2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

[TXMazdaSpeeder]

Anyone driven one, i think i might go test drive one later this week, im thinking bout trading the mp3 in on it if i get my new job at citibank.

 

[DaViper]

I went for a ride in one with my dad driving. I wasn't very impressed with it at all actually. For the money you do get good performance 0-60wise, but I personally thought it felt a little cheap inside (tons of plastic and fake wood plastic), and my father and I both thought that the engine just sounded like an economy car engine. It also was a lot smaller than I thought it would be. Being subaru's largest sedan, it should have been designed to comfortably fit 5 adults (at least that's what I believe); however, it didn't seem very big at all inside. I'm not sure what kind of options you want in it, but the one my dad was looking at was around $30k, which is in acura tl, infinity g35 and BMW 3 series territory, and I think all of those cars are better buys for the money (even if they cost a little more). And of course, WRX/STI and Evo's are around that range too, depending if you want less luxury/build quality or not.

Don't get me wrong, it's still a nice car, and is worth test driving; however I personally think it isn't at the top of it's competitors.

Thanks!
-DaViper

 

[avs]

Yea it's a nice quick car. Don't get the automatic. You gonna have crazy turbo lag. Well have you ever driven a turbo AWD car before? It's gonna be a big change coming from a FWD car.

I don't like the subaru's tranny at all. It's really hard to shift comparing to any hondas or DSM i'd ever driven. Not as smooth.

Interior wise is totally different from the old subaru. The interior is more on the luxury side. Check out www.legacygt.com Lot of good info.

 

[DaViper]

Interior wise is totally different from the old subaru. The interior is more on the luxury side. Check out www.legacygt.com Lot of good info.

Luxury cars are not extremely plasticy on the inside. I would definetily not put this car in the luxury category with cars like the tl, g35 and 3 series.

-DaViper

 

[avs]

You can get a nice reasonable loaded one for 25k out the door. The TL, G35 and 3 series is in the mid 30's. I'll save myself 10k and get a Legacy. Depending on what you wanted from a car. You can also look into a EVO VIII MR, Interior is really plain.

Stock Legacy GT Dyno no. Pretty nice number. STi is around 233 at the wheel.

 

[Rickman]

I auto crossed one at the Subaru Challenge in Atlanta a few months back. It's too heavy. The ass is prone to sliding around. The power is there, but it's just a big boat to me.

 

[Slider]

Anyone driven one, i think i might go test drive one later this week, im thinking bout trading the mp3 in on it if i get my new job at citibank.

I have not driven one but I sat in one when I was picking up some stuff for my car.

That car is so sweet inside, very well built and classy inside.

 

[Slider]

I don't like the subaru's tranny at all. It's really hard to shift comparing to any hondas or DSM i'd ever driven. Not as smooth.

That is because it is AWD.

 

[Gbourdon]

I liked it. I was looking for something that wasnt too flashy so that I could fly under the wire. I looked at the Legacy GT, a 2002 330ci, 2002 330xi, and a 2003 Acura TL. Then i got a new apartment and kept the MSP.

It doesnt feel all that sporty but coming from the MSP that car is very well put together. Less road noise, nicer tranny, the interior is kind of plain but i like that. (i even put solid black leather in my MSP) I drove the black/black GT and would have purchased but I couldnt get good money on a trade.

 

[TXMazdaSpeeder]

the one i was looking at is the red pearl color 5MT cloth interior, only options was wheel locks and it was $26k. I have driven turbo awd cars before, in fact i've driven almost every car under $50k. To me the legacy looks a little more lower profile than most of the cars in its class, its still the 2.5t awd like the STI so the sti engine parts would bolt on and from what i hear from the local subaru guys if you use sti parts they are pretty cool about warranty work (which would be a nice change from mazdas ****** up warranty). I dont plan on really racing the car much, im gonna try and get another cheaper car for a auto-x car this summer when i sell my silverado. as far as the fake platic woodgrain on the interior is concerned those pieces would be painted body color with a quickness.

 

[Rainman]

I test drove the STi and the Legacy GT. Loved them both. The Legacy GT was very quick. The amazing thing was how quietly it went along doing its job, even when I was hammering it on the highway. Quite refined interior as well. A very upscale package geared to a whole different segment than the STi. I liked the STi more, but as a 2nd car, I just couldn't make the STi happen. The Legacy GT was my distant 2nd pick. I actually had everything lined up until the buyer for the old 2000 Protege SE backed out so my Legacy GT plans were nixed.

Then I heard that the MS6 was coming to Canada in the early part of 2005. The look and performance rivaled that of the Legacy GT so I decided to stay in the Mazda family and get a 2nd MS product. Not sure if that was the wisest move since I haven't even driven the MS6 before ordering it. However, from all the reviews I have read, it won't disappoint. In Canada, the expected MSRP of the MS6 is less than that of the comparably equipped Legacy GT. Less money + similar/better performance = more fun for me.

R

 

[BacDoc]

I bought one a month ago and I love it. What a great car overall. As I get a little older I don't need 0-60 lanches in the 4 sec range or to hang this thing around a curve donig 80 but it does pack decent performace. I love it and for $25,800 theres not a better car out there. I even have the auto 5 speed and still find it a blast to drive. And if you're looking for balls out performance the mod market is just opening up. The accessport ECU programmer is claiming a 20-30% increase in HP alone for $645. The car has alot of potential but like I said this car is a great daily driver with surprising get up and go. LegacyGT.com

And those gauges are the shizznit! And I love the interior.

 

[Slider]

Then I heard that the MS6 was coming to Canada in the early part of 2005. The look and performance rivaled that of the Legacy GT so I decided to stay in the Mazda family and get a 2nd MS product.

R

It can't "rival" the Legacy because it does not have AWD.

Apples to Oranges.

I would think that in Canada where you get a bit of snow that an AWD car would be a priority.

 

[toucci]

my father was looking at them at the dealer. ended up getting a 525i wagon instead. I think he should have gotten the legacy (gossip)

 

[BacDoc]

It can't "rival" the Legacy because it does not have AWD.

Apples to Oranges.

I would think that in Canada where you get a bit of snow that an AWD car would be a priority.

The MS6 is not AWD? Plus the numbers I've heard on the MS6 are still not as good as the LGT. I chose the Suby because of Subaru's experince with AWD turbo cars. I'm skeptical about Mazda's AWD venture.

 

[unwrittenLaw]

I bought one a month ago and I love it. What a great car overall. As I get a little older I don't need 0-60 lanches in the 4 sec range or to hang this thing around a curve donig 80 but it does pack decent performace. I love it and for $25,800 theres not a better car out there. I even have the auto 5 speed and still find it a blast to drive. And if you're looking for balls out performance the mod market is just opening up. The accessport ECU programmer is claiming a 20-30% increase in HP alone for $645. The car has alot of potential but like I said this car is a great daily driver with surprising get up and go. LegacyGT.com

And those gauges are the shizznit! And I love the interior.

I can vouch for the Accessport....its good.

 

[avs]

Let me just add one thing, if you're paying anything over invoice for this car. You're paying too much. I went through several Subaru dealerships around the NYC area. Most of them are offering that car at invoice or less. I heard the Legacy GT is not selling too well in NYC. Being that it's AWD and it barely snows in NYC. If i can remember i got quoted for a Legacy GT w/ automagic non leather for 25k + tax.

 

[Gbourdon]

MS6 is most certainly a contender with the Legacy GT. I would not be worried about the all wheel drive. Hasnt the MPV had it forever?

 

[TXMazdaSpeeder]

MS6 is most certainly a contender with the Legacy GT. I would not be worried about the all wheel drive. Hasnt the MPV had it forever?

after the issues i've had with the local mazda dealers mazda can suck me

 

[Rainman]

It is AWD in certain situations. Cruising around town under minimal load, the MS6 is 100% FWD. Under hard acceleration the split automatically adjusts to up to 50-50% front-rear as required for maximum traction. Under hard-cornering the same occurs. In the snow, it automatically assumes the 50-50% front-rear split, again to maximize traction. Lastly, in conditions of varying grip, the split is adjusted as required (up to the 50-50% max) to obtain the best traction possible. AWD when you need it without the drag of AWD on the drivetrain when you don't.

This information is directly from the automotive journalist with whom I had an email conversation after he drove the Canada-spec MS6 on a race course in Japan this past month. His name is Glen Woodcock. He writes for the Sun group here in Canada. His email is glen.woodcock@tor.sunpub.com if you want to debate it. You can also check out his recent article in the Dec 2nd Ottawa Sun.

R

It can't "rival" the Legacy because it does not have AWD.

Apples to Oranges.

I would think that in Canada where you get a bit of snow that an AWD car would be a priority.