Subaru Legacy/ Levorg ownership, what's it like?
Discussion
Hello Subaru owner's,
I am interested to know what's it has been like to own either a Legacy or Levorg. I know they are different cars but it's simpler to ask in one thread that multiple. I am potentially looking at getting either or for my next daily and I would like to know what the trial and tribulations of owning them has been. Every little tid bit of information is appreciated!
I am interested to know what's it has been like to own either a Legacy or Levorg. I know they are different cars but it's simpler to ask in one thread that multiple. I am potentially looking at getting either or for my next daily and I would like to know what the trial and tribulations of owning them has been. Every little tid bit of information is appreciated!
Edited by CEB011 on Tuesday 18th July 13:52
I had 3 Legacys and loved them. Totally reliable but they do rust underneath and are expensive to run and maintain.
the only modern daily car I found truly 'special' in an indefinable sort of way with a real depth of engineering beneath the skin that put the German alternatives to shame
I wanted a Levorg when they came out but the lack of engine options and the enforced CVT transmission completely put me off.
the only modern daily car I found truly 'special' in an indefinable sort of way with a real depth of engineering beneath the skin that put the German alternatives to shame
I wanted a Levorg when they came out but the lack of engine options and the enforced CVT transmission completely put me off.
Lotobear said:
I had 3 Legacys and loved them. Totally reliable but they do rust underneath and are expensive to run and maintain.
the only modern daily car I found truly 'special' in an indefinable sort of way with a real depth of engineering beneath the skin that put the German alternatives to shame
I wanted a Levorg when they came out but the lack of engine options and the enforced CVT transmission completely put me off.
I’ll direct you to Mighty Car Mods on the tube. Sti drivetrain is (almost) a direct swap. the only modern daily car I found truly 'special' in an indefinable sort of way with a real depth of engineering beneath the skin that put the German alternatives to shame
I wanted a Levorg when they came out but the lack of engine options and the enforced CVT transmission completely put me off.
Hard to believe Subaru didn’t do it themselves really.
Hi,
I have owned my 2016 Levorg 1.6 GT since October last year and so far so good!
Although mines slightly modified from standard (Tein lowering springs, slightly more burbly exhaust and Rota wheels) its an excellent daily drive - its spacious, comfortable and has a front end that's reminiscent of the WRX STI of the same era (if you squint), there's not much to really dislike. I really like the looks too, very purposeful!
This will get mentioned a lot, but the CVT gearbox really is not that bad! Its not like an old school CVT with a rubber band feel and constantly sitting at 5000rpm every time you touch the throttle!
What it is, is very smooth and very similar to a traditional torque converter auto in my opinion. It even has 'stepped' gear changes designed into it to make it not feel like a CVT and give it more of a traditional auto feel. There are times where it will hang onto the revs but that's only if you boot it, even then the progress is swift! I'd personally say, go and try one and make your own judgement on the gearbox!
Id personally recommend the Levorg, they're actually quite a rare sight too on UK roads - apart from my own i cant say i've seen another one driving about!
I have owned my 2016 Levorg 1.6 GT since October last year and so far so good!
Although mines slightly modified from standard (Tein lowering springs, slightly more burbly exhaust and Rota wheels) its an excellent daily drive - its spacious, comfortable and has a front end that's reminiscent of the WRX STI of the same era (if you squint), there's not much to really dislike. I really like the looks too, very purposeful!
This will get mentioned a lot, but the CVT gearbox really is not that bad! Its not like an old school CVT with a rubber band feel and constantly sitting at 5000rpm every time you touch the throttle!
What it is, is very smooth and very similar to a traditional torque converter auto in my opinion. It even has 'stepped' gear changes designed into it to make it not feel like a CVT and give it more of a traditional auto feel. There are times where it will hang onto the revs but that's only if you boot it, even then the progress is swift! I'd personally say, go and try one and make your own judgement on the gearbox!
Id personally recommend the Levorg, they're actually quite a rare sight too on UK roads - apart from my own i cant say i've seen another one driving about!
Lotobear said:
I had 3 Legacys and loved them. Totally reliable but they do rust underneath and are expensive to run and maintain.
the only modern daily car I found truly 'special' in an indefinable sort of way with a real depth of engineering beneath the skin that put the German alternatives to shame
I wanted a Levorg when they came out but the lack of engine options and the enforced CVT transmission completely put me off.
What are the car's strengths and weaknesses, what is the reliability like? I know you said totally but could you define what you mean? What makes them expensive to run? the only modern daily car I found truly 'special' in an indefinable sort of way with a real depth of engineering beneath the skin that put the German alternatives to shame
I wanted a Levorg when they came out but the lack of engine options and the enforced CVT transmission completely put me off.
I have spoken to a few Levorg owners who say the CVT cns be hit n miss. I've seen a 2L turbo jap import which has caught my attention, but as you said the engines are pretty bland.
Rikki55 said:
Hi,
I have owned my 2016 Levorg 1.6 GT since October last year and so far so good!
Although mines slightly modified from standard (Tein lowering springs, slightly more burbly exhaust and Rota wheels) its an excellent daily drive - its spacious, comfortable and has a front end that's reminiscent of the WRX STI of the same era (if you squint), there's not much to really dislike. I really like the looks too, very purposeful!
This will get mentioned a lot, but the CVT gearbox really is not that bad! Its not like an old school CVT with a rubber band feel and constantly sitting at 5000rpm every time you touch the throttle!
What it is, is very smooth and very similar to a traditional torque converter auto in my opinion. It even has 'stepped' gear changes designed into it to make it not feel like a CVT and give it more of a traditional auto feel. There are times where it will hang onto the revs but that's only if you boot it, even then the progress is swift! I'd personally say, go and try one and make your own judgement on the gearbox!
Id personally recommend the Levorg, they're actually quite a rare sight too on UK roads - apart from my own i cant say i've seen another one driving about!
This is fantastic, thank you very much for the response! What is the fuel economy and running costs like and how is the 1.6L? I do like the Levorgs but the engines seem rather bland unless I was to get a 2L turbo imported. I have heard fairly positive responses about the new CVTs, so it's goot to hear more positive responses, so at least that's reassuring. What are the cars quirks?I have owned my 2016 Levorg 1.6 GT since October last year and so far so good!
Although mines slightly modified from standard (Tein lowering springs, slightly more burbly exhaust and Rota wheels) its an excellent daily drive - its spacious, comfortable and has a front end that's reminiscent of the WRX STI of the same era (if you squint), there's not much to really dislike. I really like the looks too, very purposeful!
This will get mentioned a lot, but the CVT gearbox really is not that bad! Its not like an old school CVT with a rubber band feel and constantly sitting at 5000rpm every time you touch the throttle!
What it is, is very smooth and very similar to a traditional torque converter auto in my opinion. It even has 'stepped' gear changes designed into it to make it not feel like a CVT and give it more of a traditional auto feel. There are times where it will hang onto the revs but that's only if you boot it, even then the progress is swift! I'd personally say, go and try one and make your own judgement on the gearbox!
Id personally recommend the Levorg, they're actually quite a rare sight too on UK roads - apart from my own i cant say i've seen another one driving about!
CEB011 said:
What are the car's strengths and weaknesses, what is the reliability like? I know you said totally but could you define what you mean? What makes them expensive to run?
I have spoken to a few Levorg owners who say the CVT cns be hit n miss. I've seen a 2L turbo jap import which has caught my attention, but as you said the engines are pretty bland.
I had a 2.0 litre Legacy saloon.I have spoken to a few Levorg owners who say the CVT cns be hit n miss. I've seen a 2L turbo jap import which has caught my attention, but as you said the engines are pretty bland.
Strengths
+ Four wheel drive was excellent. Felt very secure in crap conditions
+ Lovely balanced feel to the car
+ I liked driving something a bit different
+ Reliable
Weaknesses
- heavy on fuel 35 mpg or less on average
- exhaust rusts.
- dmf clutch on mine (bought at 3 years old and 30k miles) was shagged
- interior quality a bit so-so.
- if you get a bad puncture you may need to fork out for a full set of tyres due to the 4wd differentials needing equal tread on all tyres.
CEB011 said:
Rikki55 said:
Hi,
I have owned my 2016 Levorg 1.6 GT since October last year and so far so good!
Although mines slightly modified from standard (Tein lowering springs, slightly more burbly exhaust and Rota wheels) its an excellent daily drive - its spacious, comfortable and has a front end that's reminiscent of the WRX STI of the same era (if you squint), there's not much to really dislike. I really like the looks too, very purposeful!
This will get mentioned a lot, but the CVT gearbox really is not that bad! Its not like an old school CVT with a rubber band feel and constantly sitting at 5000rpm every time you touch the throttle!
What it is, is very smooth and very similar to a traditional torque converter auto in my opinion. It even has 'stepped' gear changes designed into it to make it not feel like a CVT and give it more of a traditional auto feel. There are times where it will hang onto the revs but that's only if you boot it, even then the progress is swift! I'd personally say, go and try one and make your own judgement on the gearbox!
Id personally recommend the Levorg, they're actually quite a rare sight too on UK roads - apart from my own i cant say i've seen another one driving about!
This is fantastic, thank you very much for the response! What is the fuel economy and running costs like and how is the 1.6L? I do like the Levorgs but the engines seem rather bland unless I was to get a 2L turbo imported. I have heard fairly positive responses about the new CVTs, so it's goot to hear more positive responses, so at least that's reassuring. What are the cars quirks?I have owned my 2016 Levorg 1.6 GT since October last year and so far so good!
Although mines slightly modified from standard (Tein lowering springs, slightly more burbly exhaust and Rota wheels) its an excellent daily drive - its spacious, comfortable and has a front end that's reminiscent of the WRX STI of the same era (if you squint), there's not much to really dislike. I really like the looks too, very purposeful!
This will get mentioned a lot, but the CVT gearbox really is not that bad! Its not like an old school CVT with a rubber band feel and constantly sitting at 5000rpm every time you touch the throttle!
What it is, is very smooth and very similar to a traditional torque converter auto in my opinion. It even has 'stepped' gear changes designed into it to make it not feel like a CVT and give it more of a traditional auto feel. There are times where it will hang onto the revs but that's only if you boot it, even then the progress is swift! I'd personally say, go and try one and make your own judgement on the gearbox!
Id personally recommend the Levorg, they're actually quite a rare sight too on UK roads - apart from my own i cant say i've seen another one driving about!
Running and servicing costs seem to be reasonable so far! Spare parts dont seem too bad to get hold off either (A lot of the WRX / STI parts fit suspension wise, which is handy as its pretty much the same car underneath!)
Engine is okay to be fair, not as characterful as an EJ but still has the 'scooby burble' at idle, although they are very muted with factory exhausts soundwise - hence why ive gone custom on mine to give it a bit more 'character'. Performance-wise, it pulls well and has never felt lacking and likes to rev too (as do most boxers!)
I was prepared to hate the CVT based on my previous experiences of them, but was pleasantly surprised by the Levorgs box - as mentioned previously it been programmed to make it feel more like a traditional torque converter auto than a CVT and even using the paddle shifters to change gear gives the driver some involvement when pressing on!
Quirks
- Its pretty much an WRX Wagon (just without the power!)
- They're quite rare!
- The handling is actually pretty good to be fair, AWD grip too so always feels reassuring when pressing on
Cheers,
Slowboathome said:
I had a 2.0 litre Legacy saloon.
Strengths
+ Four wheel drive was excellent. Felt very secure in crap conditions
+ Lovely balanced feel to the car
+ I liked driving something a bit different
+ Reliable
Weaknesses
- heavy on fuel 35 mpg or less on average
- exhaust rusts.
- dmf clutch on mine (bought at 3 years old and 30k miles) was shagged
- interior quality a bit so-so.
- if you get a bad puncture you may need to fork out for a full set of tyres due to the 4wd differentials needing equal tread on all tyres.
This is brilliant thank you for this! Really useful! Strengths
+ Four wheel drive was excellent. Felt very secure in crap conditions
+ Lovely balanced feel to the car
+ I liked driving something a bit different
+ Reliable
Weaknesses
- heavy on fuel 35 mpg or less on average
- exhaust rusts.
- dmf clutch on mine (bought at 3 years old and 30k miles) was shagged
- interior quality a bit so-so.
- if you get a bad puncture you may need to fork out for a full set of tyres due to the 4wd differentials needing equal tread on all tyres.
I hadn't considered the need for a full set of new tyres due to the 4WD. But certainly something to note.
I haven't read much about the Legacy 2L, mostly the 3L flat six.
Rikki55 said:
Not a problem! I'm currently averaging around mid to low 30's on the daily commute but can drop to around 25ish mpg on a spirited drive!
Running and servicing costs seem to be reasonable so far! Spare parts dont seem too bad to get hold off either (A lot of the WRX / STI parts fit suspension wise, which is handy as its pretty much the same car underneath!)
Engine is okay to be fair, not as characterful as an EJ but still has the 'scooby burble' at idle, although they are very muted with factory exhausts soundwise - hence why ive gone custom on mine to give it a bit more 'character'. Performance-wise, it pulls well and has never felt lacking and likes to rev too (as do most boxers!)
I was prepared to hate the CVT based on my previous experiences of them, but was pleasantly surprised by the Levorgs box - as mentioned previously it been programmed to make it feel more like a traditional torque converter auto than a CVT and even using the paddle shifters to change gear gives the driver some involvement when pressing on!
Quirks
- Its pretty much an WRX Wagon (just without the power!)
- They're quite rare!
- The handling is actually pretty good to be fair, AWD grip too so always feels reassuring when pressing on
Cheers,
Brilliant feedback thank you, exactly the type of information I am looking for. Seems I shouldn't cross off the 1.6L just yet and give it a try. I must say I like the rarity and uniqueness, but also the cabin looks very nice also.Running and servicing costs seem to be reasonable so far! Spare parts dont seem too bad to get hold off either (A lot of the WRX / STI parts fit suspension wise, which is handy as its pretty much the same car underneath!)
Engine is okay to be fair, not as characterful as an EJ but still has the 'scooby burble' at idle, although they are very muted with factory exhausts soundwise - hence why ive gone custom on mine to give it a bit more 'character'. Performance-wise, it pulls well and has never felt lacking and likes to rev too (as do most boxers!)
I was prepared to hate the CVT based on my previous experiences of them, but was pleasantly surprised by the Levorgs box - as mentioned previously it been programmed to make it feel more like a traditional torque converter auto than a CVT and even using the paddle shifters to change gear gives the driver some involvement when pressing on!
Quirks
- Its pretty much an WRX Wagon (just without the power!)
- They're quite rare!
- The handling is actually pretty good to be fair, AWD grip too so always feels reassuring when pressing on
Cheers,
Thank you!
CEB011 said:
I haven't read much about the Legacy 2L, mostly the 3L flat six.
You need to keep an eye on the oil - it does use some.0-60 was about 9 seconds for the saloon.
Water pump on mine was on the way out when I sold it at c90k miles. Needs a special tool for this job apparently. All other servicing was done by local mechanic.
Slowboathome said:
You need to keep an eye on the oil - it does use some.
0-60 was about 9 seconds for the saloon.
Water pump on mine was on the way out when I sold it at c90k miles. Needs a special tool for this job apparently. All other servicing was done by local mechanic.
Thank you for the response, I'll keep this in mind. I've been looking at the estates personally.0-60 was about 9 seconds for the saloon.
Water pump on mine was on the way out when I sold it at c90k miles. Needs a special tool for this job apparently. All other servicing was done by local mechanic.
I did a bit of research on the Levorg as I looked to get one myself. If you get the 1.6 litre you can buy a remap for them that can take the bhp from 168 bhp to 210 bhp so it should go nicely after that. It also raises the torque but the CVT gearbox cannot take too much power. The JDM 2.0 litre has a stronger CVT.
I have a 2.0 JDM import (facelift gen 4). It’s a bp5 spec b gt. There’s a lot to talk about with them but overall it’s the car I’ve had for the longest out of any I’ve owned.
Reason being that I actually like it. They can be picked up for a good price, autos run about 260bhp at the crank (which I have), manuals about 280. They are open deck blocks so can’t handle much more than 330ish without reinforcing mods. EJ207 short blocks are quite a common swap.
I’ve had no issues with mine really. Mechanically it’s absolutely sound, only had to do age related repairs such as roll bar ends, drop link bushes, aux belt etc.
Throw some stiffer suspension and a remap on there and happy days.
I took mine around the NC500 with a few other performance cars. Yea it was the slowest, but it was also the oldest and felt right at home on the b roads that you get up there. It was also comfy on the 6h commute and didn’t feel like I was rattling myself to pieces.
They really can take some abuse. If you want it for a daily I’d highly recommend.
Downsides are generally that you do get less-than-ideal MPG - I think I avg about 20-25 around town and commuting to work in it. You also have to look for specialist insurance on imports which does cost a bit more.
Benefit being you also get reduced VED rates for pre-2008 cars I think. Mine is only £325 a year, compared to the flat 6 UK spec which is like £500+ I think, so swings and roundabouts really.
I like mine and would only really trade it for something like an e90 m3 or a b7 rs4, but you’re looking at almost double what you could pick a legacy up for.
Reason being that I actually like it. They can be picked up for a good price, autos run about 260bhp at the crank (which I have), manuals about 280. They are open deck blocks so can’t handle much more than 330ish without reinforcing mods. EJ207 short blocks are quite a common swap.
I’ve had no issues with mine really. Mechanically it’s absolutely sound, only had to do age related repairs such as roll bar ends, drop link bushes, aux belt etc.
Throw some stiffer suspension and a remap on there and happy days.
I took mine around the NC500 with a few other performance cars. Yea it was the slowest, but it was also the oldest and felt right at home on the b roads that you get up there. It was also comfy on the 6h commute and didn’t feel like I was rattling myself to pieces.
They really can take some abuse. If you want it for a daily I’d highly recommend.
Downsides are generally that you do get less-than-ideal MPG - I think I avg about 20-25 around town and commuting to work in it. You also have to look for specialist insurance on imports which does cost a bit more.
Benefit being you also get reduced VED rates for pre-2008 cars I think. Mine is only £325 a year, compared to the flat 6 UK spec which is like £500+ I think, so swings and roundabouts really.
I like mine and would only really trade it for something like an e90 m3 or a b7 rs4, but you’re looking at almost double what you could pick a legacy up for.
TO73074E said:
I did a bit of research on the Levorg as I looked to get one myself. If you get the 1.6 litre you can buy a remap for them that can take the bhp from 168 bhp to 210 bhp so it should go nicely after that. It also raises the torque but the CVT gearbox cannot take too much power. The JDM 2.0 litre has a stronger CVT.
That's interesting on the remap, I couldn't find much information on remapping the 1.6L. I would be interested in this option but I don't know the fragility of the 1.6L unit. I have been looking at the JDM 2L turbo as that seems to be the better option but much rarer and extremely hard to find. Interesting that it has a stronger CVT something to note thank you.
Trying2GoFast said:
I have a 2.0 JDM import (facelift gen 4). It’s a bp5 spec b gt. There’s a lot to talk about with them but overall it’s the car I’ve had for the longest out of any I’ve owned.
Reason being that I actually like it. They can be picked up for a good price, autos run about 260bhp at the crank (which I have), manuals about 280. They are open deck blocks so can’t handle much more than 330ish without reinforcing mods. EJ207 short blocks are quite a common swap.
I’ve had no issues with mine really. Mechanically it’s absolutely sound, only had to do age related repairs such as roll bar ends, drop link bushes, aux belt etc.
Throw some stiffer suspension and a remap on there and happy days.
I took mine around the NC500 with a few other performance cars. Yea it was the slowest, but it was also the oldest and felt right at home on the b roads that you get up there. It was also comfy on the 6h commute and didn’t feel like I was rattling myself to pieces.
They really can take some abuse. If you want it for a daily I’d highly recommend.
Downsides are generally that you do get less-than-ideal MPG - I think I avg about 20-25 around town and commuting to work in it. You also have to look for specialist insurance on imports which does cost a bit more.
Benefit being you also get reduced VED rates for pre-2008 cars I think. Mine is only £325 a year, compared to the flat 6 UK spec which is like £500+ I think, so swings and roundabouts really.
I like mine and would only really trade it for something like an e90 m3 or a b7 rs4, but you’re looking at almost double what you could pick a legacy up for.
I have looked at the JDM imports but couldn't find many that haven't been modified heavily, I wouldn't really want a modded car as I like a blank canvas if I was to do any mods that is. I tend to like keeping it stock, or if I do mod it's very subtle. Reason being that I actually like it. They can be picked up for a good price, autos run about 260bhp at the crank (which I have), manuals about 280. They are open deck blocks so can’t handle much more than 330ish without reinforcing mods. EJ207 short blocks are quite a common swap.
I’ve had no issues with mine really. Mechanically it’s absolutely sound, only had to do age related repairs such as roll bar ends, drop link bushes, aux belt etc.
Throw some stiffer suspension and a remap on there and happy days.
I took mine around the NC500 with a few other performance cars. Yea it was the slowest, but it was also the oldest and felt right at home on the b roads that you get up there. It was also comfy on the 6h commute and didn’t feel like I was rattling myself to pieces.
They really can take some abuse. If you want it for a daily I’d highly recommend.
Downsides are generally that you do get less-than-ideal MPG - I think I avg about 20-25 around town and commuting to work in it. You also have to look for specialist insurance on imports which does cost a bit more.
Benefit being you also get reduced VED rates for pre-2008 cars I think. Mine is only £325 a year, compared to the flat 6 UK spec which is like £500+ I think, so swings and roundabouts really.
I like mine and would only really trade it for something like an e90 m3 or a b7 rs4, but you’re looking at almost double what you could pick a legacy up for.
Is the one you have the 2L turbo?
I knew the autos took some power away but didn't realize it was that much, I haven't seen any JDM manual legacy, only autos. I'm not adverse to auto if it's a decent box to be fair. And I'm unlikely to map a car unless it feels like a slug as I never really feel the need to have ridiculous power, I enjoy a good handling pretty fast car, so I'd say 260-280 plenty for myself
Nice to hear that it's good mechanically as I could use with a mechanically sound car after my last few which have been anything but.
I have wanted to do the NC500, sounds like you enjoyed it and the Legacy performed admirably.
I never knew you needed special insurance for imports, so that's something to note thank you. Sounds like the MPG is most likely the achilles heel, however someone has said something to me the other day and if you spend very little money on maintenance then fuel consumption doesn't matter all too much as that budget get take for fuel anyway, which is true enough. I'm fairly conservative when it comes to daily driving and I don't evenly do a spirited drive, maybe once a week if I'm lucky.
Nice to note the tax is slightly cheaper, but as you said swings and roundabouts given the MPG is pretty even between the 2L and 3L.
I have looked at RS4s as I'm looking an estate and they just seem silly to run as a daily and can cost a pretty penny to repair and don't have the best track for reliability from what I have read.
On my quest to find a new daily, the hardest thing I need to do is convince my Mrs as she hasn't been happy with the last 3 money pits but also she understands I love my cars and I want something fun but no boring like a golf, so it's just finding something that fits I suppose.
You have provided me with some brilliant information thank you!
I'm on my second gen4 legacy (and third subaru). I've previously had a JDM Twinscroll auto and currently my daily is a 3.0 6 speed manual.
Twin scroll manuals do appear occasionally, I'd recommend joining the UK Legacy facebook forum, as that is where a lot of enthusiast cars get advertised. Manuals do command a premium over autos (about £1,500). Having said that, the 5 speed auto is not a bad box. I preferred it to the 6 speed that was on the R36 VW I had in between legacies. From what I've heard the facelift box with SI drive and flappy paddles is even better. Imported cars also generally have lower annual car tax rates, which offsets the insurance.
Both of my cars have been reliable, but they do need regular maintenance; lot of oil changes, and some bushes don't last as long as I'd like. But spares support is good, they're easy to work on at home and there are plenty of specialists around to do the jobs that are more involved. They're all thirsty, but the 3.0 is especially so.
I'm a fan. They're good to drive, well built (although rust on UK models can be an issue), lots of space, comfortable on long tips and also entertaining when on back roads.
I've had the 3.0 for two years, and I've got a thread showing some of the highlights here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Twin scroll manuals do appear occasionally, I'd recommend joining the UK Legacy facebook forum, as that is where a lot of enthusiast cars get advertised. Manuals do command a premium over autos (about £1,500). Having said that, the 5 speed auto is not a bad box. I preferred it to the 6 speed that was on the R36 VW I had in between legacies. From what I've heard the facelift box with SI drive and flappy paddles is even better. Imported cars also generally have lower annual car tax rates, which offsets the insurance.
Both of my cars have been reliable, but they do need regular maintenance; lot of oil changes, and some bushes don't last as long as I'd like. But spares support is good, they're easy to work on at home and there are plenty of specialists around to do the jobs that are more involved. They're all thirsty, but the 3.0 is especially so.
I'm a fan. They're good to drive, well built (although rust on UK models can be an issue), lots of space, comfortable on long tips and also entertaining when on back roads.
I've had the 3.0 for two years, and I've got a thread showing some of the highlights here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by Cambs_Stuart on Wednesday 19th July 11:38
I imported my Gen5 GT last year, thread here...
2.5 turbo with five speed 5EAT 'box; I quite like it now it's been mildly tweaked, it's pretty refined but can pick it's skirts up and hustle when you need it to. Sti bits make a significant difference to the way it drives, if you can find one with them already installed you will save yourself a chunk of cash. over 700kms to a tank on a 70mph cruise, but waaaaay less around town and short journeys.
2.5 turbo with five speed 5EAT 'box; I quite like it now it's been mildly tweaked, it's pretty refined but can pick it's skirts up and hustle when you need it to. Sti bits make a significant difference to the way it drives, if you can find one with them already installed you will save yourself a chunk of cash. over 700kms to a tank on a 70mph cruise, but waaaaay less around town and short journeys.
Cambs_Stuart said:
I'm on my second gen4 legacy (and third subaru). I've previously had a JDM Twinscroll auto and currently my daily is a 3.0 6 speed manual.
Twin scroll manuals do appear occasionally, I'd recommend joining the UK Legacy facebook forum, as that is where a lot of enthusiast cars get advertised. Manuals do command a premium over autos (about £1,500). Having said that, the 5 speed auto is not a bad box. I preferred it to the 6 speed that was on the R36 VW I had in between legacies. From what I've heard the facelift box with SI drive and flappy paddles is even better. Imported cars also generally have lower annual car tax rates, which offsets the insurance.
Both of my cars have been reliable, but they do need regular maintenance; lot of oil changes, and some bushes don't last as long as I'd like. But spares support is good, they're easy to work on at home and there are plenty of specialists around to do the jobs that are more involved. They're all thirsty, but the 3.0 is especially so.
I'm a fan. They're good to drive, well built (although rust on UK models can be an issue), lots of space, comfortable on long tips and also entertaining when on back roads.
I've had the 3.0 for two years, and I've got a thread showing some of the highlights here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thank you for you reply, I am on the Facebook group, not much has appeared but I keep my eye out. So there is an Insurance premium on imported cars? I appreciate this information it's really helpful! Can I ask roughly what your monthly runnings costs, I know everyone's is different due to distance travel and how enthusiastic a drive you are but it gives me a rough idea. I shall jump on your thread and take a look thank you!Twin scroll manuals do appear occasionally, I'd recommend joining the UK Legacy facebook forum, as that is where a lot of enthusiast cars get advertised. Manuals do command a premium over autos (about £1,500). Having said that, the 5 speed auto is not a bad box. I preferred it to the 6 speed that was on the R36 VW I had in between legacies. From what I've heard the facelift box with SI drive and flappy paddles is even better. Imported cars also generally have lower annual car tax rates, which offsets the insurance.
Both of my cars have been reliable, but they do need regular maintenance; lot of oil changes, and some bushes don't last as long as I'd like. But spares support is good, they're easy to work on at home and there are plenty of specialists around to do the jobs that are more involved. They're all thirsty, but the 3.0 is especially so.
I'm a fan. They're good to drive, well built (although rust on UK models can be an issue), lots of space, comfortable on long tips and also entertaining when on back roads.
I've had the 3.0 for two years, and I've got a thread showing some of the highlights here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by Cambs_Stuart on Wednesday 19th July 11:38
trails said:
I imported my Gen5 GT last year, thread here...
2.5 turbo with five speed 5EAT 'box; I quite like it now it's been mildly tweaked, it's pretty refined but can pick it's skirts up and hustle when you need it to. Sti bits make a significant difference to the way it drives, if you can find one with them already installed you will save yourself a chunk of cash. over 700kms to a tank on a 70mph cruise, but waaaaay less around town and short journeys.
I haven't really looked at the gen5s much as I haven't seen many for sale. But I will give them a look. Thanks for the info and your response, really appreciated. I'll take a look at your thread thanks! 2.5 turbo with five speed 5EAT 'box; I quite like it now it's been mildly tweaked, it's pretty refined but can pick it's skirts up and hustle when you need it to. Sti bits make a significant difference to the way it drives, if you can find one with them already installed you will save yourself a chunk of cash. over 700kms to a tank on a 70mph cruise, but waaaaay less around town and short journeys.
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