Just bought - Subaru Legacy 3.0R Spec B
Discussion
With a 15-20K budget I was looking for an estate with reasonable load carrying but not too large yet something with a bit of oomph as it is to be the only car. Considered VW Passat 4.0 W8, BMW 330i, C Class Merc, Audi S4/RS4 and the Subaru. Discounted the Passat as most were autos, I read reports of wooly handling and thought it would be difficult to sell on; the Beemer was a bit too common and possibly a tad small; Mercs seemed over priced just for the badge. The Audi RS4 was out of budget but I was very tempted by the Audi S4, took a 2003 S4 Avant for a test drive. Fantastic 4.2 V8 engine that made me chortle each time I touched the throttle but it was so VW inside. A sea of those black switches with the red backlights. Driving it felt very thick and heavy as if I was sat on-top of a runaway juggernaut. The Subaru in-comparison was lithe and direct, the gearbox has a lovely short throw and it climbed through the rev-range so easily with very smooth relentless acceleration. Plus it comes with all the toys and was reasonably priced. I'm just looking forward to a few road trips now 
good choice, Legacies are great all-rounders 
I bought an 04 one just before christmas, and have been impressed since. Has a high cruising speed on motorways, pulls effortlessly, can leave 5 series standing on B roads thanks to better handling, and confuses all the BMW/Merc drivers in London - they let you out! Comfortable place to be in in a traffic jams too.
The handling and visability won me over on my test drive.
The handling and visability won me over on my test drive.
Fungus_bogeyman said:
I bought an 04 one just before christmas, and have been impressed since. Has a high cruising speed on motorways, pulls effortlessly, can leave 5 series standing on B roads thanks to better handling, and confuses all the BMW/Merc drivers in London - they let you out! Comfortable place to be in in a traffic jams too.
The handling and visability won me over on my test drive.
The handling and visability won me over on my test drive.
Good to hear. I too was won over by handling and visibility. It is so light (especially with the sunroof cover right back) inside and the A, B and C pillars are not too thick or intrusive. With the seat low the big door mirrors are almost shoulder height making it feel a little sporty. My old Cerbera had door mirrors at shoulder height, makes you feel like you're in a single seater racer
although I wouldn't go so far as to say it feels like that in the Legacy.
Same colour as mine! Glad you're enjoying it as much as I am mine.
Had no problems finding a manual one, but then the dealer network is good. Found mine in 1 week after the test drive, they drove it down from scotland and removed the towbar (wouldn't have fitted in my garage otherwise). Even got a hamper!
Had no problems finding a manual one, but then the dealer network is good. Found mine in 1 week after the test drive, they drove it down from scotland and removed the towbar (wouldn't have fitted in my garage otherwise). Even got a hamper!
Graykiraa said:
im trying to chase one down at the very mo
baby number 2 inc and its time for the accord type r to go
it would seem a manual one is as rare as rocking horse poo at the mo
i had virtualy same list as you and it didnt take long to boil it down to just the one.
baby number 2 inc and its time for the accord type r to go
it would seem a manual one is as rare as rocking horse poo at the mo
i had virtualy same list as you and it didnt take long to boil it down to just the one.
Good luck. Located mine through AutoTrader. As you say a lot of autos but there are the odd manual around. Try the Subaru stock locator
Good choice pal, I've had my Spec.B Saloon nearly 18 months, and just do not tire of it! One thing I would recommend, if the wife gives you the nod, are the twin Prodrive Exhaust Back-Boxes. Ok, so they're a bit pricey - £500 with the mandatory new gaskets, but with a bit more power free'd up (Prodrive confirmed the figure in an email to me) and a wonderful new soundtrack, they are well worth the money! Never bothered asking Subaru how much to fit them though, did it myself in about an hour. NO REGRETS!!
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