SUBARU LEGACY (BP5) R SPEC - B SPORTS TOURER MANUAL

- Very capable all-rounder

- Increasingly rare (fewer than 100 manual examples left in the UK)

- Extensive service history

- Useful set of extras included

- ULEZ compliant

Arguably the thinking person's Impreza, Subaru’s Legacy is underpinned by the same symmetrical all wheel drive system but its increased dimensions provide greater practicality and a more planted stance on the road.

This example is a rare Spec B tourer manual. Mating a tuneful 3.0litre flat six to a gearbox which was refined from the Impreza STI of the era, the ‘Spec B’ part of the name denotes the fitment of Bilstein dampers which means that it’s really something of a Q-car.

Although showing its age in a few areas, it scrubs up nicely and is well-specified with all the niceties including climate control, a double sunroof, cruise control and an aftermarket Bluetooth phone system.

The early history is main dealer and latterly it’s been regularly maintained at independent garages, benefitting from a full set of new springs and Bilstein B6 dampers a few years ago. This means that the handling is still very tight, while a full stainless steel replacement exhaust fitted at around the same time gives it a fruitier note.

This is my second Spec B and experience taught me that it’s a little under-braked as standard so it has a full set of EBC yellowstuff pads.

As well as a towbar, there are genuine Subaru roof bars and dog guard, some new number plates which I’ve not had the time to apply and a fresh driver’s window as the current one has been scratched by hardened door seals. Some Gummi Pflege and following the half hour Youtube video should see that put right.

In summary, it’s a fabulous all-rounder which is in very usable condition. With a little cosmetic attention (notably to the wheels) it would be really smart.

Why am I selling it? Well, I’m fortunate enough to have a small collection of cars and between the others, they do all the things that this is really good at: load lugging, transporting the family in comfort and entertaining the driver. If I could only keep one, it would be a Legacy. But the truth is I have one too many for the space available and so this one needs a new home.

Note that I’ve not included my phone number on the ad as I wasn’t keen on sharing it directly. However, if you email me then I will normally be able to reply swiftly.

Thanks for looking at the ad and I hope that I can find the car a suitably appreciative new owner.