Used 1997 Subaru Legacy Wagon Consumer Reviews
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typical head gasket problems
Dr. Kupras, 07/18/2006
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited 4dr Wagon AWD
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Haven't had this car for 3 years yet and have been very dedicated to maintaining it; new tires, struts, water pump, starter, 2 timing belts, front wheel bearing, etc, etc. Bought it with 85k on it, now has 123k and the head gasket is blown, which I found out is very common on these Subarus. Damn thing keeps over heating and will cost about 2 gs to fix it now, which I won't do. I will never buy another Subaru again. I paid extra for it since I was under the illusion it was a quality car. However, I know now that they are junk like most other cars out there. It doesn't matter if you take great care of them or not, they'll only bleed you dry.
My Bubaru made me like race.
R. Keith Connor JR, 09/11/2018
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited 4dr Wagon AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car 97 legacy wagon limited is a rockstar with a bit of a punk rock edge however she sold out a bit earlier in her career when she decided on some rather basic styling and comfort element but when she hits those high notes she sings like any of the more modern cars she zooms past. She has at 190k the time when she joined my band of broke down Audis and BMW has made me forget why I ever thought a German could hold a candle to her siren song she has never failed me in less than a year I have put 45k of punishment to her after a quick and dirty overhaul of belts alternator water pump flushing cooling system replacing alternator plugs with NGKs and wires giving her stomach a pump and pouring in some mobile one full synthetic she has responded by becoming what she was born to be a rocking lead diva who beats the breaks off all comers She was neglected and discarded when u received her but after a little shine detail and tune boy chowder this broad can wail. Takes all my bad habits heavy foot off roading off roads and she just keeps pushing me here's a thing that has me and her a little annoyed this 20+ year old car wants some top end seems she is governed out at about 110 gets there and just sticks like in cruise controls lots of room left on rpm gauge for her to keep climbing but no love tried uphill down hill flat but stops same speed as if someone were pulling on a leash. Please advise if there is a way to recode or bypass this stupid restraint on my punk rock girl. She is everything I always needed nothing I woulhave ever dreamed of wanting but know can't live with out.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
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- Reliability
- Value
Reliability?
hb, 03/21/2002
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited 4dr Wagon AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
At first I was very pleased with this vechicle. I still like its roomy interior, but I have had too many costly repairs done. Early into my ownership the alternator broke, which was later reimbursed due to a recall. Now the dashboard light that luminates the heating and air controls doesn't work. And the most recent repair will cost me over $1250 to fix. The head caskets need replacing with no explaination to what caused it. I'm on top of all the regular maintenance tasks and my car is only 5 years old-what happened to reliability?
Very reliable car
MJessup, 04/14/2009
1997 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from my grandma when she was no longer able to drive. It has been a wonderful car. The only problem I have had with the breaks, the whole car seems to shimmy when I come to a stop from a high rate of speed, like coming off the interstate. My previous car was a SAAB, and going from driving that to my little Subaru feels like I am driving a tin foil car, and it seems so low to the ground. I don't feel very safe driving it. I have checked the safety ratings and it came out very high, so it's a personal issue. If I didn't get such a great deal on this car from my grandma I would have never bought it, but it has been a great car for me, and it always starts when I need it too.
Running Great for 12 years
Marshall, 10/21/2008
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Subaru and handles the Washington winters-I've pulled many larger cars and 4X4's up our hill with this car. The 5 sp manual is fun, gets better acceleration/mileage than an automatic. It has been very reliable, though it has a slow oil leak and have had to replace the struts. It goes very well off road, hauls a trailer easily, and has a very versatile interior for hauling people or cargo. The exterior paint has been very durable. It could use higher headrests, exterior mirror pivots, better drink holders in a better position, and better sound insulation. Three kids have learned to drive on this car and I plan to keep it until "Sabastian" is abducted to college.
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