How Many Miles Will a Subaru Legacy Last?
The Subaru Legacy is an all-wheel drive midsize sedan that has been around since 1984. The car is spacious, comfortable, and affordable. In addition, it’s one of the few sedans that comes with standard AWD, making it reliable on tougher roads.
According to a study by iSeeCars featured on Engine Patrol, the Subaru Legacy is the second most likely vehicle that can go past 200,000 miles and has a range of up to 300,000 miles. However, how long your vehicle lasts depends on how well you care for it. Poor maintenance, accidents, and reckless driving can lower your car’s mileage.
The Subaru Legacy versus other Subaru models
Subaru is famous for designing vehicles with a longer lifespan than most car manufacturers. Most Subaru vehicles last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. For comparison, higher-end vehicles last for about 200,000–300,000 miles. However, some careful drivers claim to have driven their Subaru cars past 300,000 miles.
Legacy vs. Subaru Impreza
According to Motor Trend, the Subaru Impreza, the smaller sibling of the Legacy, has a 105.1-inch wheelbase compared to the Legacy’s 108.3-inch measurement. Additionally, the Subaru Legacy is 2.4 inches wider than the Impreza and longer than the Impreza sedan by 8.5 inches and the Impreza hatchback by 15 inches.
The Subaru Legacy is dominant in size and power and tends to last longer than the Impreza. According to Engine Patrol, the Subaru Impreza lasts between 200,000 and 250,000 miles with a lifespan of 13–17 years.
How long does the Subaru Legacy last compared to its competitors?
The Subaru Legacy provides a better user experience paired with a long life span. A car with such features is expected to have stiff competition. Below, using the iSeeCars study and Engine Patrol’s research, we compare the longevity of the Subaru Legacy to that of its competition:
Legacy vs. Honda Accord
The Subaru Legacy possesses a roughly equal lifespan to the Honda Accord. A well-serviced Honda Accord can last for 300,000 miles or up to 20 years of driving.
Legacy vs. Mazda 6
The Subaru Legacy slightly tops the Mazda 6. The Mazda 6 is usually expected to last within the 200,000–250,000 mile range, giving drivers 13–17 years of service.
Legacy vs. Toyota Camry
Toyota also has a reputation for manufacturing long-lasting cars with the likes of the Toyota Corolla and the Toyota Camry. The Toyota Camry has a similar lifespan to the Subaru Legacy. Most Camry models can reach up to 300,000 miles, allowing up to 20 years of driving.
What is high mileage for a Subaru legacy?
Once a Subaru Legacy goes over 100,000 miles on the odometer, some people may find it a risky purchase. However, that does not necessarily mean the car is a bad deal. Before disregarding it, consider the following factors:
- Service and maintenance history: A car that has been properly maintained will serve you well. Ensure that the owner can provide a service history.
- How long do you need the car for? If your goal is to keep the car for many years, the cost saved would be much better as compared to spending more on getting a newer, more reliable car.
- The number of previous owners: The higher the number of owners, the more likely the car has been exposed to wear and tear. An ideal situation would be if the car had a single owner who properly serviced it.
How to increase the lifespan of your Legacy
Nothing makes a car owner more proud than a properly serviced car. Truthfully, proper care of your car directly affects its longevity. By taking the following steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your Subaru Legacy for much longer:
- Observe and identify your driving habits and create a maintenance schedule.
- Always shop for authentic Subaru parts and quality engine fluids.
- Ensure that you drive your car carefully.
- Always take your car to a reliable and reputable mechanic.
- Use proper ceramic paint protection to protect your car’s paint job.
Editor’s note: The Digital Editors contributed to this article.
