Used 1998 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
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Solid & dependable
pmaison, 11/12/2005
1998 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall, this car has been (and still is) a remarkably solid machine. As of Nov. '05 we've accrued 176,000 miles, yet the car's only substantial mechanical issue has been replacing front wheel bearings and standard brake overhaul: not bad at all, I'd say!
Dad was right:
dryver, 08/21/2004
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
As the years go by, I've been consistently impressed with the reliability of my Outback, and once I discovered the difference a K&N air filter made to that mildly anemic 2.5l engine, it's been alot of fun to drive, too. The only reason I'm thinking of selling is because I continually read about the head gasket problems so many owners have had (but none on mine, so far.) The interior has stood up very well (leather still looks great, with minimal fuss)and everything still works the way it did when I bought it new. In rain and snow (esp. wet snow on icy roads, which we get near the west coast) it's performance is just stellar. AWD and ABS are the best.
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Major engine problems at 70k
m202spot, 06/14/2004
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am a liyal Subura owner. I purchase my father's 90' Legacy and sold it with over 200k miles. I then purchased my friends mother's 1998 Outback Limited with 20k miles on it. A67k miles I had major head gasket problems resulting in $1,700. worth of repairs. After investigating this I have come across this is a very common problem. Waiting on subura to reply to my complaint letter
Fun to drive, but the head gaskets stink
pbourdon, 10/20/2009
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my LGT for about two years now and overall it's been a great car for me. I love the AWD, and comparing it to the Audi quattro I had prior, I'd take the Subaru any day. The only real gripe I have is as the others have mentioned, the 2.5L motor is notorious for head gasket issues due to its open deck design. However, Subaru has remedied this problem in their newer models. If you run into head gasket troubles, be prepared for a ~$2k repair, but make sure your mechanic installs the new steel head gaskets as opposed to the pressed graphite gaskets that are the original equipment. The steel gaskets will hold up to the wear and tear that this engine design doles out.
Reliable and Comfortable
Genericman, 09/01/2003
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
85k in five years with minimal problems - replaced rear axle clutch plates last year, and some A/C and button lights have been out for years (expensive to replace). Handles lovely on curvy roads, although a few more horses would be nice; perfect suspension balance between handling and comfort. Extremely comfortable. Never been in a better snow (or other inclement weather) vehicle. Piston slap is normal and disconcerting, but three dealer mechanics have told me it does not cause problems.