Used 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5i AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews
Used Legacy for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
good car... until 100k miles, then sell it quick
new_audi_drvr, Ironton, OH, 11/26/2015
updated 06/14/2016
Subaru Legacy 2.5i AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
36 of 41 people found this review helpful
I got the opportunity to own this silver beauty for much less that blue book from someone I know. I got it at 75k and have driven it over the 200k mark, so Ive experienced the worst miles the car goes through. The good side is; the long highway miles Ive put on the car driving 200 miles a day for 6 months were amazing. I got 35+ MPG , and the car practically drives its self, its so well balanced, precise handling and smooth. It almost gives Audis and lexuses a run for the money in the handling and comfort department, but that's where it ends. The interior was worn thin when I got the car and now its falling apart everywhere; the driver side power window went first, then the glove box wouldn't close, rattles in the dash, the trunk lining is hanging by a thread and the window sills of the doors have been ripped to shreds by my small dogs claws. Maintenance has been absurd; failed Power steering pump, AC compressor, water pump, blown head gasket, loose u joints in the axle, 50k mile valve cover changes, 20k mile tire changes, 20-30K mile spark plug wires changes and poor gas millage due to a bad 02 sensor. These are all common problems that plague the Subaru boxer engine and especially the 2.5 liter of any model or year, and it all comes down to bad design decisions that compromise reliability and longevity. The biggest annoyance with Subarus is the check engine light. 'When' it comes on, the cruise control stops working, which is a nightmare on long highway commutes. Don't bother taking your car to the dealership to get the error cleared either; they will charge you $50-100 for the privilege. I was recently forced to sell the car cheep, due to a crushingly high repair bill when the head gasket, drive shaft, o2 sensor and water pump all spontaneously died right before the state inspection was due. Exactly a year earlier I had spent $2000+ on a repair bill due at inspection, and I had to cut my losses. The first thing the buyer asked was (who happened to be a Subaru mechanic); Had the head gasket been replaced recently. This makes it pretty obvious that there's a huge fundamental flaw in the engine. The boxer engine by nature is unreliable; the fluids are in constant contact and pressure with the valve cover seals and head gasket. This mean they can quickly be deteriorated by impurities in the fluids, which caused most of my problems. Its a cascade affect; oil leaks in the valve cover = bad spake plugs and cables = bad o2 sensor = blown head gasket.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good car to own and drive
avkesq, Paradise Valley, AZ, 04/16/2011
Subaru Legacy 2.5i AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
When my 1998 Subaru wagon bit the dust (failed transmission) after 168K miles, I decided to buy the new sedan, in late 2004. It now has over 60,000 miles and is still running well. This car provides the best mix of comfort, performance, fuel economy and road grip/stability that I have come across. I travel a lot and have used a number of rental cars (many brand new), but the Subaru beats them all. Highway fuel economy is at 29mpg, provided I keep at or below 65mph. Acceleration is good when I flip to Sports mode, enabling me to join the freeway from the ramp with lots of power to spare, and agility and road grip make me feel safe. Truly fun car to drive for the money, and very safe.
2005 Subaru Legacy for sale near you
Showing 3 of 23 listings
- 2.5i Limited SedanMSRP: $5,999119 mi away
- 2.5i WagonMSRP: $6,021299 mi away
- 2.5 GT Limited WagonMSRP: $13,991329 mi away
See all 23 listings
Never again subaru
Chema, Marlborough, MA, 03/28/2019
Subaru Legacy 2.5i AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Loved my car but I got tired of throwing away so much money in parts and repairs, it's a strong horse but a real money pit is that why people buy them? I have never had a car with so much problems I will never own a Subaru ever again.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A mistake so far
subaru owner, 10/12/2004
Subaru Legacy 2.5i AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Subaru Legacy 2.5i exactly three months ago. I have put 1500 miles on it. It has been a dissapointment to say the least. It has had numerous rattles in the interior, engine trouble when starting, fuzzy radio reception, and a broken heater and air conditioner. However, I do think it is a fine looking car. I would caution anyone considering this car to look at a more reliable option. This is a totally redone model for 2005 and there are plenty of problems that Subaru needs to work out. I would encourage anyone who has looked at this car to wait until these problems have been fixed for 2006, or to consider a more reliable option.
Durable but JUNKY
ThatIndieGlo, Springfield, MO, 03/26/2020
Subaru Legacy 2.5i AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Doesn’t matter if it’s a GT or not. These cars become clunky oil burners the older they get. The glass rattles when you open the door. The interior creaks, squeaks, and randomly pops. You can’t install an aftermarket stereo unless you want to spend upwards of $600+ because the “engineers” at Subaru thought it’d be a great idea to make there system as difficult as possible to swap out. Since before I bought it the the infamous one headlight low beam shining brighter issue still remains unresolved due to again poor engineering. But on the on the bright side of all this the awd is fantastic even in deep water or snow and most of the components on the engine such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air filter are easily accessible. Btw good luck getting those spark plugs out or changing a head gasket. You’ll have to really love boxer motors to want to own one of these.