Subaru Legacy Spec B | PH Auction Block
A super subtle Japanese Domestic Market Subaru? They do exist...
We all know what to expect when it comes to a Japanese Domestic Market import, especially if it’s a model that’s been denied to the UK. It’ll be sillier, most likely, which is why we’ve grown to love them, more often than not with more power and extra features denied to the ordinary derivatives that bring out the fun.
But the silliness can extend to appearances as well; great for some, less desirable for others. And Subaru is the pastmaster when it comes to wild and wacky special editions for the home market. Think Impreza S201, bright yellow Spec Cs, family-friendly Foresters that would always be seen in blue and gold… they were great cars, no doubt, though perhaps a tad OTT for a lot of people.
Which is where the Legacy always came in, the responsible adult of the fast Subaru range. And here, set for a PH auction in a few days, is what must be close to dream spec across the entire 35 years of Legacys: a spicy Japanese Domestic Market model, including the best part 300hp and a manual gearbox, that nobody would really have any clue about.
That’s the Legacy way, of course. In the UK, even a model called a 3.0R was modest to the point of invisible; this JDM Spec B is almost as under-the-radar. The bonnet scoop is there, though extremely thin, and while there are twin exhausts, little else gives this car away as anything remotely potent. There were versions of the Legacy that featured STI goodies, though there’s nothing so overt here.
That being said, there’s plenty to be excited by. Spec B for this car meant 280hp from the EJ20 flat-four turbo, which is believed to be a conservative estimate in this version, with a five-speed manual gearbox. All Legacys of this era drove pretty smartly as well, so there seems little reason a faster version won’t be equally entertaining. It promises to be more than capable in a modern context, while also keeping the driver part of the action in a fashion little now does.
Having first arrived in the UK six years ago, it’s been with two owners since and ticked over 100,000 miles. The current owner has been driving it for four years, in which time there’s been some useful clutch and suspension work on top of servicing. Certainly it presents really well for a fast wagon now going into its third decade, with both exterior and interior in what seems like above average condition. As it ages, so the Legacy will require money to be spent, but then it offers up an experience nothing else comparable does: an equivalent Impreza is going to be a good deal more expensive. If the Volvo V70 R that’s also being auctioned next week doesn’t quite do it for you, a Spec B Subaru looks a fine alternative. Those in need of a fast estate are spoilt for choice…
06 manual 196kays gt pump turbo at 18psi making 210kw @ wheels still on stock bottom end and orginal gasket
Owned it for 8 years now, been most best car I’ve owned
Weekend toy but I still looking forward to to driving it
The boxer noise, the flutter and the 3rd pedal - can’t beat it
06 manual 196kays gt pump turbo at 18psi making 210kw @ wheels still on stock bottom end and orginal gasket
Owned it for 8 years now, been most best car I’ve owned
Weekend toy but I still looking forward to to driving it
The boxer noise, the flutter and the 3rd pedal - can’t beat it
Interesting comment whilst picking up your new whip!
I never had the opportunity to ‘test’ his statement though…
This one has quite a few miles under its belt - wouldn’t be for me - but hey, variety - and all that :-))
That's nothing
I've had 4 year old cars with more miles on than that
Of course you may be right and it will implode and cost you gazillions the moment you drive it ... or maybe not
) and, as expected, miss it already.Always fancied a JDM twinscroll but put off by the spec; they nearly all have cloth seats, no sunroof and lack side/curtain airbags. Usually come with a cracked dashboard too.
Still a special car and, if you're up for a bit of spannering and don't mind high running costs, it'd make a great daily.
Fine if your not concerned about being at work on time EVERY DAY and you have the deep pockets and a reliable mechanic to understand and fix things.
It's always amusing reading the used car guides on what to look for on cars over 5 years old with things like 'timing chain wear involves removing the engine' or over 100000 miles you'll need to remove the DPF, delete the EGR, remap, replace the DMF and do the water pump and belt on every diesel ever invented. That's if the injectors haven't gone because the first owner put in petrol by mistake, got her flush and then drove on saying nothing. That's of course if you can find a car that has had the oil changed at regular intervals. But honestly his neighbour was a mechanic and it was done every year. No, there aren't any receipts for the oil, but you can trust me and anyway service intervals are advisory really.
Cynical? Moi? That said a mate ran a 1.6hdi C5 (a 1.6!!) to 180k, which the 'experts' assured him was impossible. Wipers killed it in the end of all things.
I've had mine - an 06 JDM manual - for 7 years now. I love it to bits, but the past year has seen the problems start to arrive. The past 12 months alone I've replaced seized front calipers, a burst radiator, cat-back exhaust (and front section has now sprung a slight leak), and I had to do the front lower control arms after one of the alloy ones snapped. Could have been a write-off but I was doing about 3mph when it went.
Those have been the big failings: there's been a tonne of little jobs as well such as rubber trim disintegrating/detaching, wiper motor bushes giving way, etc etc.
There are decent parts suppliers - especially Import Car Parts - and without them I'm not sure ownership would be viable.
Needs a new clutch and that downpipe now, and I'm wrestling with the sunken cost fallacy a little now, but do hope/plan to get it through at least a couple more winters.
Fine if your not concerned about being at work on time EVERY DAY and you have the deep pockets and a reliable mechanic to understand and fix things.
It's always amusing reading the used car guides on what to look for on cars over 5 years old with things like 'timing chain wear involves removing the engine' or over 100000 miles you'll need to remove the DPF, delete the EGR, remap, replace the DMF and do the water pump and belt on every diesel ever invented. That's if the injectors haven't gone because the first owner put in petrol by mistake, got her flush and then drove on saying nothing. That's of course if you can find a car that has had the oil changed at regular intervals. But honestly his neighbour was a mechanic and it was done every year. No, there aren't any receipts for the oil, but you can trust me and anyway service intervals are advisory really.
Cynical? Moi? That said a mate ran a 1.6hdi C5 (a 1.6!!) to 180k, which the 'experts' assured him was impossible. Wipers killed it in the end of all things.
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