The 2000 Legacy with the 2.5L EJ25 is a reliable AWD platform undermined by catastrophic head gasket failures and transmission cooler line corrosion. Most high-mileage survivors have already had major engine work done.
EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Coolant Leak)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant weeping from cylinder head seam, visible as white/green crust, Sweet smell after driving, puddles under engine after sitting, Overheating if neglected long enough, No milkshake oil or white smoke—external leak only on non-turbo EJ25s
Fix: Both head gaskets must be replaced as a set, heads resurfaced, timing belt/water pump/tensioners done simultaneously. 12-16 labor hours. Many shops won't warranty the job without head machining.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion
Common · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF dripping or spraying from steel lines at radiator connection, Sudden loss of transmission fluid leading to no forward/reverse movement, Rust perforation at bends or fittings—salt-state cars fail earlier
Fix: Replace both hard lines from transmission to radiator, often requires dropping subframe or creative routing. 4-6 hours labor. Aftermarket stainless lines available but expensive.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Rear Wheel Bearing Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Growling or humming from rear that increases with speed, Noise changes pitch in turns, sometimes vibration through seat, Play detectable when wheel is rocked by hand with car on jack
Fix: Replace bearing/hub assembly, one side at a time. 2-3 hours per side. OEM bearings last longer than cheap aftermarket—worth the upcharge.
Estimated cost: $350-550 per side
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Deterioration
Common · low severityTypical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, especially when cold, Steering wander or vague on-center feel, Visible cracking/tearing of rubber bushings during inspection
Fix: Replace both lower control arms as assemblies—pressing bushings is labor-intensive and often fails. 3-4 hours plus alignment. Do both sides simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Exhaust Y-Pipe Rust-Through
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 120,000+ mi
Symptoms: Loud exhaust rasp or ticking from engine bay, Smell of exhaust in cabin with HVAC on fresh air, Visible holes or surface rust on Y-pipe collecting section
Fix: Replace Y-pipe from catalytic converters back to mid-pipe flange. 2-3 hours. Aftermarket options available but fitment varies—OEM is safest.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Valve Cover Gasket Seepage
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil residue on top of engine, sometimes dripping onto exhaust, Burning oil smell after long drives, No significant oil consumption, just cosmetic/nuisance leak
Fix: Replace both valve cover gaskets and grommets, clean mating surfaces. 3-4 hours due to boxer layout access. Often done during head gasket job.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Buy only if head gaskets are already done with documentation—otherwise you're inheriting a $3,000 bill with no negotiating room.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.