Tell me about the Subaru Legacy.
Discussion
I am planning a 4-8 week rock climbing road trip to Europe next spring, the plan is to visit as many counties and climbing destinations as possible in that time while staying in various campsites and essentially living out of the car.
My current car (Mazda 3) does not quite cut it in terms of spaciousness and comfort for all the kit needed for such a trip and thus I have been looking at estate cars and keep coming back to the Subaru Legacy (4th gen: 2002-2009?).
I'm looking to spend 3.5-6k ideally (although could go a little higher) and have looked at everything from the basic 2.0i petrol to the spec B 3.0 and JDM 2.0 GT Twinscroll models.
I'm basically after a comfortable ish estate car with decent all weather abilities and something that will be fairly reliable and dependable during my ownership. (must be petrol, manual, 4wd ideally and It also should have leather seats :P although thats just me being picky)
Lots of great looking examples around but most have 100k plus milage, my dad is convinced that buying a car thats "Very old and very high milage" (his words) is a bad idea and will cause me trouble. I however think that as long as it has been looked after it will be fine!
Does anyone have any experiance with these cars and care to tell me what ownership is like and what spec to go with? also let me know if I'm missing any other good options by looking only at legacys
My current car (Mazda 3) does not quite cut it in terms of spaciousness and comfort for all the kit needed for such a trip and thus I have been looking at estate cars and keep coming back to the Subaru Legacy (4th gen: 2002-2009?).
I'm looking to spend 3.5-6k ideally (although could go a little higher) and have looked at everything from the basic 2.0i petrol to the spec B 3.0 and JDM 2.0 GT Twinscroll models.
I'm basically after a comfortable ish estate car with decent all weather abilities and something that will be fairly reliable and dependable during my ownership. (must be petrol, manual, 4wd ideally and It also should have leather seats :P although thats just me being picky)
Lots of great looking examples around but most have 100k plus milage, my dad is convinced that buying a car thats "Very old and very high milage" (his words) is a bad idea and will cause me trouble. I however think that as long as it has been looked after it will be fine!
Does anyone have any experiance with these cars and care to tell me what ownership is like and what spec to go with? also let me know if I'm missing any other good options by looking only at legacys
Legacy is a good bet.
I had a 3.0 R Spec B saloon from 30k on the clock up to 140k on the clock. In this time i replaced the track rod ends, but turns out i didn't need to as the steering play turned out to be a loose bolt on the column.
When i traded it in the syncro in 5th was becoming a bit fussy, and it was getting on for needing a new clutch.
The CD player also started jumping around, so replaced it at about 60k.
Good solid cars. Look out for knocking on full lock and play in the transmission. If you can find one with a new ish clutch then bonus... its a bloomin difficult / expensive job on them.
They are not economical in any guise. Dont get a diesel, the engines explode.
I had a 3.0 R Spec B saloon from 30k on the clock up to 140k on the clock. In this time i replaced the track rod ends, but turns out i didn't need to as the steering play turned out to be a loose bolt on the column.
When i traded it in the syncro in 5th was becoming a bit fussy, and it was getting on for needing a new clutch.
The CD player also started jumping around, so replaced it at about 60k.
Good solid cars. Look out for knocking on full lock and play in the transmission. If you can find one with a new ish clutch then bonus... its a bloomin difficult / expensive job on them.
They are not economical in any guise. Dont get a diesel, the engines explode.
Legacy great - or better still an Outback. I have a 2.5SE and it's without doubt, then best all round car I've had. I get 35mpg average from it and it's been through hell and high water, with many continental trips under its belt.
Only slight
in its considerable armour are the brakes, which tend to seize up if you don't use it regularly (I use motorbike for commuting in the week, so this is why its affected me). I've learnt to leave the handbrake off and in-gear which has solved this though.
Brilliant cars.
Only slight
in its considerable armour are the brakes, which tend to seize up if you don't use it regularly (I use motorbike for commuting in the week, so this is why its affected me). I've learnt to leave the handbrake off and in-gear which has solved this though.Brilliant cars.
I've been running a Spec B for the last year or so, from 115k to 125k.
Had one corroded oil pipe which was ~£70 and upgraded the front pads/discs as the standard one's are awful
I think all Spec B's are leather from memory
Post 2006 is expensive on the tax front
23mpg average, 32 on a run (mine's auto though but it's not much different)
Cavernous space, i've had all sorts chucked in the back and it's taken it easily
Had one corroded oil pipe which was ~£70 and upgraded the front pads/discs as the standard one's are awful
I think all Spec B's are leather from memory
Post 2006 is expensive on the tax front
23mpg average, 32 on a run (mine's auto though but it's not much different)
Cavernous space, i've had all sorts chucked in the back and it's taken it easily
Prizam said:
When i traded it in the syncro in 5th was becoming a bit fussy, and it was getting on for needing a new clutch.
Good solid cars. Look out for knocking on full lock and play in the transmission. If you can find one with a new ish clutch then bonus... its a bloomin difficult / expensive job on them.
Thanks Good solid cars. Look out for knocking on full lock and play in the transmission. If you can find one with a new ish clutch then bonus... its a bloomin difficult / expensive job on them.
what were the symptoms of the weak synchro? Just a little grind when changing gear enthusiastically? or something else?
Also, I guess the knocking on full lock and transmission play are down to worn cv joints? or is it to do with the diffs?
I recently looked at the 2008-2013 models.
The diesel looks fantastic on paper. In real life it's a mess. Half of the diesel models on eBay are spares/repair. They just don't last.
2.0 petrol seemed a bit gutless for the amount of fuel it used.
2.5 only available with CVT.
The petrol models do have a bullet-proof reputation. The outback is quite nice, a bit more able off-road but you don't sit upright like a proper off-roader, it's still quite low which is nice.
I've seen a few people claim they're the most comfortable cars they've ever sat in. I guess they haven't sat in a lot. It's "OK".... If the offset driving suits you, then great. But it's hardly luxury.
The diesel looks fantastic on paper. In real life it's a mess. Half of the diesel models on eBay are spares/repair. They just don't last.
2.0 petrol seemed a bit gutless for the amount of fuel it used.
2.5 only available with CVT.
The petrol models do have a bullet-proof reputation. The outback is quite nice, a bit more able off-road but you don't sit upright like a proper off-roader, it's still quite low which is nice.
I've seen a few people claim they're the most comfortable cars they've ever sat in. I guess they haven't sat in a lot. It's "OK".... If the offset driving suits you, then great. But it's hardly luxury.
MC Bodge said:
Is 4x4 needed or just something you would like? The ground clearance isn't bad on a Mondeo.
Not 100% necessary but would be very useful for a variety of things such as the winters where I am often give pretty poor driving conditions especially round the lanes. also, my mother lives up a 1/2 mile long 1:3 gradient farm track which is often inaccessible for me in the winter. And the swiss and french alps are on the destination list for my roadtrip and in feb/mar I'm guessing 4wd and winter tyres are both godsends in the expected conditions.Also, I just rather fancy something that isnt just a boring fwd hatchback (Ive had enough of those already) :P
Very good cars, the only things that let it down are the 4 speed auto box and the slightly crappy interior compared to German/European fare.
My OH had a 2.5 4AT Outback as her work vehicle (she's a Vet), and it delivered average 38mpg over 32k miles in her possession. Never got stuck with the standard-fit Yoko Geolanders, despite going up and down fields, snow etc.
Now have the 2010-on Outback with the CVT which is a great car, but now a mid-size 4x4 and much bigger than the estate-style of the -2009 models which are an Estate with a bit more ground clearance etc.
My OH had a 2.5 4AT Outback as her work vehicle (she's a Vet), and it delivered average 38mpg over 32k miles in her possession. Never got stuck with the standard-fit Yoko Geolanders, despite going up and down fields, snow etc.
Now have the 2010-on Outback with the CVT which is a great car, but now a mid-size 4x4 and much bigger than the estate-style of the -2009 models which are an Estate with a bit more ground clearance etc.
JasperT said:
MC Bodge said:
Is 4x4 needed or just something you would like? The ground clearance isn't bad on a Mondeo.
Not 100% necessary but would be very useful for a variety of things such as the winters where I am often give pretty poor driving conditions especially round the lanes. also, my mother lives up a 1/2 mile long 1:3 gradient farm track which is often inaccessible for me in the winter. And the swiss and french alps are on the destination list for my roadtrip and in feb/mar I'm guessing 4wd and winter tyres are both godsends in the expected conditions.Also, I just rather fancy something that isnt just a boring fwd hatchback (Ive had enough of those already) :P
I can understand the desire for a Legacy, but for a big road trip, something fairly common and less quirky can make more sense (if that bothers you!).
I've done a few Alps trips in various cars, and the Mondeo was very comfortable, reliable, capable over the summer passes and good for German cruising at 120-130mph with the air con on, and the diesel managed mid 40s mpg average for the trip.
Buy a Legacy afterwards?
MC Bodge said:
I can understand the desire for a Legacy, but for a big road trip, something fairly common and less quirky can make more sense (if that bothers you!).
A good point.Breaking down in France was enough of a PITA in my old Mondeo. I wouldn't want to do it in something rare.
I have a 3.0R Wagon bought for £3.5k on 89k now on 156k over last 3.5ish years.
Best car I've ever owned. A very robust and reliable motor.
Characterful flat 6 chain driven engine with the Porsche vtec thingy that kicks in at 4000rpm. Frameless doors are a thing, as is the panoramic roof. Symmetrical 4wd is great as long as you run decent tyres - Goodyear Eagles for me - and rotate to even out the wear every 10k. The diffs don't like uneven tyres.
Oil changes every 10k are a must I would want clear evidence of that being done.
Weak points are exhausts - rust at the y joint and the cat heat shields rattle fix with a jubilee clip. Stainless systems £400 from Longlife.
Tensioners need changing with the aux belt or the bearings can seize and it'll throw the belt. Rear two plugs are a mare to change, but that's every 50k. Lots of scare stories about MPG mine currently averages 26-27mpg but I've seen up to 35 over a tank. Can go down to <20mpg if you spend a lot of time in town.
Mines had a radiator, drop links, brakes, wheel bearings normal consumables really.
Basically - find a good one, keep it serviced and it'll run and run and run... We love our Legacy. Fast enough, discrete and comfy. Bit of a bargain considering the engineering on offer.
Oh, and the bakelite bits inside the headlamps where the wire clips attach are super brittle. They break for fun. You'll need a full headlamp unit to fix that'll be £500 each from Subaru, or £150-200 from a breakers so pop the back off the headlights when you're under the bonnet for a look.
Best car I've ever owned. A very robust and reliable motor.
Characterful flat 6 chain driven engine with the Porsche vtec thingy that kicks in at 4000rpm. Frameless doors are a thing, as is the panoramic roof. Symmetrical 4wd is great as long as you run decent tyres - Goodyear Eagles for me - and rotate to even out the wear every 10k. The diffs don't like uneven tyres.
Oil changes every 10k are a must I would want clear evidence of that being done.
Weak points are exhausts - rust at the y joint and the cat heat shields rattle fix with a jubilee clip. Stainless systems £400 from Longlife.
Tensioners need changing with the aux belt or the bearings can seize and it'll throw the belt. Rear two plugs are a mare to change, but that's every 50k. Lots of scare stories about MPG mine currently averages 26-27mpg but I've seen up to 35 over a tank. Can go down to <20mpg if you spend a lot of time in town.
Mines had a radiator, drop links, brakes, wheel bearings normal consumables really.
Basically - find a good one, keep it serviced and it'll run and run and run... We love our Legacy. Fast enough, discrete and comfy. Bit of a bargain considering the engineering on offer.
Oh, and the bakelite bits inside the headlamps where the wire clips attach are super brittle. They break for fun. You'll need a full headlamp unit to fix that'll be £500 each from Subaru, or £150-200 from a breakers so pop the back off the headlights when you're under the bonnet for a look.
R E S T E C P said:
MC Bodge said:
I can understand the desire for a Legacy, but for a big road trip, something fairly common and less quirky can make more sense (if that bothers you!).
A good point.Breaking down in France was enough of a PITA in my old Mondeo. I wouldn't want to do it in something rare.
The guy is going on a long climbing trip. I suspect that he doesn't want to be rotating the wheels every week, servicing it and checking that the headlight mechanisms are still working.
A cheap, cheerful, reliable, competent (and possibly tatty) estate that can be used for the trip with a fairly high degree of confidence seems to be the way forward.
R E S T E C P said:
MC Bodge said:
I can understand the desire for a Legacy, but for a big road trip, something fairly common and less quirky can make more sense (if that bothers you!).
A good point.Breaking down in France was enough of a PITA in my old Mondeo. I wouldn't want to do it in something rare.
especially if it has a thorough checkover/inspection and any small bits of preventative maintenance are done before heading off?
A legacy is not exactly exotic, so I can't imagine it being too hard to get parts for one even if abroad?
H6Nathan said:
I have a 3.0R Wagon bought for £3.5k on 89k now on 156k over last 3.5ish years.
Best car I've ever owned. A very robust and reliable motor.
Characterful flat 6 chain driven engine with the Porsche vtec thingy that kicks in at 4000rpm. Frameless doors are a thing, as is the panoramic roof. Symmetrical 4wd is great as long as you run decent tyres - Goodyear Eagles for me - and rotate to even out the wear every 10k. The diffs don't like uneven tyres.
Oil changes every 10k are a must I would want clear evidence of that being done.
Weak points are exhausts - rust at the y joint and the cat heat shields rattle fix with a jubilee clip. Stainless systems £400 from Longlife.
Tensioners need changing with the aux belt or the bearings can seize and it'll throw the belt. Rear two plugs are a mare to change, but that's every 50k. Lots of scare stories about MPG mine currently averages 26-27mpg but I've seen up to 35 over a tank. Can go down to <20mpg if you spend a lot of time in town.
Mines had a radiator, drop links, brakes, wheel bearings normal consumables really.
Basically - find a good one, keep it serviced and it'll run and run and run... We love our Legacy. Fast enough, discrete and comfy. Bit of a bargain considering the engineering on offer.
Oh, and the bakelite bits inside the headlamps where the wire clips attach are super brittle. They break for fun. You'll need a full headlamp unit to fix that'll be £500 each from Subaru, or £150-200 from a breakers so pop the back off the headlights when you're under the bonnet for a look.
The 3.0 R is seeming to be the most attractive variant to me atm, mostly for PH reasons such as that lovely porsche-esque noise Best car I've ever owned. A very robust and reliable motor.
Characterful flat 6 chain driven engine with the Porsche vtec thingy that kicks in at 4000rpm. Frameless doors are a thing, as is the panoramic roof. Symmetrical 4wd is great as long as you run decent tyres - Goodyear Eagles for me - and rotate to even out the wear every 10k. The diffs don't like uneven tyres.
Oil changes every 10k are a must I would want clear evidence of that being done.
Weak points are exhausts - rust at the y joint and the cat heat shields rattle fix with a jubilee clip. Stainless systems £400 from Longlife.
Tensioners need changing with the aux belt or the bearings can seize and it'll throw the belt. Rear two plugs are a mare to change, but that's every 50k. Lots of scare stories about MPG mine currently averages 26-27mpg but I've seen up to 35 over a tank. Can go down to <20mpg if you spend a lot of time in town.
Mines had a radiator, drop links, brakes, wheel bearings normal consumables really.
Basically - find a good one, keep it serviced and it'll run and run and run... We love our Legacy. Fast enough, discrete and comfy. Bit of a bargain considering the engineering on offer.
Oh, and the bakelite bits inside the headlamps where the wire clips attach are super brittle. They break for fun. You'll need a full headlamp unit to fix that'll be £500 each from Subaru, or £150-200 from a breakers so pop the back off the headlights when you're under the bonnet for a look.
Mpg is Irrelevant to me as long as the car returns a few smiles/gallon. and it sounds like the 3.0 isnt all that much worse than the 2.0 or 2.5.
found this tidy looking one on autotrader:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
May go down and have a look at it
I’ve been running a 2008 Legacy Tourer 2.0R petrol for the last 3 years.
It’s a bit thirsty, but that’s OK with me because it has never gone wrong.
Performance from the 2.0 is acceptable if you avoid the automatics, and get an ‘R’ (162bhp) instead of an ‘i’ (135bhp). As stated above, avoid the diesel as it will go bang at some point.
Not a lot of torque, but very linear acceleration all the way to the red line.
Huge boot.
High and low ratio gearbox on the manuals.
Clever but mechanically simple and robust AWD; superb on twisty B roads, even in the wet.
Not many about and looks good IMO.
No rust.
The price of OEM spares is ridiculous.
It’s a bit thirsty, but that’s OK with me because it has never gone wrong.
Performance from the 2.0 is acceptable if you avoid the automatics, and get an ‘R’ (162bhp) instead of an ‘i’ (135bhp). As stated above, avoid the diesel as it will go bang at some point.
Not a lot of torque, but very linear acceleration all the way to the red line.
Huge boot.
High and low ratio gearbox on the manuals.
Clever but mechanically simple and robust AWD; superb on twisty B roads, even in the wet.
Not many about and looks good IMO.
No rust.
The price of OEM spares is ridiculous.
man up- in the early 90's, 3 of us drove from Ilkley in Yorkshire to Les Houches (nr Chamonix) and did the full tour de mont blanc (in 6 days I hasten to add)
we then spent a fortnight doing individual day hikes, climbing and this includes ice climbing varying cols. So to get us there, including all gear, crampons, ice axes, tents, ruck sacs and all the other crap- obviously the vehicle of choice was .............
an X plate 1000cc mini metro. Yr a great big wassock thinking you need something fancy. Youth of today and all that.
we re-set the points after about 1500 miles. Only breakdown was caused one of my mates reversing a tyre over a crampon laid on the grass. Thus spare wheel had to go on.
There was a good reason for using this shed. Between the 3 of us, we had motorbikes, 2 vw campers, a polo and something else. Basically as we knew we were going to abandon a car somewhere for a week, maybe longer when we did the tour, we just thought, feck it, lets leave a shed. worst case scenario we'll buy another car to drive home in if it broke.
it was such a horrible car, the seats didn't even recline and the heater was stuck on hot, in August.
however absolute time of my life and enjoy yr trip.
we then spent a fortnight doing individual day hikes, climbing and this includes ice climbing varying cols. So to get us there, including all gear, crampons, ice axes, tents, ruck sacs and all the other crap- obviously the vehicle of choice was .............
an X plate 1000cc mini metro. Yr a great big wassock thinking you need something fancy. Youth of today and all that.
we re-set the points after about 1500 miles. Only breakdown was caused one of my mates reversing a tyre over a crampon laid on the grass. Thus spare wheel had to go on.
There was a good reason for using this shed. Between the 3 of us, we had motorbikes, 2 vw campers, a polo and something else. Basically as we knew we were going to abandon a car somewhere for a week, maybe longer when we did the tour, we just thought, feck it, lets leave a shed. worst case scenario we'll buy another car to drive home in if it broke.
it was such a horrible car, the seats didn't even recline and the heater was stuck on hot, in August.
however absolute time of my life and enjoy yr trip.
Gassing Station | Subaru | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff