Subaru Legacy ownership advice

Motorwaymiles

I'm thinking of buying a 2007/2008 Subaru Legacy estate in the next few weeks.

At the moment I'm edging on the 2.0 petrol version over the diesel. For a few reasons my commute to work is 12 miles each way, prefer petrol cars, read that early diesel Subaru's gave issues, €3K for petrol model versus €8K for diesel model is a big factor.

The budget preview so far:
-Tax - €710
NCT - €55
Insurance (not sure yet, not certain of group category)
Petrol - I'm presuming mid 30's on motorway, early twenties in town (€65 fill for 350miles)
Servicing What should I expect to pay?
Slush fund needed? no DPF to worry about.


Do you think it would be a money pit, or a better investment than what you could lose on a 10K-15K car in depreciation...

Special Circumstances

Manual or auto?
Manual has a DMF to smoothen it out I think. So if a clutch was due it could be saucy.
The 2.0 NA (160hp?) model's of a certain vintage suffered from a flatspot at certain rpm on irish petrol/dishwater or so I've heard. I don't know if the 08 still suffered that or if it was a previous version.

I'd check the insurance first mind you...

Motorwaymiles

Manual, I think auto would really kill MPG for me.

Just checked insurance on a Legacy Estate and it's doesn't cause an increase (7 year NCB, full licence, etc)

I wonder have any other boarders LPG'd a Legacy? might not be worth the cost.

Bigus

Motorwaymiles wrote: »

Manual, I think auto would really kill MPG for me.

Just checked insurance on a Legacy Estate and it's doesn't cause an increase (7 year NCB, full licence, etc)

I wonder have any other boarders LPG'd a Legacy? might not be worth the cost.

Not a chance for the miles you're doing.

Motorwaymiles

Yeah I don't think the LPG conversion would be worthwhile either as decent conversions aren't cheap.

Decided to view a Legacy today, it was an '06 model which is older than what I'm after as I'd prefer a 07/08 newer shape model but will buy the right car on condition & comprehensive service history rather than year.

The car itself was a nice spec car and colour combination, the service history had plenty of gaps which disappointed. The miles were slightly on the high side not something that would bother me with a decent service history, wear to drivers seat and steering wheel let the interior down. Car started fine from cold but I didn't think the engine idle was as smooth as it should probably sound. I didn't test drive the car as it wasn't for me it could have been bought for close to 2K I'd say.

The search continues........links to possible Legacy more than welcome, preferably estates!

Seweryn

Motorwaymiles wrote: »

links to possible Legacy more than welcome, preferably estates!

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/subaru-legacy-2-0-estate-panoramic-roof/12604738

Esel

There was a legacy in the Bangernomics thread recently with LPG, and it was mentioned that LPG is not good for these engines. Valve seat wear or something,.. I think Honest John has something on it too.

Motorwaymiles

I've heard that some don't run right on petrol in Ireland, good to hear the warning regarding LPG. Suppose it means also to stay away from Applegreen and find a Texaco garage.

I would like this car, colour is okay nicer in darker colours. Seems to be in nice condition I'm not sure if the engine bay could be described as honest or just neglected. Some of the nuts/bolts in engine bay look to have surface rust. Being a UK car I'd like to see the chassis for rust. Although I don't think this could be in for the right money? with starting price, sterling, cost of transport and VRT.

The car is September '08, would that mean if imported it would have to be taxed on CO2 rates or could it still be slipped into CC rates?

Motorwaymiles

Just seen I can't load a link because of being a new user.

It's an '08 silver Legacy Estate on Pistonheads priced at £4,499 - BTW snag is also it's auto.

www . pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/subaru/legacy/subaru-legacy-2-0-ren-sports-tourer-awd-satnav-leather/6192130

walus

Check if the DMF is not on its way. These Legacys suffer from a squealing noise from DMF on the take off. Pull the hand brake, put in in 1st and gently try to drive away. At the point of clutch biting when the car picks itself up you may hear that noise. If you do factor in a clutch job. A flexi-flywheel conversion is recommended by Subaru for these cases and such kit can be purchased. If you look up my treads you will read all about it. Clutches don't last on this cars long. Also check if the gearbox and differential oil was replaced as specified in the service manual.

I had a 2004 model. Great car especially after doing the clutch conversion at 120k kilometres. It does not suffer from hesitation as the face lifted model does. Not a quick car but I was always finding myself looking for reasons to jump into it and drive somewhere. I have a full service manual for it if you decided to go for it.

Motorwaymiles

Thanks for your reply Walus - very helpful. I had completely forgot about diff oil change.

Could I ask what MPG and miles out of tank you got? if you can remember.

walus

Motorwaymiles wrote: »

Thanks for your reply Walus - very helpful. I had completely forgot about diff oil change.

Could I ask what MPG and miles out of tank you got? if you can remember.

It used to be 8.5-8.8l per 100 km for fast motorway driving, 10-11l for city. On country roads it would do around 7.5l.
In the older vehicles the flanges on the exhaust pipes rust badly. Check them out before buying.