Used Subaru Legacy Saloon 2003 - 2009 reliability

Category: Family car

Drives well, but let down by high running costs

Subaru Legacy Saloon (03 - 09)
  • Subaru Legacy Saloon (03 - 09)
  • Subaru Legacy Saloon (03 - 09)
Used Subaru Legacy Saloon 2003 - 2009 review
Star rating

What should I look for in a used Subaru Legacy saloon?

The Legacy's cabin can take plenty of abuse, shrugging off scrapes and scuffs; we know of many high-milers that have stood up to the rigours of family life very well.

However, although Subaru has a great reputation for reliability, the Legacy hasn't performed as well as many of the company's models for overall reliability, with engine problems accounting for the majority of repairs. Other causes for concern are the heating and cooling systems, and fuel pump problems. We've also had reports of clutch and gearbox problems on later cars.

Whatever the problem, if the car's out of warranty, the subsequent bills will probably be costly, as repairing the cars is complex and the spare parts are expensive. As ever, get a car with a full service history for your own peace of mind.

What are the most common problems with a used Subaru Legacy saloon?

Is a used Subaru Legacy saloon reliable?