Used 2000 Subaru Legacy Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Awesome Drive
I LOVE THIS CAR. I have put over 80,000 miles on my Outback in 2 years. I bought it because I backpack, bike, and haul my dogs around..Plus, I wanted a car that was going to last me more than 200,000 miles. I've been to CO, TN, MO, and IN, in rain, snow, ice, and am completely satisfied with this car's ability to handle it all.
very pleased
bought this car over 2 years ago with 120,000 miles on it and already put over 70,000 miles in that time. Have had to replace both front cv axles and tie rods, and 1 bearing. So far I've been able to do all the work myself so in material I have only put $250.00 in it. Its been a very hard working car. The AWD is amazing and the flat 4 is very peppy. I get 25 to 29 mpg and I have driven it from northern virginia to southern florida and back with not 1 problem. I hope the car runs another 100,000 and I would buy another.
- GT Limited SedanMSRP: $6,9952,011 mi away
Hope to NEVER own one ever again@
at 6 years and 114K miles headgaskets failed despite the special sealant/conditioner that Subaru applied to the coolant. Had to replace them and the engine that warped due to overheating (the thermometer never showed signs of overheating). Then, the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, and a whole bunch of other expensive parts. For the money I spent on this car in the last 7 years I could have purchased a new car! The tranny is starting to go - won't shift into D (at 150K m). Since I already put so much money into it, I can't part with it, but it just keeps failing... Very unreliable. I do all scheduled maintenance on time. The only good thing about it is the wagon size - gigantic
172K Test Drive
I owned a 94 Legacy that I loved and ran to 200 K miles. This has been a disappointment. The Tranny failed at about 70 K and is failing again. Every winter the engine smells like gas as the metal fuel rail contracts. The head gasket is seeping oil.
Teen's first car
We bought this for our high school student to drive. We feel happy that she's in a relatively safe (but maneuverable) car, and she enjoys driving it. (We were looking for underpowered with ABS brakes -- AWD was a bonus -- much appreciated those nights when she drives on rain-slick roads.) It's nearly 10 years old, but does not look it. It probably isn't easy to make a teen smile with a 10- year-old car, but this one does. One note: SUPER IMPORTANT to get the engine treatments. This one had up-to- date engine treatments and Subaru USA was able to tell us when next is due.
Great Car
Overall a solid car, both inside and out. The exterior finish of car is outstanding, while the interior is above average. The simplicity of using the controls in the car suggests a well designed layout. The lumbar seat for the driver is wonderful for long trips. The AWD was one of the main selling points for this car. The AWD is rock solid, and cars like the VW passat, Audi A4 and Volvo charge $1000.00's when comparing with Legacy GT.
Just About Perfect!
Bought this used in Feb. 2004 with 37K on it. Totally solid, nice smooth ride. Fit & finish excellent. Have put 23K on it in a year, not a single problem (whoops - one burned out bulb).
Disappointed
I love the looks and practicality of my Subaru Legacy wagon. However, I have already had to have the transmission replaced ($5,000 item at 49,000 miles), head gasgets, brakes, heat shield, the moon roof leaked into the interior light. Thank goodness it is has all been on warrenty, but I bought it thinking that it would be a work horse for many years. The dealer has worked hard to make me happy--but I really don't trust the car but don't want to incur another car payment now that this is just about paid off.
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The gearing makes the 165 hp legacy GT feel quick and responsive. It's definitely lower geared which makes it accelerate aggressively but also results in the engine running at higher RPM at speed, e.g. 3750 rpm @ 80 mph. It could use a 6 speed transmission. Even at that speed/rpm the interior is quiet and the ride is smooth. The car handles beautifully and easily outcorners everything else in its price range. Overall the car feels very sporty and is a fun vehicle to drive.
Worth every penny!
Bought 2 years ago with 120K miles (!); changed timing belt and alternator, burned later with upgraded 300W sound system. Both front CV Joints replaced after towing 2500lb trailer at 80MPH. Spark plugs and wires replaced, had a engine hesitation problem with old ones. Other than that runs and runs!
2000 Subaru Legacy L Wagon 5-speed
Bought this car at 86k and 9 years later it has 190k+. I love how it drives - especially the pickup! I can way outrun anyone on acceleration. I rented a brand new Toyota Camry and HATED its lack of power! It was a dog and I couldn't wait to get my Ruby Sue back! The size of the car is PERFECT; could go camping with two kids and all our stuff, and get all my groceries/chicken feed and other supplies all at once; have moved kids in and out of college with Ruby. The car always starts, even in -25 weather. The only time it didn't start was when the battery died due to age and cold weather. BAD THINGS: LOW CLEARANCE! Burned through a clutch trying to get through snow! A 4WD Subaru that is that low to the ground is asinine! Controls on dash are TINY and cannot be operated wearing gloves. The hazard light knob is NOT LIT and you need a light on to find it! Getting into reverse (5 speed) can sometimes take maybe 4 tries. When it won't go in, you have to go through the gears to get it to go into reverse. The headlights are ABYSSMAL! Very dull and poor, covered with haze. The rubber door seals stick in frigid weather, and rip out. The tail gate latch doesn't work in cold weather (won't latch) and neither does the trip meter (in cold weather). THE CIGARET LIGHTER does NOT TAKE ANY PLUG-INS! It's a dedicated, always lit, cigarette lighter!! Here's a huge gripe: My '86 Subaru Standard Hatchback (bottom of the line!) had wonderful climate control: You could have the vent on (cool air on top) while your heat was on for the feet! This one has BARELY ANY HEAT TO THE FLOOR - but it comes through the center vents ("face") ALL THE TIME with the heat on. Dealer says, "It's working!" And "vent" or "cold" air (not A/C) is always HEATED ENGINE AIR! I hate that! Oh, also, I know the car is old but the driver's window sticks. Sometimes I have to have the car shut off for the window to go up. Even with all this, I want another Subaru. Hopefully they've fixed some of these stupid designs!
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Bought For $300, obviously has problems
I bought mine for $300. When bought it had 305000 miles. The throttle position sensor had gone bad, making the transmission shift with the smoothness of a jackhammer. I replaced it for $120, and it worked perfectly afterwards. My exhaust pipe broke off at a gas station, which was embarrassing. My main problem with the car is that it has almost no horsepower and absolutely no torque. This car does not like to accelerate. At all. Also, although I suspect it has more to do with the age and mileage on the car, It gets about 5-7 MPG. However, the stereo works and sounds well, the A/C is very strong, the seats are comfortable, there is LOTS of room in the back, and even though I live in Wisconsin, the HOME of the rust bucket, It only has minor rust around the wheel wells. Also, I like the way it looks a lot. My conclusion is that if you find one with MUCH fewer miles than mine, just make sure that the Throttle Position Sensor is working right and that your exhaust pipe is on right. update- The tranny sensor was not the entire problem. Sure, it helped, but the car still refused to work right. I had to rev it up just to make it get in gear. Long story short I sold it for scrap before the tranny could blow on me. Buyer beware everyone. These Subarus are known for transmission issues.
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Legacy L Wagon
Overall a wonderful vehicle in our experience. No problems whatsoever. Drives well and the AWD is great (thought slight delay with the automatic transmission). Fit and finish is nice. Seats firm and comfortable. Cupholder design is better than older Subaru models but still poor. Sound system is so-so. Interior is a bit small for my taste and driver's space is somewhat cramped. (And I'm only 5'10) That said, my wife (5'9) is perfectly happy.
Very disaponted
If you are considering this vehicle be very wary of the stock Bridgestone Potenza tires and interior trim quality. My vehicle began suffering fron bubling and craks in the door trim and centre arm rest. Also fit and finish is well below standard for a vehicle of this price. Watch for problems with leaky sunroofs as well. I was told by the dealer that they are common due to dirt accumulating in a drain tube in the sunroof assemly. Fun to drive but not worth the money!
Great Car Great Price
Great car and at a great price. I already have 55000 miles on the car and it runs better then the day I bought it. The AWD works great in snow and is very nice to have in Alaska. It does however get rather poor gas mileage I was expecting 30 miles to the gallon but it gets around 25 max. The 2.5L engine works great and gives the car an adequate amount of power.
Top Quality, Low Comfort
This is a very safe and dependable car. It is great in all types of weather. It is also extreemly uncomfertable on long drives and the road noise is outrages for a $23,000 dolar car. if you are thinking about one drive it for a distance to make sure.
At this price - what else compares?
This car is able to haul loads of stuff, has AWD, looks agressive, handles well, and is overall a fun car to drive (especially with the 5 speed). At this price point, there is not much that even comes close if those things are important to you. Audi A4 avant, BMW 325ix wagon, etc... are more $$$.
I'm Happy with it, but...
I bought this car new and it has had its problems. I like the ride and the power is good although I agree that the engine runs too fast at higher speeds. This car could use a better gearing spread or a sixth gear. Here's the list of the car's problems: bad electrical harness, replaced under warranty; leaking sunroofs replaced under warranty 2 times, broken front swaybar, not under warranty; rear sunroof shade won't move in its track, not under warranty, and I have just started to notice a steering shimmy that does not bode well.
Seat changes
Overall excellent car!!!! But driver seat low and unable to sit upright with legs down. Caused back problems. There isn't enough room to put pillow without hitting the steering wheel.
Outback is A OK
Great combination of features with this car; AWD, great gas mileage, lots of room, quiet with a nice ride, very dependable. Wonderful for trips and when the weather is bad. Always felt safe while driving this car. I may lease another Subaru but with a 6 cyl this time.
My Purchase Was a Mistake
For the price I paid for this vehicle, I feel that I taken a loss.
Give suburu a slap
It is what it is a 24 yr old beater no heat but sucks your last dime for gas because stupid people took exhaust manifold and oxygen sensors = no mpg like 11 miles to gallon 3.78 a gallon o not 3 months drive about 800 in gas 98 Forester should have stopped in 98
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