subaruwr1

Need to get a more practical car so I am looking at either a brand new Legacy sports tourer Spec B or a brand new Forester 2.5XT. Has any body got any comments views or first hand experience of either? I am going from a WR1 to either so need good performance and handling to match.

thanks in advance for any help you can give.
Ian

highlander68k

Good choices.

It really does depend on what you're looking for at the end of the day.

Pushing the boat out, my choice would be XT 2.5 with PPP - just look at the specs!

The Spec B, although a very refined car, lacks the oomph in my opinion and is more of a cruising motor more suited to rapid but easy driving.

There are other options available.

subaruwr1

will they do the free PPP like they are doing on the imprezas?

highlander68k

No.

But don't listen to me, I don't know what I'm on about.

subaruwr1

just looked on www.subaru.co.uk and you are right..
never mind

AJbaseBloke

Well, unless ou need the dealer back up, Forester STI is my suggestion (soz, I know it isn't on your list...). IMHO, it is simply the best bang for buck balance in the range right now. Litchfields do them up a bit from the std, very conservative factory spec whilst tuning for UK fuel too.

IMHO they're very nice inside w/sports seats, Brembos, and 6 speed (proper longer ratios too). It also has a proper fixed ratio 15:1 rack (vs variable on the XT IIRC). Pretty decent rubber from the get go saves an immediate dive for new rubber on top of that.

About the only thing I'd be looking for fairly shortly after purchase is anti-roll bars, but that's just me

Otherwise, the spec B can be punted very quickly, but doesn't have the turbo shove. A bit more space inside than a Forester lengthways, but if strapping kids in etc, the extra height of a Forester wins IMHO (easier on the back). My better half doesn't mind the higher eye point either (but she hates the "tippy feel" of most other soft roaders). Fuel economy on the 3.0 is not that fab either (not that the 2.5T is gonna frighten any diesels ).

HTH & good luck with whichever route you take

subaruwr1

thanks AJbasebloke..gives me even more to think about..cheers

highlander68k

When are you looking to buy?

subaruwr1

very soon. Have spoke to my local dealer who is going to get me a price for my WR1. But I am also trading in a Berlingo Van which is not needed anymore, cant wait to see what little they offer me for that.

highlander68k

I think your best bet is to just get out there and do some test driving. You've obviously got an idea of what you're looking for, and there are plenty available to view on the web to give you a rough idea of what you're getting for your money.

subaruwr1

Decided to go for the spec b. Lovely comfortable cruiser with the power if needed.

highlander68k

Have you been for a test drive then?

It's a world away from a bog-standard Legacy, don't you think?

Mog

You should really drive the Forester STi with 320bhp and 330lbs torque, cruiser with the power to upset Impreza STi PPP's.

Mog

chris's scooby

I went from a WR1 to a Forester 2.5 XT about 4 months ago. It's a great car for the type of driving that we do. I'm very pleased with it.

6 pot

I went from an Sti to a 3.0RN tourer and back to an 05 sti all in the space of 5 months, if you like the push in the back feel of the WR1, be warned you will not get that in the legacy, it really is a very ordinary car and doesn't feel that special to drive. I would seriousley look at other options if thats the market that you are into, oh and they loose money like its going out of fashion, I took at £10k hit in 5 months

Oh and fuel consumption will be in the mid teens.

6 pot

subaruwr1

I usually keep my cars for a few years so depreciation is not a problem.Fuel comsumption again does not scare me.
The reason i have gone for the spec b is that I really did not like the forester..sorry to those who have one...but they are not my cup of tea to look at.I also decided that its time to get that more executive car that i have always promised myself and i really fell in love with the spec b in everyway.
In my eyes this is a beautiful beautiful car.

subaruwr1

It certainly is. Do I take it that you own a sepc b?

If so put up some pics of the interior that i can show the wife.
cheers
Ian

Midget

A mate of mine went from a 02 Forester Turbo to the spec B tourer and he is just blown away with it he is a real gadget freak and reckons that the factory sat Nav is one of the best systems on the market .With respect to 6 pot although the engine output AFAIK is the same the 3.0 R and spec B are different cars with the Spec B having a much lower 0- 60 and so its like comparing a 2.0 NA impreza to a 2.0Turbo .

G00ner

Spec B is a fine car, reliability, build quality, performance and handling are all good.
Minus points are fuel consumption, although I still average 24ish round town.

As said above dont listen to people comparing Spec B with 3.0Rn, they are two different types of cars with different purposes.

I have clocked over 20k miles now in 6 months and haven't had any issues other than the crap Subaru dealer network, I now get mine serviced at a specialist. Depreciation is stiff if you plan to sell within the first 2 years, but thats the same with most lux spec cars.

I'm going to p/x mine for a new Isuzu Rodeo Max next month, only because I'm getting married next year and I want to start saving some pennies.

You won't regret it.

Edit - Interior pics,

subaruwr1

thanks for the comments.
GOOner those pics are ideal..thank you very much.
Ian

guestandsons

Hard choice, I think the legacy is a better looking car, and will handle better. Ok it doesn't have a turbo (like a
Legacy GT/B),
but as we know turbo lag sometimes is painful!
The Forester is like a brick in the wind and lacks top speed.
Give credit tho a Forester 2.XT with PPP does get to 60 in 5.5 seconds(a second quicker then the 3.0 R /B spec).

highlander68k

I don't own any of them, but I've had quite a few test drives, in the interest of a good article

I've got shed loads of pictures of every Subaru, but G00ner has already posted a few that should suffice.

And by the way, I've heard the PPP exhaust sounds the nuts on the Legacy!

BLACK V5

Just been on www.dhcars.co.uk The new 2006 forester sti looks awesome. The zerosports legacy GTB turbo is something to think about.