Legacy Spec B? A good shout?
Discussion
I don't know what it is with me and changing cars... I've gone through my 'hot hatch' phase and still own my wonderfully chuckable 182 Trophy... I love the thing but it's really got to the stage now where it's actually a problem when it comes to carrying anything but me and a passenger...
So, I've been looking for something to replace with that is a bit more sensible, with some comfort and room to carrying camping gear, guitar/amp gear and generally a nicer place to be where I can put on some music and actually hear it (the Orbisound on my 182 is a touch loud..!) In all honesty, I need something that's a bit more sensible for the next few years while me and the partner get settled on housing ladder and potentially a bike for fun anyway!
I was looking at B5 S4 estates, but to be honest there will probably be a few lemons within my budget (not to mention some scary costs!) and a chap at work said check out either the older Legacy RSK or a newer Legacy R Spec B in tourer form... something like:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
I like the sound very much... but I'm not sure where best to start my research... doesn't seem to be many about (and looks like 90 on howmanyleft!) and what the potential pitfalls are with higher mileage and servicing/consumables requirements. Any owners here want to give any feedback / essential info? I know the one above has some sort of built in sat nav etc - not expecting much, but again, intrigued to hear any ownership experiences, especially with the tourer.
Of course, I'm not averse to a decent WRX wagon either... not sure which is going to be the better shout:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
Cheers!
So, I've been looking for something to replace with that is a bit more sensible, with some comfort and room to carrying camping gear, guitar/amp gear and generally a nicer place to be where I can put on some music and actually hear it (the Orbisound on my 182 is a touch loud..!) In all honesty, I need something that's a bit more sensible for the next few years while me and the partner get settled on housing ladder and potentially a bike for fun anyway!
I was looking at B5 S4 estates, but to be honest there will probably be a few lemons within my budget (not to mention some scary costs!) and a chap at work said check out either the older Legacy RSK or a newer Legacy R Spec B in tourer form... something like:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
I like the sound very much... but I'm not sure where best to start my research... doesn't seem to be many about (and looks like 90 on howmanyleft!) and what the potential pitfalls are with higher mileage and servicing/consumables requirements. Any owners here want to give any feedback / essential info? I know the one above has some sort of built in sat nav etc - not expecting much, but again, intrigued to hear any ownership experiences, especially with the tourer.
Of course, I'm not averse to a decent WRX wagon either... not sure which is going to be the better shout:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
Cheers!
Edited by Anatonic on Sunday 4th August 19:59
Massively reliable cars. Had a 2005 3.0RN sports tourer for 5 years and put some 90k miles on it and apart from consumables - disks, brakes, tyres, plus a set of arb bushes, it needed nothing bar a new exhaust from the cat back at the last MOT a few months ago - they are prone to rusting at the Y section - £399 inc fitting and vat at Longlife for a s/s with lifetime guarantee.
Returned a solid 26.4 mpg over mixed driving. They use a bit of oil so keep en eye on it - apart from that they are bombproof.
Now on a 2009 Spec B - bought three months ago with only 11k miles on it and it's a brilliant car. Bigger brakes and better suspension than the RN I had before - different gearbox on this one too with flappy paddles. Proper Q cars - find one that's been loved and it'll go forever.
Returned a solid 26.4 mpg over mixed driving. They use a bit of oil so keep en eye on it - apart from that they are bombproof.
Now on a 2009 Spec B - bought three months ago with only 11k miles on it and it's a brilliant car. Bigger brakes and better suspension than the RN I had before - different gearbox on this one too with flappy paddles. Proper Q cars - find one that's been loved and it'll go forever.
I was looking at that car on autotrader, it looks a cracker, wish I could find that front splitter!
I'd been looking at Mondeo ST220's, 330i estates, Saab 95 aeros, all sorts, but the Legacy beats them all by a considerable margin. I've had my 2005 Spec B Tourer since May, and it is a truly fantastic car. It just ticks so many boxes. It's understated, very fast, well-built, reliable, comfy, safe, the list goes on. It has the Impreza sti gearbox too. It's almost silent when just pootling around and really nice to drive, but once you give it some welly it sounds great and just flies. It's even cheap to insure.
It is thirsty, but I offset that with the (relatively) cheap purchase price and the sheer enjoyment of owning such a special car.
Mine is on 124K miles, yet someone was in it the other day and thought it was a new car! Get that silver one bought!
I am a true Subaru convert now!
I'd been looking at Mondeo ST220's, 330i estates, Saab 95 aeros, all sorts, but the Legacy beats them all by a considerable margin. I've had my 2005 Spec B Tourer since May, and it is a truly fantastic car. It just ticks so many boxes. It's understated, very fast, well-built, reliable, comfy, safe, the list goes on. It has the Impreza sti gearbox too. It's almost silent when just pootling around and really nice to drive, but once you give it some welly it sounds great and just flies. It's even cheap to insure.
It is thirsty, but I offset that with the (relatively) cheap purchase price and the sheer enjoyment of owning such a special car.
Mine is on 124K miles, yet someone was in it the other day and thought it was a new car! Get that silver one bought!
I am a true Subaru convert now!
I bought one which was pointed out to me by a poster on here - no regrets, I'm still really enjoying the car.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Had my 2005 Spec B since winter and love it just a little more each day, and I've put about 12000 miles on it in that time. Yes, it's a little thirsty - slightly less so on 99RON - but it does absolutely everything you want it to do. Accelerates endlessly and grips like a Bulgarian hooker. Service history is key - 10,000 mile intervals are pretty short and I'd be wary of anything that's missed one or two. Correct spec oil is also vital (but embarrassingly I can't remember what that is). I wouldn't hesitate for a moment - I only wish I'd bought mine earlier.
Thanks guys - I've managed to have a drive in one and I'm sold.
Problem is just selling Trophy now - slow going and I don't think it's going to get near what it's worth to me... in a way, in two minds as to whether I keep it and suffer with the lack of space... Fallen in love with the Spec B mind you - I'll just have to wait it out until house / wedding stuff is done I guess as there's no way I'll be able to change cars for what it's worth...
Definitely a Subaru convert mind you after that drive - lovely car!
Problem is just selling Trophy now - slow going and I don't think it's going to get near what it's worth to me... in a way, in two minds as to whether I keep it and suffer with the lack of space... Fallen in love with the Spec B mind you - I'll just have to wait it out until house / wedding stuff is done I guess as there's no way I'll be able to change cars for what it's worth...
Definitely a Subaru convert mind you after that drive - lovely car!
Had a serious look at Spec B Legacies a little while ago. They seem to suffer from worn shocks (although the bilsteins can be refurbed) and the pistons on the brake calipers can corrode resulting in sticking brakes. Alloys are typical Japanese and tend to look tatty after a few years.
They are superb cars though and the only reason I didn't buy one was having to pay for a wedding, if the right one comes along next year I'd still be in the market.
Oh and the panoramic sunroof is ace.
They are superb cars though and the only reason I didn't buy one was having to pay for a wedding, if the right one comes along next year I'd still be in the market.
Oh and the panoramic sunroof is ace.
[quote=lufbramatt]Had a serious look at Spec B Legacies a little while ago. They seem to suffer from worn shocks (although the bilsteins can be refurbed) and the pistons on the brake calipers can corrode resulting in sticking brakes. Alloys are typical Japanese and tend to look tatty after a few years.
I can echo what has already has been stated above. My Bilstein shocks are good but it does have low mileage and the exhaust will hopefully see another 12 months but the Y section is indeed where it will go. I had my alloys refurbished also as they had pitted pretty badly
I have a 2006 Spec B Tourer with 55K on the clock. Purchased in 2011 with 42K from a Subaru dealer with one previous owner. Never used the 12 months warranty and apart from a rear n/s caliper sticking (common problem as mentioned) not had any issues whatsoever. Not even a bulb
Mine is the sequential auto (with manual shift but no floppy oars) and if it wasn't for recovering from a bust leg at the time I would have probably opted for a manual
The naturally aspirated flat 6 is creamy smooth and pulls all the way up to the redline and even with a standard exhaust makes a pleasing sound
Another week point is the brakes. Subaru brakes are generally very progressive and have very little servo assistance. The Spec B calipers are absolutely fine its just the OE spec discs and pads are pants. Upgrade the discs and pads and possibly the brake lines for a much less squeaky bum stopping experience
As they are a big engined thirsty beast and post April 2006 models are in the highest RFL bracket there are plenty on sale. They are however extremely good value for the spec and I would wager most dealers will be happy to haggle
What I would recommend though is making sure you get a complete service history whether its a a main dealer or an independent as the 10K interval changes are vital. Make sure all fluids have been changed to schedule and the right grade of oil has been used from day one. If its a private sale beware any seller that's not knowledgeable about his/her car
Should you wish to there is not a lot you can upgrade with this power plant apart from maybe the Aussie supercharger kit but even then power gains are modest at best. Most owners I have spoken to/met have been happy just to uprate the rear ARB and some have added aftermarket alloys but even then the 18x7J's are really narrow for a reason. There just isn't a lot of room under their !!
I have recently had a full 'fast road' geo alignment by a specialist and it has totally transformed my car. And I thought it was pretty accurate as it was
DON'T FORGET. Get a pre April 2006 model and you will save yourself approx £200 in road fund licence
I can echo what has already has been stated above. My Bilstein shocks are good but it does have low mileage and the exhaust will hopefully see another 12 months but the Y section is indeed where it will go. I had my alloys refurbished also as they had pitted pretty badly
I have a 2006 Spec B Tourer with 55K on the clock. Purchased in 2011 with 42K from a Subaru dealer with one previous owner. Never used the 12 months warranty and apart from a rear n/s caliper sticking (common problem as mentioned) not had any issues whatsoever. Not even a bulb
Mine is the sequential auto (with manual shift but no floppy oars) and if it wasn't for recovering from a bust leg at the time I would have probably opted for a manualThe naturally aspirated flat 6 is creamy smooth and pulls all the way up to the redline and even with a standard exhaust makes a pleasing sound
Another week point is the brakes. Subaru brakes are generally very progressive and have very little servo assistance. The Spec B calipers are absolutely fine its just the OE spec discs and pads are pants. Upgrade the discs and pads and possibly the brake lines for a much less squeaky bum stopping experience
As they are a big engined thirsty beast and post April 2006 models are in the highest RFL bracket there are plenty on sale. They are however extremely good value for the spec and I would wager most dealers will be happy to haggle
What I would recommend though is making sure you get a complete service history whether its a a main dealer or an independent as the 10K interval changes are vital. Make sure all fluids have been changed to schedule and the right grade of oil has been used from day one. If its a private sale beware any seller that's not knowledgeable about his/her car
Should you wish to there is not a lot you can upgrade with this power plant apart from maybe the Aussie supercharger kit but even then power gains are modest at best. Most owners I have spoken to/met have been happy just to uprate the rear ARB and some have added aftermarket alloys but even then the 18x7J's are really narrow for a reason. There just isn't a lot of room under their !!
I have recently had a full 'fast road' geo alignment by a specialist and it has totally transformed my car. And I thought it was pretty accurate as it was
DON'T FORGET. Get a pre April 2006 model and you will save yourself approx £200 in road fund licence
Edited by Stinkfist on Wednesday 21st August 18:38
I owned an SVX with the 3litre H6 engine - lovely and smooth, great power delivery.
A few years ago I went for a Legacy - tried the Spec B (2004 on) and whilst it was lovely, it just didn't have the pace that the chassis could handle. So I went for a JDM Twinscroll import - 280bhp and i loved it! Kept it for 5 years and just passed it to my wife when I had to go diesel for my new job, as no one was interested in buying it. They are very rare - 20-30 in the UK. What a hoot to drive tho - they are usually in GT Spec B for - ie they come with the Bilstein suspension. Mine was the tiptronic auto, which I prefer being a lazy git, which is only 260bhp but the same torque as the manual. There were 3 or 4 for sale recently.
Give it a try before you go 6 pot!
A few years ago I went for a Legacy - tried the Spec B (2004 on) and whilst it was lovely, it just didn't have the pace that the chassis could handle. So I went for a JDM Twinscroll import - 280bhp and i loved it! Kept it for 5 years and just passed it to my wife when I had to go diesel for my new job, as no one was interested in buying it. They are very rare - 20-30 in the UK. What a hoot to drive tho - they are usually in GT Spec B for - ie they come with the Bilstein suspension. Mine was the tiptronic auto, which I prefer being a lazy git, which is only 260bhp but the same torque as the manual. There were 3 or 4 for sale recently.
Give it a try before you go 6 pot!
In case you're still looking, I can provide you with some information....
I just bought a 3.0R Spec B tourer and it's a mixed bag - sub 30 mpg, lumpy acceleration until 4000 rpm, feels a heavy car, weird transmission feel when doing a three point turn, a slight whine in the rear differential, BUT! the whine indicates she needs an diff oil change, the weirdness at three point turns is typical of all Subarus (according to other owners), the lumpiness is definitely improved with 98 octane fuel, the engine is incredibly powerful 4000-7000 rpm and with a grinningly exciting sound to boot! Plus, the gear change is a joy, 6th gear useful but it's much better to drop a gear to accelerate in order to be thrilled by the engine and to actually accelerate as the low-end power-to-weight is boringly out of character. What else? The heated leather seats are FAB, but if you demand crazy cornering, then I suggest a leather Recaro bucket. The panoramic sunroof is great and lightens everything up. The navigation software needs updating, but you can burn a 2011 DVD if you search for it, but it's not Tom-Tom quality. The dash is great, the steering wheel great to hold but lacks enough feel so I am considering a poly bush kit for the steering and even a front top mount adjuster to play with the camber to encourage her in and through corners. The 18" wheels are idiotic boy-racer things that are not wonderful to ride or probably to replace their rubber band tyres, so I have bought a old set of 17x7 Subaru Impreza wheels which will allow the supported slightly higher profile 215/50R17 tyre which should prove cheaper, more comfortable and hopefully more engaging...
That's it! When you allow your brain to logically dismiss the car it financially punishing MPG, drink a small whiskey and remind your brain that you have a heart as well, plus we only get one life plus man maths prove (!) whatever you lose in MPG efficiency, you would have lost in repairing crappy diesel engine DPF, dump valves etc failures plus depreciation. If that doesn't quite work, pour yourself one more whiskey and remind your brain that diesel fumes are bad for everybody, especially your family and yourself: just think how many time you breath in your fumes parking in your garage. Cancer diesel crap or life-enhancing 99 octane Scooby Dooby Doo packed with smiles? My Scooby cost just 3200 pounds.
I just bought a 3.0R Spec B tourer and it's a mixed bag - sub 30 mpg, lumpy acceleration until 4000 rpm, feels a heavy car, weird transmission feel when doing a three point turn, a slight whine in the rear differential, BUT! the whine indicates she needs an diff oil change, the weirdness at three point turns is typical of all Subarus (according to other owners), the lumpiness is definitely improved with 98 octane fuel, the engine is incredibly powerful 4000-7000 rpm and with a grinningly exciting sound to boot! Plus, the gear change is a joy, 6th gear useful but it's much better to drop a gear to accelerate in order to be thrilled by the engine and to actually accelerate as the low-end power-to-weight is boringly out of character. What else? The heated leather seats are FAB, but if you demand crazy cornering, then I suggest a leather Recaro bucket. The panoramic sunroof is great and lightens everything up. The navigation software needs updating, but you can burn a 2011 DVD if you search for it, but it's not Tom-Tom quality. The dash is great, the steering wheel great to hold but lacks enough feel so I am considering a poly bush kit for the steering and even a front top mount adjuster to play with the camber to encourage her in and through corners. The 18" wheels are idiotic boy-racer things that are not wonderful to ride or probably to replace their rubber band tyres, so I have bought a old set of 17x7 Subaru Impreza wheels which will allow the supported slightly higher profile 215/50R17 tyre which should prove cheaper, more comfortable and hopefully more engaging...
That's it! When you allow your brain to logically dismiss the car it financially punishing MPG, drink a small whiskey and remind your brain that you have a heart as well, plus we only get one life plus man maths prove (!) whatever you lose in MPG efficiency, you would have lost in repairing crappy diesel engine DPF, dump valves etc failures plus depreciation. If that doesn't quite work, pour yourself one more whiskey and remind your brain that diesel fumes are bad for everybody, especially your family and yourself: just think how many time you breath in your fumes parking in your garage. Cancer diesel crap or life-enhancing 99 octane Scooby Dooby Doo packed with smiles? My Scooby cost just 3200 pounds.
I think we have the most refreshing political party in the UKIP.
Having just read their policies online, I have to say they make the most common sense and are quite exciting.
Can you imagine the UK managing an escape of the EU control? It would be miraculous and spectacularly exciting times that would most likely inject life and self-belief back into our souls.
Democracy that our grandparents fought and died for!
If we ever managed such a feat, stage 2 would be to nationalise the banks and public transport. Just imagine there was only one bank, the Bank of England who lent to everyone at 7%, who gave savers 5%, who gave the net interest profit to the government to contribute to the schools, hospitals and defence of the country... We're a 1 trillion pound a year GDP country with a government overspending by 120 billion per year. If all the public and private debts were created by the government's bank, 2% of that debt will be huge and before long, the country will have no debt and interest rates will reduce for debtors and increase for savers whilst improving. No booms and no busts, guaranteed.
I bet the best brains would not be leaving the UK and those that left would come back to support the UK.
The British public need to believe it's possible.
Stage 1 is the 2014 May European elections. Good luck UKIP. Good luck UK.
Having just read their policies online, I have to say they make the most common sense and are quite exciting.
Can you imagine the UK managing an escape of the EU control? It would be miraculous and spectacularly exciting times that would most likely inject life and self-belief back into our souls.
Democracy that our grandparents fought and died for!
If we ever managed such a feat, stage 2 would be to nationalise the banks and public transport. Just imagine there was only one bank, the Bank of England who lent to everyone at 7%, who gave savers 5%, who gave the net interest profit to the government to contribute to the schools, hospitals and defence of the country... We're a 1 trillion pound a year GDP country with a government overspending by 120 billion per year. If all the public and private debts were created by the government's bank, 2% of that debt will be huge and before long, the country will have no debt and interest rates will reduce for debtors and increase for savers whilst improving. No booms and no busts, guaranteed.
I bet the best brains would not be leaving the UK and those that left would come back to support the UK.
The British public need to believe it's possible.
Stage 1 is the 2014 May European elections. Good luck UKIP. Good luck UK.
I left the UK just after labor got in and spent all the money the UK didnt have,
If UKIP got in what do you think would happen... all the money would get out, London city would bugger off to Frankfurt (how would UKIP fill that tax hole?).
that would be the thin end of the wedge... would be ruinous.
If UKIP got in what do you think would happen... all the money would get out, London city would bugger off to Frankfurt (how would UKIP fill that tax hole?).
that would be the thin end of the wedge... would be ruinous.
MadKipper said:
That's it! When you allow your brain to logically dismiss the car it financially punishing MPG, drink a small whiskey and remind your brain that you have a heart as well, plus we only get one life plus man maths prove (!) whatever you lose in MPG efficiency, you would have lost in repairing crappy diesel engine DPF, dump valves etc failures plus depreciation. If that doesn't quite work, pour yourself one more whiskey and remind your brain that diesel fumes are bad for everybody, especially your family and yourself: just think how many time you breath in your fumes parking in your garage. Cancer diesel crap or life-enhancing 99 octane Scooby Dooby Doo packed with smiles? My Scooby cost just 3200 pounds.
I'm viewing stuff on the Spec B coz I've had a hankering for one ever since they came out. I've softened the MPG blow on my Impreza with an LPG conversion and would look to do the same on a Legacy.As for UKIP; we'll find out in 36hours... hope all goes well for you MadKipper ;-)
I have just bought a 2004 Spec b wagon, 2.0 GT B Manual, 124,000KM shipping it from Tokyo to Hong Kong where I live. I paid 1600 USD, I think you could get one shipped to the UK for a little over 1000 USD more.
Has anyone shipped one over previoulsy? I also need to find some detail on its emissions and the light trnasmission rate of the rear windows, so looking for links to official documentation.
Are there any other 2.0 GT B BP5 owners on here?
Has anyone shipped one over previoulsy? I also need to find some detail on its emissions and the light trnasmission rate of the rear windows, so looking for links to official documentation.
Are there any other 2.0 GT B BP5 owners on here?
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