CTC Review: 2007 Subaru Legacy Spec B

[ghost]

GT wagons not selling well in Dubya-land despite that I see LGT wagons here more than LGT sedans. I feel that SOA and SCI are holding back the potential of the Legacy line for reasons I do not know. In other parts of the world, the Legacy/Liberty line is very well decked out. In fact in Australia and possibly New Zealand, one can buy an Legacy STi-fied.
Once again the North America bound 08 Legacy disappoints compared to the RoW model when it comes to front end aesthetics.    My love for this car has vaned since its introduction. Thanks Subaru for reigning in an otherwise wonderful sports sedan.
I'd never buy the Spec. B even if I can afford it. The GT ltd makes more sense. Money saved can be put towards the same upgrades. Although I do like that new blue/black interior.
And as for MSP6.... it is a joke. There's a reason why Mazda is offering 0% APR on it and the resale on that thing Rocks! As in dropping like one! 

[coldcase]

Dropping the wagon wouldn't be a good idea IMO. THe majority of Legacies down here are wagons too, with only a handful being sedans.

I agree but "There have been rumors that Subaru may discontinue the slow selling Legacy wagon (note: I said "rumors," as nothing has been confirmed on that as of this date) in the US market." http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2109

Some say just the US market some say North America so I guess we'll have to see. 

[Julie]

Dropping the Legacy Wagon eliminates for me as well the possibility of getting a Legacy one day. I really hope they do not do that here even if they do that in the US. 

[No bias]

I have driven both the specB and the Mazda speed 6.  The Speed 6 was a disappointment.  I was actually a fan of the car.  Looks good on paper.  Looks good from the outside.  Get inside and the interior was same as any other mazda.   The engine is loud.  With so much horsepower it sure dont feel like it.  The clutch behavior is funny, feels cheap.  The stick dosen't feel good.  Main difference is the all-wheel drive.  Part time systems are only good at low speeds for extra traction.  It really isn't all wheel drive because most of the time its front wheel drive.  So it feels like a front wheel drive car.  Subaru allwheel drive is has power going to all four tires so it really grabs the road and works at all speeds.  The Spec B is by far a much better  car overall.  Sure its cost more but its worth it.  If you could take out the navigation price would be much closer.  So other than that I would buy a Legacy Spec B.  I could go into much more detail but i am not going to.  Go test drive both and see for yourself. 

[coldcase]

I have driven both the specB and the Mazda speed 6.  The Speed 6 was a disappointment.  I was actually a fan of the car.  Looks good on paper.  Looks good from the outside.  Get inside and the interior was same as any other mazda.   The engine is loud.  With so much horsepower it sure dont feel like it.  The clutch behavior is funny, feels cheap.  The stick dosen't feel good.  Main difference is the all-wheel drive.  Part time systems are only good at low speeds for extra traction.  It really isn't all wheel drive because most of the time its front wheel drive.  So it feels like a front wheel drive car.  Subaru allwheel drive is has power going to all four tires so it really grabs the road and works at all speeds.  The Spec B is by far a much better  car overall.  Sure its cost more but its worth it.  If you could take out the navigation price would be much closer.  So other than that I would buy a Legacy Spec B.  I could go into much more detail but i am not going to.  Go test drive both and see for yourself. 

Sure the AWD system of Subaru is better.  Worth almost 10K more better?  No.  Plus at that price you have choices like an infiniti G35X and it doesn't look like a $45 000 Honda Accord.

[Jaeger]

Well said coldcase.

"No bias" I have driven both - the initial review posted here had enough to recommend that I thought it worth checking out.  Suffice it to say that I could not disagree with you more.  Straight up, price independent, I prefer the Speed 6:

1) The Sube looks and feels bigger.  I like a sports sedan that casts a smaller shadow and takes up less acreage.
2) The Speed 6 gives you a unique, top performing motor to distinguish it from the more pedestrian versions of the car.  The Spec B gives you the same engine and more or less the same performance as lesser Legacies.  There is less to distiguish it from its less costly bretheren.
3) Contrary to your suggestion, the Speed 6 is available with unique interior appointments not available on the regular 6 - a two-tone black and white leather package that is quite striking.
4) The clutch in the 6 is a bit touchy, but I WAY prefered its shift feel to that of the Sube.  You get used to the clutch you drive, but sloppy, rubbery shift feel is with you for good. 
5) Seat of the pants, both cars felt equally fast.  And their test numbers bear that out.
6) Seat of the pants, I give a slight handling edge to the 6.  But again, it's pretty close. 
7) Purely subjective, but I find the Subaru pretty boring in appearance.  The long-in-the-tooth design of the Mazda still looks a bit more crisp to me.
8  I found both 4wd systems largely transparent behind the wheel.  Suburu may indeed have the better design, but it's not a design benefit that I could see or feel.
9) I flat out forgot to ask whether the Sube came with HIDs, because I flat out cannot believe that a $46k car wouldn't.

Again - I can't for the life of me see where the HUGE price differential between the Sube and the Speed6 is remotely justified.

And if you actually think the Sube is worth its money, I invite you to take an extended drive in a similarly priced Infiniti G35 X and tell me - honestly - how the Sube can possibly compare to THAT vehicle for the money.  Unless, of course, you are simply going to fall bak on that mantra of the Subaru faithful: "Subaru has the best AWD system in the world."

Jaeger

[roundupready]

I don't know why everyone is so hang up on the price of the Spec B.

To me, it's a great value over the GT Ltd for the $3,000 price difference.

If you want to complain, the $4,000 price difference between the base GT and Ltd is over priced.  That's a more valid argument.

I went to Infiniti Canada to spec out a G35X with similar Spec B features (Premium pkg - $3,300. Navigation - $2,950).  Total $51,270 before tax!

Sure, the G35X has more power and a few more minor features that the Subaru doesn't have.  But it's also $thousands more expensive.

I think people have problems with Subaru having a >$40,000 car.  Not necessary the content of the car.

The 2008 model has even more toys if that's what people are concerned with.

I've never been impressed by how many tricks or toys a car has.  I didn't even turn on the navigation and the radio on the TL when I test drove it.  I just didn't care.

By the way, I have driven the G35 (not the G35x).

[coldcase]

I don't know why everyone is so hang up on the price of the Spec B.

To me, it's a great value over the GT Ltd for the $3,000 price difference.

If you want to complain, the $4,000 price difference between the base GT and Ltd is over priced.  That's a more valid argument.

I went to Infiniti Canada to spec out a G35X with similar Spec B features (Premium pkg - $3,300. Navigation - $2,950).  Total $51,270 before tax!

Sure, the G35X has more power and a few more minor features that the Subaru doesn't have.  But it's also $thousands more expensive.

I think people have problems with Subaru having a >$40,000 car.  Not necessary the content of the car.

The 2008 model has even more toys if that's what people are concerned with.

I've never been impressed by how many tricks or toys a car has.  I didn't even turn on the navigation and the radio on the TL when I test drove it.  I just didn't care.

By the way, I have driven the G35 (not the G35x).

I kind of agree with you.  In general I find lower trim legacys and Outback pretty good values.  It's when you want an actual engine and not a pig that things go wrong value wise.  The legacy GT is too expensive and that's why the specB follows the same trend.  MY2008 goodies.  Let's say they again trimmed down the list from the Euro model.  All we are getting is:

A new range topping model that features a 3.0-liter 245-hp six-cylinder boxer engine, paddle-shift automatic transmission, SI-Drive performance-control, Bilstein sport suspension and 18-wheels. VDC Stability System Availability Expanded. The entire Legacy line gets new front and rear fascias with reduced bumper overhangs, redesigned instrument panel and new interior fabrics.

If the specB was tough to sell at $44 000 wait until they ask 45000 for the H6 legacy 3.0R.  Oh yeah, still no HID on the legacy and Outback models.

Don't get me wrong, I love these cars....I hate the price so when it's time to buy it will be in the US where you get a Legacy GT when negotiated and imported here for a great $33000-34000 CAD.  You basically save 8000$.  Now at that price, it's a great car for the money. 

Read this and enjoy: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48692

[no comment]

If you import this car from the states you only pay $32000US (about $37500 CAD).  Its the canadian pricing thats screwed up

[Snowman]

One article I read mentions the dropping of the wagon because of "poor sales".  In Quebec, the Legacy sedan is a rare item.  It seems the wagon makes a much better pkg to Canadian eyes.  I don't see Subie Canada dropping wagons unless they're totally nuts.  Dropping the sedan would make more sense if they really have to drop a model.

  There is a whole different world outside Quebec

[AVToller]

hrev thepwu seoaibt ofjbq sgrpn lmsqef zuyjrktb

And we all thank you for those words of wisdom. 

[Wolfe]

 

[inco]

Now if that pup comes back maybe he can try 'adult speak'  and tell us what he really means. Geez kids nowdays.   This isn't text messaging at .10 a word. You can really can express yourself and say what you mean - and it's free.

[safristi]

I understood every word.................Malxeszt sinwqatyp..holowbvxz ralfallahj  

[CAR_DUMMY]

I have the opportunity to purchase a '06 Legacy GT Spec B with 135 miles on it never been off the dealership lot. The asking price is $31,000 USD. (U.S. dollars)   I read somewhere that Subaru only made 500 of these in 2006 and was wondering if it would be a collector car in the future.   I really know nothing about cars but have been reading up on this particular car.  Not so crazy about the red interior or the 18" wheels, but if this car would keep it value a little longer I could accept them.  Don't know if I should buy. 

[wing]

The spec B is not much more than a badge and a stiffer suspension I would doubt very much if it gains any street "cred" to become collectible.

[inco]

I wouldn't buy it because you think it would hold it's end value better. I would buy it because I like it.

When you sell you might have some advertising curiosity, but as Wing explained, once you provide the details of what it is, it really won't much matter to the next person. It's a used car with parts that might have to be replaced so there goes that advantage.

[JSCC]

I have the opportunity to purchase a '06 Legacy GT Spec B with 135 miles on it never been off the dealership lot. The asking price is $31,000 USD. (U.S. dollars)   I read somewhere that Subaru only made 500 of these in 2006 and was wondering if it would be a collector car in the future.   I really know nothing about cars but have been reading up on this particular car.  Not so crazy about the red interior or the 18" wheels, but if this car would keep it value a little longer I could accept them.  Don't know if I should buy. 

Yup, 500 2006 models was rare, until Subaru decided to make it a standard trim model for 2007.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Rejoice, the Legacy Wagon will continue in Canada!!!

Some photos http://www.canadiandriver.com/galleries/2007autoshows/index.php?level=album&id=198

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/07toronto/070215-4.htm
"Subaru Canada is delighted to continue to offer the Legacy Wagon to Canadian customers, in spite of the fact that it will no longer be offered in the U.S.,"

[coldcase]

Rejoice, the Legacy Wagon will continue in Canada!!!

Some photos http://www.canadiandriver.com/galleries/2007autoshows/index.php?level=album&id=198

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/07toronto/070215-4.htm
"Subaru Canada is delighted to continue to offer the Legacy Wagon to Canadian customers, in spite of the fact that it will no longer be offered in the U.S.,"

Too bad they don't lower the price though.  What good is offering a wagon here when they screw us on the price.  43 000$ for a LGT wagon....lots of other choices at that price.