E39 530D SE to Legacy 3.0R Tourer

[Phil74]

It's around that time again, that I start thinking about changing the car. I seem to get the urge every 6 months and then keep what I've got.

I'm currently thinking about the '04 onwards Legacy 3.0R Tourer Auto(Not Spec B) and was wondering if anyone on here has gone from an E39 530d saloon to a Legacy. Will I be disappointed?

A Mondeo ST220 estate has also crossed my mind but I'm really taken with the Legacy for some reason.
If anyone's interested, I have decided that I definately want an estate and my budget is very low circa 4-5k. I also definately don't want a diesel.

What are peoples experiences of these?

[Mr Gearchange]

The fuel bills will be more. A lot more.

[Phil74]

Mr Gearchange said:

The fuel bills will be more. A lot more.

Lets not worry about that bit at the moment.

[junglie]

I looked at Spec R and ST220 and bought the Ford.

Cheap, good looking, bigger car inside, full kit (Sat Nav, heated seats, cruise etc).

No complaints here.

[Mr Gearchange]

Phil74 said:

Mr Gearchange said:

The fuel bills will be more. A lot more.

Lets not worry about that bit at the moment.

Ok.
Mine is a spec B tourer with a manual 'box but some observations.

It's incredibly well screwed together - mine is on an 05 plate and has done 140K. It has only needed tyres, brakes and a new exhaust in that time.

Its very well equipped with a great sat nav, heated electric leather, 6 disc changer, cruise control etc etc.

The 4wd system is a proper symetrical AWD system - it deals with everything easily on sport rubber.

Load space is cavernous.

Comments on ride and handling are pointless as you aren't buying a spec B.

Engine is strong, beautifully smooth with a definite step in performance from 3500 RPM.

[Phil74]

Mr Gearchange said:

Ok.
Mine is a spec B tourer with a manual 'box but some observations.

It's incredibly well screwed together - mine is on an 05 plate and has done 140K. It has only needed tyres, brakes and a new exhaust in that time.

Its very well equipped with a great sat nav, heated electric leather, 6 disc changer, cruise control etc etc.

The 4wd system is a proper symetrical AWD system - it deals with everything easily on sport rubber.

Load space is cavernous.

Comments on ride and handling are pointless as you aren't buying a spec B.

Engine is strong, beautifully smooth with a definite step in performance from 3500 RPM.

Thanks for the info Mr G.
The reason that I'm asking is that the only Subaru around at the moment, that seems to tick the boxes, is an Outback (which I have only just worked out is not referred to as a Legacy now) but it is over 100miles away from me.

I'm not fussed about handling as I have an Impreza STI v2 as a second car. I'm after something to replace both the 530d and my wifes Picasso (awaits flaming). Something that will be able to cover long journeys with as much ease and comfort as the BMW.

I don't want the 100 mile journey to result in me being dissapointed to find out that the Subaru just isn't as accomplished as the BMW.

I suppose the obvious answer is an E39 tourer but I can't find any with heated leather (which, although strange, is another must for me).

[Phil74]

So, a couple of weeks on from my last post and a couple of weekends looking at used cars. Please bear with the long winded post.

Firstly, looked at a Mondeo estate 3.0 Ghia X. I didn't even progress to a test drive as just sitting in it left me completely cold. I didn't get any sort of tingle (if that makes any sense). The car was a 55 plate with 56k, leather, loads of toys. I was just left feeling that I would regret changing from the 530d.

Then went to look at a Legacy 3.0Rn Spec B auto tourer that was out of my price range. Sat in it, loved it, decided that I needed to find one within budget. Again, didn't test drive this as the subject of money came up and we couldn't find common ground so no test drive. Fair enough.

Thought I'd check out a previous shape Legacy Outback H6, just to see whether I got the same feeling. I didn't. That one now ruled out.

Finally, found another Legacy 3.0Rn Auto tourer. Arranged to see this one with full intentions of taking it away. Car was not 100% but nothing too major. Managed to get to a deal that both parties were happy with. Took it for a test drive and just didn't feel it.

I don't know if anyone knows what I mean but, I felt all "Shoulders and Elbows". I'm 6'4" and 19st and I felt alright sitting in the car while stationary, but just a bit restricted when driving it. I had to walk away, it just wasn't right and again I felt that I would miss the BMW.

So what do I do? I'm not a BMW fan. I didn't want the 530d especially, it just ticked all the boxes at the time. I want to NOT like bmws, but mine is just so accomplished and I can't come up with anything in my budget that compares.

I think I'm just going to have to bide my time and wait for the right 530i tourer to come up.

Have I missed an obvious option?

[Matt UK]

Phil74 said:

I think I'm just going to have to bide my time and wait for the right 530i tourer to come up.

I had an e39 530i saloon auto - probably the best commuter car I've ever had

[Devil2575]

Phil74 said:

I want to NOT like bmws, but mine is just so accomplished and I can't come up with anything in my budget that compares.
?

Why don't you want to like BMWs given that you've found yours to be very good?

[Phil74]

Devil2575 said:

Why don't you want to like BMWs given that you've found yours to be very good?

I suppose I've always liked being a bit different. When I was younger, all of my mates had Sierra Cosworths. One had a 3 door, 2 others had 2wd Saphs another had a 4wd Saph. I went and got a late Renault 21 Turbo and loved it.

Out of all of my car mates, I was the only one mad enough to get a low budget TVR350i and had some massive bills. I still loved it. They still had their cossies.

7 years ago, I had to find a company car within the monthly budget set by the small company that I worked for. They were going to buy the car on HP. Everyone was saying to go for a low to mid spec VW. I got a Skoda Octavia VRS (old shape). I also loved this.

Now, the 2 guys that I still knock about with from the old days have had 5 series (both e39 and e60) and now each have an M5 (one e39 and one e60) They swear by them. They are also much better off than me.

I suppose I've always gone for something a bit different to the people around me.