1998 Legacy L reviews?

[DSieg]

I'm thinking of buying a 1998 Legacy L with 55K miles. Seems to be in
good shape, just got its 60K scheduled maint done by the independent
dealer/garage (only does Subaru). They're asking right around the
Kelly value.

- Assuming it's been well cared for, am I likely to have low maint
cost for the next 50K?

- Generally are Subarus expensive or not when they do need repairs?

- Anyone like or not like theirs?

Thanks ~DS

 

[Hallan Blaggit]

A 98 with 55K on it? Heavens, I just took my 98 in for its 255K km
checkup, and replace a wheel bearing. I'd love it if it only had 55K

 

[Marcus]

As much as i love my 98 Sube, UK surveys show Subarus are the most expensive
cars to maintain in terms of parts prices and repair times.

 

[John Rethorst]

As much as i love my 98 Sube, UK surveys show Subarus are the most expensive
cars to maintain in terms of parts prices and repair times.

Do you have web links etc. for these surveys?

 

[hippo]

As much as i love my 98 Sube, UK surveys show Subarus are >the most
expensive cars to maintain in terms of parts >prices and repair times.>>

<<Do you have web links etc. for these surveys?

--
John Rethorst
jrethorst at post dot com>>

IME total costs on schedule 3 & 4 services are quite high, as are parts
prices (although others are worse) *but* general running costs outside of
book services are mainly fuel, tyres and the occasional oil topup or small
part.
Overall, cheapest car to own I've had in 30 years.

 

[Gil Cleeton]

I have 96 Legacy L 90000 miles and only had tire problems, so I have bought
99 Legacy L 121000 miles to keep it company. Very accessible except spark
plugs!
Only problems one dead starter motor and one intermittent speedometer.
Gil

 

[Charlie Sachs]

I'm thinking of buying a 1998 Legacy L with 55K miles. Seems to be in
good shape, just got its 60K scheduled maint done by the independent
dealer/garage (only does Subaru). They're asking right around the
Kelly value.

My '98 has 125K and is generally dependable. Even with the occasional
repair: (wheel bearing, timing belt, engine shaft seals, clutch, ect.), you
must consider that you are a buying a specialized vehicle. Although the
Subaru is a low priced AWD, it costs you a little more for gasoline and
repair labor than a front drive car. If I didn't need the all wheel drive
I would not own a Subaru unless I got a deal that I couldn't refuse. I'd go
for a Toyota or a Honda. My Corolla is nicer/easier/cheaper to drive in
normal conditions..

If you can do your own work you have an advantage with the Suby. They are
not complex if you have basic tools, mechanical experience and time. You
need to see if the timing belt has been changed yet as it is soon due. I
think my dealer charged me $250 for the job, complete. I did the third one
for the price of a belt, ($65). I bought the belt idler kit for $130, that
I didn't really need, and installed it but my original idlers were fine.
There are other parts associated with a timing belt change, but are usually
OK at 55K-which is low mileage. Charlie

 

[Hallraker]

I'm thinking of buying a 1998 Legacy L with 55K miles. Seems to be in
good shape, just got its 60K scheduled maint done by the independent
dealer/garage (only does Subaru). They're asking right around the
Kelly value.

I've got a '95 (same body, slightly smaller engine) with 171,000 miles.

Awesome car.

-Matt

 

[Dave]

My '98 has 125K and is generally dependable. Even with the occasional
repair: (wheel bearing, timing belt, engine shaft seals, clutch, ect.), you
must consider that you are a buying a specialized vehicle. Although the
Subaru is a low priced AWD, it costs you a little more for gasoline and
repair labor than a front drive car. If I didn't need the all wheel drive
I would not own a Subaru unless I got a deal that I couldn't refuse. I'd go
for a Toyota or a Honda. My Corolla is nicer/easier/cheaper to drive in
normal conditions..

If you can do your own work you have an advantage with the Suby. They are
not complex if you have basic tools, mechanical experience and time. You
need to see if the timing belt has been changed yet as it is soon due. I
think my dealer charged me $250 for the job, complete. I did the third one
for the price of a belt, ($65). I bought the belt idler kit for $130, that
I didn't really need, and installed it but my original idlers were fine.
There are other parts associated with a timing belt change, but are usually
OK at 55K-which is low mileage. Charlie

I agree completely with you Charlie. My '98 Outback has 195,000K and
it has been expensive!
I bought it with 90,000k (new timing belt). Since then I have spent
$5500 CDN on a clutch & slave, transmission case?, viscous coupler and
another timing belt and water pump(recommended with belt). This in
addition to regular maintenance. The body is standing up well so far
but the car is heavy, gutless and noisy. I bought it because we have
a steep driveway at the cottage and a little snow causes trouble for
all but AWD cars. The Subaru handles the snow very well.
I have 2 other cars, both Toyotas and would NOT buy another Subaru.
Good Luck!
Dave