Anyone got one, had one - what did you think?
Been looking at 2005-2007 plated ones, a 3.0 auto has caught my eye - to replace my beloved 535i which has terminal transmission failure...
Looked at newer ones, nice solid motor but interior will be a step down from your Beemer. Like the classlessness of them but the newer ones are just too ugly to contemplate.
Fuel economy would be poor as well but guess you are used to that.
We had the 3 litre manual model at work, went like stink and suprisingly stuck to the road really well for a higher centre of gravity than an Inmpreza.
Reliability wise it was fine with no issues however the 3 litre Legacy that replaced it has just had 2k's worth of new clutch! So my only real advice is not really an issue as its an auto you are looking at!
At least the fuel economy wont surprise you.
Went from a diesel Octavia to 2.5l Forrester was a shock.
I very nearly bought one last week- though just the 2.5, could only find 2.0s and 2.5s around here. Pretty nice car, I thought the height and extra squish would make it handle a lot worse than a Legacy but it ran it pretty close... But I didn't think I'd use the extra capability of the Outback enough to make it a sensible buy.
We have a brand new 2.5petrol. This my wife's 4th scoop and bought mainly for size and ability to navigate off road which she has to do. Had to get a special order manual as I hate autos as does she. I thought it would drive like a barge but it is quite capable and fun to drive.
I prefer the Forester. Go for a 2.5 engine if it n/a.
Awesome cars and a step upto the beemer.
Why not get a 2.0 wrx Impreza sportswagon? 8)
Forester v tinny compared to legacy and outback. Impress small, golf size really but new model looks nice. A forester saved my life when someone ploughed into me-set all the bags off and shunted me about 20m. I was ok, car was fuct. 1 month old !
Legacy/Outback of that era is not only REALLY well built, but is very nice inside. I prefer the interiors to beemers, mercs etc of the same age. I hired a spanking new golf for a week recently... I was glad to get back in my 8 yr old 100k miler legacy.....
You need to bear in mind that when 04+ Legacys go wrong (they arent bombproof). The costs are epic due the limited number of dealers and only one source of parts.
The exhaust joints do rot. 1k fron Subaru. 400 for aftermarket ones....
My air/fuel sensor was 475 fitted...etc
Previous Legacy(-04)/Forester-05 are tech simpler/cheaper to fix.
I prefer the Forester. Go for a 2.5 engine if it n/a.
Hard to believe it's eye watering on the fuel out here in Oz!! That with a tiny tank....
Also can't get my heckler in upright with the front wheel off - something we could in the octavia. Now looking round for a tow bar.
[i] interior will be a step down from your Beemer[/i]
Yes, i was quite surprised how poor (although well screwed together) it was compared to my old BMW.
[i]went like stink and suprisingly stuck to the road really well for a higher centre of gravity than an Inmpreza.[/i]
tbh I couldn't really feel the 245bhp, it felt less than my car, but impressed with the roadholding.
[i]Previous Legacy(-04)/Forester-05 are tech simpler/cheaper to fix. [/i]
Maybe, but I don't want to go that old.
My wife has a Freelander already, so if I was looking at something less car-like I'd just get one of those, or a Disco.
And I like auto's, so really need/want 2.5-3.0 engines anyway.
I just got a 2006 legacy a couple of weeks back and I'm absolutely loving it. RE model so decent spec (leather seats, etc.), masses of room in the back with the seats down, drives very nicely, and actually not too bad on the fuel.