Test drove a 2010 Legacy at The Grove in Los Angeles!

[Eyeflyistheeye]

It appears that Subaru is serious about getting the word out about the new Legacy.

I set up a meeting yesterday with lgtsoon from Legacygt.com at The Grove to sell him my radio since I got the JDM Dual HVAC controls installed. When I pulled in, I saw a 2010 Legacy at the valet area and thought to myself that I would check it out once I got down from the parking structure.

The Grove (http://www.thegrovela.com/) is a shopping complex that tends to attract a pretty upscale audience, with a lot of the typical C-Class/3-series/A4/G35s in the parking lot. They used to have a sponsoring agreement with Nissan/Infiniti, where they would display their cars but there were no test drives, and the cars were locked. The last time I was there a month back, they had a 2010 Maxima on display.

They had a Legacy unlocked at the base of the parking structure with two representatives, I introduced myself as an '05 owner and they told me that they were offering test drives at the valet area with a free $20 gift card.

I spoke to the gentleman who was in charge of setting up the test drives, and he told me that they were doing it every Thursday at The Grove and that they have had an overwhelmingly positive response to the test drives with many people taking them up on the offer (even before they find out about the gift card) and more than a few people asking them for more information. Most everyone I saw after the test drives were quite satisfied.

I'm glad they're going out to places like The Grove and getting people who wouldn't normally consider Subaru or the Legacy/Outback to find out about it.

Personally, I liked the new Legacy (I drove a CVT premium) and found the increase in rear seat room welcome. Too bad it was just the typical residential cruise so I wasn't able to give it a flogging and see how it compares dynamically to the previous one

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[HB_Dad]

Originally Posted by Eyeflyistheeye

It appears that Subaru is serious about getting the word out about the new Legacy.

I set up a meeting yesterday with lgtsoon from Legacygt.com at The Grove to sell him my radio since I got the JDM Dual HVAC controls installed. When I pulled in, I saw a 2010 Legacy at the valet area and thought to myself that I would check it out once I got down from the parking structure.

The Grove (http://www.thegrovela.com/) is a shopping complex that tends to attract a pretty upscale audience, with a lot of the typical C-Class/3-series/A4/G35s in the parking lot. They used to have a sponsoring agreement with Nissan/Infiniti, where they would display their cars but there were no test drives, and the cars were locked. The last time I was there a month back, they had a 2010 Maxima on display.

They had a Legacy unlocked at the base of the parking structure with two representatives, I introduced myself as an '05 owner and they told me that they were offering test drives at the valet area with a free $20 gift card.

I spoke to the gentleman who was in charge of setting up the test drives, and he told me that they were doing it every Thursday at The Grove and that they have had an overwhelmingly positive response to the test drives with many people taking them up on the offer (even before they find out about the gift card) and more than a few people asking them for more information. Most everyone I saw after the test drives were quite satisfied.

I'm glad they're going out to places like The Grove and getting people who wouldn't normally consider Subaru or the Legacy/Outback to find out about it.

Personally, I liked the new Legacy (I drove a CVT premium) and found the increase in rear seat room welcome. Too bad it was just the typical residential cruise so I wasn't able to give it a flogging and see how it compares dynamically to the previous one

I've taken my three girls to the American Girl store at the Grove several times. Overall, a very nice shopping center especially around Christmas when its decorated. However, it is also a bitch to drive around due to heavy surface street traffic so I am dubious about the test drives showing new customers what the car can do. I am glad Subaru is taking this approach to get the word out although they should do this with a fully-loaded Limited model Tribeca as well considering the upscale crowd. I still think Subaru should do the mall thing as well like other makes. I must say, I was impressed with the Ford Flex at my local mall and wouldn't have looked into it at all if it wasn't right there. Subaru's problem is people don't know much about them so they need all of the exposure they can get. There's no reason Subaru needs to stay at less than 2% of the market.

By the way, what was the $20 Gift Card for?

[PineyLGT805]

Im interested in seeing peoples input on the 2010 ... I as an 05 owner have found myself fast forwarding (if its on my DVR) or changing the channel when the new LEGGY pops up... Maybe it will grow on me like the new STi but man i can't get over how big and unfast, fun it is .... i am waiting for my local dealer to get one so i can try it out (i went about 6 months ago to try a 09 SPEC B and was glad i didn't opt for the 6spd ... too much shifting)

[Eyeflyistheeye]

Originally Posted by HB_Dad

I've taken my three girls to the American Girl store at the Grove several times. Overall, a very nice shopping center especially around Christmas when its decorated. However, it is also a bitch to drive around due to heavy surface street traffic so I am dubious about the test drives showing new customers what the car can do. I am glad Subaru is taking this approach to get the word out although they should do this with a fully-loaded Limited model Tribeca as well considering the upscale crowd. I still think Subaru should do the mall thing as well like other makes. I must say, I was impressed with the Ford Flex at my local mall and wouldn't have looked into it at all if it wasn't right there. Subaru's problem is people don't know much about them so they need all of the exposure they can get. There's no reason Subaru needs to stay at less than 2% of the market.

By the way, what was the $20 Gift Card for?

True, the worst thing is all the LA area yuppies who can't drive worth a ****

They gave away a Grove-branded American Express gift card valid at anywhere that accepts AmEx

Originally Posted by PineyLGT805

Im interested in seeing peoples input on the 2010 ... I as an 05 owner have found myself fast forwarding (if its on my DVR) or changing the channel when the new LEGGY pops up... Maybe it will grow on me like the new STi but man i can't get over how big and unfast, fun it is .... i am waiting for my local dealer to get one so i can try it out (i went about 6 months ago to try a 09 SPEC B and was glad i didn't opt for the 6spd ... too much shifting)

I found the 2010 to be larger with a smoother ride and much more space. At the same time, it felt like an all-new vehicle and not a continuation of the BL. I'd suggest to definitely check it out and test drive it when it comes to your dealer.

[HB_Dad]

Originally Posted by Eyeflyistheeye

at anywhere that accepts AmEx :taco

Soooo... nowhere but Costco then?

[Eyeflyistheeye]

Originally Posted by HB_Dad

Soooo... nowhere but Costco then?

Smoked salmon it is, then

[KidCorporate]

Originally Posted by Eyeflyistheeye

Smoked salmon it is, then

And dried Mangoes 'n ****!

But seriously, the new Legacy is one of the ugliest cars I've ever seen with my own eyes, at least in wagon form. After following up the Impreza with this... thing, they've guarantied that I'll never see the inside of a Subie dealership again for a looong time.

[keepclam]

Originally Posted by KidCorporate

the new Legacy is one of the ugliest cars I've ever seen with my own eyes, at least in wagon form.

Are you in Japan? Where'd you get to see a new Legacy in wagon form with your own eyes?

[Eyeflyistheeye]

Originally Posted by KidCorporate

And dried Mangoes 'n ****!

But seriously, the new Legacy is one of the ugliest cars I've ever seen with my own eyes, at least in wagon form. After following up the Impreza with this... thing, they've guarantied that I'll never see the inside of a Subie dealership again for a looong time.

Ehhh, after living in the Philippines for a while, no more dried mangoes for me!

[SnowBound BP5]

That's a good idea on Subaru's part. But why only on a Thursday? When I was there about a month ago they had a Ferrari F430 convertible sitting downstair at the entrance to the parking structure.

[SnowBound BP5]

Originally Posted by keepclam

Are you in Japan? Where'd you get to see a new Legacy in wagon form with your own eyes?

Here are some pics I took in Japan when the new BM/BR just got released:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115580

[HB_Dad]

Originally Posted by SnowBound BP5

But why only on a Thursday?

... because if they did it on a Saturday or Sunday, the much larger weekend crowds might see it and we can't have that!

[Eyeflyistheeye]

It might have something to do with available times. On the weekend, the Grove is busy and it would cost Subaru much more $$$$ to do the test drives in their valet area. Also, the display car is on the floor everyday so everyone going back into the parking lot or arriving will see it.

And awesome pics, Snowbound. I really wish they'd bring the wagon back to the United States.

If I sell my Legacy GT to a relative of mine who will be in need of a car soon, my first choice to replace it would either be the new Legacy or the Outback. I like the added space and comfort, plus this might sound like heresy, but I might go for a N/A model this time since the most I usually go on a freeway is 85, I'd be pleased to trade off the speed for some economy.

[ejicon]

The Grove is definitely high scale. Nice to see subaru rounding all the bases: RALLY, Active Life STYLE, and the Posh, Rich and Famous. WAY to go.

[jdbaker82]

How did you like it?

[Eyeflyistheeye]

Originally Posted by jdbaker82

How did you like it?

My first impression of the new Legacy was that Subaru has created a credible competitor to the Camry and the Accord. From my personal experience, the previous Legacy mainly competed against the Impreza, especially the GT against the WRX. Case in point, both lgtsoon and I initially considered the WRX and ended up with the Legacy since it was roughly the same price and had the 5EAT. And that was when the WRX had no AVCS and the 2.0 litre.

I'm 6'2, and I easily fit in the back seat of the new Legacy, something I couldn't do with my 2005. The CVT was smooth and the power delivery of the NA 2.5 reminded me of the Toyota Camry V6 I owned before the Legacy, a good thing. As for the dashboard, some of the materials do look a little cheaper, but the design is more cheerful than the dour look of the previous generation, which makes up for much of it. The door panels, steering wheel and shifter/paddles felt of good quality though.

It's a winner in its price range, especially when the new model euphoria wanes off and there are enough on the lots to deal. Personally, I would prefer the new Legacy over my current one but can understand the frustration from current BL/BP owners who enjoy the car's sporty qualities but feel they have nothing from Subaru to move up to which would be a situation solved if Subaru would stop treating the Impreza sedan like an afterthought and bump up the interior quality to that of the outgoing Legacy, as well as a more coherent design.

[akoshy]

The interior space on the new Legacy and Outback are nothing short of amazing, when compared to their predecessors. The rear legroom is the most telling change of all.