What is high mileage for a Subaru Legacy?

In practice, high mileage for a Subaru Legacy starts around 200,000 miles (about 320,000 kilometers); many owners reach 250,000 to 300,000 miles with careful maintenance, and a few exceed 350,000 miles. Longevity depends on the model year, maintenance history, and how the car has been driven.

The Legacy spans multiple generations with different engine families and design choices. Older engines used belt-driven timing with greater head gasket risk as miles accumulate, while newer models rely on timing chains and generally show improved long-term reliability. Transmission choice (manual, conventional automatic, or CVT) also influences maintenance needs and life expectancy. Below is a practical guide to what “high mileage” looks like, what helps a Legacy reach it, and how generation differences matter for buyers and owners.

Mileage milestones: what different mileages typically indicate

These brackets reflect common real-world expectations and maintenance needs as a Legacy accumulates miles.

• Around 100,000 miles: expect routine wear items to surface, such as belts/hoses on older engines, coolant system checks, and general worn components. Early preventive maintenance becomes increasingly important.


• Around 150,000–180,000 miles: suspensions, steering components, and cooling-system parts may require more attention; engine oil consumption and gasket health should be monitored, especially on older EJ-series engines.


• Around 200,000 miles: many Legacy owners encounter either major service items or accumulated wear across multiple systems. A thorough inspection of the head gasket (where applicable), transmission or CVT health, and the drivetrain is common.


• Around 250,000–300,000 miles: reaching this range is a strong indicator of solid upkeep. Potential major repairs could include gasket work, transmission service, and suspension refreshes, but a well-documented maintenance history can keep the car reliable.


• 350,000 miles and beyond: exceptional for a Subaru Legacy. Cars at this level typically owe their longevity to meticulous maintenance, timely repairs, and careful driving; such examples are not the norm but are increasingly reported by enthusiasts and fleets alike.

Conclusion: mileage bands are rough benchmarks. The actual state of a high-mileage Legacy hinges on how well it has been maintained, what engine it has, and how it has been driven over the years.

Maintenance practices that support long life

To maximize the odds of a Legacy reaching and surpassing 300,000 miles, owners should prioritize proactive upkeep and adherence to model-specific requirements.

• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and use quality synthetic oil and filters; avoid excessive drain intervals unless advised.


• Keep the cooling system in good shape, watch for leaks, and replace coolant as recommended to reduce head-gasket stress on older engines.


• Maintain transmissions and differentials with the correct fluid, and address shifting or slipping issues promptly—CVT models require careful attention to Subaru-recommended service intervals.


• Inspect and replace aging belts, hoses, water pumps, ignition components, and fuel system parts as needed, especially on older EJ-series engines where timing belts and related components are involved.


• Address rust, seals, gaskets, and potential oil leaks early; regular inspection helps prevent small issues from becoming major repairs.

Bottom line: disciplined maintenance, timely repairs, and early detection of problems are the best predictors of a Legacy that keeps going beyond 200k miles.

Generation notes: how engine design affects longevity

EJ-series Legacy (older generations)

The EJ-series engines used belt-driven timing in many models and are more prone to head-gasket concerns as mileage climbs. Regular gasket inspections and timely belt replacements are critical for longevity. With meticulous maintenance, these cars can reach 200k miles and more, but ownership costs may rise as components wear.

FA-series Legacy (modern generations)

Modern Legacy models use timing chains in many engines, reducing one common failure mode seen in older belts. These generations generally offer stronger long-term durability, but they still require diligent maintenance—oil changes, cooling-system care, and transmission/drive-train upkeep—to sustain high-mileage reliability.

Bottom-line takeaway

High mileage for a Subaru Legacy typically begins around 200,000 miles. Reaching 250,000–300,000 miles is common in well-maintained examples, while 350,000 miles and beyond is exceptional. The likelihood of achieving these milestones improves with solid maintenance history, careful attention to model-specific needs (EJ vs FA engines, belt vs chain timing), and proactive repairs when issues first appear.

Summary

A Subaru Legacy can be considered high-mileage once it surpasses the 200,000-mile mark, with 250,000–300,000 miles being a realistic target for diligently cared-for cars. Generation differences matter: older EJ engines carried gasket-related risks and belt-driven timing, while newer FA engines with chains tend to be more durable. Regardless of generation, a thorough maintenance record and attentive ownership remain the strongest predictors of long-term reliability.

How many miles will a Subaru Legacy last?

A Subaru Legacy can last over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, and many owners report their vehicles exceeding 300,000 miles. Factors like regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and addressing other component replacements (like timing belts, brakes, and suspension parts) are crucial for longevity. While some turbocharged models might see engine failures around 150,000 miles, non-turbocharged engines are known to last much longer, according to Subaru technicians on Quora. 
Factors that influence lifespan

• Proper Maintenance: Following the recommended maintenance schedule is key to a long-lasting vehicle. This includes regular oil changes, tire rotations, and replacing fluids at recommended intervals. 
• Component Replacement: Be prepared for potential replacement of parts like the timing belt (on older models), suspension bushings, wheel bearings, and brakes over the vehicle's life. 
• Turbocharged vs. Non-Turbocharged Engines: Some turbo models have been reported to experience catastrophic engine failure around 150,000 miles, while naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engines often last much longer. 
• Maintenance History: A vehicle with a documented history of consistent servicing is a better indicator of future longevity than one with a spotty record. 

What to expect at high mileage

• Around 150,000 miles: Some components like suspension, exhaust, and brakes may begin to show wear or rust. 
• Beyond 200,000 miles: It's common for non-turbo Subarus to reach this mileage, and it's a good sign if the vehicle has received consistent maintenance throughout its life. 
• Beyond 300,000 miles: This is achievable for many Subaru models, but it requires consistent, diligent maintenance and repair work. 

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. 

Can a Subaru Legacy last 300k miles?

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

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.