2005 *MANUAL* Subaru Legacy 3.0R Spec B Sports Tourer Review (My Next Daily Pt. 2)

Today the hunt continues for my next daily driver, the replacement for my BMW 130i. I'm finally driving a car I have had my eye on for ages - the Subaru Legacy. Specifically the US/European variant with a 3L flat six boxer engine up front!
How does this stack up with the charismatic but flawed Alfa Romeo that I tested last time?
#Subaru #Legacy #SpecB
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/ @jayemmoncars

[@IvermectinFTW]

Subaru or Alfa? The answer doesn't really matter. What matters is that Jay is reviewing genuinely interesting and affordable cars. He is a man of the (petrolhead) people!

[@klasseact6663]

It's exactly why this channel is in my Top 5❗

[@Corvolet5]

Subie easily.

[@Watty101]

Very well said

[@gediminasbielskis8346]

For sure Subaru over Alfa. Alfa so crappy Built, worse than British cars. Brits make rubbish cars

[@IvermectinFTW]

@@gediminasbielskis8346 - yep, McLaren, Lotus, Bentley, Jaguar are all shit 😂

[@antikristuseke]

The 3.0R Legacy with the 6 speed manual is a gem, was my first car and I still miss her. That flat 6 engine note is addictive.

[@salvofarnia8046]

Its no Busso

[@antikristuseke]

@@salvofarnia8046 True enough, though I personally prefer the flat 6 sound to a Busso v6, the margin is very small. A longitudinal Busso in a 4th gen legacy would be an experience however.

[@psions555]

I honestly prefer the sound of a straight 6 to a flat 6. I remember having a little "sound off" through the blackwall tunnel in my E39 touring against a Porsche Boxster. The flat 6 sounded rougher and angrier but my BMW straight 6 sounded much more refined, "urgent" and revvy. No doubt the Boxster would have been more fun though 😀

[@antikristuseke]

@@psions555 fortunately we still have the option to pick whichever engine tone one prefers.

[@KartsAgainstHumanity]

@@antikristuseke Exactly, It's all opinion. Something a lot of people need to realise.

[@toysandgameswithesmeeandis4096]

‘Perfect storm of things no-one really wants anymore’ Summed up perfectly.

[@darrylwebb3625]

...and yet these are the things I want.

[@toysandgameswithesmeeandis4096]

@@darrylwebb3625 shame really. Part of me lusts after these forgotten gems.

[@TassieLorenzo]

The 10% import tariff on Japanese-made cars and UK policies on (high) fuel excise don't help at all. Subarus are quite popular here in Australia where neither of these are factors. (As are Mazda, who also suffered from that 10% tariff in the UK.)

[@VidzVideo]

One of my neighbors has an immaculate one of these in blue which is always perfectly clean and shiny. Always turns my head

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Same but it's an old lady, since we didn't have the manual 3.0R (that's what it's called here) only autos for bad Canadians...

[@dagnut]

if its wr blue its likely a jdm model with the 2 litre turbo. I dont think you could spec the UK legacy in that colour

[@VidzVideo]

@@dagnut I will check the number plate online next time I walk past it and report back

[@dagnut]

@@VidzVideo some of the jdm models are very special..there's a full sti spec one but I've only ever seen them in auto

[@manualsandspaniels]

@@dagnut it's not the wr blue but UK 3.0r did come in a light blue

[@hotwire96]

Subarus are also incredibly popular in Australia. Even more so where I'm from in Tasmania, every family, young driver, surfer, hiker and everyone in between seems to want one.

[@Corvolet5]

AWD system perhaps? And not too far away from Japan?

[@juniorballs6025]

You probably get MUCH better manufacturer support there than we do in the UK. At the very least I hope you do!

[@chiefrocka8604]

Forget Australia they can’t even spell legacy properly...they spell it liberty unlike everyone else including the 🥝’s

[@terrymurphy4088]

I am stunned by you saying Subaru's are unreliable , they are known in Australia for their reliability . I drive the model he is testing have had it for 9 years never a problem in fact I love it and my wife has the 2011 Liberty with the 3.6 again never a problem

[@hotwire96]

AWD is big part of it, being that they're a bit of a 'go anywhere' car in terms of capability and image. Also tend to have decent ground clearance and hold the road well, all of which make them great cars for road trips in Australia including on unpaved roads. They are also much cheaper cars here than European counterparts, the gen 4 like the one he is testing here was far far less expensive here new than like an Allroad or E Class or 5 Series estate. Subarus of this era also had an interior, driving dynamic, and fit and finish superior to a lot of competitors offered for the same coin so they sold very well here with what they offered for the price. We do have better manufacturer support, Subarus have always been reasonably popular here. The reason it was called the 'Liberty' not Legacy is because we have a veteran service called 'Legacy' here, and having a Japanese car sold under that name was seen as a bit of a faux pas given the events of WW2. Legacys are around in Australia (I own one) but they're rare as they have to be grey imported and not many were. Subarus are seen as pretty reliable compared to European cars but not as much as Toyotas, Hyundais, other Japanese/Korean cars and domestic Holdens and Fords. They are complex cars compared to a lot of cars from around the same time so the maintenance, repairs and cost of ownership is subsequently pretty pricey. The EZ30 in the car tested is particularly complex despite being a great engine and far more refined than the EJ 4 cylinders. The 3.0 are known for blowing headgaskets and when they do it's incredibly expensive, more so than other Subarus.

[@brianchilcott8311]

We love'em in New Zealand, good for 300,000km, reliable, roomy, 4wd, then out on the farm they go !

[@acchaladka]

“In the northern US states where they get snow fairly often....” [smiles in Canadian]

[@bilakh7]

Cries in Finland! Had snow here yesterday

[@vibingwithvinyl]

@@bilakh7 Snowing right now.

[@J0hnny8ravo]

Chill out guys, it’s the global warming 😂

[@retroecho]

Manuals get the 50/50 power split (front and rear). Autos are 60/40 biased to the front. And CVTs are 70/30. I vote for that Subaru! (I’m a Legacy owner in Japan)

[@winterwinter7505]

I'd say auto is more like 56/44 weight split, while the torque split or whatever it's called is 45/55 with an lsd rear diff, so it's kinda balanced

[@antikristuseke]

5 speed auto in the 4th gen legacy had a 41/59 defailt split and a limited slip in the rear.

[@robhardie6687]

Wasn't bothered by the Alfa. This, however, had me straight over to Autotrader

[@salvofarnia8046]

Plenty of lada and toyotas there hahaha

[@THCdoctor80]

Good luck finding one lol

[@jackd1582]

Stay away from euro money pits. ..outside of EU

[@stu0508]

A Skid Factory/ Turbo Yoda/ MCM Supergramps turbo would appeal i must say.

[@CT37BN]

Best looking version of all the Legacy/Liberty. A definite keeper.

[@gerhard6105]

Nice review. I have such a car as daily driver. Yesterday i drove in Germany to pick upna new garden set of 4 chairs and a table. It fitted very well in the back, with the backseats foulded. On the way back, i drove 220 km/h on the almost empty Autobahn. Very smooth and fast. Ofcourse i drove the top speed in it for several times (243km/h). The steering is sharp, fuel consumption is mostly 10/100 (1 liter on 10 km) but i fill the tank in Luxemburg. The electrical heated frontwindow is my friend. My car is still totally original. I put the display on the fuel consumption/temperature/time modus because thats the must usefull one. Mine is black with black seats. I drove it to Kaliningrad, Kharkiv in Ukraine, Italy, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Austria and many other contries. I drive 50 km/h in 5th gear and 60 in 6th gear. Mostly i keep the revs near the 1500 range in any gear. Ofcourse, when i am overtaking an other car, i put it in a lower gear, and rocket past the other car. It does it very easy. Yes, like the car very much. I also have an Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5i from 1985, An Alfa 33 1.5i, Opel Kadett from 1940, Hyundai H200 van and a Maserati 4.24v. The Subaru is a better car. The GTV has the best seats. I want to keep the Subaru as long as possible.

[@Aaron1875]

Subaru's are everywhere in New Zealand, they're fantastic cars. Way more reliable than Euro's and in NZ at least no more expensive than other Japanese brands to maintain. I've owned a couple of Legacy's and my wife's 2008 Legacy is coming up to 200000km and never had an issue with it.

[@coltr7561]

not sure about that www.motorbiscuit.com/subaru-is-one-of-the-most-expensive-non-luxury-brands-to-own/ Subaru has very expensive repairs and they use more time in shop per repair.

[@Aaron1875]

@@coltr7561 in my experience Subarus are bulletproof. Outside of an oil change and service every 10000km my wife's car (currently has done 198000km) has had a head gasket replaced whick cost a couple of hundred dollars but that is all. Her previous Impreza needed an O2 sensor replaced but that was it over the 4ish years we owned it. And my Legacy's never needed any major maintenance. Outside of the Honda's I've owned these have been the most reliable cars I've owned

[@jackd1582]

@@coltr7561 lotta the simple stuff is easier and more accessible .. just not any head stuff

[@hexgraphica]

There's an unmuffled legacy saloon 3.0 in my area, it sounds glorious I swear

[@InitialB]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ3JZpl4eZmHbtE mine sounds superb in my opinion

[@psions555]

I lusted after a Legnum VR4 for a long time before settling on an E39 touring. The fuel and service requirements put me off, but the Legacy, Legnum and Stagea are literally the coolest wagons going

[@TheShinyShow]

I do agree, I'd chuck a volvo 850r in as well though. There's a Legnum near me that is being left to rot and it's a shame seeing it. Still looks good though.

[@chappy2121]

Yeah I'm with you there. Especially the Stagea 260RS Autech

[@zeroyon4562]

The legnum are nice but they’re really not fun to work on, which is probably why there’s few left and they’re mostly rough and cheap.

[@gazman9468]

@@TheShinyShow The Legnum is unfortunately a money pit if not maintained correctly. AYC pumps cost ££££ to replace if not looked after.

[@gazman9468]

Stagea owner here so obviously agree :-) I've always liked the E39 shape too though!

[@marvinsamuels1237]

Always preferred the Legacy to the Impreza, especially in Spec B form, great performance and handling but under the radar, a true Q car, which is one of my favourite forms of transport. I liked the Mitsubishi Galant VR4 (called the Legnum in estate form and only available as an import) as it had all the tech of an Evo but a less stressed 2.5 litre, twin turbo V6. I challenge you to find one of those 😏

[@jaysheeze]

Great all rounder in comparison to impreza and wrx

[@jamesprescott9869]

Those vr4 engines are gobshite in comparison to an ej or 4g63/93. Not worth it imo

[@backseatcovers]

Binge-watching your videos every day. Love this series, keep it coming!!

[@yanushkowalsky1402]

the review is spot on you nailed all the aspects of the car

[@vr6projects]

Very enjoyable person to watch jayemm 👌 very simplistic, and very informative 🤙

[@marcabbey5929]

It’s a series like this that I subscribe to your channel. There are so many under the radar petrol head cars that only those who know, know.

[@jdo1014]

In 2007 I swapped my 986S for a new (manual) Spec B Touring in black. 14 years later I still have it. It's a great car, a real sleeper. In all those years, just 1x pads and discs plus front shocks last year. Knocked spots off the money pit BMW we ran alongside it for a few years. Plus BMW is just a bit lacking in imagination, no? Love this car 😍

[@jdo1014]

To add - nicer dash and alloys on the '07 too 👍

[@Kacpa2]

@@jdo1014 How did it compare handling wise tho?

[@iconicon5642]

Probably not a strange name in Japan. Subi's have a great wrap here in Oz especially manuals and last for ever.

[@pete3198]

Also from Oz - haven't owned this model but I had a 2001 Liberty B4 (2.0L Twin Turbo) and I have to say, I really liked that car a lot as an all rounder. Steering was a bit on the slow side and it wasn't the most "chuckable" car ive owned. But it went well, sounded great, was quite practical, comfortable, refined, well put together and relatively relaible for such an old car. Not nearly as fun or involving as my 147 GTA but certainly more practical and versatile.

[@snobmob]

Had two manual estates, only cars I ever really regret selling, such a good all rounder. VERY hard to find a good manual now.

[@jdo1014]

Bodywork on mine now looks like Bruce Lee has been training on it 🙄 Original exhaust still hanging on in there!

[@kevinhowley1586]

Great video. I really love this channel. Looks at so many aspects of different cars

[@jimgrieve72]

I had a 2.0R Legacy Estate - regretted selling it. Loads of space, comfortable, and real mile muncher. Never let me down, and took a huge amount of abuse over 6 years! Great cars, and you wouldn't be disappointed, especially with the 6 banger motor.

[@strangerdangerous]

I had already made my mind up, but nice to see a review that confirms my thoughts. Great review mate.

[@fionnofearghail4967]

Great review Jay! I'm moving to Canada in a few months and am currently sifting through the classifieds for a daily driver. With the criteria of practical space, all wheel drive, comfort, power, value and petrolhead quirkiness the Legacy keeps coming out on top. You've helped me with my considerations big time in this video. Thanks mate :)

[@carmanick]

Absolutely fantastic car, I had one and there is absolutely nothing like it. That engine is absolutely amazing. Mine was an ex police car and had 178000 miles on it! The flat 6 is so smooth, so torquey, and the noise is sublime, as per your video. Not to sound like a hater and a car nerd, but the pre facelift spec B (as per your video) only came as a manual. It was sort of the reason for the spec B, and the manual knocked off about 1.5s from the 0-60. The spec B also brought in uprated Bilstein suspension, which the 3.0R auto pre-facelift didn't get. The facelift car then came as manual and auto with the spec B configuration. Many people buy the 3.0R auto in pre-facelift thinking it's a spec B configuration! For anyone interested I have done videos of my spec B, including taking it on track!

[@mrdayumfine109]

If you want a more exciting car. Get the Twinscroll, or the JDM Twin Turbo GTB with a manual gearbox (The generation before this) 280bhp and Bilstein suspension from the factory. That was my last car and absolutely loved it.

[@dagnut]

yeah man I had a B4 Rsk a rev d one. spent a fortune getting it to around 320bhp on crappy Irish fuel..Once mapped properly with the downpipe cats gone it was a pretty one quick car at the time..I annoyed a lot of e46 m3 owners with it back in the early 2000s...was very rare on the roads at the time ..had an amazing macintosh stereo, full leather, had Bridgestone coilovers which where super compliant and all sti bracing...one the best cars I've owned

[@calibre00]

Agreed, I've owned both wagons 3.0r and the twinscroll JDM 2.0 Urban Select version (current) 2.0 is not as Smooth, but you get more torque/power/economy and tunability. My current 2008 wagon with the fast spooling vf45 is a far sportier drive, standard ive timed it at under 5.0sec 0-60.

[@zeroyon4562]

This, the twinscroll is better than the 3.0 IMO. Better on fuel around town and they have more potential. I had an import 3.0 spec b and I found the stock tune was rubbish and the fuel to performance ratio wasn’t good enough.

[@DorGreen1]

The sunkissed belt buckle release button really reminded me of my '06 Legacy!

[@BrandonBlackstock]

Jay is right about Subarus in the states, they are everywhere. They’ve grown on me over the years.

[@MaxLangridge]

Great video Jay. Viewing this in Aus and thinking of getting one. But was very surprised to see you driving through my local area back in the UK!

[@derrickrogalsky1884]

Was looking at importing one of these from japan to Canada with the 6 speed. Ended up picking a 2006 2.0r spec B with the 6 speed gearbox. The 3.0r spec B was still more expensive and harder to find unfortunately. Loved the review of this car. Seriously underrated cars! Have a good one

[@magnusbuinevits9535]

Nice video again! I do feel the need to point out that the EZ30 is an excellent basis for turbocharging and well in excess of 500hp, they're nowhere near as fragile as the EJ engines.

[@sc4rf4ce1983]

I bought a manual saloon 3.0R last Nov as a tide me over and fell in love with it. So much fun to drive, so comfortable and that engine sound.

[@onpok07]

Finally the Spec B! I have driven this car for 7 years as my daily. I bought it as my first car with 200'000 km and I have stuck with it until now (300'000 km). It's the exact same spec - same colour, with manual box and the same FOX exhaust (usual problem: the standard one gets eaten by rust). I have a love-hate relationship with it. It is thirsty and eats tires and brakes but it really drives well. All in all I have spent about 2000 euros every year for maintenance - the overall running costs are quite high for only 245 horses. On the other hand, you don't really need more performance on B roads. As JayEmm mentioned, the bottleneck are the brakes. The front is heavy, but once you get used to it, you can drift the car on snow easily. The traction is no problem in any conditions. To sum it up: great car, no problem to daily it, cheap to buy but expensive to run. Now it's almost impossible to find an example in good condition in Europe (mine isn't one of them). Maybe it's better in the UK, I don't know.

[@Stefanatzf]

If you are getting this, get a full exhaust system and a tune. The factory headers on this engine are really constrictive.

[@zeroyon4562]

The headers are indeed a joke, terrible. The factory dbw tuning is equally terrible and they ping even on premium fuel.

[@Corvolet5]

Sweet looking car. And practical! You sure made a good decision here.

[@jonathanhowe2652]

Really fancied one of these a couple of years ago... the suspension is the reason for the spec b - and that flat 6 engine sounds gorgeous with the close ratio box

[@jdo1014]

I replaced my Bilstein front shocks a few years back (rust). Cost £383 inc VAT from Demon Tweeks delivered next day; Main Dealer wanted £500/each plus VAT and 3-4 lead time 😂 Only other thing that's needed done is the Aux Belt in 135k miles.

[@joshwaterfield2483]

Ahh excellent. I consider buying a car. I look for reviews of it on KZbin and see my favourite car reviewer has done a review for said car. Can't wait to see the verdict!

[@robcottonrallying]

My dad had a couple 3.0 spec Bs. One 2005 with an auto and a 2007 facelift with a manual. I've worked on many JDM twin-scroll and twin-turbo legacies and I think the 3.0 is the best suited and smoothest engine for the job. The 6-speed gearbox is essentially the same as a 2001 UK STI and has longer gear ratios compared to the JDM boxes, it also doesn't have a front LSD like the later STIs. The STI Brembo front calipers bolt straight on with no modification and that's what both of ours used and was a great upgrade. Neither of these cars ever broke down and were absolutely everything a quick estate should be. I personally think that the facelift models look the best, particularly in black.

[@jdo1014]

Yes, I have the 2007 in Black. I think the shape has actually aged very well. Finally needed a new Aux Belt/tensioner a few months ago; but that's only the second thing that needed doing in 16 years, and a sub £500 job. Love this car; part of the family!

[@twoeggcups]

I had one for about 5 years. Probably my favourite car overall.

[@eggegg2873]

Great review. Always liked these, they remind me of Gran Turismo 4 on PS2

[@gazman9468]

Good thorough review Jay! I almost bought one of these before I bought my Stagea but having already owned a same year 2.5i SE thought I'd go another road. I found the Legacy seats a bit bum numbing and the full leather left me feeling as if I was sliding around in them on windy roads. Other than that I think they're a great all round car. The 3.0 engine can sound amazing too with the right exhaust!

[@rivaterrier]

I had one of those a few years ago James. It was a terrific car on most respects. It was comfortable and roomy. It was generally quick enough, but not quite as quick as I would have expected. Biggest downside was the thirst and I had some issues with the brakes.

[@wiktordebski]

This guy is great. Solid knowledge here. I've owned few Subaru and the truth is said here. thanks.

[@thomasdawe1837]

Loving these recent videos. Not quite as slick on the intro as the one that got all the attention (although no slouch on the camera work). Focus on the script, original and interesting - no BS, avoiding the British Clarkson imitators. Spot on Jay! edit: As for the third strike, wtf is going on with those indicators on the side mirrors? lol

[@TheInsatiableAmos]

@JayEmm I owned the US-market 2.5GT (turbo) w/ the 5-speed, and it made an incredible daily. I tuned it up a little bit (300hp at the wheels) and it simply DEVOURED highway miles. No one gave the silver/grey station wagon a second look, but passing at any speed was just a flick of the foot, even in 5th gear. The brakes and clutch respond very well to stainless steel brake lines, OEM pads, and a good through bleed - it’ll firm them right up.

[@greenvilleroleplayintersec8731]

From a fellow 3.0R owner. We have a 2006 3.0R Outback with around 550k kms on the clock. The car has never let us down in 8 years, delivers good power and is really good on fuel. My dad has been daily driving the car for the past 8 years and it never threw anything at us other than the usual oil change and stuff like that.

[@jackd1582]

550,000kms????

[@JulesN580]

@@jackd1582 they are a great car. Our Outback has 330 000 and has a long way to go. Lovely engine note and goes like the clappers.

[@punksidegamingdrummingandg5156]

That's very impressive, my 3.0r is at 200,000

[@davidmiddleton-gear8206]

In terms of upgrading the infotainment, it's rediculously simple. Subaru even sell an oem double din surround facia for doing exactly that and provide a dedicated redundant plug up under the dash with pin outs for constant power, accessory power, ignition power, reversing signal, road speed signal, handbrake signal etc. specifically for allowing you to install aftermarket radios and satnavs. No other manufacturer I know of does that! One of the many reasons I love subaru.

[@ColonelBobfed]

God I wish cars like this were more common, they're so cool!

[@themanipulator1]

It's these kind of cars that excite me, Cars for the every day petrol head. Something reasonably priced, attainable and interesting

[@harvardford8752]

i love this one a lot, its quirky, not a lot of people know about this and it looks quite good.

[@iandavidson99]

Subaru estates are always cool

[@salvofarnia8046]

Bland styling but great engine drivetrain

[@barfmeister8509]

I’m liking that Legacy! Engine sounds Uber smooth, seats look lovely and comfortable and it’s plenty big enough for all your gear. Stick some decent pads in and upgrade the fluid and lines and away you go. I loved the Alfa GTA but sometimes, you just need something that doesn’t stand out, can park anywhere without unwanted attention been drawn and this could be it! Great vid, infact, I loved it 😘

[@barfmeister8509]

@Uncle Gilbert 🤦🏼

[@dawn_h6]

I bought one of these a couple weeks after this video was released. I've now owned it a year and I'm completely in love with it. Mine has plenty of modifications and is quite loud now, but I still enjoy daily driving it 400km a week in poor traffic without ever cursing out the third pedal. The standard brakes aren't great, but some DBA T2 rotors and XP pads completely fixed that and made them feel quite firm. I have a supercharger kit to put on and it will be quite the sleeper after that!

Hey, spec b owner here too. Did you put the supercharger on?

[@dawn_h6]

@ Unfortunately life got in the way so I sold the supercharger kit and stayed NA. Tuned for 160kw/215hp atw and it's still pretty quick and very enjoyable to drive

[@robertiddon]

Always really liked the look of these and they do tick a lot of boxes. Perfect for jaunts down to the French alps with snowboards and junk thrown in the back

[@kennethross996]

I had one exactly like that (apart from a wire grill which improves the looks). Fantastic car - bulletproof and one of the best I’ve ever owned apart from its drink habit.

[@joshuaeacott4226]

The EZ30R or 3.0R-B from a factory tune runs extremely rich on the low end, a tune brings them way better economy, and more power. Throttle Happy Tuning sends you a map and you upload via a tactrix cable, and his tunes have always been fantastic, all my cars have been tuned by him, and all my mates. Tuning is completely open on these, whether you throw a bolt on Raptor Supercharger kit, or you turbo it, the tuning options are open, and flex without a flex sensor is possible, provided your car has the early 1MB ECU release on it, otherwise you're stuck to only 98 tunes, he can also have full control over your drive by wire control. The EZ30 is a fantastic car for a starting point, and with boost can really liven the car, for example Mighty Car Mods and their Supergramps.

[@lordofkiwi5144]

Hey Jay, do you want a bad idea for your daily? Buy a MG ZT 260 V8 Another pretty cool idea is a Passat R36. Rare, spacious, nice engine, somewhat reliable and you can get it in saloon, estate or CC.

[@JD-eo7dr]

Passat W8

[@ajt1014]

I owned exactly that model (54 plate) back in the day. A manual. It's still the car I miss, so much fun. I really wanted to get the new model when it came out but it just didn't do it for me. A class act.

[@Ak47ram]

The 2016 T6 V60 Polestar. Good space, rapid and unique.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Also almost impossible to find! But something I had considered

[@Rhowhat]

And iirc they are holding their value fairly well.

[@Ak47ram]

@@JayEmmOnCars Swedespeed and Polestar Facebook owners UK members can help you find one for sure.

[@tipsynickers4670]

I might sell mine in summer if you're prepared to wait a little while james

[@THCdoctor80]

I have one as my daily driver lovely car and plan on keeping it as long as i can

[@juanpablocorreiaecheverria2857]

One of the ultimate sleepers. Up close and personal you really feel this car is well built.

[@hairyclassics1789]

I have one of these! Unfortunately mine is a saloon though. I'm putting the engine from one into a 1971 VW Type 2. I confirm that the clutch is difficult to modulate. The engine is an absolute gem. The handling is superb. Ride quality is quite harsh though. Fab car - so underrated!

[@JMJoubert]

Probably my favourite Subaru. I'm glad this video wasn't a full "3 strikes and out" video, but I think you'll end up with a BMW touring in the end 🤣

[@cue2665]

I am a Japanese owner of a 2005, 3.0R spec.B. With regard to 3.0R,the most worrisome thing for me is there is no other estate car with 6 cylinder engine as fascinating as this generation of 3.0R, and that most of 3.0R's once owend in Japan have been exported overseas such as to Australia and its neighboring countries, where RHD is common. I am also pleased to hear it is highly valued worldwide, but as it makes us unhappy, the more and more of 3.0R exported, the higher its second hand market price is getting in Japan.

[@cue2665]

@@liberty0758 Stagea with VQ35/V6 is available in our second hand market with the number of good conditioned cars decreasing year by year. However, I prefer LEGACY H6.

[@cue2665]

@@liberty0758 Is insurance for that kind expensive there ? Here in Japan, the premium is also higher with skyline, followed by Stagea than with LEGACY

[@cue2665]

@@liberty0758 $1,500 is way above my imagination, and much too high for liberty/legacy. My annual premium which covers everything costs some $450 in Japan. as in Australia, the premium varies depenending on the owner’s insurance title level.

[@cue2665]

@@liberty0758 When I started to drive at the age of 18, premium was highest to be approximately $750 for LEGACY GT-B, which is my first car, judging from my past payments for car insurance, the Australian averaged premiums are considered higher. Difference in the number of those insured btw Ausie and Japan may cause such premium difference.

[@christianlittle6757]

My wife’s daily 6spd Manual last 4yrs and needed uprated brakes. Loves it. Imported with STI bits.

[@automotivepleasures5960]

Another fantastic review on an unloved gem in the UK. So close to purchasing the saloon version of the spec.B because of that flat 6. Had to go with the blitzen (dream car) JDM only flat-4 same model BL5 saloon in porsche carrera red EJ20X twin scroll turbo 5pd auto 260 bhp. Absolute bargain for such a rarity and servicing such a specialized car be it the uk versions or jdm versions is not a headache loads of specialized garages in the uk.

[@swiper1818]

This would be brilliant for you during the increasingly erratic British winters with sudden blizzards/snow/ice - these are particularly popular in northern Japan eg Hokkaido for exactly this reason and areboth secure and fun to drive on snow!!! Many of the ones I have seen have aftermarket double din sized units that slide out that may work with android - the owners also seem to keep them for years which says something in itself...

[@rynop99]

Great cars! Two friends of mine have/had these, to which I’m incredibly jealous! The 3.0R in particular is very popular as a fast first car in Australia, but prices are getting a bit silly as nicer ones are getting harder to find. A very strong choice.

[@rynop99]

And on tuning, this car has a terrible factory exhaust system. Look into stainless headers by a company called Raptor, they’re meant to really bring the car to life.

[@aliulugun4045]

Those headers do indeed but at 500 quid for just those and the 2 sports cats and a full ss cat back exhaust you are looking at 1000 to 1500 quid. That is a lot of money to spend for an old car

[@anmolsaxena_]

@@aliulugun4045 yes indeed but it does make it feel so much better and the sound is really nice worth it in my opinion especially if you manage to find a cheap used exhaust system (i was close to buying a full exhaust for $450 aud, but someone else picked up before i could)

[@leostreat3573]

The " patter " cracks me up . Like Top Gear of old . I also have a neighbour who has two silver one's of these cars . One newer one older . He's devoted to both and always tinkering .

[@williamrogers5798]

As an American who has stumbled upon this channel and is a Subaru type of person(what ever that means) I find this to be wonderful content/information about the quirky ways of Subaru. In America we never got a 6 spd 3.0 version of the legacy or the Outback. It was a auto transmission with all 6 cyl. I would have loved to see a manual transmission with the 3.0/3.6. The 4th gen legacy does not get as much love as it deserves in my opinion, but they were on a lower scale of “quality”. I feel as though the quality aspect really came into play around 2013 and Subaru stepped up their game at that time. Here in central Indiana and most of the Midwest area it’s common to see a Subaru everywhere you go. They are becoming a much bigger company that is genuinely trying to become better. When I worked for a local dealer it was common to see 300k Subarus coming in for service, they still ran well and even drove well. It’s hard to find a low priced Subaru in this area, the dealers rarely discount them and used one hold their value very well. I just found it funny that this guy was worried about a 24 MPG average. Lol. We love our 2013 Outback and are considering purchasing a 2021 Ascent. It’s hard to get my wife to tell me if she likes a car when we went shopping, but after test driving our now current car (2013 Outback) she was actually very interested in it. It’s the only car she genuinely likes out of all the other family sedan/crossover/suvs that we drove. We average 22mpg in the city and 31/32 on the highway at 70-75 mph. I do wish that I had got the 3.6 engine just so I could pull a small trailer more easily but I still love our little Subaru.

[@alistairthompson2750]

This is one of the very few cars that all three on proper top gear all loved their ain't that many

[@higurro]

V70 T5? (Apologies if it's already been suggested...)

[@jdunn14]

The best boot in any estate, and the best seats for long journeys

[@JeremiBulakowski]

I have the “911 syndrome” with V70. Looking for any contender to replace it and it always ends on finding that there is no better option for my criteria.

[@jdunn14]

@@JeremiBulakowski I hear you. I love mine, what else can you transport a wardrobe, sleep and get that sweet 5cylinder noise from!? NOTHING 😛

[@mjrtensepian1727]

The V50 is still very handsome, gets good mpg. T5, Awd, and manuals available.

[@MetalHead1904]

This is also a great choice!

[@LulaJake]

Bought mine on ebay and was suprised to discover it has Yokohama tires and a stainless exhaust. Sounds lovely.

[@Roel88Roel]

Really enjoyed this one! Love for the unloved stuff. I had the Spec B on my short list as well when I was looking for a not-too-expensive, reliable, safe and somewhat special daily driver. The Spec B’s are so hard to find though, especially in the Netherlands or anywhere else in Europe. In the end I went for a 3rd Gen Lexus GS300. Not an estate but it’s rare, reliable and has all kinds of nice features for such an old car. The radar cruise, ventilated seats and 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround system all work fabulously. The six speed auto works super smooth - just shouldn’t expect it to be as quick an ZF 8HP. And to solve the fact it’s not an estate I bought a pair of roof bars. If an LS is the best car for 12k, the GS might be the best for 10k?

[@Carrera-gp9od]

I’ve always liked these I fancied one back in the day , ended up with a Impreza estate

[@duncancampbell2679]

I've got a silver Spec-B manual just like that, recommended 👍 (and can confirm it is very easy to stall! 😅)

[@risingmacc212]

Very interesting to hear your thoughts. I have the saloon version m/t and absolutely love it. Agree on your brake assessment although the cooked smell is a bit odd, could be a binding calliper as they’re prone to this if not used enough. Definitely go manual as well imo autos not so good, currently averaging 29 out of mine, over 30 easily doable on a trip. Also bonus info - the spec b’s have a proper rear lsd and the ‘b’ part of the name stands for bilstein as they have their dampers :D. Also definitely get serviced by a Subaru specialist as they’re pretty niche so parts can be a pain unless you’ve got the contacts. Overall definitely do it, you know you want to!

[@jdo1014]

I can get about 34mpg on a long run with a kayak on the roof; sat at 70.

[@vossler360]

I've always liked this generation of Legacy wagon in its non-lifted form, as they were a bit sleeker than the typical chunky Subaru design. Here in the NW corner of the U.S., this generation of Legacy wagon with the upgraded engine would still fetch a pretty penny, even with very high mileage. One with a manual gearbox is basically a unicorn.

[@jackd1582]

USA never got the 6mt h6 😂😂😂😂

[@vossler360]

@@jackd1582 I didn't say there was for the H6. There were two engine upgrades available for the Legacy in 2005, one of which was a turbocharged 2.5, which was available with a MT here in the U.S.

[@kanadezosGT]

I said it before and I am going to say it again. 2JZ manual (or auto since you want a pure daily), loads of space, Toyota reliability....the Lexus IS300 Sportcross!

[@pete3198]

Yikes no. I had a 2003 IS200, and that was without a doubt the most dissapointing car I ever owned. I know the IS300 has a different motor and gearbox, but the gearbox and engine weren't even my biggest complains (though they were complaints). - The thing handled pretty poorly - Was overly firm over bumps - The seats were neither comfortable nor supportive (I would get a sore back after about 45 minutes - never happened in any other car) - They had a common issue with the thottle getting stuck without warning (almost killed me) - They had an issue with rear end stability (ive experienced it and also heard numerous others bring it up too) - The keys lliterally snap in half from normal use because they have a 1mm thick hollow plastic shell - The interior is covered in this 'soft touch rubber paint' type finish which gets permanent scratches if you so much as look at it - The steering wheel was too thin and hard, I would actually get sore palms from driving after a while - Cheapy chrome paint on the gear knob peels off leaving a cheap looking beige plastic underneath - Used spare parts were extemely difficult to find; so you pretty much had to buy direct from a dealer (which is ludicrously expensive) - CD players are infamous for chewing CD's On the plus it was fairly well built (aside from some of the issues mentioned above), pretty quiet, had a very small turning circle, and to my eyes was always a handsome thing to look at. Just a shame there were so many negatives. Ive had three other cars from around that same time period: * A 2001 Subaru Liberty B4 (as it's known in Australlia - it was a Legacy RSK elsewhere) * A 2003 Alfa 147 Twin Spark * A 2004 Alfa 147 GTA All three were *so* much better then the IS200 - not even close.

[@butterfliesandtape]

as far as tuning goes, there's always crazy, inspiring people. see rennch for details!

[@thenomad9853]

As a legacy owner (2006 tuned by Sti JDM wagon, manual, imported) I fully approve of this video - hard to choose between the H6 and the EJ20 both great engines.

[@KingMikus12]

I owned a USDM Outback 3.0R and it is by far my favorite car I've owned. Miss it dearly.

[@rudiwashier]

Currently driving a flat 6, 3.6L Legacy. Loving it, and I think the CVT suits it. Woosh

[@markir9]

I have one of these (3.0R Spec B manual sedan). Most of what you say is correct. I would add: really needs front chassis brace (if not fitted) as flex is very noticeable at even mild levels of enthusiasm. Re brakes, choice of pad material (i.e slightly colder) completely solves this and stopping distance (and ABS operation) is excellent! This car probably helped me avoid being killed when a clueless SUV driver pulled out of a farm road right in front of me on a main highway!

[@davidlukey5189]

Great work. Keep up the interesting, real people car reviews. Not sure how much they are now, but how about a Passat R36?

[@jimmyfarley5581]

The R36 is a great car but rare. I'd imagine they've kept their value and a good one would be well north of 15k

[@MrGwaldo]

W8 would be interesting too.

[@JD-eo7dr]

@@MrGwaldo that would be my choice too but vw techs don't even know they exist near me had one in service and they was all headsmashed at to what it was. I was only a vallet and was all over it.

[@MrGwaldo]

@@JD-eo7dr yup. Bit different to a box ticking service and oil change on a TDi for those folk. Good that such oddball cars still exist though.

[@jimmyfarley5581]

I remember when VW considered putting the R36 engine in a Golf! They bottled it and went 2 litre turbo instead. Imagine a 3.6 litre Golf! Nice.

[@jonodevenport6798]

Ive recently bought a 08 6MT 3.0R Spec B Wagon. As a Subie fanatic, it was a rather gracious departure from my 07 2.5 GT sedan which was reasonably modified, as it had all the spool and rumble to please a school boys sensibility. Having driven the 3.0R Wagon stock for the last month or two, I can say I'm upset that I didn't buy one sooner. Such a superb car, even in stock form. Fortunately, since I was able to get a facelift wagon with a 6 speed, I'm expecting it's value to hold or go up over the next few years. Either way, fantastic car and I can't wait to start modding it!

[@L0RDLUK]

"I have stalled this car a couple of times already. That's not something I often do" You do usually reserve the stalling for Astons, don't you? :D Great video BTW, can't wait to see what you decide to go with.

[@InitialB]

I loved my 3.0r. Superb car that really suits a backroad

[@wesleycardinal8869]

This generation of the Legacy/Outback is the best looking of any Subaru past or present. There just isn't a bad angle anywhere, plus they still had the frameless windows and other Subaru touches. It's unique, safe, smooth and generally reliable ( the six at least). You can watch James May's old review on top gear for a good review.

[@JulesN580]

I utterly agree about the styling. Particularly the Outack. Inside and out are consistently gorgeous. How could they then intro the eccch-looking series 4? They lost me as a buyer with that.

[@stephenedwardsnewell1715]

You said it , the Alpina will do it mate 💯🤛🏿

[@jacobdzik6238]

🔥🔥🔥

[@willotoole4118]

Perfect replacement

[@unzulaessig]

i like you said "loving the unloved"! I hear so often my 06 Bubaru 3,0R (nobody knows it is a flat 6) is ugly is no Audi or no cool BMW or whatever...hilarious :) But i love this car so much after driving over a decade only Impreza and i think the next car is also a Leggy but than unfortunaly the 2,5 with 265HP! Thanks for this nice video!

[@SrRumeniguer]

Thats a real dreamcar

[@EdwardsSy]

My old man had a ‘Blitzen’ version with Porsche influence and a mad front and rear bumper. Had no end of engine problems towards the end of his 5yr ownership. Buyer beware! But great car and tons of space, although it’s no Impreza, took it on the N’ring in Germany and the diff had a meltdown

[@raidbullbzh7325]

Hi, i have one , the Sedan version since october 2020 ^^ Great David. But the sound is so muzzled

[@SebiSthlm]

Driving a 2008 Outback with an auto, and that's actually quite nice in Sport sharp mode. Very quick throttle response for a car that's actually meant to compete with American CUVs. It's also very reliable and a tank in snow. Floaty suspension (probably because it's jacked-up) and thirsty though.