Used 1997 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
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Head Gasket
captain_cargo, 03/10/2003
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Learned the hard way that head gasket problems are not uncommon w/2.5l engine. Mine went out at 87,000 mi, engine seals at 85,000. The car is fun to drive, but reliability has been a big dissapointment. I won't buy another Subaru.
Read the reviews, don't buy a boxer
Outwayback, 12/30/2005
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Car was OK for a few years, then lights in some of the dash went out, and on the heated seat switches (but only on high?). Brakes go often and cost $1000 for rotors and pads. Struts feel like they are bad but have not confirmed. Water pump, cam seals, head gaskets etc. have been replaced. Now, like MANY other reviewers, the head gaskets blew out and I am looking at $2,000 to fix them. The front end bushings are also shot - $400. What gives? This car is driven lightly for under 100K miles and is garaged!
1997 Subaru Legacy for sale near you
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Bad engineering on 2.5L engine
Troy, 05/31/2005
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is shiny and nice looking at first, and there is a lot to be said about the AWD and room inside, but overall since I bought it, I have not felt really confident in it. in the 5 months I have owned it, I have had a bad water pump, (then another bad water pump Subaru sent to replace that one), blown head gaskets (like most other 2.5L engines), bad thermostat, and a bad knock sensor. In that time, the car has been in the shop for a total of over 2 weeks, and a total of over fifteen hundred dollars. The engine cylinders are not welded to the block very well, which is the reason for the gaskets going out all the time, and I have lost a lot of faith in Subaru.
Fantastic vehicle "LOVE"
Joe Stock, 01/22/2017
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The cars are great......3rd one I've owned. These WILL be the only brand I'll ever buy again. Cheap to maintain, only have to do oil changes regularly of course. But yah i live the subaru community, everyone is so nice!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Overall OK but room for improvement
JTB, 10/17/2003
1997 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Early troubles particularly with the windshield having some kind of film on it.Alternator went at 37000 miles and was stranded. Had it replaced in New Hampshire in middle of winter. Car eventually had recall with alt.nator replaced again during regular service. Dealers not so helpful.Had front right wheel problem at 60000. It took two dealerships to fix some kind of bearing problem. Was told by dealer it was good to have replaced otherwise wheel could FALL OFF. Oil seals went at 65000. Overall I love the car.Unstoppable in winter's worst. Who needs a shovel. Has lots of dings but who cares about looks with a Subie!