What was the best year for subaru legacy transmissions? I was told that some 1994 and early 1995 had some problems...but the 96 seem to be lousy too. Did subaru ever make a good AWD tranny? So far, I am not impressed.

I have had 93 Legacy AWD Auto tranny for four years, bought it with 171k on it and it shifted awesome. I wanted to keep this way for as long as possible, I had a tranny flush done and have been using Amsoil Synthetic ATF, and its been unbelievable. I can punch the accelerator at 60 MPH and it downshifts perfectly for passing, there is no lag at all. Now my 91 Legacy automatic is a different story. This had the notorious binding problem, and shifted very hard, I finally gave up hope on it, and replaced it with one from another legacy that had 55k original miles. I had this flushed to and added the Amsoil synthetic ATF as well. Its like night and day, no binding first of all, and smooth shifting. I now have a 91 Legacy AWD sedan with a low mileage tranny and engine as well, as I replaced the engine which had a cracked block. Found a 30k mile original Legacy engine out of a Grandpas car that had been totaled. Sweet!!! I also just bought a 94 Legacy Turbo Wagon, with 135k, in mint condition. Installed a new 01 wrx turbo, and a new intercooler on it. A Rare breed indeed. Hope to post some pics.

 

 

91 Legacy AWD sedan auto.

93 Legacy AWD wagon auto.

94 Legacy AWD wagon Turbo auto.

94 Legacy AWD wagon 5-speed

 

I Love Subarus!

I have a 95 Impreza AWD with 80K and all is fine. Also a 78 wagon with a 3AT that is perfect!

 

I think the key is a trans cooler. Cheap insurance, as heat kills trannies.

 

Todd

AWD trans don't fair well without proper ATF management, tire rotation, and replacement. i think failure of AWD car trannys are more of a function of maintenance than anything else. we dont' see too many issues with AWD trans on xt6.net so i wouldn't suspect anything more than lack of maintenance over the years. i see plenty of old AWD cars for sale with non-matching tires. ATF flushes and coolers are more prevalent these days as well, which helps tremendously. people are becoming more and more concerned with preventative maintenance. don't know about where you live but back in the 80's/early 90's people in my parts spent WAY less on cars and maintenance than they do now. with higher mileage expectations and better economy i think people are putting more money into vehicles these days.

Avoid 89 and 90 Legacy transmissions(yes there is an 89 Legacy). Otherwise the 91-94 are the most durable IMO.

Shawn W. 89 Legacys Came Out In Australia