Subaru Legacy 3.0 Sport: PH Carpool
A bargain basement wagon has done very well for this PHer, even with a boxer six fuel habit...
Car: 2005 Subaru Legacy 3.0 Sport Tourer auto
Owned since: January 2017
Previously owned: 65 cars and bikes and counting! Highlights have been three daily driver TVR Chimaeras, a really nice old M3, and a Harley Road King.
"We fell into Subaru ownership after a disastrous episode with a C-Class Mercedes which was suffering from spontaneous - and as it turned out terminal - limp home mode disease. Eventually the garage took it back and as they're a Subaru specialist, sold us the Legacy. I'm not entirely sure what would have happened had they been a Dacia dealer!
What I wish I'd known:
"I wish I'd known how good they were years ago; it would have saved lots of bother. I also wish I'd known that you can't take the CD player out in isolation because it's now eaten six of my favourites. Hopefully the next owner will like New Order and E.L.O. when it eventually starts working again. I also wish I'd known that there's an even more powerful 'Spec B' manual version as I might have held on for one of those."
"It's a proper left-field car which I love. It has four pillarless doors, (always a good start in my book) and is a massively capable high speed tip visiting tool. After 97,000 miles it still feels really well screwed together, has super comfy heated seats, a lovely leathery interior and does a great job in family hauling mode. In six months it has cost not a penny in faults or maintenance and with its four-wheel drive handles as though it's on the proverbial rails.
"Also, in a coolish, stealthy, handsome and understated sort of way I think it looks ace, and you certainly won't see another on your way to Waitrose. It also has a 245hp 3.0-litre flat six engine which sounds glorious. Never mind that it's an automatic - take it to the redline and it sings! It's worth the only-three-and-a-half-Sheds money for the sound alone. I used to love the sound of my TVRs and this is up there; as well as that it serves as a constant reminder never to buy another diesel."
Things I hate:
"Not hate exactly, but boy does it like a drink! I've never seen a fuel figure that begins with a three! In fact, quite often, they start with a one. We knew this prior to purchase and when it all gets a bit much we leave it at home and take the MX-5, or even better, the Renault Kangoo van. If I had to use it every day we wouldn't have bought it in the first place."
"Nothing apart from petrol. It's cheaper to insure than the Merc that limped before and not too bad to tax. One year younger and it would have been over £500 or whatever the top band is and that would have been a show stopper. It's due a service and MoT in November. The rear end feels a bit 'floaty' so it may need some new dampers and the front brakes are on the way so there may well be a bit of expenditure coming up."
Where I've been:
"Just around and about South Wales and Herefordshire. Its favourite road is the A465 from Abergavenny to Hereford, which is also great on a bike if you've never tried it. It'll soon be off to Moto GP at Silverstone so you may see it there."
What next?
"Well considering that I once kept a Civic Type R for only three weeks it would be foolish of me to state here in writing that it's a keeper. But honestly, at this time, and because it's such a capable all-rounder, I can't see a reason to get rid. It isn't particularly a car that you look back at when you've parked up, but it's definitely got a grin inducing sound and for an old'n is pretty sprightly, and that will do nicely for now.
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
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