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2008 Subaru Legacy

258 messages,  Last post on Jan 05, 2011 at 6:18 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 23 of 27

#213 of 258 Gas mileage on Subarus by ylz

Jun 10, 2008 (7:34 pm)

Hello eveyone. I'm interesting in buying a new car and I have narrowed it down to a 2008 Subaru Tribeca or a 2008 Subaru Legacy GT. I know they are two totally different cars but I love them both but I was wondering about the gas mileage. The Tribeca takes regular gas and averages 21mpg on the highway. The Legacy GT takes premium gas (I believe) and averages 24mpg highway. Now my question is am I better off with the Tribeca or Legacy in terms of gas mileage? And I have never owned a car that uses premium fuel. Do you really need to put it because I heard of people getting away with using regular. Let me know what you guys think please. I have driven the Tribeca by the way and love the smooth ride. Have never drove the Legacy GT yet but I heard it's fun. Any thoughts? Thanks.

#214 of 258 Re: Gas mileage on Subarus [ylz] by woodyboy

Jun 11, 2008 (9:10 am)

Replying to: ylz (Jun 10, 2008 7:34 pm)
My 08 GT MT gets 20-21 around town and 28-30 on the road according to the onboard computer. I don't think it is completely accurate but close. I drive it in both the S and I mode. The car has around 7000 miles. It is a great car! I really enjoy it.

#215 of 258 Re: Gas mileage on Subarus [ylz] by ateixeira

Jun 11, 2008 (1:10 pm)

Replying to: ylz (Jun 10, 2008 7:34 pm)
Per the EPA the Leg will still do better. Annual fuel costs would be about $166 less. They make a lot of assumptions, but that's one reference.
 
I don't think 45 cents per day should sway your decision either way, buy the one that puts the bigger smile on your face.
 
Definitely stick with at least 91 octane for the GT. Around me, Sunoco sells 87, 89, 91, and 93. So 91 octane is actually cheaper than 93 at those stations. May be worth looking into...

#217 of 258 2008 Legacy - Wait for `09? by pilot1226

Jun 09, 2008 (7:57 am)

Hiya,
 
I've been in the market for a new car for a little over a year now, and I've had a very conservative approach thus far. I've test driven several different cars, from the Toyota Prius, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, and Subaru Outback.
 
I'm currently driving a 2000 Honda Civic LX (Automatic, 87500 miles) that recently has been making some odd noises and other little things that are making it start showing its age. Aside from the timing belt maintenance (suggested by the dealer at 65000 miles/5 years), I've been up on everything else and have the maintenance records available, it's in pretty good working condition save for random noises that come and go every few months (I check the fluids, cables, nothing seems to be low/worn/etc.).
 
I'm at the point now where I've decided Subaru will definitely be the manufacturer of my next car. I originally was a little uneasy about the 170hp engine only getting 27MPG, but the safety of the All-Wheel Drive vastly outweighs the extra 13MPG I typically get with my Civic - especially after I've been doing 360's down major highways during rain and snow up here in New Jersey.
 
I'm torn between whether or not I should go for the 2008 Legacy or wait for the 2009's or 2010's. I've seen on multiple forums that there's a redesign right around the corner for the Legacy, most suggest 2010 for the change (larger chassis, VDC standard, etc.), but 2009 only has minor cosmetic upgrades like sound.
 
Regarding VDC, I could take it or leave it, as all it is is Acceleration Slip Reduction which has been on Volkswagens for years, and I don't peel out ever when I'm accelerating so this is more or less a moot point for me.
 
So, again, here's what I'm trying to get an impression of with this thread:
1. Is it worth waiting for 2009-2010 (is there a major model change around the corner?)
2. What is the typical maintenance cost at the dealer (average, slightly cheaper, slightly more expensive)?
3. Do you prefer the Subaru dealer for service?
4. Any other thoughts or comments regarding the model?
 
Thanks!

#218 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy - Wait for `09? [pilot1226] by ateixeira

Jun 09, 2008 (8:32 am)

Replying to: pilot1226 (Jun 09, 2008 7:57 am)
2010 is the re-do so 2009 will likely only get very mild changes.
 
Between a 2008 and a 2009, I would take the deal on the 2008 right now. Unless the 09 doesn't cost any more (they should arrive very soon).
 
The only extra maintenance is to change the fluid on the rear differential, which takes one quart of gear oil (80w90). It's not hard to do at all.

#219 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy - Wait for `09? [ateixeira] by pilot1226

Jun 09, 2008 (10:23 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 09, 2008 8:32 am)
Okay, some good advice there then, thanks. I haven't done a single oil change on my car, mostly because the Civic's very cramped inside (had to have a friend help with headlights)

#220 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy - Wait for `09? [pilot1226] by ateixeira

Jun 10, 2008 (8:07 am)

Replying to: pilot1226 (Jun 09, 2008 10:23 am)
The good news is there is an active Subaru Crew community here on Edmunds, we can help with stuff like that.

#221 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy - Wait for `09? [ateixeira] by paisan

Jun 13, 2008 (7:56 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 10, 2008 8:07 am)
2010 will be significantly larger than the 05-09.
 
-mike

#222 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy - Wait for `09? [pilot1226] by kmaurer

Jun 14, 2008 (8:29 am)

Replying to: pilot1226 (Jun 09, 2008 7:57 am)
1. Is it worth waiting for 2009-2010?
 
I would say, in your instance, where you not "needing" the VDC to get a 2008. I bought a Legacy Limited in March (for the VDC), and got a very good deal, even with Subarus being very popular in Utah.
 
2. What is the typical maintenance cost at the dealer?
 
I've done some reasearch on the 3 Subaru dealers close to my home. Their prices for service are about the same as any other dealer.
 
3. Do you prefer the Subaru dealer for service?
 
I live in a condo, so I can't do my own maintenance. I generally use the dealer for convenience - I work right next to an automall, so I can drop the car off in the morning, or get oil changes done during my lunch hour, etc. Talking with other Subaru owners, there are a lot of good independent mechanics out there.
 
4. Any other thoughts or comments regarding the model?
 
My Legacy is the first Subaru I have owned. Overall, I really like it, especially in the snow. The interior will be considered "cramped" by your average american. I think the interior is just the right size - not too large, not too small. It has adequate power, but honestly, I was expecting more given the size of the engine (I don't have the turbocharger). The leather on my Limited seems of good quality. The auto climate control is "wierd," and I have to do a lot of manual adjustment as I'm driving.
 
Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Subaru.

Messages Page 23 of 27

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