codyiscody's 1995 Subaru Legacy L Wagon-Moar lowz 4-27

[codyiscody]

Background:
I got this car as a gift from my parents and my grandma as an early 16th birthday present. My parents pretty much told me to find a nice, awd car under 4k and I had stumbled upon a clean looking 99' Impreza wagon at a local used Subaru dealer, so we went to check it out. It turned out that it had been previously in an accident and it had an issue with the trans. Fortunately, they also had a 95' Legacy Wagon that was in pretty decent shape, had only 102,xxx miles and was a 5 speed(I wanted to get a car with a manual transmission). My dad test drove and he looked it over(he used to be a mechanic) and everything was good so the next day we came back, bought it, and took her home. Mechanically the car was perfect, body wise, not so much. There were a couple bubbling rust spots and little scratches on pretty much every panel(previous two owners were 60+ year old women :cry: ). Since then, I have had the rust removed and the majority of the car was re-painted. Unfortunately I don't have any decent pictures from when I got it.

This is what the car looks like as of August 12th, 2013:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/060_zps5f6e81d7-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/060_zps5f6e81d7.jpg.html)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/061_zpsa394e4ce-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/061_zpsa394e4ce.jpg.html)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/067_zpsf2f16acd-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/067_zpsf2f16acd.jpg.html)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/069_zps4cf34bbe-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/069_zps4cf34bbe.jpg.html)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/068_zpsaacf702a-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/068_zpsaacf702a.jpg.html)

Current Picture:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/image203_zpstcmy5owd-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image%203_zpstcmy5owd.jpg.html)

Current Mods:

Interior:
2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5rs front seats
Blox Type R Gunmetal Shift Knob

Exterior:
1999 Outback Scooped Hood

Engine/Exhaust:
Stock at the moment

Suspension/Wheels/Brakes:
1998 Subaru Outback rear sway bar
2000-2004 Subaru Outback 16 inch wheels with 205/55r16 General GMAX AS-03 Tires-Summer
Stock 14 inch steelies with 185/70r14 General Altimax Arctic Tires-Winter
02-07 GD Raceland Ultimo Coilovers
Ebay 02-07 GD Rear Strut Bar

[chrish8r]

Looks very nice with the newer paint and no rust. I really need to find the time(well mostly money) to fix my bubble rust on the rear quarters! These are very good cars for a first car.

[Cooper197]

I have the same Outback rims that you are talking about, don't paint them. Find someplace to powdercoat them, the results are so worth it. I had mine done gunmetal grey and they look amazing, yet still like they could have been stock like that, but also kind of aftermarket looking too. So worth it.

[Muse]

I just picked up a 5-speed 95, myself. Yours looks far better though. Welcome to the Forum.

[pleaidestar]

Very nice first car Cody, you lucked out with the 95 wagon in manual. Baby miles too...

[codyiscody]

Thanks for the kind words everyone :smile:


I have the same Outback rims that you are talking about, don't paint them. Find someplace to powdercoat them, the results are so worth it. I had mine done gunmetal grey and they look amazing, yet still like they could have been stock like that, but also kind of aftermarket looking too. So worth it.
I would powder coat them, but I'm pretty short on money and I still have to buy tires for the rims. I was planning on painting them sti gold, and if the end result doesn't look all that great, I'll probably plastidip them.

[Grimmrican]

Wow that is clean!! Welcome to the forum btw

[86bratman]

Very nice looking wagon. My 97 sedan is the same color, which I hated until I got my gold RS 5 spokes on it, they really make the color pop out. Jealous of the manual, last year when I was looking I couldn't find one anywhere in driving/ price range.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

[codyiscody]

Wow that is clean!! Welcome to the forum btw
Thanks man :smile:


Very nice looking wagon. My 97 sedan is the same color, which I hated until I got my gold RS 5 spokes on it, they really make the color pop out. Jealous of the manual, last year when I was looking I couldn't find one anywhere in driving/ price range.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk
Where do you live? In PA there are tons of manual legacy wagons, but manual sedans are hard to come by.

[86bratman]

I'm down in the Southwestern part of Virginia. I was dead set on a sedan this time around, looking back I should have been in for a wagon as well. I had a 95 brighton wagon manual about 9-10 years ago. And I could use the extra room lol. I'm looking for a cheap as dirt manual donor car lol.

[codyiscody]

Keep looking man, there are manual legacies under 1k out there, you just have to find them.

[codyiscody]

Well it's been nearly a year since I've updated this thread. I still haven't got much done, but I did put on new wheels and tires.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/07/photo2_zpsfb483000-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/photo2_zpsfb483000.jpg.html)
They are the stock 16's off of an outback limited and they are wrapped in a set of General GMAX AS-03(205/55r16). Unfortunately 2 of the wheels are slightly curbed and 1 is really badly curbed, so they will need to be repainted. In terms of colors, I'm thinking gunmetal, bronze, dark purple, dark blue or neon orange.

[codyiscody]

Well it's been some time since I've updated this thread, so here is what's new.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/03/IMG_20150313_145929647_HDR_zpscj6mcvs7-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/IMG_20150313_145929647_HDR_zpscj6mcvs7.jpg.html)
I got a set of General Altimax Arctics in 185/70r14 for the winter and put them on my stock wheels. She's a little dirty but this is what she looks like right now.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/03/image202_zps1ewuif27-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image%202_zps1ewuif27.jpg.html)
I just got a set of Raceland Ultimo Coilovers for a GD WRX. I'm planning on putting these on once the weather starts warming up a bit. I know they aren't the greatest coilovers in the world but for daily driving and backroad fun they should be fine.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/03/image201_zpshjkcmqzx-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image%201_zpshjkcmqzx.jpg.html)
I got an ebay rear strut bar and I'll throw it on when I put the Racelands on.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/03/image_zpsziop7pum-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image_zpsziop7pum.jpg.html)
Finally I got a Blox Type R Shift Knob. By far this is the best 50$ I spent on my car so far. The thing weighs about one pound and it makes shifting feel 100x better. Before the car would have trouble going from 4th-5th, 5th-4th and into reverse and you'd have to slam it into gear, but now it's like butter and I have no more problems.

Some point this spring/summer I'm planning on painting my outback wheels silver since they're curbed and look like balls right now, and hopefully get a set of UEL Headers and maybe have my uncle's fab shop make me some sort of custom exhaust, most likely a straight pipe.

[Hinyo]

Well it's been some time since I've updated this thread, so here is what's new.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/03/IMG_20150313_145929647_HDR_zpscj6mcvs7-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/IMG_20150313_145929647_HDR_zpscj6mcvs7.jpg.html)
I got a set of General Altimax Arctics in 185/70r14 for the winter and put them on my stock wheels. She's a little dirty but this is what she looks like right now.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/03/image202_zps1ewuif27-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image%202_zps1ewuif27.jpg.html)
I just got a set of Raceland Ultimo Coilovers for a GD WRX. I'm planning on putting these on once the weather starts warming up a bit. I know they aren't the greatest coilovers in the world but for daily driving and backroad fun they should be fine.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/03/image201_zpshjkcmqzx-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image%201_zpshjkcmqzx.jpg.html)
I got an ebay rear strut bar and I'll throw it on when I put the Racelands on.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/03/image_zpsziop7pum-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image_zpsziop7pum.jpg.html)
Finally I got a Blox Type R Shift Knob. By far this is the best 50$ I spent on my car so far. The thing weighs about one pound and it makes shifting feel 100x better. Before the car would have trouble going from 4th-5th, 5th-4th and into reverse and you'd have to slam it into gear, but now it's like butter and I have no more problems.

Some point this spring/summer I'm planning on painting my outback wheels silver since they're curbed and look like balls right now, and hopefully get a set of UEL Headers and maybe have my uncle's fab shop make me some sort of custom exhaust, most likely a straight pipe.

Who needs a 1lb shift knob. #weightsavingsbro lol in truth though that shiftknob is beautiful and I'm sure it helps alot. Any plans for a short throw? bushing work?

[codyiscody]

Who needs a 1lb shift knob. #weightsavingsbro lol in truth though that shiftknob is beautiful and I'm sure it helps alot. Any plans for a short throw? bushing work?

Actually now that you mention it, I was looking at an Ralco RZ Short Throw for an 93-95 Impreza or Legacy. I'll probably order one sometime in the next few months.

[codyiscody]

Well I finally got my coilovers and rear strut bar in.
Here are a few pictures,
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/image203_zpstcmy5owd-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image%203_zpstcmy5owd.jpg.html)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/04/image204_zpsjqpr0kj2-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image%204_zpsjqpr0kj2.jpg.html)

The gap in the front
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/04/image205_zpsmfurf42h-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image%205_zpsmfurf42h.jpg.html)

And the rear
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/04/image206_zpsdqekjap1-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image%206_zpsdqekjap1.jpg.html)

Rear strut bar
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/04/image207_zpsizr49eqz-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/image%207_zpsizr49eqz.jpg.html)

Right now my alignment is at about -1.3 degrees in the front and about -.7 in the rear. So far I can tell the car is quite a bit more planted in the corners and a little more responsive. The ride quality is pretty good on relatively flat, even roads but ride quality drops significantly on really bumpy/uneven roads. All in all though they seem pretty solid and I can't really complain given how much I paid for them.

[codyiscody]

Well I haven't updated this thread in over two years, and I'm sure most of you could care less, but anyway,

I began having issues with the legacy in late 2015 right when I started commuting to college. The car left me stranded twice, so I bought a newer sf forester to replace the legacy. As much as I wanted to keep the legacy, I couldn't afford two cars being a broke college student, so it had to go. I ended up selling the car for $2200 and life went on. Fast forward a few months, I looked up the vin number to check and see if anything happened to the car, and my heart sank.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/10/3333_zpsdb5x8n4p-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/3333_zpsdb5x8n4p.jpg.html)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/10/3335_zpsefefscdj-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/3335_zpsefefscdj.jpg.html)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/10/3337_zpsbzgwd7vw-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/3337_zpsbzgwd7vw.jpg.html)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/10/3334_zpsgftijgfe-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/3334_zpsgftijgfe.jpg.html)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/10/3336_zpss9a768nt-1.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/codyiscody/media/3336_zpss9a768nt.jpg.html)
(Not sure how much the whole photobucket thing has affected the forums, so here's the link where I found the photos too - https://tempvin.com/lot/38772407 )

I'm just super bummed at this point. I knew something like this was probably inevitable, but I just wish it didn't end like this. At least I had a lot of great memories with this car and learned a lot about cars while owning it, and for that I am forever grateful. I'm not sure if I'll ever own another legacy or if I'll come back to these forums, so I'd like to thank you guys for being such a great and welcoming community.

[Go Mifune]

Thanks for the update and ouch! I fear this will happen to my '96 Outback when it's finally sold. Did you swap any parts over to the Forester?

[codyiscody]

Thanks for the update and ouch! I fear this will happen to my '96 Outback when it's finally sold. Did you swap any parts over to the Forester?

No, I sold it with all the parts unfortunately. I was planning on going all out with the forester, but I kind of lost interest in it and have kept it mostly stock besides some small stuff.

[Chief]

Sadly...

[Tylerhartman]

such a sad update :( I wish I still had my vin around to my outback to see whatever happened to it :/