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2008 Subaru Legacy

2008 Subaru Legacy

The 2008 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that comes with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine is also available, which produces 245 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. The Legacy comes with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission.

The Legacy is a popular choice among drivers who are looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient sedan. It has a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. However, there are some issues that owners have reported with the 2008 Legacy.

Engine

2.5-liter four-cylinder

  • Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and loss of power. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Timing belt failure: The timing belt can fail, causing the engine to stall. Symptoms include a sudden loss of power, a rattling noise from the engine, and difficulty starting the engine. The solution is to replace the timing belt. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

3.0-liter six-cylinder

  • Valve spring failure: The valve springs can fail, causing the valves to stick. Symptoms include a loss of power, rough idling, and a ticking noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the valve springs. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

Transmission

Six-speed manual transmission:

  • Grinding gears: The gears can grind when shifting. Symptoms include a grinding noise when shifting, difficulty shifting, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $2,500 - $3,500+

Five-speed automatic transmission:

  • Slipping gears: The gears can slip when shifting. Symptoms include a loss of power, erratic shifting, and a delay when shifting. The solution is to replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $3,000+

Suspension

  • Strut failure: The struts can fail, causing the car to bounce and handle poorly. Symptoms include a bouncing ride, poor handling, and a knocking noise from the front of the car. The solution is to replace the struts. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Electrical

  • Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to drain. Symptoms include dim lights, a dead battery, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Starter failure: The starter can fail, making it difficult or impossible to start the car. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the car, a dead battery, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Exterior

  • Rust: The body of the car can rust, especially in areas where there is a lot of salt or moisture. Symptoms include rust spots on the body, bubbling paint, and holes in the body. The solution is to repair the rust damage. Estimated cost to fix: Varies depending on the severity of the damage

Interior

  • Dashboard peeling: The dashboard can peel, causing it to look unsightly. Symptoms include peeling paint or material on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the dashboard. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Seat fabric tearing: The seat fabric can tear, causing the seats to look worn and uncomfortable. Symptoms include tears in the seat fabric. The solution is to replace the seat covers or the entire seat. Estimated cost to fix: Varies depending on the severity of the tears

Summary

The 2008 Subaru Legacy is a reliable and fuel-efficient sedan. However, it does have some potential issues, including head gasket failure, timing belt failure, valve spring failure, grinding gears, slipping gears, strut failure, alternator failure, starter failure, rust, dashboard peeling, and seat fabric tearing. The severity of these issues varies, and the cost of repairs can be significant.

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