Category: Large Family 
Price Range: £20,400 to £27,400
Roomy, reliable, sharp handling, kookiness factor, anonymous styling.
Anonymous styling, low ground clearance for off-roading, dated plasticky cabin. No diesel option.
The Legacy may not look like anything special, but it's a very accomplished all-rounder for motorway cruising, family load-lugging or even fun - take your pick.
Budget for fuel bills - although the four-cylinder Legacies have been revised for improved fuel economy, they're still pretty thirsty, especially the 2.5 4-Cam. And despite the modifications, carbon dioxide output is still a bit high, affecting company car taxation bandings. Depreciation (loss in value) isn't too harsh as demand is strong on the used market, though like all big Japanese cars, it is an issue. There's a lot of second-hand Legacies around with phenomenally high mileage, though that needn't be a problem if the price is right and the car has been serviced properly. Look out for hard-used farmers' estates with damaged suspension and floorpans - the standard models have low ground clearance for 4x4s - and tatty interiors, and for hard-driven sporty saloons or former towing vehicles. These cars work for a living - but they stand up to harsh treatment very well. It might not be specially cheap to run, but the Legacy is a hell of a lot of car for the money, and a more appealing option than many of the more mainstream choices at similar prices. It's not that well-equipped by 2002/3 criteria, but it comes with all the essentials and its formidable reputation for reliability and durability - what price such a reassurance? Who needs all the latest toys anyway?
Latest Readers' Drives About the Subaru Legacy
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