CelticWhisper Posted October 31, 2008 Posted October 31, 2008 First post here, though I've been lurking for a few months before this. Though I wish the circumstances were better (was in an accident this week, my 1999 Saturn SL2 was totaled), I shall be looking at some very-slightly-used Legacies this weekend and early next week and would like to get some impressions about the car and what to look for when shopping. I'm keeping my search to the 2.5i as I'm not really interested in mind-blowing performance and don't do any real intense driving. I'm in it mostly for the AWD (Chicago winters can be VILE), comfort, reliability, etc. What I'm wondering about, from those of you who are familiar with the Legacy and common issues that it may have, is what I should be looking for when I'm looking at models on the lot and what particular questions I should be asking. Like I said, the Legacies I'm looking at are only slightly used (none over 20K miles) but they are still used, so if there are any quirks that arise early or anything that can go wrong easier than anything else (think "previous owner taking lousy care of the car" here) I'd appreciate knowing what to look for. Also, any general advice, overall driving tips, tips on getting the best mileage/least wear-n-tear/etc on a car I'm hoping to have for many, many years to come would also be terrific if you could offer it. Thanks, everyone.
Molal24 Posted October 31, 2008 Posted October 31, 2008 Your best bet is to make sure all the warranties still cover everything. Since they all have less than 20K miles on them I would still check the tires. The original ones are garbage. I would try and see if the dealer would change them for you. Best advice for driving tips is don't drive too hard, I know when I do that with my Legacy GT it sucks my gas right out. Check the air filter and keep the tires alligned and up to pressure. The slightest thing can screw up the system. Also, make sure if you ever need a tow, to put it on a flatbed. Good luck with your purchase!
05GT Guru Posted October 31, 2008 Posted October 31, 2008 With a 2.5i im sure he wont see too much gas sucking, even flooring it everywhere you would probably still average high teens low 20s lol
katalyst Posted October 31, 2008 Posted October 31, 2008 ^ haha not true i get like 14mpg in boston, but it's stop and go every 100 yds pretty much
aigochamaloh Posted October 31, 2008 Posted October 31, 2008 Haha, I floor it around here up and down the mountains, but I do also have stretches of cruising. I'm seeing about 25-26 mpg average. I've gotten as high as 31 on a tank on the highway though.
Molal24 Posted October 31, 2008 Posted October 31, 2008 Yeah I turned on my car yesterday morning to let it warm up for about 3 minutes. As I was sitting inside shivering like crazy I started playing the the display. Then I noticed that my car was getting a 9.8 avg mpg. I just about sh*t my pants. After driving to and from school yesterday and today I've got the average up to 16. I'm sure it'll be back up to 18 where I had it before I topped off.
N.sane Posted November 1, 2008 Posted November 1, 2008 2.5i doesnt seem to have any common issues, except the front lower control arm bushings are weak and might be torn, but its not a big deal and applies to all the Legacy from 05+ (correct me if I'm wrong). If you upgrade the rear sway bar make sure you get reinforcement brackets. Otherwise it's been reliable for me, just like any other car. Check tire pressure weekly, oil change done on time, all that jazz. Gas mileage wise I usually get 25mpg, mostly city driving.
violhence Posted November 6, 2008 Posted November 6, 2008 The guy before me wrote: "2.5i doesnt seem to have any common issues, except the front lower control arm bushings are weak and might be torn, but its not a big deal and applies to all the Legacy from 05+ (correct me if I'm wrong). " My 2007 2.5i has 20k miles and I started hearing a noise from the front lower control arm area. I took it over and yes those wheel bearings turned out to be bad. They replaced them for 350 bucks under warranty so I didn't have to pay. So yes, I agree with the previous reply. It does happen but it is not a huge issue
CelticWhisper Posted November 12, 2008 Author Posted November 12, 2008 Well, I went and picked it up last night and so far, so good! The TPMS warning light is on, though I figure that's mostly from it sitting idle at the dealership. Kinda low of them not to make sure the tires were properly inflated before they gave it to me, but at least it's an easy fix. Molal24's advice will be heeded - it was amazing the difference tire pressure made in my old Saturn when it came to acceleration, mileage, handling, etc. Speaking of handling, holy DAMN this thing is incredible on turns/corners. I'll keep my ears open for the control-arm noise, since this one is coming up on 20K miles. I take it the sound comes from front and center, or is it more toward one of the wheels (maybe one bearing going bad before the other)? Thanks for the advice, everyone. It looks as though I've got myself into something quite good.
Pawlwawl06 Posted November 12, 2008 Posted November 12, 2008 Speaking of handling, holy DAMN this thing is incredible on turns/corners. I'll keep my ears open for the control-arm noise, since this one is coming up on 20K miles. I take it the sound comes from front and center, or is it more toward one of the wheels (maybe one bearing going bad before the other)? Haha you think it can take teh corners now, take some time/money to upgrade the sway bars, you will be amazed. I wonder if they have already been swapped out for thicker ones. Check your hardware and find out!
katalyst Posted November 13, 2008 Posted November 13, 2008 nice, congrats. i forgot to mention that i experienced a vibration in my brakes at like 8k? i know some others on this forum have experienced similar problems. i had my rotors refinished under warranty at the dealership and it solved the issue.
WhatV8 Posted November 19, 2008 Posted November 19, 2008 <snip> Speaking of handling, holy DAMN this thing is incredible on turns/corners. <snip> Yep, they handle pretty well out of the box. I explored my '06's capabilities at the Autobahn this past summer (see attached). The factory Yoko's don't do to bad, but scream like a stuck banshee around the entire course...
F-WDC Spec B Posted November 20, 2008 Posted November 20, 2008 Well, I went and picked it up last night and so far, so good! The TPMS warning light is on, though I figure that's mostly from it sitting idle at the dealership. Kinda low of them not to make sure the tires were properly inflated before they gave it to me, but at least it's an easy fix. Molal24's advice will be heeded - it was amazing the difference tire pressure made in my old Saturn when it came to acceleration, mileage, handling, etc. Speaking of handling, holy DAMN this thing is incredible on turns/corners. I'll keep my ears open for the control-arm noise, since this one is coming up on 20K miles. I take it the sound comes from front and center, or is it more toward one of the wheels (maybe one bearing going bad before the other)? Thanks for the advice, everyone. It looks as though I've got myself into something quite good. Welcome to the World of the Subaru Legacy.
RJS5689 Posted November 20, 2008 Posted November 20, 2008 nice, congrats. i forgot to mention that i experienced a vibration in my brakes at like 8k? i know some others on this forum have experienced similar problems. i had my rotors refinished under warranty at the dealership and it solved the issue. Yea, our brakes are probably one of the weakest aspects of the vehicle. Nothing that can't easily be fixed with some better rotors, pads and fluid though. I had mine resurfaced and pads replaced around the 2,000 mark.
F-WDC Spec B Posted November 20, 2008 Posted November 20, 2008 This prolly why our brakes are warrantied.
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