2013 Subaru Legacy Premium at 95k miles - Worth the buy?

Asked by JungleJim911 Mar 30, 2021 at 04:42 PM about the 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium AWD

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

I've been looking to distance myself from a car I bought that's problematic (I'd describe further, but that's a big story for a different topic) and the dealership I bought it from is cutting me a good deal for a trade in, and so far one of the few cars that interested me is the 2013 Subaru Legacy. I've been doing research and it seems like an all around solid car, and I liked it a lot on the test drive, especially considering it's got leather seats and cheek warmers in the seats.
I had the dealer print me out the carfaxes for the cars I was interested in, including this one, and the service records for this one were actually pretty robust, at least two visits a year. I read that the CVT is one of the highlights for problems in another area on this site, and the Carfax says the transmission was serviced back in 2018, and that was the first and only time it was in the records. However, that doesn't mean the CVT was replaced, it may have just been a fluid flush. I plan to have a mechanic take a look at the car if I buy it, but I thought I'd ask here first before going through with it; are there any other things I should look out for? Is this as good of a deal as it seems, or another trap of a pre-owned car?
On the test drive I parked it to do some checks, popped the hood and saw some fluid around what I believe is the oil filter, but it doesn't look like oil, and a black splotch at the bottom of the engine housing. There wasn't any oil smell in the cabin or when I popped the hood, and given the long service record it doesn't necessarily flag me since it may have just been spilt when the previous owner had it changed change. Or could this be something else?
Thank you for reading and answering!

2 Answers

I would not worry about that bit of oil at the filter. The oil change guy probably did not wipe up the oil when the filter was changed. Your plan to have a mechanic check it out is good and your concern about the CVT is valid.

1 people found this helpful.
930

Yup...except: check to be sure that the seepage doesn't emanate from a seam on the aluminum large front engine cam cover, as this is a horrendous (10hr repair)! But more likely it's spillage.... You are at. fairly strong risk for both needing a CVT valve body solenoid ($1k all in) or an entire used CVT, which is difficult to source used as 2013 is all alone for swapping. Hence expect to pay $1.5-2.2k PLUS $600 labor to replace with another used one. If you're doing that grab the old valve body on the way to the metal recycler. A safe course might be to put aside $1-2k for CVT issues ongoing. All these Subies eat wheel bearings, so expect to need them eventually too...especially the rear. ($250 each corner, as needed). "Servicing" the old CVT is useless, as the old fluid draining out looks just like the new, and it's a biut tricky to get the level correct...which is more important than changing it! The sturdy new (2013) DOHC 2.5i uses iridium spark plugs, so don't chase them until the 10-12 yr or 200k mark, let's say. Your front serpentine might start chirping; if so, replace with the 1/2" shorter one to accommodate the eventual stretching. Brakes and exhaust are easy, and the gas struts usually hold up well. Being a lower Legacy, you don't require the thicker STi rear antiswaybar needed on the taller OBs. Handling WILL be better with UHP H or V good rubber, as the excellent steering warrants it. I sold quite a few 2013-2014 Legs/OBs years ago, and only one client (my daughter!) ate the CVT, so relax and realize you're rolling pretty favorable dice. Good luck.

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    2,800
  • #2
    Anthony_60
    Reputation
    1,800
  • #3
    Tom Hawkins
    Reputation
    1,510
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
28 Great Deals out of 871 listings starting at $1,895
Used Subaru Impreza
28 Great Deals out of 473 listings starting at $3,850
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $2,212
Used Subaru Forester
22 Great Deals out of 1,056 listings starting at $2,695
Used Honda Accord
43 Great Deals out of 907 listings starting at $1,599
Used Honda Civic
176 Great Deals out of 3,690 listings starting at $1,995
Used Subaru Crosstrek
26 Great Deals out of 912 listings starting at $5,995
Used Toyota Corolla
122 Great Deals out of 1,994 listings starting at $2,795
Used Honda CR-V
99 Great Deals out of 3,843 listings starting at $1,795
Used Mazda MAZDA3
73 Great Deals out of 1,498 listings starting at $2,495
Used Subaru Impreza WRX
15 listings starting at $4,995
Used Lexus IS
18 Great Deals out of 305 listings starting at $6,449

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.