When you buy a car, you don’t just look at the design or features. You also think about how long it will last. The Subaru Legacy has always been known for being reliable and strong.
A well-maintained Subaru Legacy can easily last around 200,000 miles, with many models surpassing 250,000 to 300,000 miles. Some owners report reaching over 359,000 miles, and a few engines have been known to last up to 500,000 miles.
Let’s go through everything — real numbers, what affects its lifespan, what problems show up over time, and how you can keep your Legacy running for many years.
How Long Does a Subaru Legacy Last on Average?
Most Subaru Legacy cars can last around 200,000 miles if they are taken care of properly. Many owners have even driven their cars for 250,000 to 300,000 miles with no major issues.
To put that in simple terms, if you drive about 12,000 to 15,000 miles every year, your Subaru Legacy can stay with you for 15 to 20 years.
Real-life examples back this up:
- Some drivers shared that their Legacy crossed 280,000 miles with only regular maintenance.
- Websites like The Driver Adviser and Engine Patrol found that a well-maintained Legacy can easily reach over 200,000 miles before any big repairs are needed.
Compared to other sedans in its class, like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, the Legacy holds up very well. It may not always be the cheapest to maintain, but it’s built to stay strong for a long time.
What Affects the Lifespan of a Subaru Legacy?
Not all cars last the same number of miles. A lot depends on how you drive and take care of your vehicle. Here are the main factors that affect how long a Subaru Legacy lasts.
1. Regular Maintenance
The most important factor is maintenance. Things like oil changes, air filters, and brake pads may seem small, but they make a big difference. If you follow the maintenance schedule in your car manual, you can easily add years to your Legacy’s life.
Essential maintenance tips:
- Change the oil every 5,000–7,500 miles.
- Replace the air filter and spark plugs on time.
- Flush fluids (coolant, brake, and transmission) as recommended.
- Keep the tires balanced and rotated.
Neglecting maintenance is the number one reason cars die early. Many owners who faced engine or transmission issues admitted they skipped services for too long.
2. Driving Conditions
Where and how you drive also matters.If you drive mostly on highways, your engine and transmission will last longer than if you drive in stop-and-go traffic every day.
If you live in areas with harsh winters or salty roads, rust can build up faster under the car. Washing your car regularly and using rust protection helps prevent that.
3. Model Year and Engine Type
Different Legacy generations have different strengths. Older models from the early 2000s were solid but sometimes had head gasket problems. Subaru later improved this issue.
The models from 2015 and newer are known for better reliability and smoother engines. They use a CVT (continuously variable transmission), which gives better fuel efficiency but also needs proper care. If you maintain it well, the CVT can last a very long time.
When Does a Subaru Legacy Start Having Problems?
No car is perfect forever. The Subaru Legacy usually starts showing small issues as it gets older, but most of these are easy to fix if caught early.
Here’s a rough idea of what happens at different mile points:
At 100,000 miles:
- Suspension parts (like struts and bushings) may start to wear out.
- You might notice small oil leaks or light sensor warnings.
- Basic repairs are enough to keep things smooth.
At 150,000 miles:
- You might need a transmission fluid change if not done before.
- Alternator, water pump, or brake rotors could need replacing.
- Some interior wear (like seat fabric or buttons) becomes visible.
At 200,000 miles and beyond:
- The engine might burn a bit of oil.
- For older models, there could be a head gasket or transmission concern.
- If maintained well, the car still runs fine for years.
The good news? Many of these repairs are not too expensive compared to buying a new car.
According to several reports, the average repair cost for a Subaru Legacy each year is about $500 to $600, which is quite reasonable.
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Is a High-Mileage Subaru Legacy Worth Buying?
Yes — but with care.
A used Subaru Legacy with 150,000 or even 200,000 miles can still be a great choice if it has a good service history. The car’s design and engine are strong enough to go beyond that if cared for properly.
Before buying a high-mileage Legacy, check:
- Maintenance records: Has the oil been changed regularly?
- Rust: Look under the car and around the wheel wells.
- Transmission: Make sure gear shifts are smooth.
- Engine noise: Listen for knocking or ticking sounds.
If everything looks good, a high-mileage Legacy can be an affordable and reliable ride.
One thing to remember: older models may need a bit more attention, but if you handle small problems early, they won’t turn into big ones.
How to Make Your Subaru Legacy Last Longer
A Subaru Legacy already has a long life, but you can make it last even more with the right habits.
1. Follow a Maintenance Schedule
- Don’t skip oil or fluid changes.
- Use the right oil grade and parts as recommended.
- Check tire pressure regularly for better fuel economy and smoother rides.
2. Drive Smoothly
Avoid quick acceleration or sudden braking. Gentle driving keeps the engine and transmission healthy for longer.
3. Keep It Clean
Wash your car often, especially in winter. Salt and mud cause rust that eats away at metal parts underneath.
4. Pay Attention to Warning Signs
Never ignore dashboard lights or strange noises. Small issues fixed early can save you thousands later.
5. Store It Well
If you don’t drive your Legacy often, keep it covered or in a garage to protect it from weather damage.
Subaru Legacy vs Other Sedans in Durability
Here’s how the Legacy stacks up against other popular midsize cars when it comes to lifespan:
| Car Model | Typical Lifespan (Miles) | Maintenance Cost (Per Year) |
| Subaru Legacy | 200,000–300,000 | $550–$600 |
| Toyota Camry | 250,000–300,000 | $400–$500 |
| Honda Accord | 220,000–280,000 | $450–$550 |
| Mazda 6 | 200,000–250,000 | $500–$550 |
The Subaru Legacy may have a slightly higher maintenance cost than some rivals, but its all-wheel-drive system, safety ratings, and comfort make it a strong choice for long-term use.
Expert and Owner Opinions
Many Subaru owners share their stories online, and the pattern is clear: those who take care of their cars see them last well past 200,000 miles.
A mechanic once said, “If you treat a Subaru right, it’ll outlive your car payments.” That’s a simple way to say — good care equals a long life.
On Subaru forums, it’s common to find Legacy owners proudly showing photos of their cars’ odometers reading 250,000 or even 300,000 miles. These are not exceptions — they’re proof of Subaru’s long-term strength.
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Subaru Legacy Years To Avoid
Some Subaru Legacy years had more problems than others. The 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2015 models had transmission or electrical issues. These cars may still be good if well maintained, but it’s safer to choose newer models.
How Many Miles Can A Subaru Legacy Last 2022
A 2022 Subaru Legacy can easily last over 200,000 miles with regular care. Many owners expect it to go up to 250,000 miles or more. Smooth driving, oil changes, and timely servicing keep this model running strong for many years.
2011 Subaru Legacy Life Expectancy
A 2011 Subaru Legacy usually lasts 180,000 to 220,000 miles if maintained well. Some even reach 250,000 miles. However, this year had a few transmission and head gasket complaints, so good maintenance and inspection are very important for long life.
2015 Subaru Legacy Life Expectancy
The 2015 Legacy is more reliable than earlier models. With good care, it can last 220,000 to 260,000 miles. Many owners report smooth performance past 200k miles. Regular oil changes and CVT servicing help it stay dependable for years.
2016 Subaru Legacy Life Expectancy
The 2016 Subaru Legacy can run around 250,000 miles or more when properly maintained. It’s a strong, well-built model with fewer major issues. Keep up with oil, brakes, and fluid changes to enjoy a long, trouble-free driving experience.
2018 Subaru Legacy Life Expectancy
A 2018 Subaru Legacy is built to last 250,000 to 300,000 miles with consistent maintenance. It has a reliable engine, smooth transmission, and fewer reported problems. Regular care and gentle driving can make this model last well beyond expectations.
Subaru Legacy Mileage
The average Subaru Legacy lasts about 200,000 miles, but many reach 250,000–300,000 miles. How long yours lasts depends on care, driving style, and maintenance habits. With proper attention, the Legacy offers excellent long-term value and dependable performance on the road.
High Mileage Subaru Legacy Reliability And Maintenance
A high-mileage Subaru Legacy can still be reliable if it was well cared for. Always check service records, engine condition, and transmission smoothness. Regular oil changes, rust prevention, and good tires keep older Legacies running strong and safe.
Buying Advice: 2018 With 212,000 Miles And Great Maintenance History
If the 2018 Legacy has 212,000 miles but a solid maintenance history, it can still be a smart buy. Check the transmission, suspension, and rust condition. If it drives smoothly and records look clean, it’s a dependable, long-lasting choice.
FAQs
Can a Subaru Legacy last 300,000 miles?
Yes, with regular maintenance and gentle driving, a Subaru Legacy can last up to 300,000 miles or even longer.
Is it worth buying a Subaru with over 200k miles?
Yes, if it’s well maintained. Check service records, transmission, and rust. A cared-for Subaru often runs past 250,000 miles.
How many years can a Subaru Legacy last?
A Subaru Legacy can easily last 15 to 20 years with regular oil changes, smooth driving, and proper maintenance care.
Which Subaru will last the longest?
The Subaru Outback and Legacy are known for lasting the longest, often crossing 250,000 miles with good care and servicing.
What year was bad for Subaru Legacy?
The 2010 and 2011 Subaru Legacy had more problems like transmission and oil leaks, making them the least reliable years.
At what mileage do Subarus break down?
Most Subarus start needing bigger repairs after 200,000 miles, but with proper maintenance, many run smoothly up to 300,000 miles.
Which Subarus to stay away from?
Avoid older models from 2010 to 2013, which had transmission and head gasket issues. Newer generations are much more reliable.
What is considered high mileage for a Subaru Legacy?
Anything over 180,000 miles is high mileage, but if well maintained, the Subaru Legacy still runs strong for years.
Realistic lifespan for 2017 Legacy?
A 2017 Subaru Legacy can realistically last 250,000 miles or more when properly serviced and driven with care and attention.
Average lifespan of a Subaru Impreza or Legacy?
Both the Subaru Impreza and Legacy usually last 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance and gentle, responsible driving habits.
How many miles did your 2017 Legacy last?
Many 2017 Subaru Legacy owners report reaching 250,000 miles or more with regular maintenance, showing strong long-term reliability and value.
Conclusion
The Subaru Legacy is one of those cars that truly proves how long a vehicle can last when it’s treated right. With proper care, most Legacy models easily cross 200,000 miles, and many owners proudly see their cars go well past 300,000 miles.
Its strong engine, solid build, and dependable all-wheel drive make it a reliable choice for people who want long-lasting value. Even older models can serve faithfully for years if they’ve been properly maintained.
The secret to a long life is simple — regular maintenance, smooth driving, and quick attention to small issues. Take care of your Legacy, and it will take care of you on the road for many miles to come.