Conference terri::cars_uk

    Had a drive in the new Legacy esate today at the dealer in Boxford,
    between Hungerford and Newbury. The saloon version arrives later this
    month. 
    
    Permanent 4WD, 2.2 litres, al the goodies etc. for about �13,500. Very
    comfortable. I'm told that the mph figures are 27/42/31. As I'm looking
    for somethin a bit different for the next lease car I might put in a
    quote for one.
    
    Rich
    

Don't forget that at "over 2 litres" its in a higher tax bracket though...

Must say the spec looks nice, especially with the 4 speed auto box and computer
controlled centre diff.

/. Ian .\

I had a test in a Legacy before Xmas and was impressed. Its a shame that they
don't import the 2.0 litre version (+turbo?) into the UK because the 1.8 was
a bit low on power and the 2.2 is in the wrong tax bracket. But then, do
they expect many of these to be company cars?

I really liked a feature it had I've not seen on any other car...

When stopping on an uphill slope you end up with foot on clutch and break in
the normal way. Now, take your foot OFF the break. The car does *NOT* roll
back but is held on some sort of clutch. As soon as you release the real
clutch to drive off its magic clutch releases and away you go.  I don't know
how this works but I liked it.  

Jc

It has a fluid (viscostatic) centre diff in the manual version (the automatic
has an electromechanical centre clutch assembly with variable front rear
power ratio).

I suspect that the visco-static system provides the inertia to hold you when 
stationary - I suspect it works like an automatic version of the LandRover
hand brake (that works on the drive through the centre diff) and holds you 
solid when no power is getting to the centre diff.

I shall certainly try one of these out when the time comes.

/. Ian .\

    Re .8
    
    Thanks for mentioningthe tax bracket difference. Given the price of the
    car I was hoping that a low quote might compensate for the higher tax.
    There again it's Japanese so probably not !!
    
    rich
    

Has anyone any experience of the Subaru Legacy estate? I'm talking about 
the one that's just been replaced/facelifted. Any info you can give me 
would be useful. eg Running costs, second hand value, performance. How 
much can I expect to pay for an F/G/H plate? Does anyone know what 
standard equipment they had, etc?


Cheers



	Ian

    Ian,
    
    	I have had a K-reg Subaru Legacy 2.0 Turbo estate since last
    November and I think that it is a really great car. Performance is
    pretty stunning ( 0-60 in under 7 seconds, with a top speed of 140 ).
    It also handles really well and is great fun to drive round country
    lanes. On the motorway, it is extremely quiet and comfortable. 
    
    	As regards the equipment level, mine has air-conditioning but that
    was an extra. As standard, mine has electric windows and ABS. 
    
    	The service interval is 7,500 miles and servicing costs are around
    �180-�200 for each of these minor services, more for the major ones. I
    don't know whether there is a dealer near you, but they aren't that
    widespread, although Lancasters in Reading do pick the car up from
    Newbury when it needs to be serviced.
    
    	I'm based in Newbury, so if you're over this way and want to have a
    chat, then feel free.
    
    	Terry
             

Thanks,

I read something about them and I think,k I'll need to see a dealer to pick
one up second hand


	Ian

I've also been running Legacy and L series estates for a while. Never been able
to afford the turbo though. I've had 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 and will get another.
Really depends what you are looking for, I wanted a comfortable, quick, all
optional extras as standard, relatively cheap, 4wd (to tow out of muddy fields),
estate car. I like em, and it still continues to get the best estate award.
BTW I came out of the car scheme to continue using one.

Mike