Subaru Legacy BE

Legacy in brief

The Legacy has been in production since 1989. The Legacy estate spawned the Outback—a higher-riding, crossover-style version that later became a separate model.

In the Lithuanian used market, you'll most often encounter the fourth generation (BL/BP, 2003–2009) and fifth generation (BM/BR, 2009–2014). Both were offered as sedans and estates, with the estates being far more popular. The sixth generation (BN, from 2014) was sold in Europe only as a sedan and for a short time, with the estate role taken over by the Outback and Levorg.

All generations feature permanent all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed engines, making the Legacy stable in winter and on slippery roads.

Which generation to choose

The fourth generation (BL/BP) is light and sporty, with a high-quality interior; it was refreshed in 2006. Today, it's an affordable way to get a spacious estate with all-wheel drive, but most cars are now quite old, so rust and engine condition are key.

The fifth generation (BM/BR) became significantly larger and more spacious, especially at the rear. It rides more comfortably, features the Lineartronic CVT, and later on, newer FB series engines. For many buyers, this is the most rational choice: more modern, safer, and still quite well-equipped.

The sixth-generation (BN) sedan is harder to find in Europe. It comes with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and CVT, but it's the most modern and quietest.

Engines and transmissions

In the fourth generation, the most common engines are the 2.0 and 2.5-litre petrol units with four cylinders, while the most powerful version is the 3.0R with a six-cylinder engine (around 245 hp). From 2008, a 2.0D diesel (around 150 hp) was offered — the first light car diesel with opposed cylinders.

The fifth generation offers the 2.0i (around 150 hp), 2.5i (around 170 hp), and 2.0D diesel (around 150 hp), with the most powerful being the 3.6R with a six-cylinder engine (around 260 hp). In some markets, there was also the 2.5 GT with a turbocharger.

Older petrol versions come with manual or automatic transmissions. In the fifth generation, the 2.5i is often paired with the Lineartronic CVT, the 3.6R with a five-speed automatic, and the 2.0D diesel usually has a six-speed manual.

What to check when buying a used Legacy

First, inspect the body and undercarriage: older Legacy models often have rust on the rear wheel arches, sills, and underbody components. Check if the engine is leaking oil — this is common with opposed-cylinder engines.

The history of the 2.0D diesel engine is crucial: issues with the early camshaft pulley, dual-mass flywheel, and hard particle filter can be costly. If the car has mostly been driven in the city, diesel might not be the best choice.

All-wheel drive means matching tyres. During a test drive, turn the steering wheel to full lock and slowly drive in a circle — any clunking or grinding could indicate transmission problems. In an automatic, the car should move off smoothly, without hesitation.

Trim levels

Subaru trim names vary by country in Europe, so we list the most commonly encountered versions by engine.

Comparison of fifth-generation (BM/BR) versions.

For most buyers, the 2.5i with the automatic is the sweet spot — smooth and free from diesel woes. The 2.0D is more frugal on long journeys, but needs a clean history, while the 3.6R is for those who don't mind fuel costs.

Frequently asked questions