The sturdy, efficient 1993 Subaru Legacy has been a reliable ride for nearly three decades. To keep this legacy alive, you’ll need to know its oil capacity, which is 4.8 quarts.

Regular maintenance on an old vehicle can get costly over time, but you’re probably no quitter behind the wheel of a ‘93 Legacy. The good news is you can take matters into your own hands and perform a DIY oil change.

If you happen to have misplaced the manual from almost 30 years ago, we don’t blame you—and we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything need to know about changing the oil on a 1993 Subaru Legacy.

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1993 Subaru Legacy Oil Capacity

First thing’s first: how much oil can the nostalgic Legacy hold?

The 2.2 L-liter engine behind the 1993 Subaru Legacy takes 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) of oil. The 4.5-liter oil capacity should not be confused with your engine’s displacement, which is 2.2 liters. Engine displacement is the volume taken up by the engine’s cylinders. Make sure to differentiate the two numbers so you don’t add too much or too little oil to your Legacy!

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What kind of oil does a 1993 Subaru Legacy need?

Now that we know the amount of oil we need, let’s talk oil type. The 1993 Subaru Legacy requires 5W-30 motor oil. Genuine Subaru motor oil is preferred, but any 5W-30 motor oil will work.

What exactly does the code for that oil mean? Let’s break it down. The letters and numbers refer to the oil’s viscosity at different temperatures. The number “5” before the “W”—standing for “winter”—refers to its ability to withstand low temperatures. The low number allows the oil to reach crucial engine parts—even in the winter.

The second number indicates the oil’s performance at high temperatures. The number “30” means the oil can handle a scorching 212°F! With these grades, you’re protecting your engine from freezing weather and ensuring there’s less wear and tear over time—which is essential for our dear Legacy.

You can also use synthetic oil for your Legacy as long as it meets the same requirements.

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How often to change the oil on a 1993 Subaru Legacy

Once you’ve got your oil in hand and the oil capacity in mind, you’re ready to

change your oil

Well, that is, as long as your Legacy is due for an oil change. If you’ve driven 6,000 miles or it’s been six months since its last oil change, then your Legacy is most likely in need of some fresh oil. With synthetic oil, you might be able to stretch the Legacy a little longer, but you don’t want to push an older vehicle too far.

It’s a good idea to keep tabs on your oil once a month or every other refuel to extend its life as long as you can. These are some other indicators your engine oil might be too low or expiring:

The oil is dark in color

The oil has a coarse texture

The engine makes unusual noises

Strange smells are coming from the engine

Your vehicle’s performance declines

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How to change your oil and oil filter

When you’re certain your Legacy needs an oil change, it’s time to round up your tools. You’ll need a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. Oh, and don’t forget—you’ll need a replacement filter and your 5W-30 motor oil!

Once you have all the materials prepared, follow these steps:

Run the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil

Shut the engine off and open the hood

Raise the car onto raps or with a jack stand

Find the engine’s oil drain plug under the engine

Place a drain pan under it, unscrew it, and let the old oil drain

Wipe the area clean with a rag, then screw the drain plug back in

Unscrew the oil filter and drain it out completely

Pour clean oil into the engine with a funnel to avoid spills

Run the engine for a few minutes to let the oil circulate

Check underneath for spills

If you want to ensure you’ve added enough oil, you can check the dipstick and add more if needed. From there, your

oil pressure light

should disappear from your dashboard.

Finally, don’t forget to clean up! Dirty oil isn’t something you can just dump out on the ground or toss in the trash. You’ll need to place it in a sealed container and drop it off at the appropriate recycling center near you.

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