BMW 330 Touring v Subaru Legacy 3.0 Tourer

[Legend83]

Right, I know I have been on here a lot harping on about practical cars to ferry my children around in but I have now finally narrowed it down to two possible cars, one of which I will definitely by this summer:

- Subaru Legacy 3.0 R B Spec
- BMW 330i Touring (probably in Sport guise)

A very basic comparison shows the Legacy wins on boot space (just), power and having AWD for those interesting winters. The BMW wins on pace (but this is very close), fuel efficiency and road tax costs. Insurance and servicing I would imagine are similar for both.

I just about prefer the looks of the BMW but they are common and I like the idea of the under-the-radar-ness of the Legacy. You also get better standard equipment in the Legacy. Buying the BMW would be easier as there are far more for sale.

So which would you buy and why?

Any tips for things to look out for on both models? What should I check has been done / serviced on a 6-7 year old example?

[nbetts]

I thought the servicing on those lovely Subaru jobbies was a bit higher than the BMW Tourer? Maybe that is something to consider?

[0077]

The BMW. Purely as it does everything the Legacy does (apart from AWD - do you really need it?) yet it handles better. So what if they're common, they are the best all rounder IMO.

[Legend83]

nbetts said:

I thought the servicing on those lovely Subaru jobbies was a bit higher than the BMW Tourer? Maybe that is something to consider?

Definitely, thanks for the tip.

[SpecB]

Take a guess...............;)

Have a drive of both and see what you think. Yes the BMW is quicker in a straight line but the Legacy can put the power down out of corners ridiculously early. The ride on the Legacy is also rather good considering the handling. They are expensive to maintain which is a downside but I have never let it bother me.

[Rich_W]

When it snows you'll be glad of the AWD

Plus the Legacy in a muted colour is more discrete than the BM.

[redtwin]

What would be the maintenance costs for the Subaru vs the BMW?. I imagine centre diff/Transfer box for the 4X4 system will probably need fluid changes, but how much do those run and how often?.

The rest would be general maintenance items (fluids, filters, plugs etc) which should be roughly the same especially if doing it DIY. Brakes and suspension won't be that much different, but of course it would depend on spares prices.

Edited by redtwin on Wednesday 11th January 20:06

[SpecB]

There is no special maintenance required for the AWD system. The centre diff shares it's oil with the gearbox. This and the rear LSD use Syntrax universal so nothing special there. Needs changing every 30k. 10k is basically an oil change and 20k is that plus brake and clutch fluid changes. 60k is the major service but half the stuff on it won't need doing (valve adjustment).

Parts are dear and they do need front bushes at 40k. I have put poly bushes in mine.

[redtwin]

Nothing scary there, thanks for the prompt reply.

[Jellyfishfields]

For UK driving I'd have the Subaru over the BMW, can be a bit gutsy but other than that I'd be surprised if the maintenance costs were any higher.

A couple of reviews for you if you've not aleady seen them.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Su...

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/RoadTestsVerdi...