Average fuel economy and maintenance costs
The Legacy achieved a fuel economy rating of 10.4 L/100 km, which is excellent for a rather large midsize sedan. When driving smoothly on the highway, the consumption dropped to 8.4 L/100 km. And as our tests have shown, the fuel economy is even better with the automatic transmission.
Maintenance costs were essentially comprised of two oil changes (one at each 6,000 km) and a filter replacement -- as is recommended by the manufacturer. We booked an appointment at a Subaru dealer and all the work was completed right on time, with efficiency and courtesy. Meanwhile, the technicians also inspected the fluid levels, the clutch guard, the timing belt tension, the tire pressure and the general condition of the vehicle by performing a quick road test. Each inspection cost $61,98. The first comprehensive inspection will be performed when the Legacy reaches 24,000 km.
Minor trouble
On two separate occasions during the last leg of our long-term road test, we tried to start the car only to find out that the battery was dead. The first time, we might have forgotten to completely close the rear hatch and, consequently, the roof lamps must have been left on for a few days. The second time, however, we made sure that it was indeed closed. Anyhow, the CAA-Subaru roadside assistance service rapidly came to our rescue by boosting our car.
We explained this trouble to the service manager, arguing that it might originate from a defective hatch closing system. Upon inspection, We were told that an electric switch inside the device was at fault--the same that warns the driver on the dashboard if any of the five doors is not closed. The switch was immediately replaced at no extra cost.
The Legacy achieved a fuel economy rating of 10.4 L/100 km, which is excellent for a rather large midsize sedan. When driving smoothly on the highway, the consumption dropped to 8.4 L/100 km. And as our tests have shown, the fuel economy is even better with the automatic transmission.
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| Strangely, the Legacy's fuel economy is even better with the automatic transmission. |
Maintenance costs were essentially comprised of two oil changes (one at each 6,000 km) and a filter replacement -- as is recommended by the manufacturer. We booked an appointment at a Subaru dealer and all the work was completed right on time, with efficiency and courtesy. Meanwhile, the technicians also inspected the fluid levels, the clutch guard, the timing belt tension, the tire pressure and the general condition of the vehicle by performing a quick road test. Each inspection cost $61,98. The first comprehensive inspection will be performed when the Legacy reaches 24,000 km.
Minor trouble
On two separate occasions during the last leg of our long-term road test, we tried to start the car only to find out that the battery was dead. The first time, we might have forgotten to completely close the rear hatch and, consequently, the roof lamps must have been left on for a few days. The second time, however, we made sure that it was indeed closed. Anyhow, the CAA-Subaru roadside assistance service rapidly came to our rescue by boosting our car.
We explained this trouble to the service manager, arguing that it might originate from a defective hatch closing system. Upon inspection, We were told that an electric switch inside the device was at fault--the same that warns the driver on the dashboard if any of the five doors is not closed. The switch was immediately replaced at no extra cost.
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| The only minor troubles were of the electrical kind. |