How many miles will a Subaru Legacy go for?

In practical terms, a Subaru Legacy typically travels around 500 miles on a full tank of gas, though actual range depends on model year, engine, driving conditions, and maintenance. This article breaks down how to estimate the range and what factors influence it.

What the question means

Ranging a car is a function of two numbers: the fuel tank capacity and the vehicle’s fuel economy. For the Legacy, most modern models use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a fuel tank in the 16.6–16.9 gallon range, and EPA fuel-economy estimates around 27–30 mpg combined depending on year and drivetrain. The actual range will vary with driving style, terrain, weather, and load.

Key figures help you estimate range for common Legacy configurations:

• Fuel tank capacity: approximately 16.9 gallons (range 16.6–16.9 by year/model)


• EPA combined fuel economy: roughly 30 mpg (varies by year and drivetrain; recent 2.5L models often around 27–30 mpg combined)


• Estimated range per full tank: about 500 miles on combined driving; roughly 590–600 miles on steady highway cruising; about 450–470 miles in city driving

Note: These are approximate estimates for typical Legacy models with the 2.5L engine. Actual range will vary with trim, year, and conditions.

Estimated range by driving scenario

Using the typical tank size and EPA estimates for recent Legacy models (16.9 gal tank, about 30 mpg combined; city around 27 mpg; highway around 34–36 mpg), the rough range is:

• Combined driving: about 507 miles per tank (16.9 × 30)


• Highway cruising: approximately 590–606 miles per tank (16.9 × 35–36)


• City driving: around 456 miles per tank (16.9 × 27)

These figures assume optimal conditions and a full, well-maintained tank. Real-world range can be lower in cold weather, with heavy loads, or during aggressive driving.

Maximizing range and practical tips

To stretch miles between fill-ups, consider these best practices:

• Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures to reduce rolling resistance.


• Drive smoothly: steady speeds, gradual acceleration, and using cruise control on highways can improve efficiency.


• Minimize weight and aerodynamic drag: remove unnecessary luggage or roof racks when not needed.


• Maintain the powertrain: regular maintenance, a clean air filter, proper spark plugs, and correct engine oil grade help optimize economy.


• Use air conditioning judiciously; in many climates, keeping windows closed at highway speeds reduces drag and can improve efficiency.

By following these practices, most drivers can approach the EPA estimates, though individual results will vary.

Summary

The Subaru Legacy typically delivers about 500 miles per full tank in combined driving, with highway range near 590–600 miles and city range around 450–470 miles, depending on model year, engine, and conditions. Tank size and fuel economy vary slightly by year and trim, but a 16.6–16.9 gallon tank and roughly 27–30 mpg combined are common for recent models. Real-world range depends on driving habits and environmental factors.

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. 

How long can a Subaru Legacy last?

A Subaru Legacy can last over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, and many owners report reaching 250,000 miles or more. Key to achieving high mileage is following the recommended maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, transmission fluid services, and replacing the timing belt at the recommended intervals. Some older Legacy models have even surpassed 300,000 miles with diligent care. 
Factors that influence longevity

• Proper maintenance: This is the most critical factor. Regularly scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, fluid checks, and tune-ups, is crucial for a long engine life. 
• Timing belt replacement: This is a major service that must be performed on time to prevent catastrophic engine failure. For many models, this is around 105,000 miles, but always check the specific service schedule for your vehicle. 
• Transmission service: On-time transmission fluid replacement is important, especially for those who drive in mountainous areas, tow, or take long trips. 
• Parts quality: Using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for replacements can help ensure the longevity of the components. 
• Avoid high-stress driving: For maximum life, drive your Subaru Legacy smoothly. Aggressive driving and frequent, hard acceleration can put more wear and tear on the engine and transmission. 

Potential issues to watch for

• Head gasket failures: Some Subaru models are known to have head gasket issues, particularly around 100,000 miles. 
• Suspension parts: Over time, components like suspension bushes can wear out and need replacement, which is a common service item for many Subarus. 
• CVT performance: Be cautious of poorly functioning Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs), as they can indicate expensive future repairs. 

Are subarus reliable after 100k miles?

Yes, Subarus can be reliable after 100,000 miles, but it is heavily dependent on consistent maintenance and addressing potential issues like head gaskets. With proper care, many Subarus can last for 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more. 
Factors for reliability after 100k miles

• Maintenance is crucial: This is the single most important factor. Regularly following the manufacturer's service schedule for things like oil changes, fluid flushes, and timing belt/chain replacements is essential for longevity. 
• Common issues to check for:
  • Head Gaskets: This is a well-known potential issue in older EJ engines, often occurring between 100,000 and 130,000 miles. 
  • Engine reseals: Newer FB engines might require a more involved reseal around 150,000 miles. 
  • CVT transmission: Early models of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) had some documented problems, so it's worth researching the specific model year. 
• Model and engine differences: Older EJ engines are known for head gasket issues, while newer FB engines have a timing chain instead of a belt but may need a different type of service later on. 
• Inspection and service history: If buying a used Subaru, a clean vehicle history report and documented service records are vital. 

How to ensure long life

• Follow the 100k-mile service: At the 100,000-mile mark, be prepared for a service that combines previous intervals and includes replacing spark plugs, transmission fluid, and differential fluid. 
• Preventive maintenance: Continue with all standard maintenance items like oil changes, tire pressure checks, and air filter replacements to prevent other components from failing prematurely. 
• Be prepared for other repairs: Once a car hits 100,000 miles, various other parts like suspension components, wheel bearings, and the alternator may start to need replacement, even if the major mechanical parts are still sound.