100k-ish Legacy, Outback, Forester
Discussion
Evening all. Being a fan of the quirky and the sturdy, I'm considering swapping my current chariot (Volvo 850) for a similarly big-booted Subaru of some description. With a budget of, say, £4k, it seems I can get a 3.0 Legacy or Outback from 2004-2005, or a 2.0T or 2.5T Forester from about 2005ish. If anyone could answer the following questions, I'd be one very happy and grateful bunny!
1) Is the autobox in the Legacy or Outback trouble free and generally "alright" to live/drive with? I know it's relatively basic and certainly no ZF 8 speed, but I'm happy with that as long as it's no time-bomb like others. I quite fancy a big barge with a slushbox. I'd seek out a manual a Forester.
2) I know that 100k miles isn't the end for a well-maintained, modern car, BUT, for any of the cars listed so far, would there be anything to be wary of, and how do they generally age?
3) Of the two, I presume the Legacy and Outback are the better motorway cruiser. Whilst the Forester will do motorways quite happily, is it comfortable and relaxed (think quiet, low-revs etc, etc) on a long motorway slog?
4) Finally, earlier research tells me the 2.0T in the Forester is a slighter tougher lump than the 2.5T. Would this be correct? And is there a big difference in performance between the two? I'll willingly accept a slight BHP/torque disadvantage if there're benefits in longevity/reliability.
Thanks!
1) Is the autobox in the Legacy or Outback trouble free and generally "alright" to live/drive with? I know it's relatively basic and certainly no ZF 8 speed, but I'm happy with that as long as it's no time-bomb like others. I quite fancy a big barge with a slushbox. I'd seek out a manual a Forester.
2) I know that 100k miles isn't the end for a well-maintained, modern car, BUT, for any of the cars listed so far, would there be anything to be wary of, and how do they generally age?
3) Of the two, I presume the Legacy and Outback are the better motorway cruiser. Whilst the Forester will do motorways quite happily, is it comfortable and relaxed (think quiet, low-revs etc, etc) on a long motorway slog?
4) Finally, earlier research tells me the 2.0T in the Forester is a slighter tougher lump than the 2.5T. Would this be correct? And is there a big difference in performance between the two? I'll willingly accept a slight BHP/torque disadvantage if there're benefits in longevity/reliability.
Thanks!
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