Legacy versus Outback

[snowandrocks]

I've more or less decided to buy either an Outback or a Legacy and was hoping for some advice on the differences between the two.

I've got about £6k to spend and it'll spend most of it's time running around rural Aberdeenshire mixed with the odd longer trip South or over to the West Coast. Don't do a massive mileage so thinking a 2004 - 2007 with either a 2.5 or 3.0 petrol

I've driven a Legacy and was impressed with the handling/balanced chassis and while the extra clearance of the Outback sounds useful, I don't want something that handles like a barge - I've got an old Land Cruiser for that!

So, has anyone driven both and if so, does the Outback share the chassis talents of it's lower slung sibling?

[snowandrocks]

Thanks gentlemen, given it'll be mostly "making progress" across some fairly demanding roads I didn't want something that would be tiring to drive quickly. Sounds like it's still capable enough even if it's a bit softer than the standard Legacy.

Now to find one! I like the idea of the 3.0 but the auto only option isn't very appealing, a manual 2.5 will probably not be much slower and be quite a lot more economical!

[snowandrocks]

The reason for preferring manual is that, ideally, I want to be able to teach my girlfriend to drive in it! Not only that, but it'll be the car she'll drive most often after passing her test so probably best to give her some experience with a clutch.

As much as a spec B appeals it's not really what I had in mind for the car - It'll be mostly used as a workhorse and filled with bikes, canoes and climbing gear!

Leefee - would that be a certain car centre in Banchory? I've been keeping an eye on your stock list but the perfect car hasn't appeared just yet! Will keep a look out though.