Looking to buy early 90's legacy, what to look for?

AWD>FWD · 11-07-2006, 07:24 PM

Hey, I am looking to buy an early 90's legacy for winter time, rally-x, and whatnot. I have been looking at the AWD 2.2l models, both in sedan and wagon. Which model is better for handling as in rally driving the wagon or sedan?

Are there any better/worse options from the factory to look for? Are there any common problems to look for?

Thank you!

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DerFahrer · 11-07-2006, 07:35 PM

Many will say that a wagon handles better because it's ass-heavy and won't understeer as bad. The 93 wagon my grandpa and I had didn't feel that way, but I think that car was just too heavy (loaded with ABS, sunroof, auto, AWD, etc.). Plus it had blown struts and crappy tires.

Problems:
- Oil leaks, just like any old Subaru
- Rust, just like any Subaru
- Knock sensors would crack and give bogus readings, old ones have grey connectors, new updated ones have white ones
- Wheel bearings, just like any Subaru
- Overheating can cause blown headgaskets, just like any Subaru

Other than that, just see that basic maintenance has been done. Most will agree that the 1st-gen Legacies are still the most reliable Subarus ever made. I just hit 160k on my 91 Legacy, and the 70k of it that are mine have been fairly abusive, everything from being 16 and a new driver, to more recently autoXing and rallyXing it. I've had it do some weird things while driving it, but the car has still yet failed to get me where I've needed to go, not even for a dead battery or flat tire.

AWD>FWD · 11-07-2006, 07:41 PM

Cool, thank you for the post.

AWD>FWD · 11-07-2006, 11:18 PM

I almost lucked out on a 90 Turbo sedan for 900 bucks with a slipping auto, but it sold like 2 hours before I called!

Wiscon_Mark · 11-07-2006, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWD>FWD

I almost lucked out on a 90 Turbo sedan for 900 bucks with a slipping auto, but it sold like 2 hours before I called!

There is no 90 Turbo sedan. They were made from 91-94. The wagons from 92-94.

AWD>FWD · 11-08-2006, 12:54 AM

Err, then it was a 91.

rougeben83 · 11-08-2006, 01:20 AM

Turbo Sport Sedan if you can find one in good condition would be my top pick if I was looking for an older Legacy...

AWD>FWD · 11-08-2006, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rougeben83

Turbo Sport Sedan if you can find one in good condition would be my top pick if I was looking for an older Legacy...

$$$ though....

I'm wanting to spend 1k or less on a car, and then like 500 over that to get it to good running shape, and that is doing my own work.

DLC · 11-08-2006, 02:03 PM

The latest year 5MT sedan or wagon you can find is going to be your best bet. The earlier models can be found without ABS and some of the heavy features like a sunroof.

AWD>FWD · 11-08-2006, 05:12 PM

What are the main differences between the wagon and sedan?

DLC · 11-08-2006, 06:01 PM

Mostly the differences are weight, and where it's at. You get a rear wiper and more cargo room in the wagon, which might be important if the vehicle will be driven to events.

There's a lot of info about them on my site:

http://legacycentral.org/library.htm

Scanned brochures and whatnot with specs, including weight, length, etc...

Also, the Legacy Central BBS is the best place to search for specific questions about the cars, lots of great info there.

AWD>FWD · 11-08-2006, 07:22 PM

Thank you. I know quite a bit about the Imprezas, but basically know nothing about Legacy's other than the fact I can get a Legacy cheaper than an Impreza L and they seem to be just as reliable and rally-able.

Sneeky Pete · 11-08-2006, 08:10 PM

anyone have a good idea of what a 92 turbo seden with a roof might weigh?

Sorry to Hijack,I felt if fit the topic though........

AWD>FWD · 11-08-2006, 08:18 PM

With the roof, or without?

Wiscon_Mark · 11-08-2006, 10:19 PM

With a roof? Are you on cocaine?

Anyways:
Official Curbweight Thread

AWD>FWD · 11-08-2006, 10:41 PM

"Cocaine is one hell of a drug."

Sneeky Pete · 11-08-2006, 10:46 PM

lol....Um sun roof guys......Should of known posting in the Legy section would draw out the disco freaks that grew up in the 80's

Thanks....Thinkin about pickin up a black 92 turbo seden 5 m/t with 130k on the clock...Its a long drive and just debating on if its worth it our not....

Wiscon_Mark · 11-08-2006, 10:51 PM

sunroof =/= roof

And I have seen Legacys that have been *slaughtered* and made into convertibles. I wasn't sure if you were referring to that or not...

Is it worth it?

Well, the engine is basically the best Subaru has ever made, strengthwise. 130k is nothing. And the 5MTs are rare.

So yeah, I'd say it's worth it.

AWD>FWD · 11-08-2006, 11:12 PM

How much are you gettin' it for?

Sneeky Pete · 11-08-2006, 11:21 PM

Im afraid to tell you guys....

Sneeky Pete · 11-08-2006, 11:22 PM

900 obo.....lol

Wiscon_Mark · 11-08-2006, 11:51 PM

Do It!

AWD>FWD · 11-08-2006, 11:51 PM

Don't do it....

.....But umm....what's the guy's phone #?

AWD>FWD · 11-08-2006, 11:57 PM

Sweet, so I just called a guy up about his car (he posted it on CL 20 minutes earlier) about coming to look at it tomorrow afternoon. It is like 10 minutes from my house, but he is asking a little much and it is an auto. So hopefully I can talk him down. I am hoping to get the car for around 800, it is a 91 blue sedan with 204k on it with a new auto. He says it has a new CD player and everything works excellent, so we will see.

How much does a 5mt go for? Can the stock rear diff be used if I swap in a manual, or do I have to change that too?

spdracr00 · 11-09-2006, 12:47 AM

well i can tell you from my experience that i paid $1200 for my 92 with 155K and a new clutch. the only things i've put into it were $300 for new front axles and a full fluid change. I wouldnt trust an auto, but thats just me. as far as rallycross goes..... good god!!! the sedan is super ass happy with zero understeer, I put a stock turbo rearsway (18mm) cause the stock "L" doesnt come with one and the car is "twitchy" compared to both my GF's 02 wrx wagon and my 99 legacy wagon. the car turns so crazy fast and its super easy to break the ass end around corners. plus the 2.2l 5mt is has a sweet gear ratio, super quick off the line and better mpg than my 2.5.. not as strong in the top end though...

11-07-2006, 07:24 PM	#1
AWD>FWD Scooby Guru Member#: 107027 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woodinville, WA Vehicle: 2007 SWP WRX STi w/MPS-built 2.34l	Looking to buy early 90's legacy, what to look for? Hey, I am looking to buy an early 90's legacy for winter time, rally-x, and whatnot. I have been looking at the AWD 2.2l models, both in sedan and wagon. Which model is better for handling as in rally driving the wagon or sedan? Are there any better/worse options from the factory to look for? Are there any common problems to look for? Thank you! * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

11-08-2006, 11:57 PM	#24
AWD>FWD Scooby Guru Member#: 107027 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woodinville, WA Vehicle: 2007 SWP WRX STi w/MPS-built 2.34l	Sweet, so I just called a guy up about his car (he posted it on CL 20 minutes earlier) about coming to look at it tomorrow afternoon. It is like 10 minutes from my house, but he is asking a little much and it is an auto. So hopefully I can talk him down. I am hoping to get the car for around 800, it is a 91 blue sedan with 204k on it with a new auto. He says it has a new CD player and everything works excellent, so we will see. How much does a 5mt go for? Can the stock rear diff be used if I swap in a manual, or do I have to change that too? Last edited by AWD>FWD; 11-09-2006 at 12:06 AM.

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11-07-2006, 07:35 PM	#2
DerFahrer Scooby Specialist Member#: 30727 Join Date: Dec 2002 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Orlando, FL Vehicle: 2000 Legacy B4 RSK Formerly subyluvr2212	Many will say that a wagon handles better because it's ass-heavy and won't understeer as bad. The 93 wagon my grandpa and I had didn't feel that way, but I think that car was just too heavy (loaded with ABS, sunroof, auto, AWD, etc.). Plus it had blown struts and crappy tires. Problems: - Oil leaks, just like any old Subaru - Rust, just like any Subaru - Knock sensors would crack and give bogus readings, old ones have grey connectors, new updated ones have white ones - Wheel bearings, just like any Subaru - Overheating can cause blown headgaskets, just like any Subaru Other than that, just see that basic maintenance has been done. Most will agree that the 1st-gen Legacies are still the most reliable Subarus ever made. I just hit 160k on my 91 Legacy, and the 70k of it that are mine have been fairly abusive, everything from being 16 and a new driver, to more recently autoXing and rallyXing it. I've had it do some weird things while driving it, but the car has still yet failed to get me where I've needed to go, not even for a dead battery or flat tire.

11-07-2006, 07:41 PM	#3
AWD>FWD Scooby Guru Member#: 107027 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woodinville, WA Vehicle: 2007 SWP WRX STi w/MPS-built 2.34l	Cool, thank you for the post.

11-07-2006, 11:18 PM	#4
AWD>FWD Scooby Guru Member#: 107027 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woodinville, WA Vehicle: 2007 SWP WRX STi w/MPS-built 2.34l	I almost lucked out on a 90 Turbo sedan for 900 bucks with a slipping auto, but it sold like 2 hours before I called!

11-08-2006, 12:54 AM	#6
AWD>FWD Scooby Guru Member#: 107027 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woodinville, WA Vehicle: 2007 SWP WRX STi w/MPS-built 2.34l	Err, then it was a 91.

11-08-2006, 01:20 AM	#7
rougeben83 Scooby Guru Member#: 115154 Join Date: May 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: NYC Vehicle: 2003 Legacy L Turbo silver	Turbo Sport Sedan if you can find one in good condition would be my top pick if I was looking for an older Legacy...

11-08-2006, 02:03 PM	#9
DLC out back Moderator Member#: 1964 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: 84XXX Vehicle: 01 BH Blue/Bronze	The latest year 5MT sedan or wagon you can find is going to be your best bet. The earlier models can be found without ABS and some of the heavy features like a sunroof.

11-08-2006, 05:12 PM	#10
AWD>FWD Scooby Guru Member#: 107027 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woodinville, WA Vehicle: 2007 SWP WRX STi w/MPS-built 2.34l	What are the main differences between the wagon and sedan?

11-08-2006, 06:01 PM	#11
DLC out back Moderator Member#: 1964 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: 84XXX Vehicle: 01 BH Blue/Bronze	Mostly the differences are weight, and where it's at. You get a rear wiper and more cargo room in the wagon, which might be important if the vehicle will be driven to events. There's a lot of info about them on my site: http://legacycentral.org/library.htm Scanned brochures and whatnot with specs, including weight, length, etc... Also, the Legacy Central BBS is the best place to search for specific questions about the cars, lots of great info there.

11-08-2006, 07:22 PM	#12
AWD>FWD Scooby Guru Member#: 107027 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woodinville, WA Vehicle: 2007 SWP WRX STi w/MPS-built 2.34l	Thank you. I know quite a bit about the Imprezas, but basically know nothing about Legacy's other than the fact I can get a Legacy cheaper than an Impreza L and they seem to be just as reliable and rally-able.

11-08-2006, 08:10 PM	#13
Sneeky Pete Scooby Specialist Member#: 97745 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Chicago-Subs Vehicle: 2005 OBXT 5spd red 05 OB Lmited Black	anyone have a good idea of what a 92 turbo seden with a roof might weigh? Sorry to Hijack,I felt if fit the topic though........

11-08-2006, 08:18 PM	#14
AWD>FWD Scooby Guru Member#: 107027 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woodinville, WA Vehicle: 2007 SWP WRX STi w/MPS-built 2.34l	With the roof, or without?

11-08-2006, 10:19 PM	#15
Wiscon_Mark Scooby Guru Member#: 94945 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Stevens Point, WI Vehicle: 1995 Legacy OB 5MT 2003 Forester X 5MT	With a roof? Are you on cocaine? Anyways: Official Curbweight Thread

11-08-2006, 10:41 PM	#16
AWD>FWD Scooby Guru Member#: 107027 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woodinville, WA Vehicle: 2007 SWP WRX STi w/MPS-built 2.34l	"Cocaine is one hell of a drug."

11-08-2006, 10:46 PM	#17
Sneeky Pete Scooby Specialist Member#: 97745 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Chicago-Subs Vehicle: 2005 OBXT 5spd red 05 OB Lmited Black	lol....Um sun roof guys......Should of known posting in the Legy section would draw out the disco freaks that grew up in the 80's Thanks....Thinkin about pickin up a black 92 turbo seden 5 m/t with 130k on the clock...Its a long drive and just debating on if its worth it our not....

11-08-2006, 10:51 PM	#18
Wiscon_Mark Scooby Guru Member#: 94945 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Stevens Point, WI Vehicle: 1995 Legacy OB 5MT 2003 Forester X 5MT	sunroof =/= roof And I have seen Legacys that have been slaughtered and made into convertibles. I wasn't sure if you were referring to that or not... Is it worth it? Well, the engine is basically the best Subaru has ever made, strengthwise. 130k is nothing. And the 5MTs are rare. So yeah, I'd say it's worth it.

11-08-2006, 11:12 PM	#19
AWD>FWD Scooby Guru Member#: 107027 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woodinville, WA Vehicle: 2007 SWP WRX STi w/MPS-built 2.34l	How much are you gettin' it for?

11-08-2006, 11:21 PM	#20
Sneeky Pete Scooby Specialist Member#: 97745 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Chicago-Subs Vehicle: 2005 OBXT 5spd red 05 OB Lmited Black	Im afraid to tell you guys....

11-08-2006, 11:22 PM	#21
Sneeky Pete Scooby Specialist Member#: 97745 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Chicago-Subs Vehicle: 2005 OBXT 5spd red 05 OB Lmited Black	900 obo.....lol

11-08-2006, 11:51 PM	#22
Wiscon_Mark Scooby Guru Member#: 94945 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Stevens Point, WI Vehicle: 1995 Legacy OB 5MT 2003 Forester X 5MT	Do It!

11-09-2006, 12:47 AM	#25
spdracr00 Scooby Specialist Member#: 65823 Join Date: Jul 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Hillsboro, OR Vehicle: 1996 Impreza L Red	well i can tell you from my experience that i paid $1200 for my 92 with 155K and a new clutch. the only things i've put into it were $300 for new front axles and a full fluid change. I wouldnt trust an auto, but thats just me. as far as rallycross goes..... good god!!! the sedan is super ass happy with zero understeer, I put a stock turbo rearsway (18mm) cause the stock "L" doesnt come with one and the car is "twitchy" compared to both my GF's 02 wrx wagon and my 99 legacy wagon. the car turns so crazy fast and its super easy to break the ass end around corners. plus the 2.2l 5mt is has a sweet gear ratio, super quick off the line and better mpg than my 2.5.. not as strong in the top end though...