Daily Commuter..... 99-02 G20 vs 05-07 Legacy.....which to buy?

Sil80sx · 12-03-2012, 01:24 PM

So its time to put the STi to rest, and buy a commuter car. Im looking to spend $3500 on it, or use that as a down payment for a 05-07 legacy. The g20's sr20 engine is reliable as ***, but I've heard amazing things about automatic subaru transmissions. I like the looks of a legacy more (obviously haha) but I also like the fact of not having a car payment with the g20. Theyre both similar in MPG and one is easier to fix than the other. I'm stuck here guys, which would you pick and why??? Thanks!!

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Drakien · 12-05-2012, 02:37 AM

Well since you are in the LA area, I assume you won't be needing AWD.
If you are getting it to save money, then get one that you won't have to pay on.

jr105 · 12-10-2012, 01:17 PM

Unless the G20 has super high miles I would go with that to save money, and like Drakien said AWD in LA won't be a big deal.

torquelover · 12-14-2012, 01:28 AM

Get an older G20, '96 or older if you can. Much more fun to drive, should be cheaper, and no horrid "multilink beam" rear suspension. A plus if you find a G20t with the better seats and LSD.

Brianb351 · 12-15-2012, 12:23 PM

Having daily driven a 96 G20 a few years back and a 07 legacy 2.5i limited currently, i figure i should share my experience. I drove the Infiniti for 40k miles(100k-140k). The motor gave me no problems what so ever. The rest of the car was another story. Broken motor mounts, a failed power window actuator, and a rusted exhaust were some of the issues i encountered. The car wasn't a sales success, so most parts had to be special ordered . I also didn't care for the automatic in the car( i always get an AT for my commuter and a manual for my toy). The car had decent handling for a front driver, especially after i added 17" sentra spec v wheels.
Ive had the Legacy for 5 weeks now (replaced the outback that Sandy washed away). I love it. It's comfortable, looks good, and handles well. The trans is well matched to the N/A motor. It's also much roomier than the G20. This is important because i use it to haul parts for my STi.
I vote legacy sedan. Hope this was helpful.

12-03-2012, 01:24 PM	#1
Sil80sx Scooby Newbie Member#: 231403 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montebello Vehicle: 05 STi Aspen White	Daily Commuter..... 99-02 G20 vs 05-07 Legacy.....which to buy? So its time to put the STi to rest, and buy a commuter car. Im looking to spend $3500 on it, or use that as a down payment for a 05-07 legacy. The g20's sr20 engine is reliable as **, but I've heard amazing things about automatic subaru transmissions. I like the looks of a legacy more (obviously haha) but I also like the fact of not having a car payment with the g20. Theyre both similar in MPG and one is easier to fix than the other. I'm stuck here guys, which would you pick and why??? Thanks!! Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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12-05-2012, 02:37 AM	#2
Drakien Scooby Newbie Member#: 191131 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: St George, UT Vehicle: 06 LGT Silver	Well since you are in the LA area, I assume you won't be needing AWD. If you are getting it to save money, then get one that you won't have to pay on.

12-10-2012, 01:17 PM	#3
jr105 Scooby Newbie Member#: 325027 Join Date: Jul 2012	Unless the G20 has super high miles I would go with that to save money, and like Drakien said AWD in LA won't be a big deal.

12-14-2012, 01:28 AM	#4
torquelover Scooby Newbie Member#: 187383 Join Date: Aug 2008 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Vehicle: 2008 2.5i Manual 4DR OBP on Ivory	Get an older G20, '96 or older if you can. Much more fun to drive, should be cheaper, and no horrid "multilink beam" rear suspension. A plus if you find a G20t with the better seats and LSD.

12-15-2012, 12:23 PM	#5
Brianb351 Scooby Newbie Member#: 332869 Join Date: Sep 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Margate City, NJ Vehicle: 2007 STI limited SWP	Having daily driven a 96 G20 a few years back and a 07 legacy 2.5i limited currently, i figure i should share my experience. I drove the Infiniti for 40k miles(100k-140k). The motor gave me no problems what so ever. The rest of the car was another story. Broken motor mounts, a failed power window actuator, and a rusted exhaust were some of the issues i encountered. The car wasn't a sales success, so most parts had to be special ordered . I also didn't care for the automatic in the car( i always get an AT for my commuter and a manual for my toy). The car had decent handling for a front driver, especially after i added 17" sentra spec v wheels. Ive had the Legacy for 5 weeks now (replaced the outback that Sandy washed away). I love it. It's comfortable, looks good, and handles well. The trans is well matched to the N/A motor. It's also much roomier than the G20. This is important because i use it to haul parts for my STi. I vote legacy sedan. Hope this was helpful.