Subaru Legacy 3.0 R

[Legend83]

Mondeo ST, Volvo S60, Mazda 6 MPS....the suggestions have been numerous for a large, practical, cheapish to run, but fun for me, family/estate car.

I had not considered the Subaru before, but it seems a popular choice on here for a reliable hack.

So tell me, are these good? Plus points? Downsides?

I know very little about these - servicing costs, tyres, etc. Not a clue.

Enlighten me.

Oh, and budget probably about 6-7k.

[texasjohn]

www.uklegacy.com

And buy the black Spec B for sale in the PH classifieds in Coventry. Trust me it has been well looked after.

[john banks]

Searching will tell you a bit. I bought one in November as a winter car. £5200 with a spare set of wheels to which I fitted winter tyres. 35000 miles, 53 plate. 3.0R saloon. Immaculate with full Subaru service history. I paid a bit more than I wanted to for a car of that age, but the condition and convenience of the deal were well worth it. Comparison Audis and BMWs were more expensive and/or higher mileage and/or poor condition, and no doubt less reliable.

Excellent refinement and ride quality. 0-60 isn't particularly fast on the auto, but once rolling it is decent enough. Brakes aren't very strong. Fair bit of body roll. Vague steering. But it is fun, and the flat six sounds lovely. Economy in mixed use 25mpg, 31mpg on a run.

[ffc]

I just sold an auto tourer after 5 years of ownership from new. Not one problem in those five years apart from a collision with a drunk which was hardly the cars fault. I'd buy another again instantly if i needed another estate. Only downside is thirst, 22-25 around town, 27-30 on a run.

[havoc]

texasjohn said:

www.uklegacy.com

And buy the black Spec B for sale in the PH classifieds in Coventry. Trust me it has been well looked after.

Oh if only that was a tourer...


(OP - as and when I need a properly practical car I'll be scouring for a nice Spec-B manual Tourer - genuine competitor for the 330i yet more practical, more reliable and cheaper to buy. Just a shame that 25mpg seems a typical average...)

[Legend83]

Cheers for the thoughts chaps!

They do look cracking value.

The supposed reliability is what attracts. For the same money your 330i is going to need its rear suspension sorted etc.

[rb5230]

the legacy is a great car, but i would have an s60r if i had the choice, they are soo comfy.

[edo]

Cracking value. Here are two low mileage high spec cars well in budget.....

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

2005 SUBARU Legacy 3.0 Rn Seq
Trade Seller: Crossroads Motors

5 Doors, Automatic, Estate, Petrol, 39,600 miles, Blue. PAS, ABS, Navigation system, Climate Control, Alloy wheels, Cruise control, Electric sunroof, Roof rails, Radio/CD Multichanger, Traction control, Electrically adjustable drivers seat, Electric door mirrors, Front electric windows, Rear electric windows, Remote central locking, Trip computer, Heated front seat, Leather seat trim, Heated door mirrors, Full Main Dealer Service History. Insurance Group:15, £7,995





or

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

2005 SUBARU LEGACY 3.0 R SPEC B 4DR SAT NAV
Trade Seller: Globe Car Sales Ltd

4 Doors, Automatic, Saloon, Petrol, 27,000 miles, Metallic Grey, MOT-10-2011. Navigation system, Electrically adjustable drivers seat, ABS, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, CD, Central locking, Climate Control, Colour coding - Body, Cruise control, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Electric sunroof, Foglights, Leather upholstery, Locking wheel nuts, Immobiliser, Metallic paintwork, Part Service History, Power assisted steering, Radio, Remote locking, Radio\/CD, Sports seats, Tinted glass, Remote central locking, Steering wheel rake adjustment, Rear electric windows, PAS, EXCELLENT CONDITION INSIDE AND OUT, PX WELCOME, FINANCE ARRANGED, ALL DEBIT\/CREDIT CARDS WELCOME, NATIONWIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE, 6 MONTHS NATIONWIDE GOLD WARRANTY, OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, PLEASE RING FOR FURTHER DETAILS. Insurance Group:16, £6,995

[SVX]

I've got an '04 plate Auto 3.0Rn Saloon in silver, with sand coloured leather, which will be up for sale on here shortly (shameless plug).

I've absolutely adored owning it, it's been one of the best all round cars I've ever had.

In terms of costs, it's been pretty reasonable:

A minor service at my local indy is approx £180
A major service was between £350 and £500

The service interval is approx 10,000 miles.

The 3.0 boxer unit is chain timed, so no big bills for cambelts.

Overall economy was low-to-mid 30mpg, with 36-38 available on a run with a gentle right foot, and late 20s for round town and thrashing it! Not bad for an 3.0 AWD with a 'tiptronic box.

Other than basic consumables (bulbs, fluids), I've replaced a set of tyres (c. 18k of wear out of them), front and rear brakes, both pads and discs and a new battery (replacing the original one).

I'm struggling to think of a downside to a Legacy as an ownership proposition, other than the fuel cost compared to a DERV - I've not tried the Legacy Diesel.

Any specific questions, let me know.