Item: Used Subaru Legacy Saloon 2003 - 2009
Rating: 3
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Saloon

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

LEGACY

Drives well, but let down by high running costs

Used Subaru Legacy Saloon 2003 - 2009

A used Legacy saloon isn't the wisest investment. There aren't many on the market and those that are have often been unloved by their previous owners. The cabins can withstand years of abuse, but do check for wear and tear.

Also, make sure the car has a full service history, or unexpected repair bills could prove expensive; and that's on top of servicing bills, which will be costly anyway. The Legacy's 12,000-mile intervals are reasonable, but Subaru parts generally aren't the cheapest.

Even without that, the running costs could prove punitive due to unimpressive fuel economy and high insurance - even the entry-level 2.0-litre model sits in insurance group 13 and returns just 29mpg. We've also had many reports of all three engines returning below the official mpg figures. You have to be light on the throttle if you don't want to spend a fortune in fuel bills.

Drives well, but let down by high running costs

There are three petrol engines - a 2.0-litre, a 2.5 and a 3.0. Trim levels at launch consisted of S and SE on all engines, with the 2.5 and 3.0 also getting SEn (sat-nav). All 3.0-litre models were available only as automatics until October 2004, when the 3.0 R Spec B was introduced with a six-speed manual 'box.

In October 2005, a five-speed automatic transmission was added to the options list on the Spec B model and the 2.0-litre S and SE versions were replaced by the R and RE.

From this point, every Legacy had twin front and side airbags, a CD player, cruise control, climate control, electric windows and alloys. 2.0 RE models add leather upholstery, electrically adjustable seats and an electric sunroof. 3.0s have sat-nav but are expensive as a used buy.

Overall, we reckon the entry-level 2.0 engine in RE trim is the car to go for.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

Family

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.

The Legacy is an enjoyable drive. The four-wheel-drive system gives the car fantastic traction, while strong body control ensures poised handling and fine composure. That does mean the ride is rather firm, but it never becomes uncomfortable. And, although the steering is accurate and responsive, it's frustratingly light at speed.

All three petrol engines perform well and have a distinctive, throaty sound. Wind noise isn't intrusive, but road and engine noise aren't as well contained at speed as in some rivals - the 2.0 becomes raucous when revved hard.

The Legacy's low-slung driving position is sporty, but the seat adjustment isn't very easy to move and the steering column adjusts for height only. There's plenty of leg- and headroom, and three can sit abreast in the rear, although foot space is tight due to the raised transmission tunnel. The boot easily holds a family's luggage, even though it's not as deep or well shaped as some rivals'.

Used Subaru Legacy Saloon 2003 - 2009 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

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