RE: Subaru Legacy 3.0 Sport: PH Carpool
Monday 14th August 2017
Name: Mike Packwood
Car: 2005 Subaru Legacy 3.0 Sport Tourer auto
Owned since: January 2017
Previously owned: 65 cars and bikes and counting! Highlights have been three daily driver TVR Chimaeras, a really nice old M3, and a Harley Road King.
Why I bought it:
"We fell into Subaru ownership after a disastrous episode with a C-Class Mercedes which was suffering from spontaneous - and as it turned out terminal - limp home mode disease. Eventually the garage took it back and as they're a Subaru specialist, sold us the Legacy. I'm not entirely sure what would have happened had they been a Dacia dealer!
Things I love:
"It's a proper left-field car which I love. It has four pillarless doors, (always a good start in my book) and is a massively capable high speed tip visiting tool. After 97,000 miles it still feels really well screwed together, has super comfy heated seats, a lovely leathery interior and does a great job in family hauling mode. In six months it has cost not a penny in faults or maintenance and with its four-wheel drive handles as though it's on the proverbial rails.
Costs:
"Nothing apart from petrol. It's cheaper to insure than the Merc that limped before and not too bad to tax. One year younger and it would have been over £500 or whatever the top band is and that would have been a show stopper. It's due a service and MoT in November. The rear end feels a bit 'floaty' so it may need some new dampers and the front brakes are on the way so there may well be a bit of expenditure coming up."
Subaru Legacy 3.0 Sport: PH Carpool
A bargain basement wagon has done very well for this PHer, even with a boxer six fuel habit...
Car: 2005 Subaru Legacy 3.0 Sport Tourer auto
Owned since: January 2017
Previously owned: 65 cars and bikes and counting! Highlights have been three daily driver TVR Chimaeras, a really nice old M3, and a Harley Road King.
"We fell into Subaru ownership after a disastrous episode with a C-Class Mercedes which was suffering from spontaneous - and as it turned out terminal - limp home mode disease. Eventually the garage took it back and as they're a Subaru specialist, sold us the Legacy. I'm not entirely sure what would have happened had they been a Dacia dealer!
What I wish I'd known:
"I wish I'd known how good they were years ago; it would have saved lots of bother. I also wish I'd known that you can't take the CD player out in isolation because it's now eaten six of my favourites. Hopefully the next owner will like New Order and E.L.O. when it eventually starts working again. I also wish I'd known that there's an even more powerful 'Spec B' manual version as I might have held on for one of those."
"It's a proper left-field car which I love. It has four pillarless doors, (always a good start in my book) and is a massively capable high speed tip visiting tool. After 97,000 miles it still feels really well screwed together, has super comfy heated seats, a lovely leathery interior and does a great job in family hauling mode. In six months it has cost not a penny in faults or maintenance and with its four-wheel drive handles as though it's on the proverbial rails.
"Also, in a coolish, stealthy, handsome and understated sort of way I think it looks ace, and you certainly won't see another on your way to Waitrose. It also has a 245hp 3.0-litre flat six engine which sounds glorious. Never mind that it's an automatic - take it to the redline and it sings! It's worth the only-three-and-a-half-Sheds money for the sound alone. I used to love the sound of my TVRs and this is up there; as well as that it serves as a constant reminder never to buy another diesel."
Things I hate:
"Not hate exactly, but boy does it like a drink! I've never seen a fuel figure that begins with a three! In fact, quite often, they start with a one. We knew this prior to purchase and when it all gets a bit much we leave it at home and take the MX-5, or even better, the Renault Kangoo van. If I had to use it every day we wouldn't have bought it in the first place."
"Nothing apart from petrol. It's cheaper to insure than the Merc that limped before and not too bad to tax. One year younger and it would have been over £500 or whatever the top band is and that would have been a show stopper. It's due a service and MoT in November. The rear end feels a bit 'floaty' so it may need some new dampers and the front brakes are on the way so there may well be a bit of expenditure coming up."
Where I've been:
"Just around and about South Wales and Herefordshire. Its favourite road is the A465 from Abergavenny to Hereford, which is also great on a bike if you've never tried it. It'll soon be off to Moto GP at Silverstone so you may see it there."
What next?
"Well considering that I once kept a Civic Type R for only three weeks it would be foolish of me to state here in writing that it's a keeper. But honestly, at this time, and because it's such a capable all-rounder, I can't see a reason to get rid. It isn't particularly a car that you look back at when you've parked up, but it's definitely got a grin inducing sound and for an old'n is pretty sprightly, and that will do nicely for now.
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
Discussion
I like the idea of these a lot but the fuel consumption really does seem heavy for no reason. My 530i Touring has abut the same power from a similar sized 3.0 normally aspirated six and does anything between 28 and 36 mph in normal use. Against that of course I don't get 4wd, which does attract me about these for an all-purpose load lugger.
Treated myself a few months ago to a manual JDM 2.0 twinscroll Legacy wagon. Breathed on slightly to 300bhp @ 4,000rpm.
Spent a while looking as I wanted the facelifted model with the 6spd box.
Honestly, it's awesome. Very attractive (to my eyes) and nobody seems to know that there's anything special going on underneath the bonnet, until you press the fast pedal, at which point it becomes almost hilariously quick.
You can drive it as gently as you want and it's very civilised, but if you stick it in S# mode it becomes a complete animal. Not too laggy, either: the delivery is really quite smooth (certainly compared to the kick in the back I got from the 2.5t in the Forester.)
Here's mine (before I sold the Fozzer):
Spent a while looking as I wanted the facelifted model with the 6spd box.
Honestly, it's awesome. Very attractive (to my eyes) and nobody seems to know that there's anything special going on underneath the bonnet, until you press the fast pedal, at which point it becomes almost hilariously quick.
You can drive it as gently as you want and it's very civilised, but if you stick it in S# mode it becomes a complete animal. Not too laggy, either: the delivery is really quite smooth (certainly compared to the kick in the back I got from the 2.5t in the Forester.)
Here's mine (before I sold the Fozzer):
Edited by smaybury on Monday 14th August 10:22
We have one too, for about a year now. Absolutely love it.
Recently fitted 4 new Goodyear Eagle F1's and wheel alignment - made the rear feel really secure and planted.
We run it daily and it does everything, but will have to go in 2 years as it's too old for London's ULEZ charge (from 2019) which tips it over into being too expensive to run.
It could well be our last big engine'd car. All recent ideas are now pointing to a PHEV car next
Recently fitted 4 new Goodyear Eagle F1's and wheel alignment - made the rear feel really secure and planted.
We run it daily and it does everything, but will have to go in 2 years as it's too old for London's ULEZ charge (from 2019) which tips it over into being too expensive to run.
It could well be our last big engine'd car. All recent ideas are now pointing to a PHEV car next
Truckosaurus said:
They seemed to have only made 'Outback' versions in more recent times. Does it just need a parts bin raid to fit 'normal' Legacy (or off-the-shelf lowered) suspension to an Outback or is it a bit different underneath?
It's a bit different. The Outback has "self-leveling rear suspension". Everything else is basically the same as the LegacyThey also do a 3.6 engine in the Outback, which isn't much different in mpg.
smaybury said:
Treated myself a few months ago to a manual JDM 2.0 twinscroll Legacy wagon. Breathed on slightly to 300bhp @ 4,000rpm.
Spent a while looking as I wanted the facelifted model with the 6spd box.
Honestly, it's awesome. Very attractive (to my eyes) and nobody seems to know that there's anything special going on underneath the bonnet, until you press the fast pedal, at which point it becomes almost hilariously quick.
You can drive it as gently as you want and it's very civilised, but if you stick it in S# mode it becomes a complete animal. Not too laggy, either: the delivery is really quite smooth (certainly compared to the kick in the back I got from the 2.5t in the Forester.)
Here's mine (before I sold the Fozzer):
I thought that the ULEZ was only within the current congestion zone and not the current LEZ?Spent a while looking as I wanted the facelifted model with the 6spd box.
Honestly, it's awesome. Very attractive (to my eyes) and nobody seems to know that there's anything special going on underneath the bonnet, until you press the fast pedal, at which point it becomes almost hilariously quick.
You can drive it as gently as you want and it's very civilised, but if you stick it in S# mode it becomes a complete animal. Not too laggy, either: the delivery is really quite smooth (certainly compared to the kick in the back I got from the 2.5t in the Forester.)
Here's mine (before I sold the Fozzer):
Edited by smaybury on Monday 14th August 10:22
S6OOH said:
I thought that the ULEZ was only within the current congestion zone and not the current LEZ?
Correct. From 2019 it's 24/7. We live a few miles from the CC edge and drive through London at least 1 or 2 times a week so would be liable for that ULEZ charge.(From October this year it's during Congestion Charge hours only: called "T-Charge")
I know everyone likes to bang on about these being terrible on fuel but they are just about in the ballpark of everything equivalent. Its a 10-15 year old large petrol estate / saloon with awd and reasonable performance.
My spec b used to average 27 in regular use. its within 2mpg of all the usual suspects that people never complain about like a 3.0 BM / Audi / Merc.
My Dads 3.0R used to do 26 but that was an auto.
On a steady run you would easily have either of them over 30mpg.
Every time there is a thread on here about them people bang on about the fuel and you often get people saying theirs does 18-22mpg, do these people drive everywhere in 1st gear?
When one of these threads came up before people wouldn't believe me when I stated my mpg and I had to go out and test it. I drove across town at rush hour to drop the Mrs off at the train station then back across town and 45 miles each way on country roads, not dithering, overtaking people etc with car full of kit to work at clients site and then home and I think the result was 31mpg and that one had 120k+ miles on it.
My Dads Forester 2.5XT used to do about 27-28 in normal use too.
My spec b used to average 27 in regular use. its within 2mpg of all the usual suspects that people never complain about like a 3.0 BM / Audi / Merc.
My Dads 3.0R used to do 26 but that was an auto.
On a steady run you would easily have either of them over 30mpg.
Every time there is a thread on here about them people bang on about the fuel and you often get people saying theirs does 18-22mpg, do these people drive everywhere in 1st gear?
When one of these threads came up before people wouldn't believe me when I stated my mpg and I had to go out and test it. I drove across town at rush hour to drop the Mrs off at the train station then back across town and 45 miles each way on country roads, not dithering, overtaking people etc with car full of kit to work at clients site and then home and I think the result was 31mpg and that one had 120k+ miles on it.
My Dads Forester 2.5XT used to do about 27-28 in normal use too.
I fully understand the appeal of such a car.
I wanted to stop suffering high maintenance costs from my 650i convertible and wanted to have a bullet proof daily driver with off-road capabilities.
It's just the 2,5L and an Automatic, but it's just ace and bullet proof:
[img]https://mail.vodafone.de/appsuite/api/files?action=document&folder=46&id=46%2F422&version=1&user=3&context=2685869&sequence=1502708829391&3.2685869.1502708829391&delivery=view&scaleType=contain&width=1006&height=597[img/]
[img]https://mail.vodafone.de/appsuite/api/files?action=document&folder=46&id=46%2F423&version=1&user=3&context=2685869&sequence=1502708830015&3.2685869.1502708830015&delivery=view&scaleType=contain&width=1006&height=597[img/]
[img]https://mail.vodafone.de/appsuite/api/files?action=document&folder=46&id=46%2F419&version=1&user=3&context=2685869&sequence=1502708826787&3.2685869.1502708826787&delivery=view&scaleType=contain&width=1006&height=597[img/]
[img]https://mail.vodafone.de/appsuite/api/files?action=document&folder=46&id=46%2F420&version=1&user=3&context=2685869&sequence=1502708828092&3.2685869.1502708828092&delivery=view&scaleType=contain&width=1006&height=597[img/]
[img]https://mail.vodafone.de/appsuite/api/files?action=document&folder=46&id=46%2F421&version=1&user=3&context=2685869&sequence=1502708828986&3.2685869.1502708828986&delivery=view&scaleType=contain&width=1006&height=597[img/]
You can do rock driving, dune bashing, camping, whatever! This is the car I will drive home to Germany next year in, taking some extra miles through Russia! Can't think of a better car for the job!
Regards,
Robert
I wanted to stop suffering high maintenance costs from my 650i convertible and wanted to have a bullet proof daily driver with off-road capabilities.
It's just the 2,5L and an Automatic, but it's just ace and bullet proof:
[img]https://mail.vodafone.de/appsuite/api/files?action=document&folder=46&id=46%2F422&version=1&user=3&context=2685869&sequence=1502708829391&3.2685869.1502708829391&delivery=view&scaleType=contain&width=1006&height=597[img/]
[img]https://mail.vodafone.de/appsuite/api/files?action=document&folder=46&id=46%2F423&version=1&user=3&context=2685869&sequence=1502708830015&3.2685869.1502708830015&delivery=view&scaleType=contain&width=1006&height=597[img/]
[img]https://mail.vodafone.de/appsuite/api/files?action=document&folder=46&id=46%2F419&version=1&user=3&context=2685869&sequence=1502708826787&3.2685869.1502708826787&delivery=view&scaleType=contain&width=1006&height=597[img/]
[img]https://mail.vodafone.de/appsuite/api/files?action=document&folder=46&id=46%2F420&version=1&user=3&context=2685869&sequence=1502708828092&3.2685869.1502708828092&delivery=view&scaleType=contain&width=1006&height=597[img/]
[img]https://mail.vodafone.de/appsuite/api/files?action=document&folder=46&id=46%2F421&version=1&user=3&context=2685869&sequence=1502708828986&3.2685869.1502708828986&delivery=view&scaleType=contain&width=1006&height=597[img/]
You can do rock driving, dune bashing, camping, whatever! This is the car I will drive home to Germany next year in, taking some extra miles through Russia! Can't think of a better car for the job!
Regards,
Robert
RB Will said:
I know everyone likes to bang on about these being terrible on fuel but they are just about in the ballpark of everything equivalent. Its a 10-15 year old large petrol estate / saloon with awd and reasonable performance.
My spec b used to average 27 in regular use. its within 2mpg of all the usual suspects that people never complain about like a 3.0 BM / Audi / Merc.
My Dads 3.0R used to do 26 but that was an auto.
On a steady run you would easily have either of them over 30mpg.
Every time there is a thread on here about them people bang on about the fuel and you often get people saying theirs does 18-22mpg, do these people drive everywhere in 1st gear?
When one of these threads came up before people wouldn't believe me when I stated my mpg and I had to go out and test it. I drove across town at rush hour to drop the Mrs off at the train station then back across town and 45 miles each way on country roads, not dithering, overtaking people etc with car full of kit to work at clients site and then home and I think the result was 31mpg and that one had 120k+ miles on it.
My Dads Forester 2.5XT used to do about 27-28 in normal use too.
I see around 29 on motorways at 70 and roughly 23 average out of our Outback. My spec b used to average 27 in regular use. its within 2mpg of all the usual suspects that people never complain about like a 3.0 BM / Audi / Merc.
My Dads 3.0R used to do 26 but that was an auto.
On a steady run you would easily have either of them over 30mpg.
Every time there is a thread on here about them people bang on about the fuel and you often get people saying theirs does 18-22mpg, do these people drive everywhere in 1st gear?
When one of these threads came up before people wouldn't believe me when I stated my mpg and I had to go out and test it. I drove across town at rush hour to drop the Mrs off at the train station then back across town and 45 miles each way on country roads, not dithering, overtaking people etc with car full of kit to work at clients site and then home and I think the result was 31mpg and that one had 120k+ miles on it.
My Dads Forester 2.5XT used to do about 27-28 in normal use too.
Having just picked up a Spec B with an LPG conversion, I am finding it costs fairly similar to run to my E39 530d albeit with a lot nicer sound, They do drive extremely well.
They do like a drink though, I think the MPG is reading at around 28MPG but probs realistically is sat around the 23mpg mark.
I would recommend one to anyone as a good all round car, it swallows everything, I have used it as a tent as well, camp bed fits in the back with the seats down.
Feels really well built as well, lots of gadgets, a huge fan of the panoramic sunroof that opens right up.
They do like a drink though, I think the MPG is reading at around 28MPG but probs realistically is sat around the 23mpg mark.
I would recommend one to anyone as a good all round car, it swallows everything, I have used it as a tent as well, camp bed fits in the back with the seats down.
Feels really well built as well, lots of gadgets, a huge fan of the panoramic sunroof that opens right up.
ohit said:
Correct. From 2019 it's 24/7. We live a few miles from the CC edge and drive through London at least 1 or 2 times a week so would be liable for that ULEZ charge.
(From October this year it's during Congestion Charge hours only: called "T-Charge")
Thanks - slight panic when I saw your post as we got caught with the current LEZ when we were buying a van last year. (From October this year it's during Congestion Charge hours only: called "T-Charge")
RB Will said:
I know everyone likes to bang on about these being terrible on fuel but they are just about in the ballpark of everything equivalent. Its a 10-15 year old large petrol estate / saloon with awd and reasonable performance.
My spec b used to average 27 in regular use. its within 2mpg of all the usual suspects that people never complain about like a 3.0 BM / Audi / Merc.
My Dads 3.0R used to do 26 but that was an auto.
On a steady run you would easily have either of them over 30mpg.
Every time there is a thread on here about them people bang on about the fuel and you often get people saying theirs does 18-22mpg, do these people drive everywhere in 1st gear?
When one of these threads came up before people wouldn't believe me when I stated my mpg and I had to go out and test it. I drove across town at rush hour to drop the Mrs off at the train station then back across town and 45 miles each way on country roads, not dithering, overtaking people etc with car full of kit to work at clients site and then home and I think the result was 31mpg and that one had 120k+ miles on it.
My Dads Forester 2.5XT used to do about 27-28 in normal use too.
Agree with this - you can't expect miracles so 25-30 mpg from a pretty big, 3.0 petrol auto estate with permanent 4wd is about right IMO. My Outback averages around 27, over 30 on a steady motorway cruise (=400 mile range), and the worst I've ever seen from a tank was 20 when we were in the western Lakes for a week in winter and driving up and down the likes of Hardknott and Wrynose passes every day, which will kill the economy in anything! Given they don't cost much to buy and (IME) don't go wrong very often, they really ain't that expensive to run overall (though I'll admit £500 p.a. tax for a post 05 one does seem a bit much). In any event, living as I do in the North York Moors any mpg penalty there is is soon forgotten when the winter weather sets in; with winter tyres on they're really good in dodgy conditions.My spec b used to average 27 in regular use. its within 2mpg of all the usual suspects that people never complain about like a 3.0 BM / Audi / Merc.
My Dads 3.0R used to do 26 but that was an auto.
On a steady run you would easily have either of them over 30mpg.
Every time there is a thread on here about them people bang on about the fuel and you often get people saying theirs does 18-22mpg, do these people drive everywhere in 1st gear?
When one of these threads came up before people wouldn't believe me when I stated my mpg and I had to go out and test it. I drove across town at rush hour to drop the Mrs off at the train station then back across town and 45 miles each way on country roads, not dithering, overtaking people etc with car full of kit to work at clients site and then home and I think the result was 31mpg and that one had 120k+ miles on it.
My Dads Forester 2.5XT used to do about 27-28 in normal use too.
Raramuri said:
I spent a long time looking at 3.0R's to buy as a family wagon. I have always loved them and they are, undeniably, great cars. However I decided they are just not special enough to justify the poor consumption and £500p.a. VED.
You have to really, really 'want' one.
What MPG and tax is the sweet spot for the majority now?You have to really, really 'want' one.
I bought a 2005 Spec B manual in January this year and it has been a really solid, reliable car.
Granted, it does represent my first step into estate ownership but it seems to do the simple things really well:
- a wide boot opening (no edges or indents to contend with)
- linear and meaty power delivery which seems very balanced given the AWD
- little touches like heated seats and sat nav in a car I bought for £2900
Average MPG 25-27 for me, it's too good to drive conservatively all the time!
For me there have been a few annoying electrical gremlins. Look out for mercurial driver's window switches, reverse lights cutting out and there's an open case as to why my air con doesn't stay cold for long, but these things happen and I'd take that along with a reliable engine than the opposite!
It's also quite the sleeper, which means the Corsa VXR club leave you alone for the most part...
Granted, it does represent my first step into estate ownership but it seems to do the simple things really well:
- a wide boot opening (no edges or indents to contend with)
- linear and meaty power delivery which seems very balanced given the AWD
- little touches like heated seats and sat nav in a car I bought for £2900
Average MPG 25-27 for me, it's too good to drive conservatively all the time!
For me there have been a few annoying electrical gremlins. Look out for mercurial driver's window switches, reverse lights cutting out and there's an open case as to why my air con doesn't stay cold for long, but these things happen and I'd take that along with a reliable engine than the opposite!
It's also quite the sleeper, which means the Corsa VXR club leave you alone for the most part...
Subaru flat fours/sixes are well known for thirst. My SF5 2.0s turbo forester would struggle to achieve 30 mpg, often nearer 25. My 156 2.5 V6 is better on fuel and that likes a drink too. My forester was destroyed by a lorry on the M1 but left me unscathed. Now looking for a legacy 3.0r manual. The best ones are stiff money and take some seeking out.
Good to see a car that's overlooked and massively under rated.
A proper wolf in sheeps clothing.
I admit I am somewhat biased as I am on my 10th Subaru, and 6th Legacy, from 3 GTB twin turbos, an Outback a 3.0 spec B tourer and now a JDM spec B tourer twin scroll.
I honestly cannot see me buying another brand let alone model.
I had a year off in 2009 and was looking for something that was understated but could give me some excitement now and then as well as be practical to a degree, (I have a 300bhp integrale which is one of the least understated cars out there) I looked at 530 Touring, 3.2 Signum, Nissan Stagea ( the one with GTR running gear) and Mitsibushi Legnums, and I stumbled across the GTB.
My first Legacy was a JDM GTB for £3k with 34k miles , it was like new underneath and everywhere in fact, on the Autobahn a 57 plate RS4 was looking surprised as I was still with him at 145mph.
My 3.0 spec B tourer manual was thirsty but you get used to it, I only do short trips , its good to know you can blast the flat 6 now and then and surprise a few people who just think its a family wagon.
They are AWD so you cannot turn it off hence the fuel consumption, that and a VVT 3.0 flat six that loves to rev.
If you want/need something less juicy, the twinscroll is the one, I've just purchased a JDM Twinscroll Legacy tourer auto with paddle shift and lots of STI parts, I have not seen or heard of one that's got the same spec and I have only seen 1 other Twinscroll locally.
I have not had a single reliability issue other than consumables and drop links, and they are very well built.
Make the jump and try something different like this person did, you wont be disappointed.
A proper wolf in sheeps clothing.
I admit I am somewhat biased as I am on my 10th Subaru, and 6th Legacy, from 3 GTB twin turbos, an Outback a 3.0 spec B tourer and now a JDM spec B tourer twin scroll.
I honestly cannot see me buying another brand let alone model.
I had a year off in 2009 and was looking for something that was understated but could give me some excitement now and then as well as be practical to a degree, (I have a 300bhp integrale which is one of the least understated cars out there) I looked at 530 Touring, 3.2 Signum, Nissan Stagea ( the one with GTR running gear) and Mitsibushi Legnums, and I stumbled across the GTB.
My first Legacy was a JDM GTB for £3k with 34k miles , it was like new underneath and everywhere in fact, on the Autobahn a 57 plate RS4 was looking surprised as I was still with him at 145mph.
My 3.0 spec B tourer manual was thirsty but you get used to it, I only do short trips , its good to know you can blast the flat 6 now and then and surprise a few people who just think its a family wagon.
They are AWD so you cannot turn it off hence the fuel consumption, that and a VVT 3.0 flat six that loves to rev.
If you want/need something less juicy, the twinscroll is the one, I've just purchased a JDM Twinscroll Legacy tourer auto with paddle shift and lots of STI parts, I have not seen or heard of one that's got the same spec and I have only seen 1 other Twinscroll locally.
I have not had a single reliability issue other than consumables and drop links, and they are very well built.
Make the jump and try something different like this person did, you wont be disappointed.
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