Faults:

Water pump failed at 85,000.

Crack in radiator plastic end caused coolant loss at 85,000 miles.

CV Joints failed at 90,000 miles.

5th gear synchro mesh failed at 80,000 miles.

Rear suspension wore out at 80,000 miles.

Mass Air Flow Sensor failed at 98,000 miles.

Steering wheel cover split at 105,000 miles.

Sun roof jammed at 100,000 miles.

Catalytic Converter failed at 90,000 miles.

Boot latch pull broke off at 80,000 miles.

Tappets need replacing at 80,000 miles.

Turbo boost solenoid failed at 100,000 miles.

General Comments:

I ditched the standard running gear and replaced it all with gear from an Impreza STI. The car now has 320 bhp and hits 62 mph (100 kph) in a little under 5 seconds.

The STI suspension improved the handling no end.

All the electrics still work perfectly.

Faults:

Only the usual wear and tear...

Tyres at 105k.

Drive shaft now at 112k.

.. and that's all!

General Comments:

Performance for a 'boring' estate car is fantastic.

Why compromise performance for economy. Let's face it, once in a while, we all want to have a little burn up, even if it's only for 500 yds, and this car will give you a grin, even over the shortest distance, and how many times have you been stuck behind an Escort, on the way to the beach?? This car gives you lift-off, when you need it, and I don't need it very often.

Essentially, these are cheap to buy, more expensive to run, but the performance makes up for that, and with this sort of car, you won't get bored as quickly as you would if you bought your... run with the pack type car.

Seats are rubbish. The stereo is an epic to replace, if you want a cd player in there, but apart from that, these are great cars, and fabulous value for money.

A year on, and my £1500 investment hasn't dropped at all, but the other run with the pack cars are all now cheaper to buy. That makes up for the running costs!!

Faults:

Generally, the Legacy 4Cam Turbo is a tough car, this 1993 example has suffered from minor corrosion/paint problems because of age.

The most frustrating failure has been the rear wiper - due to lack of use, it stuck solid, and burned out the motor. Replacement was a horrible, horrible task, the glass mounting causing much consternation.

General Comments:

Subaru's cars get better and better. This Legacy followed an earlier 2.2GX which was, frankly, wonderful but too low geared. You lose the dual-range box and gain a weaker clutch arrangement, but you also lose the hateful hill-holder clutch system.

There's a Cosworth driver still wondering what passed him out there somewhere - the Legacy estate is not only practical, but seriously rapid. A tendency to cruise at 85mph is worrying, but when you're up against a line of cars on a country road, nothing will get you and 4 other people past them quicker!

The interior on this age of Legacy is basic and prone to rattles. It's the only real failing of the car - apart from the prodigious thirst.

Faults:

Nothing!

In three years only normal wear & tear: 1 set of front brake pads, oil & filter every 5000 miles, air filter and a set of tyres.

I had a choice of buying a reliable Subaru with potentially expensive spares, or a Ford with cheap spares. I opted for the 'no worries' Subaru and haven't been disappointed.

General Comments:

I needed a practical car, but still wanted better performance than the one I was replacing. What a package! The estate has all the volume I've ever required. The engine is strong in acceleration, and motorway speeds can creep up easily. Comfortable for cruising, headroom for all occupants is emormous and the trick windows are cool!

These cars can be tweaked up to around 250BHP, but if it's performance improvements you want, the money would be better spent on firming up the the 'big-car' suspension, to make the best use of the standard power. I've never felt the need for either.

I don't really need the massive space in the car now, so I'm looking to replace with the smaller Impreza soon.

Faults:

Nothing of note... in 165,000 miles just tyres and windscreen replaced as required. Still original clutch and exhaust system.

General Comments:

A quite remarkable car which will be difficult to replace. If they were still available I'd buy another with no hesitation.

Only negative comment is the cost of servicing.

Faults:

Nothing, apart from the normal (in my experience) problems with lack of lubrication to door locks, could be because I never use them due to remote central locking.

General Comments:

Great affordable performace car (197 bhp). Not so obvious as an Escort or Impreza, most people think it's a Rover ! Just sorry they don't make one now. Have to save for an Impreza Turbo now