Subaru Legacy Outback

[johnnyBv8]

I'm about to start a building renovation, so need a practical estate. I've been looking at Volvo V70 estates - meant to be looking at 2.4T SE, but keep finding myself looking at T5 instead.

Anyway, there's a clean looking 2003 2.5 Subaru Outback for sale locally. Anyone know if these are any good?

I need something cheap (approx £1500), fairly spacious (so 156 Sportwagon and 3 series probably too small). I want a manual cos despite looking at Volvos I'm not old enough for an auto, and ideally not too sluggish.

Cheers

[Ved]

So long as it's been serviced to schedule you should be fine as they're very robust cars.

[smifffymoto]

we have had one and would have another in a shot if they were not so expensive new.They really are as good as owners say,get on with the job with no fuss or drama

[johnnyBv8]

Cheers. What are they like to drive?

[johnnyBv8]

The one I've seen is a 2003 car, 2 owner, leather, FSH, 86k miles for £1300 ono.

[leefee]

Im guessing that is a last of old model at that price, still great cars, a wee bit gutsy, but if its a good one it will go and go.

[johnnyBv8]

leefee said:

Im guessing that is a last of old model at that price, still great cars, a wee bit gutsy, but if its a good one it will go and go.

Yep, old model (blue).

[Konan]

Quite a lot of head gasket issues with the 2.5. I'd do some research to see if it's one of the weak ones, but I think it may be.

[Liquid Tuna]

Konan said:

Quite a lot of head gasket issues with the 2.5. I'd do some research to see if it's one of the weak ones, but I think it may be.

Yes the 2.5 engines of that era had head gasket issues, but at 86k the head gasket will either have been done a long time ago by Subaru under recall, or there's nothing wrong with the it in the first place in that car.

[leefee]

From experience the 2.5 of that era was no more prone to hg than anything else, the slightly earlier 2.5 quad cam ones were. This wont be that engine though. expensive exhausts, patern parts now available for these ones, so not such an issue. leaking rear tailgates, slipping clutches and leaking rocker cover gaskets.

[johnnyBv8]

Cheers. At risk of this turning into a what car.....how do you reckon the load space in a P38 Range Rover would compare. I've seen a 4.6 HSE, and am tempted. I know, I know.