Looking at upgrading to a BE/BH, notable year differences?

[glee60]

So, I've finally come to face the fact that rust is owning my BK and it's time to move on. I'm looking at a BH particularly a GT or OB Limited (5-Speeds) and was just wondering if there were any minor electronics/interior/styling changes, that subaru stuck in there year to year worth knowing about! I fine example would be; I've lived a slightly more painful modifying life as my BK was a 96 as opposed to a 97, so i got shafted with the old wiring system, old cluster, different seat brackets, etc... Did they do anything like that to the BH/BE lineup at any point in it's 4/5 year run?

Thanks Guys!

[SilentRacer]

BE got a different bumper and brakes mid lineup.

[glee60]

I'm thinking I'm going to stick with GT or OB this time around, which bumper did they change? I did read about the GT brake upgrade and also stumbled on '01 being the updated interior with various refinements and the new digital trip computer/Temp Gauge

[SilentRacer]

The front bumper
Before
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/0182-1.jpg
After
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/9976U08-1.jpg

[pdawg]

You can also get the H-6 in the OB.

[ConnertheCat]

I'm thinking I'm going to stick with GT or OB this time around, which bumper did they change? I did read about the GT brake upgrade and also stumbled on '01 being the updated interior with various refinements and the new digital trip computer/Temp Gauge

I'm pretty sure '02 is when the Cold Weather package was available on the LGT - before that, you couldn't get heated seats.

[deadlydave]

You're going to notice a weight increase, that's for sure, over a BK or BG.

[ConnertheCat]

You're going to notice a weight increase, that's for sure, over a BK or BG.

Are you calling my car fat? :evil:



:lol:

[DLC]

The front brakes got bigger in late 02.

[rougeben83]

You're going to notice a weight increase, that's for sure, over a BK or BG.

Hmm, depends on the model TBH. L's weigh a little under 3300lbs, GT's a little 3400lbs....it's the outbacks with their 3700lb girth that are fat :twisted:

Not to mention Baja's, Don't even get me started on those pigs :wink: :lol: :lol:

[BE-Fresh]

I know the L-SEs are 200lbs lighter than the GTs, but you get body colored moldings, foglights, moonroof, and a spoiler...just a few things the GT has

[rougeben83]

I know the L-SEs are 200lbs lighter than the GTs, but you get body colored moldings, foglights, moonroof, and a spoiler...just a few things the GT has

The one thing I want is the GT's rear LSD. :mad:

[SilentRacer]

I know the L-SEs are 200lbs lighter than the GTs, but you get body colored moldings, foglights, moonroof, and a spoiler...just a few things the GT has

No..... I have all that and mine is an L-SE remember?

[ConnertheCat]

I know the L-SEs are 200lbs lighter than the GTs, but you get body colored moldings, foglights, moonroof, and a spoiler...just a few things the GT has

No..... I have all that and mine is an L-SE remember?

Well, all that (except for the spoiler) is standard on the GT, no so much the L. But yeah, they were options. That, and having all that sort of negates the point of not having a GT since you just added all the heavy stuff back anyhow.

[badbasser98]

the center console changed in late '02 as well. Don't know of any electrical changes... Do the 03-04's have the option of short shift in the auto's? IIRC, I have seen a few around.

[ConnertheCat]

the center console changed in late '02 as well. Don't know of any electrical changes... Do the 03-04's have the option of short shift in the auto's? IIRC, I have seen a few around.

I do know they picked up the manu-matic whatever things.

[SilentRacer]

Only the 2004 gt had that option.....and its impossible to find cause no one bought it.

[ConnertheCat]

Only the 2004 gt had that option.....and its impossible to find cause no one bought it.

This (http://www.cars101.com/subaru/legacy/legacy2003.html) says it started in '03. I saw a few for sale when I was looking too.

[Mr. Sociable]

I have sport shift in my 4eat 2003 GT. :cool:

[SilentRacer]

Guess it was just impossible for me then :-(

[BE-Fresh]

I know the L-SEs are 200lbs lighter than the GTs, but you get body colored moldings, foglights, moonroof, and a spoiler...just a few things the GT has

No..... I have all that and mine is an L-SE remember?

I know thats why I said it, haha. I have that also, except the spoiler

[Wiscon_Mark]

You're going to notice a weight increase, that's for sure, over a BK or BG.

Hmm, depends on the model TBH. L's weigh a little under 3300lbs, GT's a little 3400lbs....it's the outbacks with their 3700lb girth that are fat :twisted:

Not to mention Baja's, Don't even get me started on those pigs :wink: :lol: :lol:

Even the lighter BEs are still heavier than most of the BDs.

Lightest:
99 L sdn M 2885
04 L sdn M 3270

Heaviest:
99 OBK wgn A 3235
04 OBK VDC wgn A 3735

[rougeben83]

You're going to notice a weight increase, that's for sure, over a BK or BG.

Hmm, depends on the model TBH. L's weigh a little under 3300lbs, GT's a little 3400lbs....it's the outbacks with their 3700lb girth that are fat :twisted:

Not to mention Baja's, Don't even get me started on those pigs :wink: :lol: :lol:

Even the lighter BEs are still heavier than most of the BDs.

Lightest:
99 L sdn M 2885
04 L sdn M 3270

Heaviest:
99 OBK wgn A 3235
04 OBK VDC wgn A 3735

Well it's the same with the GC-GD change, (BE's weigh around as much as GD Imprezas actually) so it's not really fair to call these cars fat. Most cars now weigh around as much as as BE as well.

Your car is just old Mark... :twisted:

[rougeben83]

the center console changed in late '02 as well. Don't know of any electrical changes... Do the 03-04's have the option of short shift in the auto's? IIRC, I have seen a few around.

Yeah the console changed...the 03-04's don't have the cupholder next to the radio anymore...it's on the center console.

[ConnertheCat]

Yeah the console changed...the 03-04's don't have the cupholder next to the radio anymore...it's on the center console.

My friend (Has a '97 Outback wagon) was with me on a road trip over the weekend, and thought that cup holder was the best thing ever. He would be crushed to hear that they removed it (he's looking to pick up a newer legacy).

[DLC]

I never use that cupholder. Every time I put something in it it crushed the can or just looked as if it were going to topple out at any moment. Perhaps mine isn't working properly, but it is a conversational piece for sure.

[ConnertheCat]

I never use that cupholder. Every time I put something in it it crushed the can or just looked as if it were going to topple out at any moment. Perhaps mine isn't working properly, but it is a conversational piece for sure.

I just used it with a half empty small drink soda from Wendy's - worked great. *shrug*

But yeah - great conversation starter. Anyone who sits in the front seat, that's the first thing they ask about/play with.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Your car is just old Mark... :twisted:

I don't think anybody's disputing that! I think it's impressive that Subaru continues to build AWD cars that aren't terribly heavy compared to other cars in their class and are well built at the same time. But the BE did seem like a huge jump up. It did level off (and even go down on some models) with the BL.

[BE-Fresh]

I never use that cupholder. Every time I put something in it it crushed the can or just looked as if it were going to topple out at any moment. Perhaps mine isn't working properly, but it is a conversational piece for sure.

I can't use mine cause it gets in the way when i shift. I stick my ipod and my phone in the cupholders, thats about it

[glee60]

Allright... you guys have a new job, talk me out of a WRX wagon or Forester XT, those things got damn cheap compared to the impossible nature of finding an L-GT wagon :/

Side note, what was that sweet site that had the breakdown of every years model specs? Someone's personal site, can't remember for the life of me though!

[Mr. Sociable]

Being totally honest, with prices the way they are now, I would buy a WRX wagon or Forrestarrrr XT over a Legacy anyday.


Assuming I could afford insurance. :lol:

[glee60]

Haha, yeah... that. Thinkin there's going to be a large down payment and a small personal loan with no mention of a car purchase at the bank ;) I'm out of my stupid driving stage and haven't been in an accident (particularly one I caused) for years

[sansMYSTi]

the center console changed in late '02 as well. Don't know of any electrical changes... Do the 03-04's have the option of short shift in the auto's? IIRC, I have seen a few around.

Yeah the console changed...the 03-04's don't have the cupholder next to the radio anymore...it's on the center console.

My '02 doesn't have the dash mounted cup holder either.