Reliability showdown: subaru legacy vs toyota camry – which one will outlast the other?

When it comes to midsize sedans, the Subaru Legacy and the Toyota Camry are two of the most popular choices. Both offer a comfortable ride, plenty of features, and a solid reputation for reliability. But which one is the better choice when it comes to long-term dependability? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the reliability of the Subaru Legacy vs. Toyota Camry and help you decide which one is the right choice for you.

Reliability Ratings

Both the Subaru Legacy and the Toyota Camry have earned top reliability ratings from various automotive organizations. Here’s a breakdown:

• J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS): The 2023 Subaru Legacy received a VDS score of 87 out of 100, while the 2023 Toyota Camry received a score of 86 out of 100.
• Consumer Reports: The 2023 Subaru Legacy received a predicted reliability score of 4 out of 5, while the 2023 Toyota Camry received a score of 5 out of 5.
• U.S. News & World Report: The 2023 Subaru Legacy was ranked #1 in the “Midsize Cars” category for reliability, while the 2023 Toyota Camry was ranked #2.

Overall, both the Subaru Legacy and the Toyota Camry have excellent reliability ratings, with the Camry slightly edging out the Legacy in some rankings.

Common Problems

Every car has its potential issues, and the Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry are no exception. Here are some common problems reported by owners of each vehicle:

Subaru Legacy:

• CVT transmission issues: Some owners have reported problems with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), including slipping, shuddering, and premature failure.
• Head gasket problems: Older models of the Legacy have been known to experience head gasket failures, which can lead to coolant leaks and engine damage.
• Electrical problems: Some owners have reported electrical issues, such as flickering lights, faulty sensors, and battery drain.

Toyota Camry:

• Oil consumption: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, particularly in older models.
• Transmission problems: Some owners have experienced transmission issues, including slipping, rough shifting, and premature failure.
• Suspension problems: Some owners have reported problems with the suspension, including premature wear and tear on struts and shocks.

It’s important to note that these problems are not necessarily common to all Subaru Legacy or Toyota Camry models. However, they are issues that have been reported by some owners.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs can vary depending on the age, mileage, and condition of your vehicle. However, as a general rule of thumb, the Toyota Camry is typically less expensive to maintain than the Subaru Legacy. This is because the Camry has longer service intervals and less expensive parts.

According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for a Subaru Legacy is $562, while the average annual maintenance cost for a Toyota Camry is $486.

Resale Value

Both the Subaru Legacy and the Toyota Camry hold their value well over time. However, the Toyota Camry typically has a higher resale value than the Subaru Legacy. This is because the Camry is a more popular vehicle and has a strong reputation for reliability.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the average resale value of a 3-year-old Subaru Legacy is 57.4%, while the average resale value of a 3-year-old Toyota Camry is 59.6%.

Which One Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best way to decide which car is right for you is to test drive both the Subaru Legacy and the Toyota Camry and see which one you prefer. Both vehicles offer a comfortable ride, plenty of features, and a solid reputation for reliability.

Here’s a quick summary of the key differences between the two vehicles:

• Reliability: Both vehicles have excellent reliability ratings, but the Toyota Camry has a slight edge in some rankings.
• Common problems: The Subaru Legacy is more likely to experience CVT transmission issues and head gasket problems, while the Toyota Camry is more likely to experience oil consumption and transmission problems.
• Maintenance costs: The Toyota Camry is typically less expensive to maintain than the Subaru Legacy.
• Resale value: The Toyota Camry has a higher resale value than the Subaru Legacy.

If reliability is your top priority, then the Toyota Camry is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a car with more unique features, such as all-wheel drive and a more rugged design, then the Subaru Legacy may be a better fit.

Beyond Reliability: Other Factors to Consider

While reliability is an important factor to consider when buying a car, it’s not the only one. Here are some other factors you may want to consider:

• Fuel economy: The Toyota Camry has better fuel economy than the Subaru Legacy.
• Performance: The Subaru Legacy offers more powerful engine options than the Toyota Camry.
• Interior space: The Subaru Legacy has more interior space than the Toyota Camry.
• Features: The Toyota Camry offers more standard features than the Subaru Legacy, but the Legacy offers some unique features, such as all-wheel drive and a more rugged design.

The Bottom Line: Deciding Between the Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry

The Subaru Legacy and the Toyota Camry are both excellent midsize sedans with a solid reputation for reliability. Ultimately, the best way to decide which car is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and see which one you prefer. Consider your individual needs and preferences when making your decision. Whether you prioritize reliability, fuel economy, performance, or interior space, both the Legacy and Camry offer a great driving experience.