I will admit I don't know a lot about cars but after owning a 1996 Dodge Stratus for 12 years I knew a few things about what I was looking for in a new car.

I don't drive automatics. This can be a real hindrance when shopping for new vehicles in a particular price range. I was also in the market for an AWD because of the nasty winters we experience in upstate NY. I really needed something that was going to climb the steep grade of our driveway without sliding to a halt half way up. I wanted a few electronic options- power windows, locks, and sunroof. An mp3 hook up was a nicety I wanted also.

When I spotted an ad for a used 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i, I was a bit skeptical. First, why trade a car the same year you bought it? After talking to the dealer and the former owner I found that, although the car had 35K on it, it had been put into service in July 2007 and the owner would drive it from Vermont to NYC 3 times a week. So the mileage was mostly highway. The previous owner trades in once a year and always a Subaru.

My husband purchased the car for me as a college graduation gift in December of 2008. At first the car felt like it was going to be too small for me to drive comfortably but I found out quickly that it fits more like a glove. The driver's seat hugs me and gives me much needed lower back support with an adjustable lumbar support. The wheel telescopes and tilts giving each driver a custom fit.

This is my first manual with a hydraulic clutch and it really shifts smoothly. The power of the 2.5L was a pleasant surprise after clunking around in the 2.0 the Stratus sported. I wasn't expecting the ride to be so cushy because of the AWD but it really is remarkable.

About a week into ownership we had a nasty snowstorm and I wanted to see if the AWD would live up to my expectations. I pulled into the drive-thru at my bank and it hadn't been plowed yet so I went ahead and maneuvered flawlessly to the window, completed my transaction and gave a wave to the private plow company on my way out as they were just getting there! It made it up our un-plowed driveway like it was on dry pavement. This impressed me the most.

Gas mileage has been above average with the dash readout consistently reporting 23.5+ mpg and that's mostly in-town driving.

The 2.5i doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles but it has more than I'm used to so I think it's loaded. The mp3 input is nice although the stereo system will not control the player and I have to balance the volume carefully between the device and the stereo. There are lots of small storage compartments and the trunk is roomy.

This particular Legacy has side airbags as well as driver and passenger airbags. The Yokahama original tires are good but I will have to replace them shortly since they have quite a bit of mileage on them. I will probably replace them with the same tire because they do quite well in rain and snow.

The backseat is not condusive for my children who are 6' and 5'9" tall. It's ok for me at 5'7" and my 5' mom says it's very comfortable. So I would say it's an ok ride for 4 people if the trip is short but I can't see us taking any kind of lengthy trip in it as a family.

Overall I feel Subaru has won another new customer. I will consider a Subaru first when looking for my next vehicle. The fit and finish of the car is superb with no rattles, squeaks or air noises. The ride is quiet and comfortable.
Amount Paid (US$): 14,250
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2008
Model and Options: Legacy 2.5i