06-09 Legacy Spec-B - what to watch for???

[havoc]

Considering one of these as an alternative to the default 330i Touring.

Drove one earlier today and was pretty impressed - steering a little aloof, gearbox only so-so and brakes desperately need more bite, but it had a very nice chassis balance, rode beautifully for 18s and pulled purposefully - linear, responsive, sweet engine which is so easy to hit the 7k limiter in. Great visibility and nice inside too - a little early-00s Japanese in places, and needs more storage, but a nice place to be nonetheless with a lot of kit for the money.

I know it'll drink like Olly Reed on a bad day (I'm told 25 in mixed use, 28 on a run, 22 around town), and I can see services aren't cheap (~£200 for a minor, £500 for a major at a main dealer).



But what else do I need to know? Where are the likely bills coming from, what do I need to check at test-drive, is a warranty going to be my best-friend for any reason???

Thanks all,

Martin.

[havoc]

Thanks for the posts. Sort of sums up the car overall - very rare and manages to generate very little opinion...

[havoc]

Thanks all.

Currently wondering whether a Focus ST3 might be slightly easier to source and nearly as practical/well equipped.

Legacy looks/feels more special, but it'll be harder to sell-on again, and will probably cost more to run.

An affordable 330i is out as HR are playing the policy to the letter with me (despite giving several people, inc. my boss (!!!) a lot more leeway...raised that and got told "I'll talk to him, but let's get you compliant first!), and no other 5dr hot hatch has a bigger boot than the Golf.