Scooby Legacy 3.0R Spec B
Scooby Legacy 3.0R Spec B
Author
Discussion

Mr Gearchange

Original Poster:

5,892 posts

230 months

Saturday 10th October 2009
quotequote all
I need a family estate with some driver appeal and this looks like it fits the bill.
240+BHP 4WD LSD etc etc.
I'm looking at 04 plates with 60-70K on the clock for 7 Grand.

This seems like a lot of car for the money.
I'm going to assume that they are pretty reliable
I'm also going to assume that i'll not see more than 23mpg from it.

Any reasons why I shouldn't buy one. They look like an underated, underpriced, practial sleeper to me. thumbup

Value input from any owners on things to consider/look out for.

GravelBen

16,375 posts

254 months

Saturday 10th October 2009
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Mr Gearchange said:
I'm also going to assume that i'll not see more than 23mpg from it.
Thats perhaps a tad pessimistic (depending how you drive) but at least you're potentially setting yourself up for a nice surprise rather than a nasty one on that front.

If you do mostly short trips, town driving and have a heavy foot 22-23 is probably reasonable, on the other hand a family friend got 37 from his '06 3.0R on an open road run a while back - 60-70mph cruise, reasonably light traffic but some overtaking, mostly flat, but shows it can be done.

ScoobieWRX

4,863 posts

250 months

Saturday 10th October 2009
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Hopefully Ben or Vixpy will respond here as they are both owners and very knowledgable about Legacy's.

shout (((((((((Calling the Legacy club )))))))))

Edited to add...beat me to it hehe

Edited by ScoobieWRX on Saturday 10th October 22:54

rovermorris999

5,323 posts

213 months

Sunday 11th October 2009
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I used to have a Spec B manual saloon. On a run, about 28-29mpg unless you drive like a vicar when a bit over 30mpg is possible. Generally 24-25mpg unless used in towns a lot then less, perhaps 21-22mpg.
I got mine pre-reg with 10 miles on it and sold at 23k. Nothing went wrong, utterly faultless. Very comfortable, feels quicker than the figures suggest, especially when overtaking, an absolute peach of an engine and they handle very well especially in the wet. They have all the toys, very discreet image, I'd have another any day. A much less obvious choice than the usual BMW, Audi or Volvo and I reckon better built and engineered than those cars. I only sold to scratch an Impreza itch. Another PH'er bought mine via a dealer, perhaps he'll be along in a bit.

Mr Gearchange

Original Poster:

5,892 posts

230 months

Sunday 11th October 2009
quotequote all
Thanks - that's exactly what i need to hear.
What are servicing costs like - is it best to stick the the stealers or are there enough indies to do a proper job?

What are the major service costs? I'm looking at one which needs it's 60K doing - is that going to be a very expensive job?

I'm expecting it to be pretty surefooted but the fact that it's got an LSD at the back suggests that you can get the tail to wag? is this the case? Does it have electonic TC/ ESP? Can you turn it all the way off?

CatherineJ

9,586 posts

267 months

Sunday 11th October 2009
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I did 10,000 miles in one when they first came out.

The fuel consumption as you have already identified isn't great. The interior is great, but I had big issues with brake judder and I didn't feel they were that effective.

I also didn't feel it was as quick as perhaps I thought it would be.

rovermorris999

5,323 posts

213 months

Sunday 11th October 2009
quotequote all
Mine was under warranty so I stuck with my dealer who is pretty good. I'm sure an indy would be cheaper if you have one near you although the costs didn't seem too bad to me but that's at rural Lincs prices. If you give a dealer a ring they'll give you the menu price.
The 60k service is all the fluids (diff, brake, clutch etc), plugs and normal oil service. Chain cam so no belt. Brake parts can be dear from the dealer but OEM stuff is available from specialists much cheaper. You won't get exhaust parts anywhere but the dealer, they're dear but they last for ages. Previously I had a 2 litre 00 Legacy which I sold at 6 years and 135k with the original exhaust so I doubt you'll need one anytime soon.
Unlike the previous poster, I don't think the fuel economy is bad for a petrol 3 litre flat 6, if you want economy, buy a diesel! I also think they feel pretty quick, variable valve timing kicks in around 3500 rpm so you need to drop a cog or two for a quick overtake. The gearbox is good too, based on the six speed from the Impreza Sti, it's just about bulletproof.
No traction control from what I remember, at least not on the manual. I think the auto may have had something. Don't think you'll ever need it with AWD.

Edited by rovermorris999 on Sunday 11th October 12:45

Mr Gearchange

Original Poster:

5,892 posts

230 months

Sunday 11th October 2009
quotequote all
Thanks - I've spent all day researching and I become more and more convinced that it's the car for me.

What are the brakes like - I take on board Catherine's observation that they were juddery - is this a common fault? I don't seem to have found any other reference to it elsewhere on t'interweb.
What brakes are on it anyway - four pots? ( I suppose the Brembo's off the Impreza STi are too much to hope for)

Anyone know where i can find a full tech spec for the 04 year UK car? The vast majority of the stuff on the web is about the turbocharged cars rather than the 3.0R

CatherineJ

9,586 posts

267 months

Sunday 11th October 2009
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I don't know if the brake issue is a common problem. When I test drove the demo car (an estate) I don't recall there being an issue.


touching cloth

11,706 posts

263 months

Sunday 11th October 2009
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Put about 10k on mine so far, bought it at 70k at 3 years old so now at 80k. Costs so far are limited to a service at pucker Subaru dealer for £185 inc a free Mot - some sort of over 3 year old deal they were doing. TBH I thought it might be a bit of a scam to get you in the door, then hit you with lots of "extras" that of course really need doing... however back it came with nothing needed and just the quoted £185. Loving the car, getting about 23-24mpg out of it but that is pretty heavy urban use, not sure I got much more out of an old BMW 520 I used to have. FYI on pricing I bought last year it's a 55 plate that had the 70k, paid just £5k but it was via BCA auctions and I think I did get a bit of bargain - if you can brave the auctions then there are bargains to be had as not sure dealers like them too much. So far really happy with it and it's proving a bulletproof, hassle free family wagon and an enjoyable drive.

Mr Gearchange

Original Poster:

5,892 posts

230 months

Sunday 11th October 2009
quotequote all
thumbup
Thanks - sounds like you got an awesome bargain - although i bet that there aren't many of them going through auction?

I think I'm pretty much sold. I just need someone to tell me how ace they are to chuck down a twisty b road............anyone...........?

rovermorris999

5,323 posts

213 months

Sunday 11th October 2009
quotequote all
The saloons are but I have no experience of the estates. They'll understeer on the limit but the grip and handling are amazing for a reasonably big car. The inverted struts on the front a la Sti and the very good multi-link rear suspension do the job well. The ride is good too despite the 18'' wheels. The brakes on mine were fine, 4 pots I think. The satnav is good too, the only downside of that is the cost of new dvds. Stereo is good but no ipod connectivity as standard but you do get a built-in 6cd changer.
When you look at one, check all four tyres are the same make and level of wear and a decent make as well. Bridgestones RE030 were the factory fit and I stuck with them as they were excellent. Swap front to rear every 5-6000 miles to even out the wear.

Mr Gearchange

Original Poster:

5,892 posts

230 months

Sunday 11th October 2009
quotequote all
Nice - that's it then - mind definetley made up after consultations on here and the UK Legacy owners site.

I just need to find one now - they seem to be very thin on the ground...

rovermorris999

5,323 posts

213 months

Monday 12th October 2009
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Good luck and let us know how the search is going. Don't discount Subaru main dealers, have a look at the used car finder on their website if you haven't already. The screen price may be a bit high but some are willing to haggle. I bought my Forester from Europa in Sheffield, they were pleasant to deal with. There does seem to be a dearth of good used stock at the moment, Europa even wrote to me last week offering to buy my Forester back as they need the stock. Possibly a marketing ploy but I checked the Vauxhall Glasses guide website and the trade-in price given on there for my car and mileage was only £200 less than I paid retail in march. How times change!

Mr Gearchange

Original Poster:

5,892 posts

230 months

Monday 12th October 2009
quotequote all
There is only one in the country available in the colour/spec combination that I want.
I've got to travel to Singapore for a week on Friday - can't decide whether I need to snap it up now..scratchchin

rovermorris999

5,323 posts

213 months

Tuesday 13th October 2009
quotequote all
The chances are it'll still be there when you get back.

Mr Gearchange

Original Poster:

5,892 posts

230 months

Tuesday 13th October 2009
quotequote all
Already gone. irked

touching cloth

11,706 posts

263 months

Saturday 24th October 2009
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Keep looking - Caught a rerun of 5th Gear on Dave last night and it had Leggy Spec b V Volvo V50 t5 comparison... managed to capture and have popped the legacy bit on Youtube...pooped on the Ovlov and VBH appears to love em.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhN4LRx3Ldk&fea...


Had mine around Silverstone GP and it was pretty good (and mine's an auto yikes) - it wasn't through choice as I got a puncture in my Cerbera but it was fun and saved wasting the day. For out and out kicks get a manual as the auto does hold things back a bit, suits me for what I need it for mind.


Edited by touching cloth on Saturday 24th October 12:25

Mr Gearchange

Original Poster:

5,892 posts

230 months

Monday 26th October 2009
quotequote all
Nice vid thanks. thumbup

The search continues - there are just none around at my price point at the moment. Looking every day - just have to bide my time.

ScoobieWRX

4,863 posts

250 months

Monday 26th October 2009
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2004 3.0L R Spec B Manual with 70K miles on Autotrader - £5995 http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...

HTH

Edited by ScoobieWRX on Monday 26th October 09:45