Subaru Legacy 2009-2014 used car review
The Subaru Legacy is a capable mid-size sedan with the bonus of all-wheel drive for extra traction in wet conditions.
The Subaru Legacy is a capable mid-size sedan with the bonus of all-wheel drive for extra traction in wet or slippery conditions. A large turning circle may be a turnoff for city drivers.
The fifth-generation Subaru Legacy was launched in 2009. It features a new look, new transmission and the Subaru Intelligent Drive system, which allows the driver to select modes that control throttle, gearbox and steering settings. The system can act automatically to save fuel, or prioritise performance.
Inside and out
This Subaru Legacy generation looks less streamlined than its predecessor with a higher roof and chunkier styling. The greater height improves interior space, while a bolder satin-chrome grille completes the picture.
Our 2009 model used import review Legacy features keyless entry, push-button start, climate control air conditioning with different temperature setting options for the driver and passenger, and alloy wheels.
It has an aftermarket New Zealand–specification stereo, so didn’t need a band expander. The lack of steering wheel controls for the audio system and cruise control seem odd for this type of car. The centre console looks very modern and logically laid out, although the bright fake wood trim may not be to everyone’s tastes.
The driver’s seat is comfortable, with side bolsters holding you in place. It is also able to be electrically-adjusted. The rear seat is very spacious, with generous legroom. The centre seating position is wide and flat, with no ridge in the centre – far more comfortable for a middle seat passenger, and makes it suitable for child booster or car seats.
The Legacy’s boot is large at 476 litres, enough for around five medium-sized suitcases. The relatively modest opening means it’s harder to get large items in. The rear seats do not fold down, which impacts practicality, but a small ski hatch allows long, thin objects to fit. If this is an issue, a station wagon version is also available.
On the road
Many cars claim to be all-wheel drive, but only shift power to all four wheels when the car’s electronic systems sense it is required. Subaru’s system fitted to this Legacy provides constant power to all wheels all the time, so delivery is smooth with improved grip and handling. If you regularly drive on roads with ice or gravel patches, this system will provide you with more confidence.
The 2.5-litre engine produces 127kW and 236Nm, which is plenty for day-to-day driving. On the open road you should have no issue with overtaking or steep hills, although in conjunction with the CVT automatic, the engine can sound a little harsh when pushed.
2-litre four-cylinder engines in normal or turbocharged forms and a 3.6-litre six cylinder are also available, but the 2.5-litre offers the best compromise of economy and everyday performance.
The CVT automatic transmission is smooth, and the driver can change gears manually through six preset ratios. Push the gear lever into the sports setting and use the lever or steering-wheel-mounted paddles to change gears. Gear shifts can be slow to respond in manual, but the shift itself is crisp.
The 'SI', or Subaru Intelligent Drive system, has three modes, controlled by a dial on the centre console. Sport changes the transmission settings to run the engine at higher revs and power. Sport #, (or Sport Plus) also sharpens the power steering and throttle response for a very sporty drive, while the normal, or ‘intelligent’ position aims to balance power and economy.
The 'SI’ has three modes, controlled by a dial on the centre console. Sport changes the transmission settings to run the engine at higher revs and power. Sport # also sharpens the power steering and throttle response for a very sporty drive, while the normal, or ‘intelligent’ position aims to balance power and economy.
This Legacy will tow 1,800kg of braked trailer and 750kg unbraked, which is better than most of the competition, including some SUVs, such as the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Urban manoeuvrability and parking are not a strong point of this Legacy. Its 11-metre turning circle matches many SUVs, as the flat-four engine takes up extra space and limits how far the wheels can be allowed to turn.
Reliability
Despite being more complicated than most medium-size sedans because of its flat-four engine and all-wheel drive system, the 2009-2014 Subaru Legacy has a good reputation for reliability.
Overseas reports mention piston failure from this engine, but that doesn’t seem a significant issue in New Zealand; perhaps as cars here are well serviced.
A rare failure of the main airbag module (not related to the well-known Takata airbag recall) can be spotted via the ‘SRS’ warning light on the dashboard. Fixing this needs a specialised technician with the correct Subaru scanning tool, and costs up to $1,000.
Since Subarus are popular for visiting ski fields and snowy areas both here, and in Japan where our used import review vehicle came from, check under the car for signs of corrosion.
Subaru’s corrosion protection is usually very good, but watch for discolouring and bubbling of metal surfaces around the suspension and rear differential. If you see this, avoid the vehicle.
Safety
This generation of Subaru Legacy has not yet received a Used Car Safety Rating. The New Zealand–new version, with a similar safety specification, received a five-star ANCAP rating (2009-2014), with a high rating for side impacts, and a good rating for frontal impacts.
The testing noted protection from serious leg injury for the driver was marginal. It received an acceptable rating for pedestrian safety.
Our review car carries a good level of safety equipment, including driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, as well as electronic brake-force distribution and electronic stability control.
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts in the window seating positions, and seat tether points on the parcel shelf below the rear window.
Some Legacys of this generation produced from May 2010 will feature Subaru’s EyeSight system, a camera-based safety assistant that includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It is obvious that if a car has this feature, as a camera is visible either side of the rear-vision mirror when looking through the windscreen.
The design’s high tail creates blind spots to the rear, so you will want reversing sensors or a rear camera, neither of which were fitted to our review vehicle. Systems are available on Trade Me from $50, or you can have one professionally installed from $200.
Cost of ownership
The 2.5-litre engine requires a service every year, or at 12,500km, whichever comes first. There is a major service that includes a cam-belt change every 100,000km or five years, whichever comes first. A Subaru dealer quoted us $368 for a standard service and $2,185 for the major service.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, a Legacy 2.5 will cost $2,210 a year to fuel, less than the cost of running a Mazda Atenza of the same year thanks to its efficient CVT automatic transmission, but more than the all-wheel drive European models with which it also competes. At $2 a litre the 70-litre tank costs $140 to fill and will take you up to 820km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for a 2009 Subaru Legacy costs $85.59 a year, with the car in the cheapest ACC levy group.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for the car will cost $65.22 per month. That’s $8 a month more than all-wheel-drive Volkswagen Passat, but $12 a month less than an all-wheel-drive Audi A4.
Buyers' guide
Prices for 2009–2014 Subaru Legacy sedans with the 2.5-litre engine on Trade Me start at $10,000, rising to $22,000 for newer, lower mileage vehicles. The station-wagon version normally fetches a higher price than the sedan.
As the 100,000km service could be worth as much as 20% of the value of the vehicle, it is wise to look for a Legacy with either low mileage or has had that service completed.
Versions available:
- Base - Standard specification
- L Package - Features alloy wheels, wood trim and keyless entry
- S Package – higher-specification model including leather trim and steering wheel audio controls
Timeline
- 2009 - Production begins in Japan
- 2010 - EyeSight system becomes available in wagon version
Details
Subaru Legacy 2.5i L Package
$11,000 to $20,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
2.5-litre four-cylinder, 127kW/236Nm (claimed)
CVT automatic, all-wheel drive
Unrated
12,500km or 12 months
Space saver
7.9-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
4753mm
1821mm
1506mm
750kg (unbraked), 1800kg (braked
11m
This review covers the Subaru Legacy for model years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Review vehicle supplied by 2CheapCars, Botany.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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