What is the resale value of a Subaru Legacy?

In short, the Subaru Legacy generally holds its value well for a mid-size sedan, with well-maintained examples retaining a solid portion of their original price. Depreciation varies by year, trim, mileage, and overall condition, but a typical five-year-old Legacy often sits in the mid-range for its class.

This article walks through the main factors that influence resale value, the current market context for used Legacies, and practical price ranges you may encounter when buying or selling one in 2025. It also provides guidance on how to maximize resale value and what buyers look for in a used Subaru Legacy.

What drives the resale value of a Subaru Legacy

Understanding how a Legacy is valued on the market helps explain why prices look the way they do. The following factors routinely shape resale value across model years and trims.

• Age and mileage: Fewer miles and newer model years typically command higher prices.


• Trim level and drivetrain: Higher trims with standard or enhanced features (and AWD, which is common on many Legacy trims) tend to hold value better than base models.


• Maintenance history: A full record of service and timely maintenance signals reliability to buyers and appraisers.


• Accidents and title history: Clean titles and no history of accidents protect resale value more than rebuilt or salvaged titles.


• Regional demand: AWD-capable sedans perform differently by region; markets with harsher winters or higher demand for all-weather capability can push values higher.


• Color, options, and package content: Popular exterior colors and well-chosen option packages can positively influence resale.


• Overall condition: Interior wear, rust potential (in salt-prone areas), and mechanical soundness all impact price.


• Certification and warranty offerings: Certified pre-owned programs and transferable warranties can improve perceived value.


• Ownership history: Fewer owners and a documented maintenance routine tend to raise resale estimates.

By weighing these factors, buyers and sellers can gauge where a specific Legacy sits in the market. As with any used car, price is a function of both its objective condition and subjective demand in a given region and time.

Current market snapshot and typical price ranges (2024–2025)

Market data from late 2024 into 2025 shows steady demand for reliable, all-wheel-drive sedans like the Legacy, with used prices reflecting broader auto-market dynamics, including inventory levels and fuel economy considerations. While exact figures vary by year, trim, mileage, and locale, the following ranges illustrate what sellers and buyers often see in U.S. markets.

• 0–3 years old (recent model years with relatively low mileage): typically in the low-to-mid $20,000s for base trims, rising into the low-to-mid $30,000s for higher trims with premium features and AWD.


• 4–6 years old: commonly found in the mid-teens to low $20,000s, with higher-mileage examples trimming toward the lower end of that range.


• 7–9 years old: usually in the single digits to low teens of thousands, often around $9,000–$14,000 depending on mileage and condition.


• 10+ years old: generally under $8,000, with well-kept examples sometimes reaching higher on a regional basis or through private-party sales with strong maintenance histories.

These ranges reflect typical asking prices and observed private-party and dealer listings across multiple markets. Individual results can diverge based on mileage, condition, location, and the specific Legacy trim. For precise figures, consult current valuations from Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds True Market Value, NADA Guides, or CarEdge for the exact year, trim, mileage, and condition you’re evaluating.

Maximizing resale value: practical tips

Car owners who intend to sell a Legacy can boost resale value with deliberate preparation and timing. The following steps are commonly recommended by market watchers and dealers.

1. Keep maintenance up to date and save service records to show a clear history.


2. Minimize cosmetic wear: address dents, scratches, and interior stains to present a well-kept vehicle.


3. Avoid accidents or promptly repair any frame or mechanical damage that could affect value.


4. Preserve the tires and brakes; a recent set can reduce buyer concerns about upcoming maintenance.


5. Maintain a clean title and transparency about ownership history to build buyer trust.


6. Consider timing the sale for seasonal demand and market conditions, such as pre-holiday periods or model-year transitions.


7. Get a professional pre-sale inspection to identify issues that, if fixed, could raise perceived value.


8. Obtain competitive quotes from multiple dealers or use online valuation tools to price fairly.

Following these practices helps ensure the Legacy remains appealing to buyers and can command a price closer to its estimated market value rather than a forced discount at sale.

Summary

The Subaru Legacy typically preserves its value comparatively well among mid-size sedans, especially when equipped with AWD and kept with meticulous maintenance. While exact resale prices depend on year, trim, mileage, and local demand, buyers can expect a practical price range that shifts with market conditions. For the most accurate, up-to-date numbers, consult trusted valuation sources like KBB, Edmunds, NADA, and CarEdge for the specific vehicle in question. With careful maintenance and smart selling strategy, owners can optimize the resale outcome of their Legacy.

In the evolving used-car market, the Legacy remains a dependable choice for value-conscious buyers who prioritize all-weather capability and Subaru’s reputation for longevity. The key is to align expectations with the vehicle’s condition and regional demand, and to verify figures with current, source-specific valuations.

Which Subaru model has the best resale value?

The Subaru models with the highest resale value and value retention are the WRX, Forester, Crosstek, Impreza, and BRZ, each staying close to 60%.

What years to stay away from Subaru Legacy?

Years to potentially avoid for the Subaru Legacy include 2000, 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2018, due to common issues like head gasket problems, faulty headlights, CVT transmission issues, and various engine and electronic problems. While other model years may have their own issues, these years are frequently mentioned as having more significant, recurring problems.
 
This video discusses common problems with Subaru models including the Legacy: 58sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Dec 9, 2022
Years with significant issues

• 2000: Prone to cooling system problems, which can lead to head gasket failure. Also may have oil and sensor issues. 
• 2010: Features a CVT transmission known for shuddering and stalling, a problem that often occurs after the warranty expires. Headlights are also known to burn out frequently. 
• 2011: Similar reliability issues to the 2010 model, including the return of the frequent headlight burnout problem. 
• 2015: May experience overheating and head gasket leaks, especially after overheating events. 
• 2018: Recalled for issues like a faulty front driver's side wheel bearing, leather tears, and unresponsiveness of the infotainment screen. 

Other years to consider

• 2009: Has higher repair costs and issues that appear at lower mileage. 
• 2019: Recalled for a faulty low-pressure fuel pump that causes stalling and engine problems. 
• 2021: Recalled for an automatic transmission problem where water can enter the inhibitor switch. Also noted for potential driveline and electronic issues. 
• 2023: Recalled for electronic issues with the display screen and issues with the passenger seatbelt. 

General tips

• Check the service history: For any used model year, verify that maintenance has been performed regularly, especially for any head gasket or transmission services.
• Consider a pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before buying it to identify any potential issues.
• Be aware of common problems: For any Subaru Legacy, it's a good idea to be aware of common problems, such as wheel bearing wear, and check for them during a test drive. 

This video discusses the pros and cons of buying a used Subaru Outback or Legacy: 59sMrSubaru1387YouTube · Feb 14, 2022

Does a Subaru Legacy hold its value?

A 2022 Subaru Legacy has depreciated $6,801 or 27% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $17,528 and trade-in value of $15,002. The 2022 Subaru Legacy is in the top 10-25% for depreciation among all 2022 Sedans.

What is the #1 most depreciating car?

Cars That Hold Their Value Worst

• Jagur I-Pace: 72.2% Depreciation.
• BMW 7 Series: 67.1% Depreciation.
• Tesla Model S: 65.2% Depreciation.
• Infiniti QX80: 65.0% Depreciation.
• Maserati Ghibli: 64.7% Depreciation.
• BMW 5 Series: 64.7% Depreciation.
• Nissan Leaf: 64.1% Depreciation.
• Maserati Levante: 63.7% Depreciation.