Subaru Legacy Sports Tourer (2003 - 2009) 3.0 R Spec B 5d (2005/05) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I don't need an Audi badge. This is unusual in the Aberdeen area where most cars are Audi's or Land Rovers.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They know it's rubbish because I'm always working on it and I tell them so.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No chance. First and last Subaru.
What are you likely to buy next?
Something from the VW or Skoda range, probably a Skoda Superb 4x4 estate.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£6,400
When did you buy the car?
May 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I wanted a 4wd estate to replace my 11 year old Passat 4motion. The Legacy appeared to offer great value for money compared to other options.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Horrible. Yes it's fast when you thrash it but otherwise it's just annoying. The main issues are: The main one, fuel mapping- The ecu’s addition of extra throttle from stationary. Jerky and hesitant when cold. Soft throttle response- virtually no reaction to partial throttle, needs a god prod to get it going. No low down torque- hesitates below 1500rpm, doesn’t feel like it has anything like 3000cc until 3500+ rpm. The abrupt change in power when the VVT cuts in at 3500ish rpm. Nobbly ride over poor road surfaces. Poor brakes. The seat doesn’t go low enough or the wheel high enough for someone 5’ 11” tall. Poor side support for a car like this. It’s hot in the car especially if it’s been left in the sun and radiates the heat back into you for hours afterwards.
What's it like to park?
I had rear parking sensors which helped make it very easy to park.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The brakes have always been an issue. The standard discs develop hot spots and warp when hot. I replaced these with aftermarket parts which solved this issue but were prone to squeaking. The caliper pistons seize due to corrosion of the pistons. This was at only 60k miles. The suspension developed numerous clunks and rattles with the anti-roll bar drop links being particularly prone to wear .
What's most practical about your car?
The boot. Most modern cars have relatively narrow boots as the maximum width is the narrowest part between the wheel arches.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Heated seats. The standard leather is freezing in the winter.
