angie

The Mazda Atenza among others is probably a better non turbo car. Thanks. Currently looking at a 2010/11 Atenza wagon vs 2009/10 Honda Accord wagon vs Legacy Wagon (2008 2.5L with 5 speed auto or 2010 2.5L with LVT box. All much of a muchness pricewise. All drive fun to me. Finding it hard to pull the trigger.

All good... I was thinking of dropping to a 4th generation to avoid the LVT trannies... that's the only reason I would consider a slightly older car... Subaru says their LVT trannies are bomb proof... but I have heard from other sources that LVTs don't last very long although they do provide a smooth ride with a slightly funny noise... so I am open to a 4th (2008) or 5th (2009 onwards)... As for gearboxes I am under the impression a 5 speed auto box in a Subaru is a better gearbox than an LVT? I don't know the ins and outs, hence all my silly questions. I didn't realise there wasn't a 3 L car, just a 2.5 then a 3.3 L. I used to own an early GT legacy... great drive and power but always had problems with the cooling system and the turbo... hence for a family sedan I'd rather avoid a turbo. The McIntosh stereo... never heard of it... is that a high end spec unit? Thanks;)

Thanks. Yes we have looked at alternatives such as a Mazda Altenza wagon and Honda Accord Wagon. We have just updated our sedan and now updating our big euro wagon for a jap wagon. Currently thinking along the line of a legacy wagon 2.5 L (vs the 2.4 L Mazda or Honda). Currently thinking non turbo as we want reliable no fuss motoring but still want a little effortless zip. There are several 2.5 L automatic legacy wagon models 2008-2011, are any more 'luxurious' than others? We want to avoid the models that are 'rare' in NZ to ensure new parts as needed aren't difficult to find and overly expensive. Quietly thinking of a 2008 to avoid the LVT trannies in the newer cars... anyone have any thoughts pro or con about this decision? Would a 3.0 litre in this age bracket always be 5speed? Are the bigger engines harder wearing on a transmission than the 2.5 L? Definitely don't want a manual and definitely don't want anything bigger than 3 L. Its supposed to be a smooth, reliable family wagon. For all imported cars ex Japan does the sound system head unit need to be completely replaced or just a band expander fitted? Thanks

Going through all the different Subaru Legacy models. For models between 2008 and 2011 could someone please, in very very simple terms, explain the main differences. There are cars ex Japan that are listed as "GT" or "Sports"...are they the same thing? Is a GT always a 'turbo' car? Are these 'turbo' cars the ridiculous boy racer things where you cant turn the car off straight away or it makes weird wirrring noises? How do I know the difference between a 4 gear tranny, a 5 gear tranny and a lineartronic tranny? What is the difference in terms of driving experience between a 2L turbo and a 2.5 L non turbo? Do GT or Sports versions have a different suspension compared to others? Which of the legacy wagons has the most reliable gearbox in the years given above, and why? What are common faults to look for in these cars when imported ex Japan? At what km's would one expect to do a first cambelt change and waterpump change? CAn people please recommend websites that compare different legacy wagon models? Subaru NZ says their lineartronic gear boxes are the bees knees, but other sources say avoid LVT trannys like the plague. For the years listed above which model would you go for if you were looking for a durable family car..and why. Thanks for any help... Angie

Yes I have test driven one... the lineartronic does make a strange noise but drive was silky smooth... And to Orgasm man above... I have no idea what the abbreviations mean... if I did I probably wouldnt have asked the question I did... Keep it coming! And please, simple terms are appreciated... I am not a racing enthusiast... Thx

OK, so have decided a Subaru legacy (NOT the outback) wagon will be our next car. Been doing a little research into this and have noticed that from 2009 the transmissions have changed from a 5 speed to a 'lineartronic'. All the reviews I have read suggest that the lineartronics drive very well but die quite early on ie they are smooth and great in the new cars but then become a little dodgy. Motoring guides suggest avoiding lineartronic gearboxes like the plague. So this has us thuinking... maybe we should get a 2008 5 speed box rather than a 2009 based on gear box alone? Does anyone have any comments regarding this? We were looking at buying a car with less than 70K on the clock... but really want carefree motoring... thanks:confused:

Thanks sofar. Is there a useful website that compares the 2.5 L to the 3 L legacy wagons in terms of 'performance', running costs, reliability? Are the 2.5 and 3 L cars front wheel drive? all wheel drive? rear wheel? I think we have gone off the idea of considering the Outback as it seems unnecessary for a car that wont touch a blade of grass. I think having owned a Legacy turbo 15 years ago has put me off turbos altogether. I guess imports will have the jap navigation system that's expensive to pull out and replace? The other options we were considering: Mazda and Honda approx. 2008/2009. But the Mazda seems boring and the Honda seems to be aiming for the retirement village customers... Anyone else been through this process? What made you decide on the Legacy? Thanks again! Angie

Good morning... We intend to buy a Subaru station wagon, approx 2008 age-wise... looking at 2007, 2008, 2009 models. According to the dog and lemon guide the 'linear' CVT transmissions die young. We would prefer a Subaru to a Honda Accord or Mazda Atenza wagon but one of the reasons for a Jap wagon is reliability with young children and reduced running costs compared to our Euro cars we have at present. Any thoughts on the trannies? The guide was very specific that these may be short lived. Do NZ New and imported cars of these years have different transmissions? Also are there any differences in terms of quality NZ new vs imports? What to watch for? We dont want a Remuera tractor but the thought of 'better' suspension on the Outback over the Legacy would be worth consideration. We dont drive fast but the Outback looks to sit higher so wondering would an Outback be a car that doesnt handle as well as a Lagacy on normal roads? A family member has a Forrester and I hate the way it drives, makes you motion sick on the passenger side when on winding roads. I assume all 4 corners have CV joints and that all are AWD? What sort of lifespan do these have as most used cars in our age range in NZ start off with a speedo of 50000 to 80,000 km or so. All of these are cam belt driven so all of these should have this changed at around 80,ooo km? Or are some chain driven? We are preferring a non turbo wagon. The 2.5 L seems adequate. All helpful hints, comments and suggestions greatfull received. Thanks! Angie