’s schedule for oil changes (synthetic oil is common) and regular inspections


• Service the CVT fluid and related components per the owner's manual to help prevent transmission wear


• Coolant maintenance, including periodic flushing and replacement, to prevent overheating and head gasket issues


• Regular inspections of brakes, tires, suspension, and steering to catch wear early


• Address recalls and common issues promptly to avoid cascading failures

Adhering to these steps helps minimize unplanned repairs and supports longer service life.

Common issues to watch in a 2014 Legacy

Understanding typical trouble spots can help owners prevent failures that shorten a car’s life. The 2014 Legacy is generally reliable, but proactive maintenance matters.

• Head gasket concerns are more common in older Subaru engines, but later designs improved reliability


• CVT wear is a consideration at high mileage; staying on schedule with CVT fluid changes can help


• Cooling system wear, hoses, water pump, and radiator components may develop leaks over time


• Brake and suspension components will wear with mileage but can be replaced to maintain safety and longevity

Regular inspections and timely repairs reduce the likelihood that minor issues become major reliability problems.

Summary

The 2014 Subaru Legacy can be a long-lasting vehicle when it receives diligent maintenance and prudent driving. Most examples reach about 200,000 miles, with many achieving 250,000 miles or more, and some exceeding 300,000 miles. The key to maximizing lifespan is following the manufacturer’s maintenance plan, addressing problems promptly, and driving in a way that minimizes unnecessary wear.

How many miles will a 2014 Subaru Legacy last?

A 2014 Subaru Legacy's life expectancy is often over 200,000 miles, with many owners reporting reaching 250,000 miles or more through consistent maintenance. The exact lifespan depends heavily on proper upkeep, including regular oil changes and following the recommended service schedule. Factors like driving conditions and how well the vehicle is maintained will ultimately determine how long it lasts. 
Factors influencing life expectancy

• Maintenance: Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is the most critical factor in extending the vehicle's life. This includes regular oil changes and addressing other service items as needed. 
• Driving habits: Driving in heavy stop-and-go traffic or extreme weather can increase wear and tear, while more consistent highway driving is generally easier on the engine and transmission. 
• Engine and transmission: Subaru engines are known for their durability, and many can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with proper care. Other components like the transmission will also require service, and following the correct maintenance intervals is crucial for longevity. 

What to expect

• High mileage is achievable: Many owners report exceeding 200,000 miles, making the Legacy one of the top midsize sedans for longevity. 
• Budget for repairs: While the car can last a long time, reaching high mileage means some wear and tear is inevitable. You should be prepared for potential repairs and replacements that may be needed, especially after 150,000-200,000 miles. 

Can a Subaru Legacy last 300,000 miles?

Subaru engines are renowned for their reliability and longevity, often lasting between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Is it worth buying a Subaru with over 200k miles?

You should only consider buying a Subaru with 200k miles if it has a complete maintenance history, has had major components replaced, and passes a thorough pre-purchase inspection. While Subarus can last beyond 200k miles, a vehicle at this mileage will have significant wear and tear and is likely to need costly repairs soon.
 
What to look for

• Maintenance records: A well-maintained Subaru is crucial for longevity. Look for consistent service, especially for the timing belt (if applicable), head gaskets, and other engine components. 
• History: An inspection of the vehicle history report is important to understand the car's past. Look for signs of accidents or a history of consistent use. A vehicle with one or two owners is often a better bet. 
• Pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic thoroughly inspect the car, focusing on the engine, transmission, suspension, and any other potential failure points at this mileage. 
• Past repairs: Ideally, major repairs like the head gasket, water pump, and transmission should have already been completed. 

Potential issues at 200k miles

• Engine and transmission: These are the most expensive components to replace. Be prepared for potential failures or significant maintenance costs. 
• Suspension and brakes: Components like the suspension, brakes, and exhaust can rust out or wear out, requiring replacement. 
• Other components: Expect a higher likelihood of smaller issues like worn-out seals, bushings, and other small parts that can lead to costly repairs if not addressed. 

When to avoid

• No service history: Without records, it's a high-risk purchase. You won't know how well the car was maintained. 
• Major issues found in inspection: If a pre-purchase inspection reveals any major problems with the engine, transmission, or other core systems, walk away. 
• High number of owners: A car with many owners is more likely to have been poorly maintained or neglected. 

Is a 2014 Subaru Legacy a reliable car?

The 2014 Subaru Legacy is generally considered a reliable car with an above-average rating, but it has had some issues, including recalls for its evaporator and climate control system. While many owners report a trouble-free experience with good long-term durability, some have noted problems like significant vibration when braking or an inability to get fresh outside air.
 
Positive aspects

• Reliability ratings: It received a 4 out of 5 rating from J.D. Power and RepairPal, U.S. News & World Report, Edmunds, and CarMax. 
• Safety: It was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall crash rating from the NHTSA. 
• Durability: With proper maintenance, Subarus can last well over 200,000 miles. 

Potential issues

• Recalls: The 2014 model year had 10 recalls, some related to the evaporator, heater system, and climate control. 
• Common problems: Some owners reported issues with the automatic climate control, including ventilation that stays on recirculate, and others experienced significant vibration when braking or fogged-up windows in the winter.