I passed over an A4 due to 1, pricing, and 2, some not-so-rave reviews. I found something else similar that I actually think I'd like even more: either Legacy GT or Forrester XT. Turbo 2.5, AWD, available 5 spd, good options. I worked for a Subie dealer for about 8 months and have driven both. No, I am not nor will I really consider a WRX. Drive one and you're asking for a race in my area. LGT and the Forrester are a bit more low key. I just can't decide. LGT is more comfortable and sexier but more $$$. FXT is cheaper but, well, a Forrester. I've been searching around and have found good forums on both and have seen pics of both very nicely done. Just looking for opinions on either/or. Oh, and I think PGT owns a LGT wagon. PGT, words of advice?

 

For me the Legacy is a more attractive car. The new Forrester just doesn't do it for me in terms of looks. I've owned three Subaru's so far and all have been very reliable, quiet and comfortable on road trips. They are very good in snow too.

One thing I do notice, is how different the clutch feels from the Mini. On the Legacy it is much mushier and, if I've been driving the Mini for a while, I tend to over rev the Subaru and have to consciously adjust my "pedal feel".

 

I had a WRX, and have a good friend who had a Forester XT. I test drove a Legacy GT back in 2004. Both cars perform about the same, so really your decision should come down to looks and utility.

The XT is a great sleeper with excellent utility. My friend put WRX wagon springs on it (available used very cheaply) to lower the ride height, removed the roof rails, and put on a set of 17" aftermarket wheels. Gave the XT the right "look", IMO. But, it's still quite boxy, and not going to win any beauty contests. You probably won't get any compliments on it, other than those that enjoy Subarus.

The Legacy GT is obviously the more refined tourer for the grownup in all of us. The subtle styling of it almost makes it blend in with other cars, but it's a pleasant vehicle that would probably make most people say "that is a Subaru? Huh, it's kinda nice..." Interior is a bit nicer than the XT, but you have more room for crap in the XT.

Good luck with your decision that best fits YOUR needs.

 

^^^Thanks, Dan. That's pretty much what I figured but was unsure as if there was any big differences between the 2. Legacy has hawt factor and can be made very sexy while FXT has a definite "Are you serious?" factor when modded. Also, FXT is a little cheaper while Legacy, although more $$$, usually has better interior quality and styling.

 

^Yup, that's my take on it too. I'm still a Subaru "fanboi" to some extent, and think that they make some decent and fun vehicles if you can learn to accept the way some of them look.

 

The only issue with the LGT sedan is that you'll be mistaken for a Camry (maybe a good thing?). The only issue with an LGT wagon is SOA won't sell it anymore ('07 was the last).

I know an '05 LGT Wagon with 5sp manual for sale...a buddy of mine. White with charcoal leather and sunroof. He'd take $14k for it....40k miles.

The new Impreza , WRX and STI are based off the LGT platform. That means a flat rear load floor, revised rear multilink suspension (better camber and toe control under load), direct bolt intercooler (though STI retains the old style with y-pipe).

I'm selling my MINI and going back to a Subaru. Haven't decided which yet....I've driven the new FXT but it's auto only for now (the 4EAT, not the 5EAT from the LGT).

 

PGT, what makes you want to sell your MINI? You have one of if not the hottest cars in the 'Nam. Oh, and I thought I saw your name on LegacyGT.com.....

 

yep, still there bustin skullz

 

stay away from the legacy. im selling mine this week due to issues
after issues. warranty's going to end next month so not taking any
chances.

constant issues with misfires in damp weather, hvac actuator problems,
small inconvenience issues like headlight problems, poor warranty work,
stupid dealer (my area) that damages your car while 'working' on it, etc.

hate subaru's now. no more.

 

We are on our second Subaru Forester, this one is an XT & both it & our other Forester have been problem free. IMO they are fine cars. The XT is a quick car, but it doesn't handle like a MINI, but then again my MINI won't do 65mph down a forest road either. Different horses for different courses.

Ken, sorry you are abandoning your Subaru. All cars have an issue or two. Sounds like your biggest issue is with a poor dealer. Find another dealer.

 

I had issues with the local dealer too. Luckily, there are enough independent shops to deal with and I've become friendly with the Subaru of America warranty guy for when it's an expensive fix (he'll get me to a dealer who will help).

 

no crashton, dealer does suck, but i have a list of problems that is
longer than my MCS. now that is a long list to have out of warranty
on a car that's not fun to own.

 

Funny you should ask ... This weekend I was out with my son to look at a 2005 LGT LTD. I always liked the LGT from afar, but never had looked into it carefully or driven it. Either had he. Wow! What a car. It is a very fast and agile ride and the LTD interior is comfortable and luxurious. A lot of car for the money. We both loved it. He bought it. There's also a lively tuning community for the LGT.

 

Ken, I'm sort of in the same boat with my MINI as you are with your Subaru. I'm nearing the end of my warranty & my MINI is starting to have issues. My dealer has been more than great about fixing my car, but it scares me to think what the cost of the repairs will be on my dime. I love my MINI & figure a repair or two every once in a while will still be cheaper than buying another car. I think the difference is that I still love my MINI, but you've lost the Subaru love. Having a dealer who doesn't do things right kind of makes that happen I guess. Good luck on your next car.

 

i really never had love for subaru's. i bought the legacywgn cause it
appeared like the best bang for the buck 3yrs ago for a family car.

my MCS has been out of warranty now for a while... mine's a 03. it
has its issues... a/c doesnt work on it since about 2yrs ago. MINI
failed to fix it 4 times, so you can see im not getting much help from
MINI either.

but the difference between this subaru and my MINI is that MINI has a
worthwhile value to keep it. subaru's are just another car.

 

I see what you mean, but heck they are all only just cars when you come down to it. Although the MINI is a way fun car.

 

Nice! Be sure to check out LegacyGT.com if he already hasn't seen it.
+1
Ask anyone that fixes cars or sells parts everyday (not in a performance sense) and, if they are like a lot of people I ask, they'll say all cars are crap. Yes, some are real dumps. Others can be beaten into the ground and come back for more. In the end, all cars are junk. Some car marques with a history of being dumps can live very long lives while the best cars on the road can be true money pits as well. It's just like with dyno numbers. Each car is different. The last 2 years of my life have been the best in part to my car but I'm starting to fear rising miles may lead to a much lighter wallet. *Knocks on wood* That, and I'm looking for something more reliable in the winter that is as unique and tunable as a MINI. And the FXT is gonna be loads quicker than my my '50. Working for a dealer means I get cheaper OE parts but Scoobie's are cheaper one way or another, I'm within 10 miles of 2 dealers, plus I used to work at an excellant Subie dealer so I kinda have an in on good service. Come on, don't deny this is sexy:

 

If you are still looking at the Legacy GT, you might consider trying to find a used Mazda Speed 6. Close in all aspects (price, AWD, performance, size...). Just gives you another option for comparison to help you make your decision.

 

I thought about that and had a friend mention it but eeehhhh.....I don't think that drivetrain was used in anything else and that being a fairly limited run car, parts and gonna a lot of $$$ and hard to come by. I'm also considering a Forester a bit more seriously now.....

 

not to mention the MS6 has heat soak issues

 

well, i decided to try one more thing before selling the legacywgn.

ordered a new front O2 sensor and will see if replacing it could fix the
random misfires on extremely wet conditions.

i read over in the legacyforums that there was one guy that tried
new injectors, plugs, etc. but the O2 sensor cured his problem. if
$68 fixes it, more money in my pockets.

 

anyone know where i can order a HVAC mode actuator for the 06 legacy?
thing is broken too.

 

how about the coilpacks? it's usually #3. You can test by swapping 3/4. No CEL's? One thing the LGT has issues with is #3.

 

yah, no SES... i read to try the O2 sensor first...

on really wet days the car idles like crap after driving maybe 15sec.
then try to accelerate and it just misfires all over the place. after
about 30sec-1min of this almost limp mode, it cures itself as if
nothing happened.

 

well, the coilpack is free to try but it usually throws a code.