CR’s 5 Best Used Cars Under $10K - Says Subaru Legacy Deserves A Look

Is the Subaru Legacy a good car pick for used sedan shoppers? A new report from Consumer Reports (by subscription) picks the five best used cars under $10,000 and says the 2013 Subaru Legacy sedan should be on your shopping list. 

CR's list is based on two factors: how well the models performed in their tests when new and the results of its Annual Auto Surveys of CR members. 

Below are the Consumer Reports best used models for about $10,000 you can buy this year.

The 2014 Hyundai Elantra and 2013 Kia Soul are the best small sedans. The 2013 Nissan Leaf won the best electric vehicle. The 2013 Subaru Legacy is the best midsize sedan, and the 2014 Nissan Murano is the best SUV pick. 

Because of my extensive knowledge of the Subaru brand, here is a report on the 2013 Legacy and why it's the best midsize sedan choice from Consumer Reports.

What does Consumer Reports say about the 2013 Legacy?

Consumer Reports also picks the 2013 Legacy as the best midsize car under $10,000. CR says, "The Legacy is roomy, refined, and one of the best-riding sedans available. We got 26 mpg overall, impressive given the standard all-wheel-drive. Also, look for a model with the optional EyeSight suite of advanced safety systems."

Why should you choose the Legacy sedan?

CR says, "This generation of the Legacy is an easy-to-live-with AWD family sedan. In our tests, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine returned 26 mpg overall, which was impressive for an AWD car during that era. Some credit goes to the CVT that improved fuel efficiency and acceleration." 

"Unfortunately, the transmission emphasizes engine noise when accelerating or merging. A 3.6-liter six-cylinder with a five-speed automatic was an option, delivering smooth and easy power, along with 22 mpg overall. The Legacy is more fun to drive than the average sedan, with quick steering turn-in. Controls are simple to use, and the rear seat is spacious. Subaru's EyeSight system included FCW and AEB, but it was only available on highly optioned models."

What is the 2013 Legacy price? The price ranges from $7,625 to $11,400 depending on trim level, condition, and miles. 

When new, the 2013 Subaru Legacy received a refresh. 

The 2013 Subaru Legacy featured new front styling with new headlights, grille, and front bumper. For 2013, Legacy added extra safety with a new Brake Override system. The 2013 Subaru Legacy was a standout in the midsize field regarding roominess. At 103 cu. the Legacy offered more total passenger room than most of its competitors, and rear seat legroom measures a generous 37.8 inches. 

The 14.7 cu. ft. trunk is on par with front-wheel drive competitors, even with the Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. 

What is the Legacy fuel mileage?

In Consumer Reports owner surveys, they get a reported overall 25 mpg. The EPA says the 2013 Legacy gets 24/32 city/highway mpg and 27 combined mpg with the 2.5-liter engine and automatic transmission.

The 2013 Legacy is powered by either a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine or a new, more efficient 2.5-liter 4-cylinder powertrain and debuts revised styling and the new EyeSight safety technology. Subaru's new driver assist system, EyeSight, was offered on the new 2013 Legacy for the first time. 

2013 Legacy featured Subaru's EyeSight

Legacy EyeSight includes a Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Brake Assist, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

The new EyeSight safety system works like a second pair of eyes that monitors the road ahead and recognizes potentially dangerous driving situations. EyeSight uses three-dimensional images captured by cameras mounted at the top of the windshield and features audible and visual warnings to prompt the driver to take action. When necessary, the new safety system will also apply automatic braking intervention to help avoid or reduce the severity of a detected frontal collision.

Check Out This Related Report: Study shows Subaru Legacy is the safest sedan you can buy

The Legacy has excellent crash test results.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Legacy also received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Check out this YouTube video fro the IIHS

U.S. News recently picked the 2013 Legacy as the best under $10,000. What does U.S. News say about the Legacy?

"Beyond its solid reliability scores, the Legacy offers standard all-wheel drive, though the setup impacts its fuel economy. The base four-cylinder engine makes 173 horsepower, but a six-cylinder engine with a five-speed automatic transmission makes 256 horsepower."

"Depending on the trim, the car came with cloth or leather upholstery, offering spacious seating for five people. The base audio setup isn't that impressive, but an optional Harman Kardon audio system is much better."

Shoppers looking for a used car should check out the 2013 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan. It's one of the five top-ranked used vehicles for under $10,000, recommended by Consumer Reports and U.S. News.

For additional articles related to the 2013 Subaru Legacy, here are a few top picks for your consideration:

• 12 Most Reliable Used Cars Under $10K - One Subaru Is Best And The One To Avoid
• 2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback get highest safety award
• Subaru launches new 2013 Legacy interactive online brochure

You might like these 2 YouTube videos from Consumer Reports: 2013 Subaru Legacy Sneak Peek and Road test report

Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Social Media Platform X, and Instagram. 

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