Subaru Legacy 3.0 R

[Legend83]

Got a few replies in GG, but thought I would post this here to widen the possible replies / experiences:

In GG I said:

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.

[nismogreen]

I have a 3.0R spec B. Very thirsty but superb in every other way.

[PGM]

nismogreen said:

I have a 3.0R spec B. Very thirsty but superb in every other way.

Me too and I agree.

[rovermorris999]

I used to run a Spec B. A gorgeous engine, chain cam too. I wish I still had it.

[Legend83]

Crikey, thanks for the thread ressurection and replies chaps!

Can you expand on why they are so great? Really fancy one but concerned about some of the Subaru parts prices!!

[Luke.]

I've got a Legacy Outback. Great all rounder. Though as others have said thirsty. In fact, thirstier than my old Boxster S I think.

All the toys and handles nicely though. Really good fun to drive and very smooth. Would get another.

[rovermorris999]

You can get some OEM consumables like brake parts elsewhere, Blueprint are good brand. I wouldn't worry about it. You are highly unlikely to need many parts, they are pretty much bullet-proof. No cambelt either so a few hundred saved there every few years. Go try one and give it some welly, you'll most likely be hooked.

[RB Will]

My dad used to have one of these and it was faultless in 3 years of use and about 70,000 miles including week at the Ring.
I am currently looking into buying one myself. Does anyone have experience of high mileage ones as these are what is in my price bracket. Will they go on forever if properly looked after as I have found a couple of nice ones in my price range but they have 150,000+ miles

[LeggyB]

I bought my FSH, 80,000 mile, 2004 Spec B Tourer for £5k. Goes very well, quiet, fast, reliable, handles brilliantly; can't think of a better family car for a car enthusiast to be honest. Plenty about, lots being sold privately although most people think that they're worth more than they are. After all, a thirsty 3.0 petrol car isn't exactly the top of most people's wish list, is it? (Hugely thirsty BTW - 18-27mpg depending on journey type - but worth every penny.)

Can't recommend them highly enough.

[Legend83]

What's the most amount of stuff anyone had got in their tourer boot?

[Legacywr]

When are you looking to buy Legend83?

[Legend83]

Hi mate, not for a few months at least. We are going to wait until the twins arrive (august) and see how we get on with the Civic.

If its a nightmare then I can't see us not replacing the Mx5 later than the end of the year.

[stevieb]

Good luck with the twins... From a father of twins girls age 2. Get you sleep in now.

A leggy is a good choice, safe reliable, a quick enough. Just a bit expensive with fuel.

[PGM]

Legend83 said:

What's the most amount of stuff anyone had got in their tourer boot?

A small kitchen I bought off ebay to make my utility room!

They are pretty roomy but not obviously like a Volvo, useful shape and more or less flat load bay.

[Buffalo]

Just bought an outback 3.0R - its canada spec so auto (not sure if they all were), returning a steady 30mpg, but drove it for the first time for a distance in manual mode and the return seems to be a wee bit higher. Not sure if there isn't a tiny hesitation when locked in a high gear but its only a few km from its next service. Transmission whines a bit at low speeds too but this is my first AWD - only 80,000km though.

Otherwise a very nice car and I'm pleased with it. Certainly nicer to be in than some of the other choices in this part of the world (GMC and Chev), it's nice to be in something a little left of mainstream.