1999 Legacy 2.5 GX Auto
1999 Legacy 2.5 GX Auto
Author
Discussion

chippy17

Original Poster:

3,740 posts

265 months

Tuesday 25th September 2007
quotequote all
going to look at one of these with 106k on it, FSH etc good price, looks in good nick, anything I should look out for?

Are auto's alright?

thanks

chippy17

Original Poster:

3,740 posts

265 months

Thursday 27th September 2007
quotequote all
bueller, anyone, anyone

I know it is boring thread but would be helpful to know if any weak spots or is it the usual?!




GravelBen

16,321 posts

252 months

Thursday 27th September 2007
quotequote all
I wouldn't buy an auto Subaru myself, but then again I wouldn't buy an auto anything else either (with the exception of big 4x4's).

AFAIK the 2.5's are pretty reliable, much torquier than the 2.0 NA so you don't have to work them as hard though they can be a bit on the thirsty side, especially with an auto box. The miles shouldn't be a problem as its been serviced properly (and msot likely looked after as well). Drive it, if you like the auto box then fine, otherwise try and find a manual.

hth

chippy17

Original Poster:

3,740 posts

265 months

Thursday 27th September 2007
quotequote all
GravelBen said:
I wouldn't buy an auto Subaru myself, but then again I wouldn't buy an auto anything else either (with the exception of big 4x4's).

AFAIK the 2.5's are pretty reliable, much torquier than the 2.0 NA so you don't have to work them as hard though they can be a bit on the thirsty side, especially with an auto box. The miles shouldn't be a problem as its been serviced properly (and msot likely looked after as well). Drive it, if you like the auto box then fine, otherwise try and find a manual.

hth
thanks Ben, when you say you would not buy an auto Subaru do you mean they are unreliable/not very good gearboxes?

GravelBen

16,321 posts

252 months

Thursday 27th September 2007
quotequote all
Combination of things really:

-My primary objection to autos is from a driving point of view, I just don't like them, I prefer the extra control and involvement of a manual box. So bear that in mind as my bias against them.

-Auto Subarus tend to be significantly thirstier and slower than the manual equivalent. In the case of the turbo cars they are usually detuned as well, though this obviously doesn't apply to a 2.5 GX.

-I'd assume that a '99 would be much better as its newer, but historically a lot of Subaru auto boxes have needed rebuilds at around 160-180,000km (~100-112k miles). I've heard of that almost without exception on gen1 Legacies (89-93), in some cases for gen2 (93-97), but haven't really heard any stories about them from 98 onwards - whether thats because they were better or simply that I don't know many people with them, and many of them haven't reached that mileage yet I don't know.


Most of my experience is with Subarus older than the one you're looking at though so take those comments with a pinch of salt.

chippy17

Original Poster:

3,740 posts

265 months

Thursday 27th September 2007
quotequote all
GravelBen said:
Combination of things really:

-My primary objection to autos is from a driving point of view, I just don't like them, I prefer the extra control and involvement of a manual box. So bear that in mind as my bias against them.

-Auto Subarus tend to be significantly thirstier and slower than the manual equivalent. In the case of the turbo cars they are usually detuned as well, though this obviously doesn't apply to a 2.5 GX.

-I'd assume that a '99 would be much better as its newer, but historically a lot of Subaru auto boxes have needed rebuilds at around 160-180,000km (~100-112k miles). I've heard of that almost without exception on gen1 Legacies (89-93), in some cases for gen2 (93-97), but haven't really heard any stories about them from 98 onwards - whether thats because they were better or simply that I don't know many people with them, and many of them haven't reached that mileage yet I don't know.


Most of my experience is with Subarus older than the one you're looking at though so take those comments with a pinch of salt.
I am not buying it for speed, it is actually for my wife but will also be used for long journeys so was after something cruising, comfortable and quiet (have Impreza turbo for fun) so auto might fit the bill, I agree with you about much prefering control of manual and have never owned an auto car

Do not know about thirst however but it is not going to be thrashed around

Your comments on them needing rebuilds is the worrying bit, I will look further into this
very helpful info thanks