Subaru Legacy 5

Subaru cars have always been famous not only for their original design, but also for their very high quality and reliability. Unfortunately, the automotive industry is changing and modern cars are no longer what they used to be.

Review

Subaru cars have always been famous not only for their original design, but also for their very high quality and reliability. Unfortunately, the automotive industry is changing and modern cars are no longer what they used to be. Does this apply to the Japanese manufacturer? Let’s test this with the example of the Legacy and Outback sister models, which debuted in 2009. In the case of Legasi, this is the fifth generation, and in the case of the off-road outback, the fourth. In the salons recently appeared a new generation of these cars. Subaru’s executives have long realized that originality always attracts a certain group of customers, although not numerous. Therefore, each subsequent generation, in addition to entertaining, but expensive in production solutions, acquired traditional – familiar and expected by a wide audience. So cars lost doors without windows, and under the hood appeared diesel. Although Subaru is increasingly trying to be like its competitors, it does not change its character. The Japanese still have two main characteristics that distinguish them from the rest of the middle class. The first is the opposition engine. No other company has shown such persistence in the use of this type of power unit. Even diesel engines of their own design received a horizontal scheme of cylinders. Is the game worth the candle? Technically speaking, yes! Such an arrangement of cylinders allows: to lower the center of gravity and the plane of the hood, and place the engine longitudinally, exactly along the axis of the car.

Interior

Nowadays, motorists are becoming more and more picky and do not buy what may be great from a technical point of view, but it turns out to be impractical in reality. How does Subaru cope with the role of a family car?

The Japanese company never tried to convince that Legashi (even in the back of a station wagon) could carry more than the Opel Vectra C or Mondeo. This is not the purpose of the car. However, in terms of functionality, Subaru Legacy is not ashamed. The exception is the luggage compartment of the sedan. The loading opening is narrow and uncomfortable. It's hard to complain about the station wagon. The opening is large, the shapes are moderately even, and the capacity is quite satisfactory - 526-1726 liters.

The interior can only be assessed positively. It provides a decent amount of space on both rows and is often richly equipped. You can also count on good quality of assembly and materials. There are instances with gray upholstery and on steel discs, but most often come across well-stocked versions with leather upholstery, alloy wheels, navigation, with a keyless access system and dual-zone climate control.

Legacy and Outback: What’s the Difference?

Despite the different names, the models are very closely related in technical terms. Legasi can act as a sedan and as a station wagon. Outback can be considered an off-road version of the Legacy wagon. The main difference is a higher ground clearance - 200 mm, instead of 150 mm. So if you often have to travel on low-quality roads, then you should choose Outback. It is only slightly different in design and engine palette. "Utroad vehicle" was never offered with a 2-liter gasoline engine. Legasi in the United States was equipped with a 3.6-liter engine.

Techniques

The most common power unit is the 2.5-liter petrol boxer, which is most often combined with the Lineatronic continuously variable automatic transmission. It's a really good combination. The car with a CVT is not very dynamic, but it consumes a little fuel: about 7-10 liters on the highway and 9.5-13 liters in the city. The box works very well. There is no howl characteristic of many cars, and the turns change smoothly. 2.5-liter unit is the only one equipped with an i-AVLS system that allows you to change the height of the intake valve lift. 2-liter modification is somewhat slower, but has a small fuel consumption. The engines of the 2.5 GT and 3.6 versions are noticeably more dynamic, but consume several liters more fuel. "Subarovsk" engines have an interesting sound, and an experienced mechanic will perform repairs without any problems. The most problematic were diesel engines, which are found to be seriously damaged. Depending on the engine, the types of all-wheel drive systems also differed. In the case of the manual transmission and motors 2.0, 2.0 D and 2.5, the Outback used a central conical differential with a viscous coupling designed for partial locking. In cars with a CVR (2.5 and 2.0 D) there is a clutch that automatically connects the rear axle when a slip of the front wheels is detected. In versions with a 3.6-liter unit and a classic automatic transmission, the central differential divides the torque between the front and rear wheels in a 45:55 ratio. None of the versions have a downshift.

Typical malfunctions

1. In the suspension, the stabilizer racks and bushes wear out the fastest. The chassis repair makes it easier to integrate many elements with other Subaru models. Trouble can bring knocking in the steering rack, appearing after 70-100 thousand km. The bulkhead of the rake is long short.

2. Oil leaks from the gasket of the head of the block are a fairly common disease of cars with a 2.5-liter unit. To replace the pads in both heads will need about $ 600. The engine must be removed before the operation.

3. A failure of the EGR exhaust gas recirculation valve in diesel engines will cost about $300 for a new valve. It is much worse if the crankshaft fails prematurely. We'll have to find another engine. Later, the car received a modified unit, but this does not completely save from the problem. Another disadvantage of the diesel unit is clogging of the particulate filter.

4. Quite expensive rear shock absorbers with self-leveling function - about $ 300 per piece.

5. Belt drive timing due to the long belt and the need to use several tensioners more expensive in maintenance than in many other models. The original set will cost 200-250 dollars. In the official service for it will have to pay $ 350. The pump requires replacement of every second replacement.

Review

• Let’s test this with the example of the Legacy and Outback sister models, which debuted in 2009.

Techniques

• Subarovsk engines have an interesting sound, and an experienced mechanic will perform repairs without any problems.
• The most problematic were diesel engines, which are found to be seriously damaged.
• However, Subaru does not have major problems with electrics and running gear.

Typical malfunctions

• The chassis repair makes it easier to integrate many elements with other Subaru models.
• Trouble can bring knocking in the steering rack, appearing after 70-100 thousand km. The bulkhead of the rake is long short.
• The engine must be removed before the operation.
• A failure of the EGR exhaust gas recirculation valve in diesel engines will cost about $300 for a new valve.
• Later, the car received a modified unit, but this does not completely save from the problem.
• Belt drive timing due to the long belt and the need to use several tensioners more expensive in maintenance than in many other models.

The Legacy and Outback are both good and reliable cars. However, they require professional service. In addition, the cost of some parts and work is slightly higher, compared to many popular mid-range models.

• Subaru cars have always been famous not only for their original design, but also for their very high quality and reliability.
• Nowadays, motorists are becoming more and more picky and do not buy what can be beautiful from a technical point of view, but turns out to be impractical in reality.
• Legacy and Outback: Despite the different names, the models are very closely related in technical terms.
• Technique: Subarovsk engines have an interesting sound, and an experienced mechanic will perform repairs without any problems.
• Typical faults: Running repairs make it easier for many elements to be compatible with other Subaru models.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.