How many miles will a 2008 Subaru Legacy last?

A well-maintained 2008 Subaru Legacy can routinely reach 200,000 miles or more, with many owners hitting 250,000 miles or higher.

The 2008 Legacy offered two main engine choices—the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder—and longevity depends on maintenance history, driving conditions, and how issues common to older Subarus are addressed. This article reviews typical lifespans, the factors that influence durability, and practical steps to maximize mileage.

Factors that influence how far a Legacy can go

Below are the core elements that determine whether a 2008 Legacy reaches high mileage. The items in this list reflect how engine choice, upkeep, and usage shape long-term reliability.

• Engine variant and design: The more common 2.5L EJ25 four-cylinder is efficient but has a historical vulnerability to head-gasket wear and oil leaks at higher mileage; the 3.0L H6 is larger and often cited as robust, though it is less common.


• Maintenance history: Regular oil changes, timely cooling-system service, head-gasket monitoring, and routine transmission/differential maintenance dramatically affect how long the car lasts.


• Driving conditions and climate: Harsh winters, salted roads, frequent stop-and-go driving, and heavy towing can accelerate wear and the onset of problems.


• Drivetrain and mechanical wear: AWD subcomponents, brakes, suspension, and cooling components accumulate wear and may require attention as mileage climbs.

Conclusion: Longevity hinges on proactive maintenance, early diagnosis of issues, and consistent driving habits.

Real-world mileage expectations by engine and maintenance

Real-world data from owners and technicians suggest several plausible paths to high mileage for the 2008 Legacy. The ranges below are approximate and depend on how well the car was cared for and how it was driven.

1. With diligent upkeep, many 2.5L Legacy models reach 200,000 miles and often exceed 250,000 miles; 3.0L models can surpass 250,000 miles with equivalent care.


2. Surpassing 300,000 miles is less common but achievable for owners who follow a strict maintenance schedule and promptly address faults as they appear.


3. Common high-mileage risk points include cooling-system components, head gasket wear on the 2.5L, transmission wear, and suspension/steering components.

Conclusion: The mileage potential is highly sensitive to maintenance discipline and how issues are managed over time.

Maximizing longevity: maintenance best practices

Preventive care is the best strategy to push mileage higher. Mechanics and Subaru-savvy owners emphasize a disciplined maintenance routine tailored to the 2008 Legacy’s two engine options.

Engine-specific considerations

Engine choice influences maintenance focus and risk profiles. Here is a concise view of how the two common engines compare in long-term durability.

• 2.5L EJ25: Prone to head-gasket wear and oil leaks at higher miles; regular checks of coolant level, oil consumption, and gaskets can help detect issues early.


• 3.0L H6: Generally robust, with maintenance focused on its cooling and fuel systems and ensuring proper oil changes to protect wear-prone components.

Conclusion: Understanding your engine type helps prioritize preventive care to maximize lifespan.

Essential maintenance practices to pursue:

• Oil changes at manufacturer-recommended intervals using the correct viscosity for your climate (often every 3,000–5,000 miles with conventional oil, or up to 7,500–10,000 miles with synthetic, depending on the oil and driving).


• Timing belt replacement considerations: If your 2008 Legacy’s 2.5L engine uses a timing belt, replace it around 105,000 miles or as specified in the owner's manual; a failed belt can cause serious engine damage. (Some early EJ25 setups use a chain; verify the exact spec for your vehicle.)


• Spark plugs and ignition components: Replace spark plugs at the recommended interval (often roughly 60,000–105,000 miles for this era) and inspect ignition coils if misfires occur.


• Cooling-system maintenance: Regularly check for leaks, replace hoses as needed, and flush coolant to prevent overheating and head-gasket stress.


• Transmission and drivetrain service: Follow manual guidance for changing transmission fluid (ATF or CVT fluid) and differential fluids; older automatics or CVTs benefit from timely service to reduce wear.


• Brake, suspension, and wheel-system upkeep: Routine inspections, tire rotations, alignments, and addressing leaks or corrosion promptly help prevent cascading wear.

Conclusion: A proactive, maintenance-forward approach is the most reliable path to high-mileage reliability for the 2008 Legacy.

Summary

Bottom line: The 2008 Subaru Legacy can deliver long life with attentive care. Across its two engine options, many examples reach 200,000 miles or more, and a substantial number surpass the 250,000-mile mark when owners stay on top of maintenance and promptly address issues. Realistic expectations should reflect the car’s maintenance history, environment, and how faithfully owners adhere to service schedules.

For potential buyers or current owners, the takeaway is clear: invest in a thorough maintenance plan, understand your engine’s specific needs, and monitor signs of wear early. With those practices, the Legacy can be a durable, if not century-spanning, companion on the road.

How many miles can a 2008 Subaru Legacy last?

200,000 miles
According to iSeeCars and Kelley Blue Book studies, the Subaru Legacy ranks among the top midsize sedans most likely to reach 200,000 miles.

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 2008 Subaru Legacy a reliable car?

The 2008 Subaru Legacy is considered a reliable car, with an average reliability rating and lower-than-average frequency of major issues, though age-related problems are common. Key reliability factors include its standard all-wheel drive, comfortable interior, and powerful engine options. Common concerns to address are the potential for head gasket failure, the need for a timing belt and water pump replacement around 90-100k miles, and rust, which can depend on climate.
 
What makes it reliable

• All-Wheel Drive: Standard all-wheel drive improves traction and safety in various weather conditions. 
• Engine: The available turbocharged engine is often praised for its spirited performance. 
• Durability: The interior is known to be durable, and many high-mileage vehicles have lasted a long time. 
• Average costs: Ownership costs are considered average, with a lower-than-average frequency of major repairs, according to RepairPal. 

Common issues and maintenance

• Head Gaskets: Head gasket failure is a known issue, especially on older models, and can be costly to fix. It's recommended to have a mechanic inspect the car for potential leaks. 
• Timing Belt and Water Pump: The timing belt and water pump should be replaced around 90,000 to 100,000 miles. If this has not been done, it should be addressed soon to prevent major engine damage, notes Reddit users. 
• Rust: Rust can be a problem, especially on the rear quarter panels, depending on the car's history and climate. 
• Hoses and Bushings: As the car ages, hoses and control arm bushings can become brittle and may need to be replaced. 
• Other common fixes: Other potential issues include power steering leaks and worn-out struts. 

What to do before buying

• Have a mechanic perform a thorough inspection, including checking for head gasket leaks. 
• Find out if the timing belt and water pump have been replaced. If not, factor in the cost of replacement. 
• Check for rust, especially on the rear quarter panels. 
• Ask for a full service history to see if maintenance has been performed regularly. 

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.