Used 1998 Subaru Legacy Sedan Consumer Reviews
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GREAT CAR BUT HAS ITS MECHANICAL FLAWS
subidubido, 04/24/2013
1998 Subaru Legacy GT Limited 4dr Sedan AWD
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
I have a 1998 Subaru Legacy GT with 243,000 km on the engine. The car is in mint condition - arctic white paint. The head gasket now needs to be replaced. Did all the maintenance. I've been lucky it lasted this long. Car was mostly highway driven. Car is drivable and the leaking coolant is gradual and would go un-noticed to someone not familiar with the car. Head gasket is not reliable so getting it replaced by a certified Subaru mechanic. Will cost $3,500 to do it right. Don't recommend to do it cheaply because if its not done right the gasket can leak again. Link that provides excellent info about problem: http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gaskets-problems-explained-part-ii/
1998 subaru legacy PROBLEMS
squirrley, 06/24/2012
1998 Subaru Legacy GT Limited 4dr Sedan AWD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
The 1998 Subaru Legacy wagon that I had bought for a 2nd car, gave us nothing but trouble. So glad I got rid of it...it was nothing but a money pit. Oil leaks, gaskets, brakes, air conditioner problems, and then finally what broke the camels back transmission problems!!!!!
1998 Subaru Legacy for sale near you
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Little wagon that could
subaruboxer, 11/22/2012
1998 Subaru Legacy GT Limited 4dr Sedan AWD
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
This wagon is unsuspecting, with the 2.5l engine this car has some nice giddy up to blow past Prius's and Honda's. Short comings would be the notorious head gasket issue and cup holder placement. Fuel economy is not great, but with a 90's car with awd what do you expect? The benefits being an excellent awd system and plenty of room. With the ability to floor the gas or slam on the brakes and getting 0 wheel slippage in the pouring rain allows for a confident feel behind the wheel in any driving conditions.
AWD Mini Tank with indy car handling.
jzignig, 08/01/2012
1998 Subaru Legacy GT Limited 4dr Sedan AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This in my opinion "midsized" sedan is a heavy, heavy beast, that you will LOVE to drive. Extremely stout, excellent in rain sleet snow or shine, I've put 170,000 miles on mine with only one issue, head gaskets. Thats not as bad as it sounds. 800 dollars at 120k and going FINE for another 50k... so far! Also handles like a dream. My previous car was a fully loaded eagle talon tsi awd. I thought that handled well and i had it lowered! This car puts it to shame. I have nothing but good to say about my legacy. I regularly get 28mpg... 40% city 60% highway. They also look great with some 17" wheels and a slight height drop.
Great car, just great
Dave, 06/21/2010
1998 Subaru Legacy GT Limited 4dr Sedan AWD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Amazing car. Bought it used about four years ago. Recent trip of about 4 hours proved I'm getting 29+ mpg. Reliable in the winter with the snow here in the northeast. Close to 200,000 miles and still running great. Smooth handling at high speeds, no rattle or shakes.
A wolf in sheep's clothing...
Dutch Mafioso, 07/01/2005
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Driving this car is a pure pleasure. It holds the road like flypaper and corners better than my buddy's Acura Integra GS-R. Acceleration is adequate, and I actually wouldn't want more power, as that would translate into worse gas mileage. The styling of this vehicle is just right for those who want a sedan with a little attitude, but who don't want to call unwanted attention (and thus, speeding tickets) to themselves. There is a generous trunk and comfort for four or five passengers. I feel incredibly comfortable driving this car!
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.
Road Hugging Utility
RCalvin, 06/17/2006
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased new and have 99,000+ mi on it. Lot's of leg room front and back. Back seats drop down for utility. The GT sits about an inch lower than an Outback and has a sport-tuned suspension. When combined with the low center of gravity from the design of the engine, the car is glued to the road. I had an older Subaru that was great in the snow, but it could get sideways when braking. This one has ABS to go with the AWD, so it goes and stops under control.
1998 Subaru Legacy Sedan
a34t, 11/20/2002
1998 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Although a plain vanilla car, reliability has been outstanding. Only major repair was new alternator at 100,000. Otherwise, vehicle still going strong at over 112,000 miles. Just wish they'd pep up the styling for this model to compete with the Europeans.
Big Engine Problems
Tyler, 08/01/2008
1998 Subaru Legacy GT Limited 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car's driveability is unmatched for the price range. Excellent 4WD for the winter months, but sporty in the summer. Plenty of space for cargo and family friendly. Androgynous body style with nice curves. Unfortunately, the 2.5L engine has notorious head gasket issues. Had to replace water pump, timing belt, tensioner, gaskets, etc. Otherwise I routinely get 28MPG highway and in town around 22; not bad for AWD. I won't buy another Subaru, due to the engine problems, but a fun car until it busted
Still Chugging 10 Years Later
AndieY's Hubcap, 08/24/2008
1998 Subaru Legacy L 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife bought it new and handed it to me when we bought a new Forester this year. She's used it to carry dogs & horse stuff, to drive over fields, to carry our boys to all the usual places. I now drive it back and forth to work (15 miles/day), & my son drives it when home from college. We about 22 mpg, 24 if highway driving (but that's not often). So astonishingly dependable that when something goes wrong, you think somebody's been fooling with it.
Amazing vehicle - keeps on truckin'!
Ray, 08/27/2009
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
245,000. This engine is still very zippy. However, the previous owner "cooked" the original engine; probably the head gaskets. So, we were fortunate that the car had a newer engine and have had "zero" problems since we purchased it four years ago. We have had the paint touched up, installed an immobilizer, beefed up the sound system, bought it high- performance tires and started running it on synthetic. Have had it up to 140km/h recently, just for fun on a straight open highway and the car barely vibrates... so smooth! My 6 and 7-1/2yr old kids love it and since we've started looking for something a little less hungry for fuel, they've been sad that we may trade it in. I'm a little sad too!
Never a problem
Quinn, 11/04/2002
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the Suburu Legacy GT used from a meticulous car owner over two years ago and have driven it without any hitches. The car now has over 90,000 miles and I've had no problems. I keep it well maintained but otherwise drive it hard. The car handles a little heavy with a bit of a tailspin if you push it hard enough. The car isn't as nimble as my previous lightweight coupe Eagle Tolon, but it's five times more reliable. The all-wheel drive reduces its fuel efficiency and I probably average 20 mpg. Also, the engine noise can be higher than most sedans especially over 4000 RPMs.
May have to get another one...
pizzaboy, 11/22/2002
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
...to keep me and my wife from fighting over who gets to drive it! We've had it three years and the only problem is a front main seal leak that appeared around 98K miles. It drops oil on the exhaust system and smokes badly at stoplights and after running. Handles solidly, yet it's nimble. I find myself looking for twisty roads, even if it makes my drive home a bit longer. Very distinctive; I've only seen a dozen and only one other the same color (dark green).
Steve's Review
brennaford, 01/05/2003
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been an excellent vehicle. I have had no problems with the car. It is a lot of fun to drive & has a nice sporty feel. I was amazed at how easy it is to do routine maintanence on my Subaru. I would definitely purchase again.
Love It!
StvFord, 01/05/2003
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had wanted an Outback but I test drove the GT & loved it. It is an agile performer & is lots of fun to drive. Last Winter I got to try it out in the snow & ice. What a blast! For the first time I did not worry about losing control & ending up in a ditch on my way to work. Wouldn't do a donut in the parking lot though... I have been very impressed with the ease of maintaining this car. Reliability has been great. Have only had one minor problem that the dealer fixed (oil drip).
Subaru Legacy GT
connie simunovic, 02/19/2004
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car rides nice and is very comfortable. it's awesome in the snow!
Beware of the horizontal time bomb
Timberwolf530, 03/12/2004
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At 80,000 mi. My GT started to run rough. I took it to Tom Wood.They threw about $1000 in parts at it, but could not fix it. Took it to a different dealer and they told me one of my pistons was bad (wrist pin) and it cost more to replace one than to install a new engine. $6000, 2 mos later it was back , but never did run right again. Neither the dealer or Subaru seemed to care what happened. Subaru has nice looking fun to drive cars, but dealer and coporate support is terrible.What disappointed me the most was that I loved Subarus before this happened. We also owned a '99 Outback. After this happend, we traded both cars and have sworn off Subarus for good.
Buyer beware of black
hilow, 03/12/2004
1998 Subaru Legacy GT Limited 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a black GT Limited Legacy from a used car dealership in NH. First mistake. Leather, sunroof, 40,000 miles. I wish I never bought this car. After spending 1,000 to have a cylinder rebuilt, I ended up right back at the dealership! Another 250 on sparkplugs and wires, I don't think so. I just traded it in for a Jetta 1.8T, (which I love)Be aware someone will try and sell it to you soon!
Great all-weather sports sedan
98GTLimited, 07/09/2004
1998 Subaru Legacy GT Limited 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 1998 model year car had 36,000 miles when I purchased it in 2001 and I saved about $11,000 off the new price. Buying used, it was a very affordable, excellent handling sports sedan that is very capable in the snowy winters of New England. The 165hp 2.5L engine provides engough power to beat the traffic light rush from 4 lanes to 2 in some Boston intersections though it's nothing compared to the turbo rush of the WRX. The reliability problems I have had include several oil leaks from the crankshaft seal (40,000 miles, $400, covered by warranty) and the oil sending unit (75,000 miles, $150).
Great Car To Drive!
StiFlyBy, 07/13/2004
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for about 5 months now and its by far the best car i've ever driven! its fun to drive and i never have to worry about having problems with it. always a reliable car that i'd sugest to anyone!
the best new old car
eric, 12/25/2004
1998 Subaru Legacy GT Limited 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i got the car from my aunt with 60000 miles and it has given me no problems. i love the sportyness of the car for a 98. it handles very well and with all wheel drive it can go about anywhere.
98 GT LTD
WScottCross, 01/10/2003
1998 Subaru Legacy GT Limited 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best perfoming car I have owned and the AWD makes it that much better for use in New England
Buyer Beware!
T.W., 05/19/2003
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Took it to the dealership near my house and they had no idea what was wrong. They threw about $900 in parts at it, told me they had no idea what was wrong. Took it to a second dealership, threw $600 in parts at it before determining that the wrist pin #4 was bad. At the time it happened there were three other people on a Subaru site with sameproblem. Look up piston slap. Subaru claims that it doesn't hurt the engines. I'm not so sure. A wobbly piston would tend to wear out a writst pin. Coincidence? Subaru offered me absolutely no help or support throughout the ordeal. Cost me $6000 to fix and took them over 4 months.
Love My GT!
fastdriver, 05/27/2003
1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a wonderful car to drive! It handles tightly, feels more powerful than its 165 HP, and drives the mountain like a snowplow. Unfortunately, it's on its second alternator now... a real trouble spot! Otherwise, it has given me no problems, and with a little babying (I admit it!), still looks and acts like a new car after 100K mi of hard driving!