Legacy Spec B v Mazda 6 MPS

[Tribal Chestnut]

Folks, my old Scenic is just becoming too painful to bear, latest fault being the Munchkin's window mechanism f'ing up again. Also, the boot is a sod to close, the CD player died years ago, it's at the point now where I truly cannot be bothered with the bloody thing, steering is slightly fooked and it is always absolutely sodden inside, even when the window hasn't dropped open overnight.

I will miss it's abusability, which makes me feel a little sad.

I seem to have somehow short listed the following as a potential replacement:

Subaru Legacy 3.0R spec B
Mazda 6 MPS

At the moment the Subaru is in the lead due to an estate being available and it having proper, manly awd, not the system employed by the Mazda, not that it'll make a huge amount of difference, but I shall be more contented.

Well, what should I concentrate my energies upon the procurement of?

Any other suggestions?

The following criteria need to be fulfilled:

4-5 doors
Preferably manual
Preferably awd, but wouldn't be too sad with rwd or an f/awd system
>15mpg combined
Estate preferable (just me and a midget, but I like the versatility)
Must be petrol
Circa £5-6k
Must be durable and easy to maintain, in all respects (I've probably been spoilt by the Renault, truly lived up to the French car reputation).
No projects, I already have three vehicles that need work, four if you count the Scenic.
Not overly keen on things like 330's, etc

Edited by Tribal Chestnut on Sunday 25th November 22:08

[Mave]

If AWD is a preference, then maybe looking at an A4 or A6 quattro? Other than that, your criteria could probably be filled by any manufacturer.

[the_engineer]

Legacy spec B's are awesome. Recommended.

[Watchman]

Compared with the Subaru, everyone else's 4WD system will be left wanting. Will you notice? Possibly - I do (especially on snow) but I'm a bit geeky like that. I must admit that the more powerful Audis compensate by having spectacular engines.

Can't really understand a comparison between the Mazda and the Legacy but Mazda is one of those manufacturers I don't understand. The MX5 and the RX7 had genuine appeal. Their other cars look like rehashed cars from other manufacturers.

[billzeebub]

Legacy

[Mave]

Go on, give us a clue; why did you narrow down on those two cars? They seem pretty different to me......

[V8Wagon]

the_engineer said:

Legacy spec B's are awesome. Recommended.

Are they really? I test drove one before opting for the Accord and I really had high expectations only to be let down. I didn't find the engine that grunty....made a nice noise but it didn't feel really quick....and for the claimed MPG, I wanted it to have monster performance. I absolutely loved the massive sunroof however.

I went for a Honda Accord estate in the end. It's not AWD, it's not got a ruddy great Turbo on it but it is a damn fine piece of engineering. I keep wanting to sell it as I fancy a change and I really cannot find a significantly better car for the money.

[Sump]

Legacy.

Owned one, awesome, brilliant handling, too much of an underrated car. Very sad.

[the stigs dad]

Legacy by far best option. An old s4 would be my next choice followed by a golf r32 or s3 sport back.

[Tribal Chestnut]

Mave said:

Go on, give us a clue; why did you narrow down on those two cars? They seem pretty different to me......

Can't quite put my finger on why, just a slightly strange appeal. Just looking for a few slightly leftfield suggestions, which I know those two are not. It does need a reasonable(ish) degree of pace though.

I did also consider an SRT8 Cherokee and E34 and 39 M5's, but then took a chunk off my budget, and probably also got a little more sensible.. Not sure I could get an Audi, unless it was an RS.

Edited by Tribal Chestnut on Sunday 25th November 22:32

[ClaesB]

I can recommend the Legacy,have one as my daily driver.Perhaps a little thirsty,but
it goes like stink!!The 6 speed manual transforms the car compared to an auto.
The SI Drive system helps controling the thirst,if you switch it to"Intelligent"mode.Done with the flick of a switch,very easy.
Feels really solid and well built,but above all:So much fun to drive all year round!

[MK Ultra]

B6 Audi S4?

V8 344bhp
Quattro
Saloon/Estate

[Caulkhead]

Tribal Chestnut said:

At the moment the Subaru is in the lead due to an estate being available and it having proper, manly awd, not the system employed by the Mazda,

How does the 4WD system on the Mazda work and which bit don't you like?

[belleair302]

In the past I have had two Legacy's both turbo's, and neither were bad cars. Fuel usage can be higher than similar vehicles but on the reliability and fun front both were excellent cars. The final one was a GT-B....wonderful monster.

[Tribal Chestnut]

Caulkhead said:

How does the 4WD system on the Mazda work and which bit don't you like?

I believe it is a Haldex type system, with a bit of power to the rear if the front starts to lose traction....or do I have this all wrong?

Another consideration is an Impreza estate.

I think I need something with a bit of a split personality - safe & sure footed, with a turn of speed, but also with the ability to entertain, without major fettling or taking it to it's absolute limit.

[RB Will]

V8Wagon said:

Are they really? I test drove one before opting for the Accord and I really had high expectations only to be let down. I didn't find the engine that grunty....made a nice noise but it didn't feel really quick....and for the claimed MPG, I wanted it to have monster performance. I absolutely loved the massive sunroof however.

I went for a Honda Accord estate in the end. It's not AWD, it's not got a ruddy great Turbo on it but it is a damn fine piece of engineering. I keep wanting to sell it as I fancy a change and I really cannot find a significantly better car for the money.

The Legacy has a very smooth engine with very linear power delivery. It does not feel as fast as it is. Mpg is not too bad and with a bit of careful driving I used to be able to beat the book figures in my Spec B. I think you are thinking of the wrong legacy too as the Spec B does not have a turbo. Legacy also has quite a nice well equipt interior which holds together well and all the touch points are good, no plastic dash etc and IMO it is a good looking car.

[GravelBen]

Legacies are great cars, love mine. Its a 3rd-gen GTB though rather than a 4-th gen 3.0 so not a direct comparison.