Faults:

Gave the last rights to the fuel pump at 120,000 km. Cost $530 NZD.

At 125,000 km the catalytic converter decided it would prefer to be positioned further down the exhaust system. New exhaust $300 NZD.

Interior roof lining sags like a circus tent, 90,000 km.

Rear door decides to lock itself every time a passenger attemps to exit. 120,000 (and no its not the kiddie locks)

Paint pealing off the factory roof rails ever since day one.

General Comments:

Would have to say that this car is probably the most versatile and exciting car I have ever owned. Great performance on the open road and not a bad shopping trolley for the wife to use on Mall exhibitions.

Sticks to the road around corners and has plenty of room in the boot for golf clubs, bikes etc.

Can be a challenge for the home mechanic. ie changing spark plugs. Apart from the coronary I experienced when I found out the price of the Platinum plugs that the vehicle takes, it took roughly an hour to get one plug out after removing the air filter and windshield cleaner tank from either side of the engine. Even with these removed be prepared to lose several layers of skin off your knuckles and hands.

Faults:

All coils replaced

Spark plugs replaced

Thermostat replaced

Oxygen sensor replaced

Power steering replaced

Alternator replaced

Starter motor replaced

What hasn't gone wrong!

General Comments:

This is an amazing car to drive when it is running well. However this is very seldom and the car requires very high maintenance.

Great performance on and off road with plenty of grunt.

Faults:

Just brake pads and cam belt. No major maintenance has been required.

General Comments:

With full-time four-wheel-drive, and the smooth flat-four engine, it is easy to see why people are attracted to this vehicle. However, it has it's fair share of problems:

When we first got it, it had a terrible tendency to flood whenever we attempted to restart it after the engine had been turned off for a short period of time. On one occasion, it flooded so badly that the AA mechanic was unable to start it for us, and it had to be sent in to the dealer.

Often, oil seems to drain to the bottom of the cylinders overnight (particularly when it is cold), causing a little bit of smoking when it is started in the morning.

The clutch is cable operated and it seems to lack feeling compared to the hydraulic-controlled clutches that have existed in other cars that I have driven.

The gearbox generally feels smooth while driving but, on a couple of occasions when the car has been idle, the lever has completely jammed. In order to release it, it is necessary to turn off the engine and pump the clutch to free it.

The radio supplied was absolute rubbish. It packed up recently and I got it fixed, but I regret not taking the opportunity to replace it completely.

The engine generally responds favourably to throttle activity, but once it reaches about 4000rpm, there is not much more torque to be squeezed out of it. Passing manoeuvres are often unnecessarily drawn-out, and climbing steep hills will sometimes leave the vehicle heaving. However, these problems are likely to be less evident in the 2.0 and 2.2 litre models.

Not all is lost. The Legacy's steering is very responsive, and it corners with ease. The interior is welcoming, the car holds the road very well, and there is plenty of room for both passengers and luggage.

No doubt many Legacy owners will enjoy their cars, but if you're planning on buying one, I would suggest that you take it for a good long drive before you commit.