Subaru Legacy 4 / Outback 3
Valuation of the Subaru Legacy 4 / Outback 3 (2003–2009): condition, paperwork, inspection and terms of sale.
Indicative purchase price
Below market value
Final price agreed after inspection.
Value my car1Why buyers choose this model
Legacy and its all-wheel drive version of the Outback debuted in the fall of 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The model was available with two body types - sedan and station wagon (Outback).
2What buyers check
Review
Legacy and its all-wheel drive version of the Outback debuted in the fall of 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The model was available with two body types - sedan and station wagon (Outback). In 2007, there was an update, which slightly refreshed the appearance and interior. A year later, a diesel engine appeared in the engine range of Subaru Legasi.
Fans of the brand believe that the fourth incarnation of Legacy is one of the most beautiful models in the history of Subaru. Admittedly, they're right. The sporting and dynamic lines look very elegant, but do not pay too much attention to themselves. A real wolf in sheep's clothing. Against this background, the Outback looks even more muscular - a high ground clearance of 200 mm, extended wheel arches and swollen bumpers. Characteristic details - glass without frames, two exhaust pipes and an impressive air intake on the hood of turbocharged versions.
Body iron, unlike the previous generation model, is not prone to corrosion. Small points can be observed in the area of wheel arches only in the oldest specimens.
Interior
Inside the driver and passengers welcomes a well-organized and ordered cabin, finished with materials of good quality. Despite the significant external dimensions, the volume of space for passengers is less than that of competitors. There is a lack of space in the back of the legs. The trunk is also not impressive: 433 liters in the sedan and 459 liters in the station wagon. Legacy/Outback is not ashamed of the equipment. A climate installation, a full electric package, xenon headlights, often leather upholstery are just a small part of the amenities that can be found on board Subaru Legasi.
The salon is well assembled - there are no creaks even at large runs. If there's any noise, maybe the salon was taken down. For example, in connection with the restoration after repair. Painted plastic is prone to scratches. This will have to be accepted, as well as with the whistle from the doors at a speed of more than 140 km / h. The doors have no window frames, which is the reason for the acoustic effects.
Engine
Under the hood of Subaru Legasi, you can find only the opposing type of engines, which are famous for their fantastic bass sound. The most common was a 2-liter gasoline atmospheric capacity of 137-150 hp. In addition, its “enhanced” version was available – 165 hp. In the line of power units there were more voluminous engines - 2.5 liters (165-173 hp and 243 hp - with turbocharging) and atmospheric 3.0 l (245 hp). In 2008, the opposition turbodiesel of Subaru’s own design was introduced. The engine developed 150 hp. and 350 Nm of torque. The average fuel consumption of gasoline units is in the range of 9-14 liters, and diesel - about 6 l / 100 km. Although Legacy is considered very reliable, it has a few weaknesses. Due to the rather complex design, the cost of operation is much more expensive than that of competitors. Subaru Legasi’s aspirated engines rarely offer surprises, unlike their turbocharged counterparts. Inconvenient can deliver equipment, including a sensor position crankshaft. The innovative turbodiesel quickly wears out the grip, there are frequent problems with an expensive injection system. Also recorded cases of destruction of the crankshaft. 2.5-liter turbo engine tends to break the gasket under the head of the block. This will be indicated by noticeable oil stains. Dangerous consequences of the defect - the ingress of hot air into the cooling system, which increases the temperature of the liquid to critical values. To eliminate the malfunction, you will have to replace the gasket under two heads and grind. That's the rule.
Suspension
The car feels confident in all conditions, thanks to the constant distribution of thrust on both axles. Subaru Legasi retains neutral turnability, and accurate steering helps to pass corners. Despite its sporty nature, Legacy provides good comfort while driving.
The suspension is organized on the Macpherson struts in the front and a multi-link scheme at the rear. It is worth noting the rather low durability of the front suspension - Silent blocks of levers and shock absorbers.
Transmission
The engines were aggregated with a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission, as well as with a 4 or 5-speed automatic. All versions of the Legacy IV are equipped with all-wheel drive. In versions with the machine for the distribution of torque was taken care of electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Models with mechanics were equipped with a permanent all-wheel drive with three differentials. In the naturally aspirated gasoline Outback with manual transmission there is an additional gearbox behind the gearbox. At the same speeds of the engine, the wheels rotate more slowly. The gearbox can be turned on and off during movement. To do this, it is enough only to press the clutch and move the lever on the central tunnel to the appropriate position. In versions with turbocharging, a rear differential lock was installed instead of the gearbox. In cars with manual transmissions, when running more than 200,000 km, problems often arise. For example, when maneuvering in the parking lot, it seems that the parking brake is on. The reason is a faulty viscosity coupling of the center differential. The clutch blocks the wheels through the all-wheel drive system, or "passes" - then a characteristic rattling is distributed. Repairs are not cheap. The new clutch costs about $700, plus $100 for changing the oil in the gearbox and $250 for work and adjustment. After 4-5 years of operation, Subaru Legacy bursts the anthers of the internal SRUS. You will feel it literally because the lubricant from the hinges hits the hot exhaust system and a specific smell enters the cabin.
3Pre-purchase checklist
Review
- Characteristic details - glass without frames, two exhaust pipes and an impressive air intake on the hood of turbocharged versions.
- Body iron, unlike the previous generation model, is not prone to corrosion.
Interior
- For example, in connection with the restoration after repair. Painted plastic is prone to scratches.
Engine
- The innovative turbodiesel quickly wears out the grip, there are frequent problems with an expensive injection system.
- To eliminate the malfunction, you will have to replace the gasket under two heads and grind. That's the rule.
- Many of the 2.5-liter turbo engines have major repairs.
- km because of soot, the valves of the EGR exhaust gas recirculation system wear out. There are two in the system. The cost of repairs is about $300.
- Short-term loss of traction at 2500-3000 rpm indicates contamination of the throttle. It can be cleaned, $20.
- The flagship 3-liter 6-pot petrol opposition walks without any problems over 300,000 km.
- Characteristic ailments: high oil consumption, increased fuel appetite and expensive repairs.
- The swelling of the sleeve was a sad fate.
Transmission
- In cars with manual transmissions, when running more than 200,000 km, problems often arise.
- The clutch blocks the wheels through the all-wheel drive system, or "passes" - then a characteristic rattling is distributed. Repairs are not cheap.
- Replacing one anther with a hinge revision will cost $ 60.
4Challenges of selling privately
Legacy/Outback is a great offer for those who have grown up from a young age, but do not want to completely change their character. Subaru Legasi has never been a sales leader, and therefore there are not so many offers compared to competitors. Be careful of cars imported from the United States, many of which have been seriously damaged.
- Overview: Characteristic details - glass without frames, two exhaust pipes and an impressive air intake on the hood of turbocharged versions.
- Interior: For example, in connection with the restoration after repair. Painted plastic is prone to scratches.
- Engine: The innovative turbodiesel wears out the grip quickly, there are frequent problems with an expensive injection system.
- Suspension: The car feels confident in all conditions, thanks to the constant distribution of traction on both axles.
- Transmission: In cars with manual transmissions, when running more than 200,000 km, problems often arise.
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.
5How selling to us works
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.

