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The Subaru Legacy has been on the market since 1989 under a few different nameplates. However, the best used Subaru Legacy years are from recent times. Modern technology makes these cars safer and more reliable than ever. Plus, Subaru dominated Kelley Blue Book’s lowest five-year cost-to-own list.

2020 is one of the best used Subaru Legacy sedan years to look for

The best used Subaru Legacy years include this 2020 version
The 2020 Subaru Legacy sedan | Subaru

Consumer Reports has been testing the Subaru Legacy since 2000, which means it has 22 years of history to look through. 2020 is one of the best used Subaru Legacy years to hunt down for a few reasons. It received the recommended label, the green choice accolade, and has a high score for reliability. Owners report getting 28 mpg too, which is solid fuel economy.

Some of the reliability trouble spots, such as the engine, transmission, and drive system, received high marks. Forward collision warning (FCW), lane departure warning (LDW), and automatic emergency braking (AEB) are standard safety features. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2020 Legacy the Top Safety Pick Plus award.

Average Retail Price: $25,175 – $31,875

2016 is another one of the best used Subaru Legacy years

When it comes down to it, the 2016 Subaru Legacy is one of the best years to look for. It is recommended by Consumer Reports and even managed to get 27 mpg. The Subaru sedan’s reliability verdict is also pretty good. Consumer Reports lists a lot of highs for this year of the Legacy, including easy controls, excellent visibility, and affordable all-wheel drive.

2016 was a little too early for things like FCW, BSW, and AEB to be standard features. It does come with daytime running lights and a rearview camera. The IIHS also gave the 2016 Legacy the Top Safety Pick Plus award.

Average Retail Price: $15,825 – $19,700

Avoid the 2014 year for this Subaru car, if possible

In a sea of reliable used Subaru Legacy options, the 2014 year is worth skipping over. It has a lower reliability score than most years and didn’t impress in the area of owner satisfaction. The 2014 Legacy didn’t receive the recommended label or green choice accolade.

The driving experience, comfort, value, and style needed work in the owner satisfaction areas. The IIHS gave the 2014 Subaru Legacy the Top Safety Pick Plus award and good scores on its tests. From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this Subaru received a five-star safety rating.

Average Retail Price: $11,175 – $14,700

You can always expand your search if you can’t find a reliable Subaru Legacy in your area. Another dealership might be able to ship it to you for a small fee. Plus, dealerships might be looking to unload some extra inventory as the holiday season approaches. A Certified Pre-Owned Subaru is another place to look if your search is coming up empty.

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Staff Writer

Amanda Cline

Amanda Cline is an avid fan of Formula 1 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2021. A Southwest Floridian, she easily and often finds automotive events to attend in the Tampa, Orlando, and Miami areas.
Amanda is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Bachelor’s in English Literature and a Master’s in Technical Communication. Combining her editorial and digital media expertise, Amanda served as a content creator for FanSided and now provides our readers with a variety of automotive subject matter like pickup trucks and SUVs, including valuable consumer advice.

Amanda closely follows many F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Her all-time favorite author is Shel Silverstein.