Subaru Legacy Sports Tourer (2003-2009) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 23 - 49 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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Subaru servicing is good value and parts are reasonably priced. Compared to more premium makes, the Legacy Sports Tourer is good value too and comes well equipped, but the petrol engines can be thirsty – especially the 3.0-litre which returns just 23mpg. For long distance drivers, the diesel is easily the most attractive engine. The resale values tend to hold up better than the usual rep-mobile that you could buy for the price of the Legacy – the diesel should be especially good.

The four-wheel-drive, petrol-only Legacy performed fairly badly on the eco front, but the arrival of the diesel engine in 2008 improved the average CO2 output. This diesel is particularly impressive, and even compares well with less powerful, two-wheel-drive rivals – the VW Passat 2.0 TDI and Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI estates produce 156g/km compared to the Legacy 2.0D’s 151g/km.

Subaru built its reputation on producing tough workhorses that keep on running. The Legacy has been every bit as reliable and the interior should last much longer than on previous models.