Urgh, going to try to be sensible - Legacy Spec-B info pls

[Ved]

Since our new pup has put 18 lovely scratches down my R32 it's become clear that we need to get a more dog friendly car. So I'm going to sell the missus GTI and get a Legacy Spec-B 3.0 R, ideally a Sports Tourer for the ultimate Q-Car wagon.

Having never driven one I'm keen to know what you guys think of them as this will likely be the family car for a long time to come. I had a 07 STI Impreza STI a few years ago so know how well Subarus can be made but the Legcay is talked about in even higher regard, but is this as perfect as it seems? I've heard they come with a rather fancy info system with G-meters and the like too. Finally, how much hassle is it to put an iPhone connection into it to play music?

I'm aware they like to drink like a blue whale but 23mpg is fine for what it'll be used for but I have heard about snapped springs and a very expensive cam belt service at 6 years/60k.

Anyway, thoughts and opinions welcome.



David


PS - this also opens up the possibly to get a more exciting car for me later, but that's a post for another day...

[DKL]

There was a discussion on the Subaru forum a few weeks back. Generally well thought of if a little thin on the ground.

[Ved]

I looked in there but didn't see anything, I'll look again thanks.

Yes they are pretty rare but that's also part of the appeal, although it makes finding the right one a little harder.

[DKL]

http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&amp...

there you go

[BuzzLightyear]

I test drove one at the dealer who was servicing my STi (several years ago), also trying to be sensible(?). It was a new one and so I didn't consider stuff breaking on it but just found it too unexcitIng. Aside from the extra boot space being the estate version, there really wasn't anything worth swapping for. I kept the STi.

[Jaroon]

I got one of these 6-8 weeks ago, all be it in saloon guise and am very impressed. I'll address a few points and add a few.

Highly regarded sat nav and info system but no g meters, mine is an 05 and the 06 facelift has a couple of new tricks but nothing game changing.

I'm getting 19.5 MPG mainly stop start, enthusiastic so probably as bad as it gets.

Cam chain so no belt to worry about, I understand the 60k service is quite a biggy with a Subaru dealer but basically all the fluids and inspection stuff so I'd be happy to go recomended independent by 60k.

Firm ride with great handleing, grip and turn in, steering feel is said to be lacking but I'll be honest and say I've never really got steering feel, by the time this is understeering you really are pushing it. Lovely exhaust note although expect to replace at least the Y section (you might want to do the lot at that stage) before 90k.

UKlegacy is a great resource.

Well speced cars as you know, although I've had more powerful cars (I did prefer forced induction and plenty of low down torque) I really enjoy the revy character of this engine, pretty gutless below 2500rpm tbh. I think the face lift addressed this abit but it still needs peddling.

Well put together (it's no German mind you) and suits my family fine as we don't do loads of miles.