First Time Suaru Owner 93 Legacy Wagon

[Ballenxj]

Hi all, I just bought a used Subaru AWD right after I found out how easily my van got stuck.  :-/

I tried posting to ask what the best (in you guys opinion) all season tires would be since I have moved to a local that gets snow and ice in the winter.

So far I really like this car.

It's a 93 Legacy Wagon, automatic transmission and all wheel drive. I came here for tips and tricks that will help this car.

[Georg]

Welcome,

on all season tires my best choice regarding mileage and performance so far is Vredestein Comtrac All Season in 195/80R14

Have 50000km on my current set and they're still in a reasonably good condition.

 

If your car does see or has seen road salt in winter time it is very likely that it will suffer from rust on the body around the rear wheel wells and strut towers including rear subframe and fuel lines in this area. So please for a long term ownership do consider some kind of rust prevention.

However apart from rust issues a 1st gen Legacy is the most reliable car I've ever worked on.

 

 

All the best

Georg

[Ballenxj]

Welcome,

on all season tires my best choice regarding mileage and performance so far is Vredestein Comtrac All Season in 195/80R14

Have 50000km on my current set and they're still in a reasonably good condition.

 

If your car does see or has seen road salt in winter time it is very likely that it will suffer from rust on the body around the rear wheel wells and strut towers including rear subframe and fuel lines in this area. So please for a long term ownership do consider some kind of rust prevention.

However apart from rust issues a 1st gen Legacy is the most reliable car I've ever worked on.

 

 

All the best

Georg

Thank you Georg, I don't see any signs of rust so far, but I'm happy to hear your opinion about it;s reliability. 

[Cyril]

Hi Ballenxj, Looks like we are in the same sitch... I also just bought a 93 L Wagon and love it, and am looking for the biggest all weather tire to put on the stock 14 in wheels.

I believe from what I've found out, is that a 195/70 R14 would fit just fine. I was also asking about a 205/70 but am thinking there wont be enough room for them?

I have not heard of the 195/80's that Georg mentioned and am intrigued by that higher sidewall! (I am also happy to hear his opinions about the legacy!)

Best of luck with your new rig!

Cy

[AdventureSubaru]

I'm partial to goodyear and BFG tires as they have proven dependability and do not dry rot easily like michelin does.

 

Consider finding a cheap set of 15 inch subaru rims on craigslist for more selection on tires.

 

For height, you can lift a 90s legacy with 96-99 outback or 98-08 forester suspension for a couple inches of suspension lift that will clear up to a 28 inch tire. Makes a pretty capable trail rig at that point.

[Cyril]

Hey A.S. Thank you, I am gonna research Goodyear and BFG to see if they have the sizes I am considering in an all weather. Leaning toward a General Altimax right now, but I'm still a couple months away from purchase. Down the road I am sure I will want a 15 wheel, and a bit more height. Thank you for the specific info on the suspensions. I will look into it!  

[Ballenxj]

After doing some research on tires, I decided to take a closer look at the tires that were already on the car. Originally I thought they were just normal car radials as they didn't look like anything special to me. On closer inspection I found they are Toyo branded Eclipse tires, and have the M&S just beyond the tire size. I might keep them awhile to see how they work out. I don't do any rock crawling or serious four wheeling like I used to, but would like to follow mountain roads without getting stuck.

As an aside I found out the guy I bought the car from is some sort of backpacking and camping guru in the state of Idaho. Seemed like a real stand up guy. So far the car is everything he said it was.