1993 Subaru Legacy L Wagon 4 cylinder. Boxer

Summary:

Solid and reliable, but not without it's maintenance woes

Faults:

New transmission just before bought (it was slipping in 5th gear).

Replaced driver's side CV joint.

No a/c. Snapped Belt.

Spark plug wires shorted out, replaced.

Leaks rather large amounts of oil.

Replaced front passenger side axle.

Stereo/speakers experiencing series of faults.

Exhaust system keeps developing leaks, even after sections replaced.

Filler neck was leaking, needed replacement.

Is starting to rust in several places.

General Comments:

Despite the lengthy list above, I actually like this car. It's been rather nice to me.

This car, like most Subarus, handles beautifully. I've never experience any loss of confidence on dirt, in the snow, or in wet conditions, even at unreasonable speeds. The steering is very solid and responsive and the brakes do their job well, despite not being anti lock.

Acceleration is satisfying, and frankly a bit surprising for an aging 4-cylinder. I've been known to rip a respectable front-wheel burnout on occaision, which bring me to my next point.

This machine can take a beating. It's never let me down. Even after being hit a couple times, it's solid as a rock. Always starts on cold New England mornings.

I plan on driving this car until it will no longer pass inspection. The only reason I'd replace it before then would be due to finding an irresistible alternative.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th September, 2005

22nd Aug 2006, 12:19

My filler neck has started leaking as well, and I think my CV joints are also in need of replacement. However, I completely agree with every pro you have stated about this particular vehicle.

1993 Subaru Legacy L 1.6

Summary:

Safe, reliable and economical basic transportation

Faults:

1.Torn CV boots, both sides. More than likely due to driving on too many rough logging roads.

2. AC compressor went out at 90,000 miles.

General Comments:

1. Has been very reliable from day one.

2. Suspension is a bit soft in the corners, but not a problem.

3. Good acceleration and gas mileage, about 22 in town and 26 on the freeway.

4. Mine is front-wheel drive, not all wheel drive , so seems to have a bit more power than those models.

5. Front brakes lasted 85,000 miles before needing replacement.

6. Automatic seat belt shoulder harness is a nuisance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2005

21st May 2007, 12:30

My only comment is that I have also replaced all my half shafts once, and CV boots twice, and have only driven on paved roads, so I think it is more of a design glitch than the fact that you drive on rough logging roads.

1993 Subaru Legacy L 4 cylinder

Summary:

Was fine, but would never pay the price they are asking these days

Faults:

I replaced every single thing on the car except transmission. At 75k miles, it needed thousands of dollars of repairs. Every belt. The fuel pump, sensor, and all electronic elements began going out every couple years. Electric windows burned out. Electric fuses on turn signals & brake lights went out ($250 repair). Then it quit going up hills at 95k miles, and would stall when it hit an incline. No one could figure out what was wrong & was cracks in engine. I took great care of the car, but it died years before I expected it to.

General Comments:

Did not handle snow well, would slide through intersections and slid backwards down hills in snow. But seats were comfy on long distance drives.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th February, 2005

26th Jul 2009, 22:46

I am not so sure what made you buy a car with all these things it needed/what you did to cause all these problems, but the 4 cylinder boxer engine will go forever, and the rest of the car is reliable. If your car is AWD, which I believe at least in North America it came as standard, you should have had absolutely no problems with traction. Maybe bad tires? This car can make anyone a driving ace. It sounds like you bought a lemon...