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2008 Subaru Legacy

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

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

Messages Page 23 of 27

#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.

#223 of 258 2008 GT Limited vs. 3.0?? by ylz

Jun 14, 2008 (10:00 am)

Ok well I decided my next car will be a 2008 Subaru Legacy and I have a question. Do I go with with the GT Limited or 3.0? Someone told me the 3.0 was a smoother drive which is nice. But the GT has more torque which is also a bonus, plus that hood scoop just looks cool. Has anyone driven the 3.0? Impressions? Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

#224 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy - Wait for `09? [pilot1226] by bodble2

Jun 14, 2008 (10:07 am)

Replying to: pilot1226 (Jun 09, 2008 7:57 am)
You've been doing 360's down the highway, but you don't want VDC? VDC is regarded by many as even more important in accident avoidance than ABS brakes.

#225 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy - Wait for `09? [bodble2] by pilot1226

Jun 18, 2008 (12:55 pm)

Replying to: bodble2 (Jun 14, 2008 10:07 am)
Haha, yeah, I've had a few times where - even on brand new tires - I've ended up doing 360's down the highway because slush got kicked up by the traffic in the middle lane and thrown under my front tires.
 
I was VERY impressed with my recent Legacy 2.5i SE test drive. I don't want the limited, nor do I want the 3.0 liter engine because of fuel economy and a personal preference (I don't like leather, especially in summer)
 
I wish they had heated seats with the cloth interior.
 
Thanks for the great replies! Crunching the numbers back and forth with Subaru dealer near me and hopefully will be a proud owner of an `08 Legacy.
 
It's my understanding that VDC is ASR, or acceleration slip reduction, this prevents too much power being transfered from the engine to the wheels, which will eliminate the "peel out" jackrabbit starts. If it does something else, maybe I'll wait for `09's.

#226 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy - Wait for `09? [pilot1226] by dcm61

Jun 18, 2008 (3:20 pm)

Replying to: pilot1226 (Jun 18, 2008 12:55 pm)
It's my understanding that VDC is ASR, or acceleration slip reduction, this prevents too much power being transfered from the engine to the wheels, which will eliminate the "peel out" jackrabbit starts. If it does something else, maybe I'll wait for `09's.
 
VDC is Traction Control plus Stability Control.
 
Stability Control will attempt to keep you in the direction you intended to go. This is done by either applying the brakes to a specific wheel or reducing engine power.

Messages Page 23 of 27

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