Hello, I am new to this forum.
I am considering replacing my old car with a Legacy between 1996 & 2001. But I am overwelmed and confused by the amount of information on the internet about problems with these cars. Is there anyone that can tell me which year between '96 & '01 that is the most reliable? And, if there is a certain year, are there any chronic problems that I should be aware of? And, is there any other Subaru model between those years that might be even more reliable?
I know nothing about fixing cars and would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me.

Thank you,
Clyde Howell

Hello, I am new to this forum.
I am considering replacing my old car with a Legacy between 1996 & 2001. But I am overwelmed and confused by the amount of information on the internet about problems with these cars. Is there anyone that can tell me which year between '96 & '01 that is the most reliable? And, if there is a certain year, are there any chronic problems that I should be aware of? And, is there any other Subaru model between those years that might be even more reliable?
I know nothing about fixing cars and would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me.

Thank you,
Clyde Howell

Hello Clyde
As an owner of a 1996 Legacy L sedan, I have a love, love, hate relationship with my car. The functionality has been great with the AWD and interior space/$. The base models come with nice features like power windows/locks and cruise control.

In general it has performed well up to the current 136000. The reliability has not quite been what a Toyota or a Honda would have been. My problem areas:
1. Front oil seal (just behind the timing belt at the crank)
2. Wheel bearings - all
3. Leaky side diff seal - freakish manufacturer defect
4. Water pump replacement
5. Center diff is giving out - makes the wheels chirp in tight turns. This will be expensive.

Hope this helps your decision assuming you haven't made it already.