Subaru Legacy Estate
1998 - 2003
2.0 Stats
Top speed: 122mph
0-60mph: 9.6 seconds
Economy: 30.1 mpg
NCAP: n/a
Why Buy: Because you want permanent four wheel drive, but without Chelsea Tractor baggage. You also want lots of room too, plus you are not too bothered by image (because it isn’t German!). Yet the Subaru does have reputation for solidity and reliability that marks owners out as very canny.
Equipment: You do need to be very careful with most models, as air conditioning was never a standard fitting. Ideally go for a luxury pack, which has cool air, plus leather and also a sunroof. Otherwise you only get electric windows and remote locking which seems quite mean.
Driving: It’s got four-wheel drive so you are never going to fall off the road. It will grip all day long and whatever the weather conditions you are going to feel safe and comfortable. The Legacy is surprisingly smooth with soft suspension and light steering.
Marketplace: Not everyone understands these Subarus so it is down to specialist and enthusiasts who have the best examples, as this is not a model, which you find at a car supermarket. They depreciate because there is no diesel or two-wheel drive option.
Best Buys: The basic 2.0 is fine although the 2.5 has even more grunt for hard work (they are hugely popular for towing) but always get the better specified models. The top of the line H6 is a performance car but much more subtle than the better-known Impreza.
Sum Up: This is probably one of the most underrated estate cars on sale today. Overlook the lack of a diesel, because if you need a car to do some very hard and a high mileage it is hard to buy better. Plus it is far more for your money than any BMW X5 or Mercedes M Class will ever be.
Words: James Ruppert