Subaru questions

[jaker]

Hi all,

this week my previously uber-reliable work hack (Skoda) decided to leak all its oil onto my drive.

Seriously thinking about chopping it in once it's fixed, and I keep coming back to Subarus, as I like proper 4wd, their reputation for reliability and the vfm.

looking at a turbo Forester, a UK spec (i.e.: NA) Legacy, or going the Litchfield route and getting a turbo Legacy. Have pretty much ruled the Impreza out on size grounds.

anyone care to share their experiences on the relative merits of these cars?

My heart says Litchfield turbo, but I'm a bit worried about getting it serviced in the UK and the warranty side of things

My head says UK legacy (prob a 2.0 for cost reasons)

A Forester turbo could be a nice compromise...

David, its over to you...

[GravelBen]

I've got a '97 2.0 NA Legacy wagon, it goes ok for what it is, 155bhp Awd - not as heavy as you might think, the quoted weight I've found on the net is 1320kg. Turbo versions are much faster when on boost, also much thirstier though - I get probably 35+mpg on a decent run which you wouldn't see on a turbo the same age. ETA: a 2.5 or 3.0 could be an in-between compromise.

Legacies are generally a bit 'nicer' and softer than Foresters which are more of a workhorse type thing, Forester turbo would be fun, they're based on the Impreza chassis so maybe a bit less legroom than Legacy though.

Drive a few and see what you like

Edited by GravelBen on Thursday 15th March 21:34

[jaker]

I've had a sit in Forester, Legacy and Impreza and the only one I thought too small was the Impreza. Forester's extra height seems to give it a bit more cabin space... have only drivena an impreza though, wouldbe interested to know how they compare

[MrFlibbles]

I have a strange affection toward Forester Turbos.... I think they look the biz with slightly beter alloys...

www.pistonheads.com/sales/144043.htm

Whats your budget?

[count duckula]

I got a forester, it does not feel like a big SUV and is only a little bigger than an impreza, it has loads of boot space and more head room.
Go and have a sit in some and see how you feel.

Malc

[chippy17]

I have an Impreza wagon which I love, have been thinking about a 98/99 Forester for the wife and kids, but was thinking about the n/a 2.00, are they any good/reliable, sorry to hijack?!

[stevieb]

The legacy is nice but a Forester Turbo would be a good work horse and also give you spirited drive.

[jaker]

MrFlibbles said:

I have a strange affection toward Forester Turbos.... I think they look the biz with slightly beter alloys...

www.pistonheads.com/sales/144043.htm

Whats your budget?

budget is 'flexible' meaning Litchfield turbo legacy is top whack, but I'd probably rather spend a wee bit less than that. Say £25kish.

Are Foresters available from dealers with the PPP?

[stevieb]

jaker said:

MrFlibbles said:

I have a strange affection toward Forester Turbos.... I think they look the biz with slightly beter alloys...

www.pistonheads.com/sales/144043.htm

Whats your budget?

budget is 'flexible' meaning Litchfield turbo legacy is top whack, but I'd probably rather spend a wee bit less than that. Say £25kish.

Are Foresters available from dealers with the PPP?

Yep they are and 0-60 is about 5.7 seconds

used foresters are about £13k for a good one.. and 1k for the PPP pack

Steve

Edited by stevieb on Friday 16th March 15:26

[MrFlibbles]

25k buys you a lot of options....this looks tasty..

www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/129266.htm

[GravelBen]

IME reliability is good, servicing and parts (at Subaru dealer prices anyway) aren't cheap though. Work at independent mechanics is a fair bit cheaper. (I've only had older Subarus though not late model ones).

[jaker]

MrFlibbles said:

25k buys you a lot of options....this looks tasty..

www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/129266.htm

WAY too many miles I'm afraid... I want to buy new or nearly new... warranty and all that.

[stevieb]

Try a Euro Import you can pic up either a Impreza WRX or a Forester Turbo for £14-£15k 25% of list. This also includes the Pan European 3 year warrenty!

[jaker]

I have read a bit about the euro import route. A friend of mine did it (not a Subaru). He reckoned he got ripped off by main dealers at service time, as they new it was an import (which understandably pi55es them off) and so they wanted to recoup their "lost" margin on the services.

Are there any other possible issues with imports?

[STINOBBY]

o.k. I know my 97 STi Type R is an import -they (nearly) all are but, I have no problems what so ever with buying parts for it. Bell and Colville in Surrey are fanastic. Where ever possible, they fax screen prints out and compare parts to P1's as they don't have great details on import models. I would imagine that all dealers are of a similar attitude these days? Cetainly far better than say 5 yrs ago.

[LegacyLad]

I've had a Legacy only a month but have done 1,300 miles.
Legacy 2.5i 53plate(current shape)
Fuel consumption has been 31mpg rising to 35mpg on long runs, car is super smooth to drive whilst still retaining some poke(165bhp) for the required moments.

Came from a topless MR2, and its nice to be able to boot the Legacy on wet corners without fear of meetings ones own arse coming the other way. The handling has so far been good with excellent cornering speed possible although it doesn't give you that same rear wheel driven squatting power out of the bend feeling!
Would have gone for a 3.0specB but for the shocking fuel consumption had me running to hide.