Legacy Outback as winter snotter?

[m44kts]

Been looking at Legacy Outback's on ebay over the last few days, they seem dirt cheap for what they are, plus with winter coming, AWD & a little bit more ground clearance would come in handy if the snow hits us hard. They seem better value for money than a ropey, rusty and agricultural Discovery.

Quick couple of questions, is the 3.0 worth it over the 2.5? I know it has about 45bhp more and because fuel consumption isn't really too important as I use my work van Mon - Fri so only use my car on a night and a weekend, the bit extra poke may be worth the slightly higher comsumption.

I know the 3.0l is chain driven and the 2.5 is belt so that may be a plus point but is there anything I should look out for on either engine?

Also, do any come with a low range 'box? I'm sure I've seen a couple for sale stating they have low range but thought it may have been a misprint.

Think that's about all I really need to know, insurance is only £85 more than my current Bora V5 too so it's looking like a nice alternative to a cheap 4x4.

[Ed.]

The h6 was the top of the range, quiet and comfortable if still in good condition. Don't think it had low range but the 2.5 did, seem to be hung on to by the number of low owner cars.

[Stig]

I have a 2.5 SE - I can honestly say, it's probably the best all-round ability car I've ever owned.

Not a lot between the 3.0 and the 2.5 except 3.0 is auto only (I wanted a manual) and more thirsty. The 3.0s are generally slighly better equipped.

Highly, highly recommended - people keep hold of them for good reason!

[m44kts]

Excellent, thanks for the info.

I must say, looking at the ones for sale, the 3.0l's seem to have a nicer dash, the fake wood is a bit OTT in some of the 2.5's, seems to be toned down a bit in the H6.

They're looking like a very good buy at the moment. Now all I need to do is sell this Bora.

[Macey]

I've just bought a 2001 H6 as my winter runabout. Excellent to drive and very comfy but as others have said, fuel consumption is nearly as bad as my TVR Tuscan. Mine has 130k on the clock and yet has no squeaks or rattles. Well worth buying.

[m44kts]

Sounds promising then, especially after speaking with an ex Subaru mechanic.

How bad mpg wise can I expect? Like I say though, it doesn't worry me too much.

[Macey]

m44kts said:

Sounds promising then, especially after speaking with an ex Subaru mechanic.

How bad mpg wise can I expect? Like I say though, it doesn't worry me too much.

I would say that a tank of petrol lasts between 250-280 miles. It could just be my style of driving if that is lower than what other drivers get. I'm not worried with those figures as the car is turning out to better than I expected, heated seats, climate control, electric everything, roll on this winter.

If you want to know anything else then please ask, I will try and answer as best I can.

[Stig]

m44kts said:

Sounds promising then, especially after speaking with an ex Subaru mechanic.

How bad mpg wise can I expect? Like I say though, it doesn't worry me too much.

Average mpg ranges between 35 and 40 on the 2.5. Mine's black leather and silver dash - no fake wood in sight! Far more common to find wood and pale interiors on the 3.0s.

Re. Winter driving, I run Nokian WR32 all season tyres on it. Great tyre and can be kept on year round. Car is unstoppable (in a good way!) in winter, has mountain goat ability in mud, snow and ice.

Edited by Stig on Monday 22 October 22:06

[pikeyboy]

I bought a 04 2.5 manual a few months ago, seems well made isn't too thirsty although around town its not great, and I don't nail it everywhere. No need to really as the engine has oodles of low down torque.

All in all pretty happy with it, I can really see why people hang on to them.

Mins does drink a drop of oil though.