Used 1999 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
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very dissappointed in the quality
subaru does not select quality parts when producing its vehicles. Head gaskets went bad (expensive repair), alternator went bad (dangerous situation), wheel joint went bad and the cylinder guides are now going, meaning it will need the heads replaced (very expensive repair). I will never purchase another Subaru product and I will be getting rid of this one immediately. also found out many other Subaru owners had to replace their head gaskets and alternator for this year Subaru.
1999 Outback Legacy Wagon
Unlike many of the reviews, I bought my Outback brand new. It currently has 87k miles on it and has never stranded me anywhere. I change the oil religiously and keep up with the maintenance. When you buy a used car, you never know how the persons) before you have driven or maintained the car. As old as she is, I still enjoy driving her. Too bad the new Outback's do not have manual transmissions. I guest I will have to keep driving her until she blows up.
- Outback WagonMSRP: $3,2991,077 mi away
- TLMSRP: $4,9741,945 mi away
- TLMSRP: $5,5002,181 mi away
Beware of the headgasket
When I bought my 1999 Subaru (with only 70,000 miles) all my friends talked about how reliable they are and how great they are in the snow. But no one mentioned the common headgasket problem. Subarus are infamous for their head gasket problems in the 2.5L engines. My car was fine for the first week or so after buying it. Then it started overheating and I had to regularly add coolant even though there were no leaks. After investigating, I've determined it is the headgasket. This will cost me a minimum of $1,000. If you find that you are losing coolant through your coolant reserve tank, chances are exhaust it building up pressure in your radiator causing the coolant to back up into the reserve
Just what I needed
I purchased this vehicle about a month ago and have been loving it! It has 129,000 miles on it and it drives great! I went from an Acura RSX to a station wagon, so I obviously didn't buy it for style. I love the way it drives and haven't had any problems with it so far. The only thing I am disappointed in is the gas-mileage. 21 MPG is pretty bad for a 4-cylinder. The rear latch for the hatch is broken and I can only purchase a new one from the dealer, which will cost me about $180, a total rip-off if you ask me. Not ever wanting a truck, this vehicle is great for home-improvement projects. If this holds up I would buy another one.
Watch Out!
In case you are considering this type of vehicle, please do your homework on the specific car you are looking at! Especially when the last time the head gaskets were changed. It could save many headaches. Subaru had a problem with the head gasket design in the 97- 99 2.5 liter engines. They have redesigned it at least three times. My Subaru was my third and will be my last. Love the car and expected reliability, got a $1400 repair bill within 3 weeks of ownership to replace the HGs. Dealer had a big grin when he quoted me without looking it up and said, 'yeah, we do a lot of those.' BEWARE!
Sally Subaru #5 And Stuck in the 90s...
Sure there are things about Subarus that are truths... if it's a 2.5 and yours hasn't blown a head gasket... it will. (best to wait to buy one that's been there and done that). At the first signs of bubbled paint on the rear quarter panel, get the strut towers patched - sealed and get rid of the rust... .or quickly watch the rear end rust to pieces. Your rear wheel bearings will fail, plan on it. I'm watching the throat on the gas tank... one day... it's going to go... been there done that too. Otherwise... you've got yourself a sweet ride... Change oil regularly... and you'll be driving your sooby for a long long time.
The Overlooked Gem
We have now had three Subaru Legacy/Outback wagons. We purchased our first Limited about a year ago with 155k on the clock. This car amazes me even more than the other 2 ever have. This 14 year old car performs perfectly. All the "luxury" features work flawlessly. It cruses around corners and along highways like a BMW. Take it down a dirt road and you'll fall in love. Whenever it snows, I know I am going to get where I need to go without a doubt. These cars are incredibly safe and not one function was overlooked by Subaru. Truly a quality, do-it-all luxury wagon! Only wish it had the dual sunroof..
California snow car
The car has run flawlessly for over 100,000. I've run it in all kinds of conditions--even where Jeeps don't go. It has never broken down and given me any problems other than regular maintenance. Great ski car, love the fold down back seat. Used it to tow a small sailboat as well.
Hall anything anywhere
Great car. I had to replace the valve cover gasket. That was pretty much it. Peppy, great on fuel economy.
Outstanding value, build quality
My 1999 Subaru Outback wagon has not had one mechanical problem during 9 years (and counting) of service, with the lone exception of the time my father destroyed the clutch in one day of shiftless driving, which was his fault, not the car's. Additionally, I have been hit twice while driving the car, and it holds up like a champ. In one case, a woman who rear ended me at a stoplight totaled her car, while the Subaru escaped with minor damage in the rear end. A side swipe from another reckless driver who ran a red light dented my side doors, but you can not even see the damage inside the Outback. I trust this car with my life, and more importantly my two kids' lives. Great car.
subaru tank
having put 130,000 miles on my outback, i have only positive things to say. i never had a problem with the engine or electronics in four years. the only money i've put into the car is tires and brakes, oil changes, regular maintenance, and a head gasket. i would have to say this car gives you the impression that it is indestructable, you can load it up with hundreds of pounds of heavy equiptment, or open it up on a gravel road and experience the rally car feel of the impressive AWD system. i had a jeep wrangler before this, i honestly think that the outback was better in the snow and adverse weather conditions.
Great Vehicle!
This car has been great! It takes all the great attributes of an SUV and melds it with both an economy car and a family car. We have lived in both snowy/icy climates and warm/hot climates, and it performs great. We have had no mechanical problems, and it is fun to drive. I highly recommend this vehicle.
Good car for the money
Performance isn't bad, has some trouble with high speeds, engine struggles to accelerate when RPMS is above 4. But enough with the bad, the car has a decent sound system, is quite reliable, and gets you all the use an SUV would give you with much better gas mileage.
Outback CO Front Range
While it worked, great car for Rocky Mtn winters for ten years. Great traction, stability. Not so great mileage for a 4-cyl engine (maybe 22 mpg average). Inside, not so good -- cup holders block radio, radio reception subpar, seats lost cushioning. Plenty of storage space. Had two major mechanical problems: 1. timing belt broke at 105,200 miles, just 200 miles past scheduled change mileage (needed new engine block, $3000); 2. head gasket blew at 171,000 miles on new engine (sold car for parts for $700). Will not buy another Subaru.
Impressed
I could not figure out why a buick dealer had a 10 yr old subaru on his lot. Dealers usually wholesale units after they are 5 yrs old. But 5 years later, I like it as much as the day I bought it. Very good quality, good ride, roadhandling and economy. I am very pleased. Keeping the car in the family and buying a newer Outback.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Reliable, simple & uncomfortable
I bought this car over a camry or accord because it seemed faster, more sure-footed and useful. The car has been driven across country in Jan/Feb twice through the worst weather and just performed admirably under all conditions. The 2.2 litre flat 4 is reliable and powerful enough when mated to the Man 5. Wouldn't get the auto with this engine or the 2.5. I like the spartan no-nonsense interior with manual everything windows,doors, locks etc... 24 to 32 MPG 78000 trouble-free miles
They don't build em like they used to
I have a 1992 legacy 2.2 with 245K miles, that still works flawlessly. However, I needed a lower mileage vehicle so how could I go wrong with another Suby so I bought a 1999 which now has 101K (I think because the speedometer/odometer is garbage). The 2.2 SOHC changed from a noninterference on my 92, to interference on the 2.2 SOHC 99 (won't get off with just a broken timing belt). No speedometer cable on the 99 only cheap three strand spaghetti wires (way too many). Subaru changed from reliable, to electrically ridden piles of crap, overpriced for the reliability. Love the wagon though. Ford Freestyles are a great AWD wagon alternative,good mpg too :). Sorry Subaru this will be my last one.
1999 GT Wagon
I love this car!! It makes me feel like I am sixteen again. I look for any reason to go for a ride. It's fun to drive with its great ride. This car is also great on gas, very hot topic today with the high gas prices. Subaru did a great job with this car.
needbetterdealers
I love my car, but I have had many problems with the dealerships (more than one). The car itself looks great, is always fun to drive, holds up well and actually gets pretty good mileage considering the weight and AWD (always 25+ mpg). I've had a few minor problems...that seemed like major ones thanks to the "lack of service" departments. Everything takes weeks to do and more than once I have been billed for things that just weren't done. At the latest routine service, I was actually given the car back with the check engine light on!!! For these reasons, I probably won't ever buy a Subaru again, but that's ok because I hope to keep this one forever.
I'll Stay Away From Subaru's
New auto tranny needed at 65000, need I say more ? I dont know how consumer reports mag. rates this car so high. I liked the car overall (Performance,Practical) but just had to many problems incl. ongoing brake maint/replacement, very rough running powertrane, & minor elec. problems and tranny replacement. Theres alot of subs in my area (finger lakes) & my mechanic see's many. He dosent have good things to say about them nor do the people I know or meet that have mid to late 90's subaru's. If your thinking about driving a subaru past 60000 miles, I would suggest getting all the info you can on the subject of reliability.
I'm Done with Subaru
Burnt valve. Complete engine replacement. Need I say more, but I will. We (family) bought this car as an SUV/Minivan alternative and as a good, all-around utility vehicle, but now that we have 2 kids it is way too small. The car is completely underpowered--I always had my foot to the floor. Both my wife and I have owned three subarus in the past, but we are now thru. I needed 150,000 miles out of this one, and only got half that. Its now for sale, after a $3,000 repair. After a little research, It appears that they had problems with this engine and reverted back to the SOHC design the next year.
HUGE Headache
This car has a nice design but is very unreliable. My car has about 71,000 miles and I had to drop $2900 on it to get the headgasket, water pump, timing belt, battery, and starter replaced. Now, the transmission is on its way out which will cost me about another $2000. This car is in the shop more than on the road... major disappointment.
Dealer is the worst - Paul Brother VA
I like the car very much but not after seeing the dealership. The car is troubled after 50K miles. The whole car will shake from RPM 2500 to 3200. My transmission forward will delayed. The dealer has not willing to fix the car problems and keep ignore me coz my car still under the powertrain warranty(no money to earn). Dealer just keep postpone the fix time and put all problems on Subaru Corp. It's waste me lot of time without solve my car problems. I don't think I will buy Subaru car in rest of my life just because the dealer so terrible.
Very good AWD car, but...
I bought my Outback Wagon (OBW) in April of 03 with 42k on it. At the time I was unaware of the dreaded head gasket problem! Mine had the AT and the "Rocky Mountain Edition" package which included heated seats, mirrors and wipers. About that: the only seat heater that worked was the driver's side. As near as I can tell the mirror and windshield wiper "heaters" do absolutely nothing. Either that or mine were broken. Lots of fun to drive, especially on dirt roads - it's fun to play rally racer in this car! Ground clearance is better than average at about 7.5" but this is not an off-roader. Mud can get packed into the driveshaft tunnel. Has a lot of capacity. Good car for the money.
Would buy another one...
Our first Outback was purchased in 2000. My wife was in a major accident with our first Outback when a 1970's Lincoln Continental ran a red light and smashed into the front portion of my wife's car...it was totaled. She suffered minor injuries. While she was being taken by ambulance to the hospital, she was asked by the EMT what car she was in. After saying she was in an Outback, the EMT replied that the car probably saved her life. He also added that he bought his wife an Outback based on what he has seen from many accidents involving Outbacks. It was quite an endorsement, and we bought a replacement Outback two weeks later.
Wonderful car!
i bought this car, expecting a boring station wagon. what i got was a great little peppy all-wheel drive beast.
‘99 Outback lives on !
I bought a ‘99 Outback Limited with 116k miles, very low for the year. The leather interior was in great shape, as was the body, only having visible rust on the inside of the drivers door. I treated the area with rust prevention spray, and then sprayed it with a light coat of paint. The car was purchased with knowledge of (2) major issues: the steering rack was shot (leaking very bad), and a check engine light. Fixed the rack with a rebuilt unit purchased for $240, of which I will be refunded $80 for the core that I returned. The other issue was diagnosed as an emissions line leak. Smoke tested the evap system, and found the leak was on top of the fuel tank. Not worth the cost of dropping the tank, etc. as the car runs fine with the aforementioned leak. Received a waiver from my e-check facility, pulled the bulb for the check engine light, and we have an excellent looking / driving all-wheel-drive wagon for under $2k. Just noticed a bad lower ball joint on the passenger side (part cost $18), and will replace it ASAP. Still will be right around $2k after this repair. Nearly all of the options on the car work, including heated seats and mirrors, am/fm/cd/WB radio, cruise control, rear sunroof, fog lamps, etc. The front sun roof has been sealed shut, as it would open, but not shut. Probably just a bad switch, as the motor sounds fine. So far I’m very happy with my old Subie ...
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My only... and LAST Subaru
I call my car "the Subaru from Hell" as I seem to be the only person I know who has had bad luck with Subarus. It was essentially fine until 70,000 miles, and since it's been one thing after another... most expensive. A major oil leak that went to the dealership and 2 other mechanics before it was fixed; tires will not stay inflated - something to do with rims, as tires were replaced, speedometer, air conditioner no longer function, trunk latch, hood latch replaced twice, electrical issues with the radio and int. lights, now the clutch is on its way out, and its again leaking oil. I could go on, but you get the idea. I trade it in this week...YEEHAH! It kicks in the snow, which I love.
Keeping it forever
Handles exceptionally well in our NE winters! Classy feel and great ride. I'll run it into the ground, but looks like that'll take awhile!
Highly Recommended
I live in a rural hilly area. Had BIG problems in the snow with a pickup. Bought my Subaru, and now I offer folks stranded in the ditches with 4x4 pickups a ride into town. Get 22mpg in town, 29mpg cruising at 70 (both with aircon on). Have had zero problems of any sort at 48,000 miles. Local Subaru workshop has been spot-on with what little they've had to do. Sons (8&10) love being seen cruising around in sporty styled car.
Dependable car
Our Subaru L AWD wagon has been a good reliable kid car. It has never given us any problems. It has gotten decent gas mileage, which I am very grateful for now that the price of gas is high. The wagon and rack on top has been very useful for us in hauling things. If I get another car, I will get another Subaru.
Good Car with Some Quirks
Have 110,000 miles on the car and I bought it with 60k on it used. I do all my own work on my cars and I did not really have anything besides routine maintenance until about 103k. At that time the driver side wheel bearing went out and needed to be replaced. Soon after the front crank seal started to leak really bad. I pulled apart the front of the engine and replaced the seal, timing belt because it was due, coolant, belts, hoses, and the water pump ($60 insurance). The oil leak caused quite a bit of smoke for a small leak. Now the front seal is fixed but one of the valve covers has a leak as well as the oil pan, which are all rather close to the exhaust resulting in a slight smell.
Not as reliable as I wanted
The Subaru did well for the first 5 years of ownership but at 86,000 it started to fall apart. We've put in new wheel bearings, clutch, and transmission in the last 6000 miles but still have major problems. I really expect a car in this price range to last longer. I'm told by my local mechanic that the AWD feature causes transmissions to fail sooner than in 2D and 4D vehicles.
Most reliable car I've ever had
Bought this car in December of 2006 after I totaled my last car hitting a deer. It came with brand new snows on it and I was instantly amazed at how well it handled in the snow and ice. I have plowed through a foot of snow in an unplowed driveway without much trouble at all. In the 2.5 years I have owned it (35,000 miles) the only problem I have had was the knock sensor going bad. $70 later and it was back in action.
Great Car but Subaru Dealers SUCK!
Bought the Subaru wagon used in June 2002. Had a oil leak problem that has escalated to a severe problem. Under warranty, took to dealer to fix. Dealer mechanics are idiots! Customer service was horrible! They treated me like crap! But I still love my car.
Great bike and ski car
Have had lots of fun with this Outback. Very good in the snow. Got rid of factory Michelin's--a little slick in upstate NY, Great ski and bike car. Good automatic--my 3rd Subaru. Stay away from 5 spd. Service great in Hudson Valley at Colonial-Kingston NY. Very few problems--all minor. Would reccommend. Service never a problem! To bad dealer aren't as good elsewhere.
whichever model it is...good car
i just bought this 1999 Subaru Legacy L 30th year ann. i had to replace the sunroof right after purchase. dealership paid half. i love this car but it could use more power. on uphills, i feel like i am pushing the engine a bit. the handling is excellent and i love the feel when driving. very smooth ride for a five year old car. plus, this car is holding it's value. i researced and i can sell it for more than i owe to the bank. the AWD is SWEET. good luck and drive fast
This car is falling apart :-((
Great vehicle until it falls apart. Unfortunately it happens right after the warranty expired. Simple inside but runs great. For last year (from 60K to 70K miles) wheel bearing died, clutch was replaced, famous head gasket blown out and finally crankshaft bearings burned out (new engine required). It looks like head gasket problem is very common (more then 20% of cars?). Unfortunately engine replacement (without prior problems - no overheats till red line) before 100K miles is not unique for that car. So my advise - if you have it - get rid of it right away. Otherwise if you plan to own it for a warranty terms length it's a great car.
Snow bound in Siberia
The car was purchased prior to transfer to Finland for its 4wd. It's handled great on the ice covered roads of northern Finland with some issues related to brakes wearing out early (Maybe too much salt on the roads). It does suck down the gas but has reliable starting history and only required some minor maintenance on the cooling system to date. It is an oil burner but not such that it needs any additional in the 3,000 mile change intervals that I am using. Found the Fully synt oil burns or runs out faster than the partially synt. Now looking at a new clutch set replacement after 120k. Not bad since it does take a bit of abuse.
very satisfied
bought this over the volvo wagon because i liked the size and design better. I'm very happy with my decision. Great gas mileage, roomy and fun to drive.
I modified mines, no problems!
I bought a 99 Legacy Outback. The only problem I had was an intermittent speedo. It took me a while but I figured it out. I have a led foot, it has not let me down. I'm impressed with the performance. It has over 140,000! As soon as I bought it I did a tuneup, ignition, engine and transmission etc. You don't know how the previous owner treated an took care of the car. When you buy a used car you have to be aware there are worn parts and eventually you will be replacing them. If your vehicle is smoking don't wait till it cashes fire so you can complain about it.
Not Recommended
Several people complain about needing a head gasket. When mine blew, 1000 miles beyond warranty and without warning, I had to replace the entire engine. It sounds as if Subaru should have sent a warning to owners, but they are the least helpful manufacturer that I have ever dealt with. Their dealers are equally unresponsive, and I have yet to find one in our area that I would ever deal with again.
My first Subaru
My cousins have talked about these cars for years! I did not believe them at first, I needed a used car that was good on gas, I found this one, it needed brakes, a front wheel bearing and 1 tire, I bought it for $1300.00 and did the work needed, Well let me tell you after I drove it I fell in love with it, goes any where, gas mileage after a tune up is 39 highway, This is awesome,
I love my Subaru
I have owned several vehicles in my life and this is by far my favorite. It is fun to drive and stress free even in bad weather.
Not sporty at all but great car!
This was my very first car, and for my first car I am very pleased with it. All wheel drive is awesome to have in virtually any road conditions. The car currently has 129k and is running strong. I have no mechanical problems with car. The only thing that bothered my about this car was that the hear shields have the tendency to rattle which is repairable by anyone with metal zip clamps. I also don't like the cup holders... worst design ever! Like I stated in the title its not very fast at all especially on hills. It is a good reliable car though.
Not for families
I bought this car when I was 7 months pregnant with my first child because I wanted a good family car. I found out quickly that it is extremely difficult to fit a car seat into the back. I had to purchase FIVE seats until I found one that fit. Subaru of America was not at all helpful and denied any problems.
Classic
Classic Basic transportation
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car
I love this car... it is great with the snow and everything i love it!!
LOV E IT
I love this car. Excellent in the snow, great ABS brakes. I wish like others it would take hills better and have better gas mileage. For years I never had problems except brake pads. Now my shifting isn't right. Never rusted and was outside all the time. I got rear ended and not a scratch on my car. Never had to replace the muffler and the car always started in sub zero temps. Sunroof leaks on the passenger side. Love the visibility and the trunk room is awesome.
My third Subaru
My third Subaru since 1985. I got it used in Aug 03 and it only had 12000 miles on it. No problems so far. Just new battery, drive belts and tires. I've got 60000 miles on it now and it drives great. The first 3 years I had it I only drove it about 100 miles per week. Now get 27 MPG on my 44 mile round trip to work 5 days a week. And that's great in Honolulu traffic! Front end modification punched out the faux air intake cover and cracked the spoiler after hitting a traffic cone at 60 mph. Ooops! No kids and few passengers and the back seat still looks like new!