hellaGT Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 I'm sharing my opinion about a recent test drive of the GT that convinced me to just upgrade my suspension, wheels/tires, and call it a day. It might even make a few N/A guys appreciate our cars a bit more... and because the N/A forum could use more discussion. Occasionally I scroll Craigslist for fun and look at what deals are posting out there and keeping my eye out for a clean Legacy GT even though I'm not very motivated to purchase. I recently came across a 2010 LGT Limited, contacted the owner, and set up a test drive. It all worked out very easy. When I rolled up to the parking lot where we met I'll admit I was getting very excited... Brief background I had a 99 LGT then a 2002 WRX wagon, which was on it's last leg. Most of the N/A legacy owners probably have a similar story but I was in the market for a new car, (my roommate worked at the Subaru dealer so it was on my mind more than normal occasionally hearing "Dude you have to check out this car we just brought in!") I wanted the GT, and I didn't want to spend the extra 10K since it only came in limited trim. Anyway, I got a good end of the year deal on a 2012 2.5i premium Legacy with 6-speed. I figured it was still fun to drive and can enjoy the low cost and reliability for years to come. I'm still looking at LGTs... even though I don't "need" one. I'm an enthusiast so I figured I'd appreciated it. Here's what I found... The LGT I test drove the other day was the same color and body style as mine so I thought it would be interesting to drive a car that I'm familiar with in every way except with 100 more horses to launch off the line with. Although to GT was sweet it wasn't all that it's cracked up to be. Although I have driven a turbo'd car before and there was more room to get acclimated to that platform again, I was surprised. It seems as if the shorter gears in the 2.5i 6-speed accomplished more in a relatively short distance like to pass or accelerate out of a turn only to have to brake shortly after. If your on the highway at 65 mph and need to pass, just downshift from 6th to 3rd and you still have enough safe RPM range to get it done as you shift to 4th and back in to 6th to cruse. The 2.5i is not faster than the GT at all but there are some elusive points to be made in the 2.5i's defense. It's almost like it's tricking you to think you are going faster since it's lighter on its feet and throws you in the back of the seat right away. The GT was exhilarating when accelerating through an onramp on to the highway where the tall gears get to through you to highway speeds but only for a second then the opportunity for a ticket comes just as fast... Like I said, I could have tuned my shifting to the turbo to get more out of it but the 6-speeds in both were so damn similar to begin with my reactions couldn't be that far off. When compared to the GT, the 2.5is don't need 91 octane, are almost as fun to drive, I got 34.5 average MPG on the last road trip (200mi), and although I still admire the GT and want Subaru to bring it back into production, it seems like you get a little more than what you paid for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ResidentRedneck Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 plus, i think the GTs are ricey looking. hood scoop and spoiler = geeeyyyyyy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgoodhue Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Yup in the same boat about LGT, I went into the buying process with a budget of about 25K. I bought my car in July 2012, so the only LGT left all had $2K navigation. The local one in the color I want also had bunch of accessories that I didn't want (and the dealer wouldn't remove) so it was priced another ~$1K on top of it. I played with the idea of stretching my budget for non navigation '12 but I couldn't find any. I am little surprised that you were seemingly were a little disappointed. I generally don't down shift to 3rd on the highway. I find the acceleration on 1st and 2nd gear to be adequate in my car, but where it really lacks is on the highway. I mean its fine for squeezing the pedal to pass someone or get up to speed. (two years ago I had an economy car that struggled with that.) The 5th and 6th gears are the only taller gears in the 5th Gen compare to your '12. Same differential ratios and 1-4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgoodhue Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 plus, i think the GTs are ricey looking. hood scoop and spoiler = geeeyyyyyy I will gladly take a functional intercooler scoop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Donated Too laff79 Posted March 14, 2013 I Donated Too Share Posted March 14, 2013 plus, i think the GTs are ricey looking. hood scoop and spoiler = geeeyyyyyy Turbo envy...it's ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orndog Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Interesting and all, but regardless of sharing so much it is still apples to oranges to me. I have bought 2 Subarus off the lot new (and one used), I chose NA because that's what I wanted. Yes, I get it that for some people the turbo is a "halo car" that brings them in but they purchase something else, but not always. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ResidentRedneck Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Turbo envy...it's ok. not at all. i have my turbo toy, and i bought my NA leggy because i wanted a DD for school. my personal opinion is the hood scoops and the spoilers are unattractive. although if i had to pick one, it would be the scoop. i really cant stand the spoiler. on the note of down'ing to 3rd, i only have to do that to really get up and go. normally if im just passing someone on the highway, i just floor it in 5th lol. I will gladly take a functional intercooler scoop. id rather have a FMI over a TMI anyday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andnyleswillriot Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 200 miles is a road trip? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bdog22 Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 I had an '05 LGT (automatic) that I still regret the day I let go a few years ago, but last year got the 2012 2.5i Premium. I do miss the power of the LGT, it was a blast to drive, but could not get myself to put up an extra 10K either plus the need to buy new rims for the winter, deal with a stick again and buy premium gas while getting terrible MPG. I'm happy with the NA 2.5i and would not even consider the LGT as my daily driver, but it is a fun car and agree they should continue making it. For the record I like driving a stick and do miss it at times, but 50 miles back and forth to work gets old with a stick sometimes...especially in traffic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellaGT Posted March 14, 2013 Author Share Posted March 14, 2013 200 miles is a road trip? It's a matter of opinion. Stated the mileage so you would know what the average MPG was based off of. It was more of a "day trip" than a road trip to the Bay Area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellaGT Posted March 14, 2013 Author Share Posted March 14, 2013 I will gladly take a functional intercooler scoop. Part of the selling point when I got my 99 LGT was that it had a hood scoop (not functional) and a spoiler for like $5G at the time. Although, the flush hood looks cleaner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEE-OTTO Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 I bought a 2.5i and pretty much everyday after that I wish I didnt take the swindler aka Bret from RK Subaru "great" deal. I should have simply waited a few months and picked up a used LGT. Oh well lesson learned and over the years i have come to appreciate my car for what it is: a good looking classy AWD sedan. I love my car, power is fine for my lifestyle but it does lack for those times when you need it: passing, speeding up, taking off, etc. I have a few options that make my 2.5i nicer than most base models but I always will want a 08-09 LGT. Now I am in a position to sell/trade my 2.5i and buy the LGT ive always wanted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosAngelesLGT Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 OP a ride in my car will open your mind to horizons you did not know exist. That and make you wet yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orndog Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Do GT people really think it's because we don't know how fast and fun your cars are? I promise I have owned and driven faster and cruder. It's a decision as to what I wanted in a daily driver for long term ownership. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosAngelesLGT Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 What faster and cruder cars have you owned? Inquiring minds want car porn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orndog Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 My first car was a 1969 Camaro. Hellofa ride. It is currently getting a resto. Fast as hell in a straight line, with finesse it was pretty damn fast through the twisties too. Learned to drift before drifting was cool Yeah I was one of those kids ... even had a mullet in highschool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Donated Too laff79 Posted March 15, 2013 I Donated Too Share Posted March 15, 2013 Hipster mullet... Intredasting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosAngelesLGT Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 I'm pretty sure stock for stock a LGT will destroy a 69 Camaro that will destroy a 2.5i. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m_dogg Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 I only bought NA because GT = money pit... just like every FI car I owned ;P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m_dogg Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 I'm pretty sure stock for stock a LGT will destroy a 69 Camaro lolski..funny guy this guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosAngelesLGT Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 I only bought NA because GT = money pit... just like every FI car I owned ;P LGT owners have gotten 200k out of original turbo and components. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m_dogg Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 COPO package was also considered stock - just like LGT Spec B, in other words...Camaro tail lights are looking good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m_dogg Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 LGT owners have gotten 200k out of original turbo and components. Not bashing at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosAngelesLGT Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 Ive also put 20k in aftermarket parts in my car because Im a boost-junkie. I hardly blame my car for it's owners shortcomings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m_dogg Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 LGT owners have gotten 200k out of original turbo and components. I should've re-phrased. FI motor for me = push it to the limits=$$spent on parts instead on mortgage pmt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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