Used 1996 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
Used Legacy for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Skip the 2.5...go for a stick 2.2 outbac
amc62, 05/09/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Many of the problems associated with the outback are due to the 2.5 liter engine option...1996 was the only year you could get a 2.2 with a manual in the outback. on the other hand, the car has a poor clutch (still grabs fine, just shudders and squeaks and chirps). Also, be aware that a used outback that has had mismatched tires is hard to determine until you get the characteristic transfer case binding. i have heard of miracle cures for the automatic transmission-equipped cars, but good luck with the manuals. seems you have to buy an entirely new viscous coupler to solve the problem (subaru didn't design the coupler to be serviced).
No Toyota or Honda
T. Rush, 11/23/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Subaru has had alternator replaced, light bulbs in dash burned out and extremely expensive to replace. No thought given by Subaru to maintainability. Paint job thin and not durable. Second set of tires, still losing air pressure (since day one, up to 3 lbs per week per tire).I assume issues are with the factory rims. Oil leaks here and there requiring seal/gasket replacement. Not up to par with Toyota or Honda in my 30 years of car ownership experience. Still driving my 89 Camry All-Trac with 186K miles and aside from routine maintenence, have spent less in repairs than I have on the 96 Outback.
1996 Subaru Legacy for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- L WagonMSRP: $2,9981,975 mi away
Don't buy a Subaru
vawest, 02/02/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
A real disappointment! Transmission Problem just 6 months into ownership.It routinely rev's the RPM's > 4000 when on hills. We paid extra for the bigger engine (2.5L), yet the engine's performance is absymal No p/u whatsoever. The gas mileage is poor at best.And Lately the engine light is on continuously. Four times we have had the dealer look at it. They know that the trouble is the EGR Valve, yet haven't been able to fix it. Along the way, we have put out hundreds of dollars trying to get it repaired.Twice the car has stalled & wouldn't start up due to this issue. What a piece of junk! I will never, ever buy a Subaru again!
I love this car - the best I ever had
Myra, 08/27/2008
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I live up a rock based road of 3 miles off a 2 lane black topped road. This car has had very few repairs in the 12 years I have owned it and used it. It is a comfortable ride despite rough roads; I love to turn corners in it - it is so easy to steer and turns on a dime (well, never really tried that, but you know what I mean). Just took it for its annual check up, all it needed was oil changed and tires inflated. It's supportive like a good man, without the hassle of inviting it into the house!
Hard to Beat!
mtnsnows, 05/09/2003
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
2 of 8 people found this review helpful
Bought with 60K, now 170. Have the 2.5 - NEVER buy the 2.2! I drive in snowy mountains and fast, hard highway driving. Can't imagine a better car. Comfy and full featured. Just noticed the seats could be better (I'm 6'4", 230 lbs.), but has adj. lumber support and seat heater makes popcorn! Fantastic reliability. NO unsched. maint. until 10K mi. ago. Overheated, led to head gaskets. Re: other reviews. The oil seal is designed to be replaced with timing belts (at 60-80K), any GOOD, TRUSTY dealer/mech will do this. Awesome AWD, goes thru snow that leaves Jeeps, Explorers and Rodeos stuck. Love it! Hard to replace.