Take me to School: why do you love your Leggy

[SOREN]

I just got a 1994 LegacyRS, and the whole affair is a tad anticlimactic. You see, I've always loved the Legacy. I remember back when I saw my first Legacy sedan, thinking how beautiful and high class it was. I've been buying in Japan, and have searched for the perfect Legacy for the last few searches, but always came up with some form of Impreza. When my Leggy came up, and only had 52,000KM on it, I thought for sure this would be the most excellent car...ever... (perhaps I over-exaggerate). What I've found is that it feels very large and heavy, the seats are kind of non-committed, and you can't feel the speed.

Like a young man who needs to be taught an appreciation for a fine wine, when he's used to cheap beer, I come to all of you. Please help me appreciate my leggy.

Here's what I know so far:
Beauty. The Legacy Sedan is gorgeous. So simple, and refined, and ultimately beautiful - even though it's understated. I like this. No-one ever looks as it passes by, it could be a camry/accord etc, but when you take the time with her, really glance over the lines, the beauty is there.
Comfort. The sedan eats up the bumps, and really does a nice job on the road with a softer suspension than I'm used to. The massive interior is very nice for a family. I'm 6'4" and can easily fit in the back and be comfortable, even when the front seat is pushed all the way back (take that Impreza!)
Quality - the dash and interior just seem to be much nicer than the Subaru's punky, smaller brother. Digital readout on the dash for heating controls, smooth dashlines, nice doors
Speed - Pretty sure that this twin turbo is faster than my 1994 WRX wagon, I'll know in a couple of days after I do some datalogging.
Twin Turbo - c'mon, admit it - that's fun to say! It's nice to know you've got two small turbos - even though you fully realize that one big turbo would service you better and maybe be more fun. (Lets leave the semantics out of this, I know it's not actually "twin", I know that they are not the same small size etc)
Gorgeousity - again, I appeal to beauty. Legacies are beautiful cars, all of them, and the only ones I think you'd have issues trying to convince non-suby fans about is the really old 1st gen ones.. but with the appropriate pictures, that can be accomplished too. I've seen some gorgeous 1st gens here.
Quiet. The engine is so quiet that you barely hear it, the muffler system is very good! In traffic at a light, you won't know your car is on for sure.

So - what's my problem? Well, I think I've spoilt myself with V1 STi. :( Mine's a good 25% faster than a stock WRX of the same year. It sticks to the road, and really throws around well. You really feel connected to the road. Every gear you are thrown back in your seat. Suspension is very firm and steering somewhat heavy (you really feel it) By contrast, my Legacy feels like you're floating on air. No connection with the road, and very heavy for turns/braking/maneuvers.

I'm really hoping to get some tips on what I can look to appreciate in this refined and beautiful car, and you guys are the perfect ones to help me, as you all love them so much! Thanks!

(by the way, I did run a few searches, but didn't find any threads that I felt i should tag along on. If this is a dumb topic, I'm really sorry - I just want to get some more enjoyment outta this guy. )

[mike-tracy]

I like your topic. :smile:

Well at the moment I have 3 Legacys:

A 96 L that I swapped in a 2.5, suspension upgrades, interior, etc. Automatic. There's very little that I haven't touched on it. I really like how dependable it is, the handling is pretty good (better than I need for a DD). I agree about the 2nd gen's looking good. Matter of fact, I parked it next to a SVX (another car I'd love to own some day) a while back and they really look related - as in the Legacy has all the good styling ques from the SVX and none of the polarizing ones (head and tail-lights, split windows).

A 91 SS. Manual. Before the motor blew (siezed oil pump - cracked the block) this was very dependable. The fuel economy (and performance) was about the same as my 2.5L 1996, other than the premium fuel requirement. The chassis has more flex to it, but it is nice and quiet inside, no unusual rattles or excessive wind noise (at reasonable speeds!). It is lower than my 96, and handles better with my bilsteins from a 2nd gen, wrx steering rack, whiteline bushings & swaybars. I like little things about it - such as it's unique styling (mine is the pre-facelift, not the Nissan Maxima looking 92-94), it's power windows that go down - or up - with a single push. No detectable turbo lag on the tiny VF-11. Just need money for pistons and it's going to run again.

98 Outback Limited. Manual. I recently purchased it, and it needs an engine. It has every available option except the sunroof. Very comfy. If the suspension (stock) is anything like my Forester, it's comfortable but still confidence inspiring. I like the small lift it has, and the interior is miles ahead of my other legacys in comfort, and finish.

A common trend I've noticed with all my Subarus: The engineering is straightforward and logical. Virtually everything that is consumable, is really easy to access and replace. My japanese built Subarus, past and present, seem better built (1998 Impreza, 91 Legacy SS, 98 Forester) than the OB or "L." I really don't have anything to back that up other than while working on them, everything seems "tighter," body panels fitment, and other tiny details one notices when wrenching. Might just be a perception thing.

[SOREN]

Yeah, I think if I did something with the suspension - made it firmer, I'd be happier for sure. The steering is too light for my tastes too.

I neglected to mention that I've been a wagon guy for so long, and I really love the look of the Leggy wagons, moreso the older ones though, as they seem to really get bulky later on.

You also mention outbacks, and I think I've seen 2 Outback sedans in my life.. I LOVE them.. so cool, I like the outback wagons too - but the outback sedan.. yum.

so - Dependable
Safe styling that still looks handsome
Quiet Ride
Comfortable, yet performance still, and sure of where it's going - decent handling
Yes. These are all good points, that I can agree with. It's important to remember that this is a bigger car, with a touch more luxury. Lack of sound on the road is actually quite nice, the power to get up to speed quick, yet handle the twisties and gravel/snow is a big plus. I have trouble getting out of the Impreza state of mind! :smt005

[1996Battlewagon]

So - what's my problem? Well, I think I've spoilt myself with V1 STi. :( Mine's a good 25% faster than a stock WRX of the same year. It sticks to the road, and really throws around well. You really feel connected to the road. Every gear you are thrown back in your seat. Suspension is very firm and steering somewhat heavy (you really feel it) By contrast, my Legacy feels like you're floating on air. No connection with the road, and very heavy for turns/braking/maneuvers.


And there you have it. I think you just found out why you and your legacy are not bonding...

I love my Legacy because, to me, it is much more than just a car. It's slow (at one point in its life, it was the slowest car I had owned) and big. My closest friends all have much higher performing cars: modded E30, 350Z, 2.5RS, Camaro, and Miata just to name a few. I've owned faster vehicles (my E28 would spank almost anything on the highway and even my Jeep had acceleration to rival most) and that doesn't bother me. I appreciate those vehicles but none of them, not even my other Legacy, have effected me like this one.

I talk to my Legacy. I hug my Legacy. I thank my Legacy for making me feel the way I feel when I drive it. It is more than just a car; it's my hiding place, my escape plan, my energizer, and my friend. It is the first car I didn't want to simply give up on. I have put the most time and money into it. It is the first car I owned to do a engine swap to. My Legacy has taught me so much and has helped my grow as a car guy. It's not that fast and doesn't handle as well as my old Legacy or other cars I was going to buy before it (Miata), but it doesn't matter to me. My Legacy is the first car I have promised never to sell.

You can't force yourself to love a car. I really, really liked my old L wagon and still, to this day, proclaim it to be the best car I've ever owned. But, I did not love it. I tried to force myself to love it, but it was just a really good car: like that friend you have in class who you only talk to in class. That's why, when I wreaked it, I was upset but still wanted to sell it. Like love between people, you just know it. You'll feel it and I'm betting that you feel it when you drive that STi.

[green97gt]

+1 on this topic. but im 6'+ and i would not call this car big. it almost remind me of an old chrysler acclaim i had once, if the drivers window switches quit working, you can just reach over to the pass. side., although i would call it roomy, from what the legacies look like from the outside.

but i really have a hard on(yes, hard on) for subarus.


and i wish twin turbos(very fun to say) were here in the states.

[SOREN]

Agreed with the size. Side by side, it's really not that much bigger than the impreza - maybe a touch longer (4 to 8 inches?) and I was next to a Dodge Caliber last week, and couldn't believe that the leggy was smaller. About 4 inches shorter.. similar length, similar width, but overall the leggy looks much smaller. I do find I've got lots of room in the legacy.

I've also got a real hard on for subies.. I can't think of anything else to buy from Japan right now, other than skylines, but I think that's a little played out personally, and I like the Subaru reliability. I've thought of a BMW 3 series, or Merc SL or something, but I'd hate them, I'm pretty sure.

[ouch1011]

By far, the biggest reason I love my Legacy is because it is stupid simple to work on compared to almost any other modern car. And because of the Legoism that Subaru practices, I can drop in a 300hp factory engine and a 6-spd transmission with no major modification. And I plan to.

2nd biggest reason, the look. The BD GT is one of the best looking sedans of the era.

[jey]

Digital readout on the dash for heating controls

Ok here's why your Legacy is so cool - you have all sorts of things that are completely unavailable for our Legacies of the same generation. I also envy the way the headrests on your rear folding seats collapse automatically. Removing headrests is a pain in the butt!

[DarkPhoenix]

I love my Legacy because it ISN'T a WRX or an STi, but can still use it's drivetrain and most of it suspension. I would say about 95% of the Subaru guys (and girls) that I hang out with have either STis or WRXs, which is cool and all, but the Legacys have always had a special place in my heart out of all of the Subarus.

As it stands now, my Outback is slow, not very pretty to look at, and it runs like a wet bag of camel dung, but I still look at it and I smile.

[SOREN]

Thanks Jey! :) I actually don't have folding headrests on the flip down seats. They just flip down.. not the whole seat, just most of it - headrests stay in place, and the seat does a 60/40 thing. there's also an armrest that folds down in the middle - and I think that's pretty baller. Never had anything like that in any of my cars before!.

We got some serious sun earlier in March, everything was dry, the fleet was clean, and ready to go for summer, and then we got a dump of snow. :(
As soon as I get them all washed again, I'll do a photoshoot, and y'all can see the leggy..

I was out on a date last night with my wife, and we took the Leggy. I have to admit it was very fun. Big back seat too (just joking!) but the leggy is certainly much easier to drive than the WRX or STi, and very smooth. Good for cruising, and you can fit in anywhere. You don't feel bad next to upper end cars, but you fit in with other cars too - and the Leggy never overstates itself.. Just sits there looking beautiful, and waits for someone with a trained eye to see it.

Phoenix, I know what you mean about your outback. My 1999 didn't run perfect before I sold it, had a semi blocked cat, so power was not the best sometimes, but I still loved driving 'er.. I'll likely always have fond memories of that beast.

[jey]

there's also an armrest that folds down in the middle - and I think that's pretty baller.

Agreed. We didn't get that either.

[anothernord]

I like having a supercharger, AWD, room for crap and people (sometimes interchangeable), and a hood scoop. All in a station wagon. What other car does that compare with?

I do not like the stock suspension, however. Luckily, 80% of other Subie suspensions bolt right in.

[Bhatman]

I can take the same amount of people as a normal suv plus more stuff on the roof rack with the capability of AWD...Plus knowing at anytime I can use any piece of Subaru's massive parts bin from all there cars(from WRX's to STi's and even from newer cars too) and cheaply making my car better at the same time!

[rougeben83]

Because its like the Spanish Inquisition! :smt005 :smt023

[DarkPhoenix]

Because its like the Spanish Inquisition! :smt005 :smt023


Because nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!!!