What is considered high mileage for a Subaru Legacy?
For a Subaru Legacy, a vehicle is generally considered to have high mileage once it reaches around 100,000 miles. However, the exact mileage threshold for "high mileage" can vary depending on the vehicle's age, maintenance history, and overall condition.
Understanding High Mileage for Subaru Legacies
The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan known for its reliability and longevity. Many Subaru Legacies can easily surpass 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. However, as a vehicle accumulates more miles, the risk of major mechanical issues and component failures increases.
Here are some key points to consider when evaluating the mileage of a Subaru Legacy:
- 100,000 miles: This is generally considered the threshold for "high mileage" on a Subaru Legacy. At this point, the vehicle may require more frequent maintenance and repairs, and the owner should be prepared for potential issues with the engine, transmission, or other major components.
- 150,000 miles: Legacies that reach this mileage are considered to have very high mileage. While well-maintained Legacies can still be reliable at this point, the risk of major problems increases significantly. Careful inspection and diligent maintenance become even more critical.
- 200,000 miles: Legacies that reach 200,000 miles or more are considered to have exceptionally high mileage. These vehicles have proven their longevity, but they will likely require more frequent and costly repairs. Owners should be prepared to invest in the vehicle's maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
It's important to note that the actual mileage threshold for a "high mileage" Subaru Legacy can vary depending on the vehicle's age, maintenance history, and overall condition. Some well-maintained Legacies may still be considered reliable and roadworthy even with over 150,000 miles, while others may show signs of wear and tear at lower mileages.
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.
What years to stay away from Subaru Legacy?
Years to avoid for the Subaru Legacy include 2010–2014, primarily due to transmission issues and headlight problems, and 2005–2009, which are known for head gasket and other engine-related issues. Other problematic years include 2011 for its headlights and 2018 for infotainment problems.
Subaru Legacy years to avoid
- 2010–2014: These years can have issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can cause hesitation, shuddering, or stalling. The 2011 model year is also notorious for headlights burning out very quickly.
- 2005–2009: These models can be prone to head gasket failure, especially on the 2.5L engine, leading to coolant and oil leaks. Other problems can include catalytic converter and rear hub failures.
- 2018: This model year has been associated with infotainment system glitches, such as the display freezing or refusing to shut down.
- Other years:
- 2000–2006: Reported issues with faulty oxygen sensors.
- 2011–2012: Have been cited for frequent headlight burnout.
- 2021–2023: Recall issued for a transmission parking rod issue.
- 2023: Recalled for display screen issues and other electronic problems.
How long does a Subaru Legacy engine last?
With proper maintenance, Legacy models can easily last well beyond 200,000 miles, providing years of dependable service.
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.
