Legacy Touring 2.0R

Hi all

After my misadventure with a 4th gen Diesel, I've owned a few non-Subaru cars, but the Subaru-bug wouldn't let me go. The Outback H6 I still own performs well and always brings me and my family safely and quickly to our destination, but I was missing a 'fun-car'. So, the hunt for something else quickly brought me back to my beloved brand and as of yesterday, my Outback stands alongside a Gen 4 pre-facelift Legacy 2.0R. It has the 165BHP N/A engine with DOHC and was only available for EUDM, JDM and AUDM markets if I'm not mistaken.

The shell and interior are a bit rough, but nothing to serious. The car just needs some body-work and a few interior panels replaced to be top-notch once more.

The car is started life as a demo for a large Subaru-dealer and had decent spec compared to other 2.0R and 2.5i that I've seen. Leather, sat-nav and a sun roof were 'normal' and H6's, but are a rare sight on these, so I'm happy.

So, first pictures from the car how I got it two days ago. It is in need of a clean, the tow-hook needs to go and it needs some body work done to it.

I'm taking it for it's tech inspection tomorrow so I can tax and insure it. Exhaust sounds quite sporty (for a stock unit), so guess it has a leak somewhere and there is a small clunk from the front, so don't know if it will pass...

After I'd finished a list of chores around the house, I got into the car's interior. The seats were filthy and sticky, but in good condition. Stripped them from the car, gave them a torough wash and treated them afterwards with some leather reconditioner.

Car has been smoked in, so will remove center console tomorrow install my O3 generator to help get rid off the smell.

For what I paid, the exhaust (catback) was a decent fit. The left box needs some tweeking (it's tilted), but will sort that out once I've fitted the rear bumper which I removed in order to unbolt the hitch.

Also need to order new crashbeam supports since them were removed when they installed the towhook.

And since I had some rear Bilstein B6 shocks that sat unused in my garage, I installed them with a fresh set of KYB springs (stock height). I might switch them to Spec B rear springs (JDM-spec), but need to see how the car sits after a few rides and with the Bilsteins installed up front.

BTW: I know I need to tackle the brakes.

I am appreciating this step by step. I'll need to do many of these same things.

Thanks. There has been a bit more progress, but a lot has been put on hold due to sellers being very slow in shipping items and/or responding to emails which is becoming frustrating.

The Legacy has had some work done it the last few weeks. I got a letter from Subaru that the car concerning one recall (wire harness to fuel pump). Took it to the dealer, turned out it still had 3 recalls that hadn't been taken car off:

- fuel pump harness

- pass. airbag

- rear brake lines (needed inspection, no replacing)

They also changed the sway bar rubbers since there was a slight knock coming from the front end. I was concerned it would be the shocks, so was pleased with the verdict.

I also treated the car to some fresh rear discs and pads. The old discs were very (c-)rusty.

Next on my to-do-list is the cambelt, which will be a first on a Subaru...

I also gave the engine-bay a wash. Still needs some things sorted.

Before:

After:

So, first pictures from the car how I got it two days ago. It is in need of a clean, the tow-hook needs to go and it needs some body work done to it.

 

 

I'm taking it for it's tech inspection tomorrow so I can tax and insure it. Exhaust sounds quite sporty (for a stock unit), so guess it has a leak somewhere and there is a small clunk from the front, so don't know if it will pass...

Odd ball question, what is the 3rd lever next to the parking break?

Odd ball question, what is the 3rd lever next to the parking break?

In Europe, some Legacy wagons and Outbacks had a high / low gear (just like the Forester). It only came on 4-cilinder engines.

In Europe, there was no turbo Legacy, only the 4 cilinder (with 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto) and the H6 (which had either a 6 speed MT or a 5 speed AT).

dope...another cool feature the USDM never got

Well, it's a feature alright, but I don't like it on the Legacy. I understand why they would use it in the Forester and Outback, but it just makes the gearbox more complicated and shifting less smooth.

Installed some new wheels on the Legacy. Now here's a first for you American guys: these specB wheels only came with USDM, AUSDM and JDM cars, Europe didn't get them...

For the last two years, my parents have been using the Legacy. Still take it for a spin now and then, car feels so well planted when going trough corners.

Unwashed, but had to take a picture: