Opinions on '05 Legacy GT

me_and_my_wrx · 06-05-2008, 02:25 PM

I'm thinking of picking up an '05 Legacy GT with a manual transmission. I was wondering if any owners could give me input as to what they think about their cars.
Reliability
Driveability
Repair issues
Fit/Finish
etc...
Any first hand experience is better than none.
Thanks,

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

DJHiRoller · 06-05-2008, 04:28 PM

Get one! I love mine.

Only drag is that you can't swap parts between the WRX and the Legacy (with a few exceptions like crank pulley, etc). The turbo, intake manifold and intercooler are a different design along with the exhaust, suspension and clutch. However, it responds just as well to mods and you can make a ton of power in a very sleeper car (mine is a wagon).

Reliability is just as good as a wrx, only issue is a cooling fan switch recall, which isn't a big deal.

I also own an 06 wrx. They're different cars, but both very fun to drive and mod.

Infamous1 · 06-05-2008, 04:44 PM

I love mine and expect the same build quality as your WRX with a bit better fit & Finish. But it is still a Subaru....

Wiscon_Mark · 06-05-2008, 11:28 PM

It did pretty darn well in a luxury sports car comparison a while back, as I remember.

rougeben83 · 06-05-2008, 11:40 PM

also, check out legacygt.com as there are more new-legacy owners over there...

NSFW · 06-06-2008, 12:23 AM

I bought my w/ 14k, and have a little over 30k on it now. So far it's been very good in every respect. I had a dashboard rattle that was fixed under warranty, and I've already blown two headlights (common complaint on the forum), but that's about it.

The turbo's compressor housing is different from earlier the WRX/STI, in that the old style had the outlet pointed toward the driver's side but the LGT/08-STI style has a bend in the outlet that blows straight up into the TMIC. There are a couple of sources for 18G turbos with VF40 (stock 05 LGT) compressor housings, those have been around for a while.

After the 08 STI came out with the same style of compressor housing, us LGT folks have been looking forward to more aftermarket drop-in turbos... we'll see.

Plenty of people have added VF39s though (stock on pre-08 STIs (I'm not certain of the exact range)), with an STI intercooler/intake manifold/etc. Or if you want to go bigger, you can use the same turbos as the older WRX/STI, or rotated setups, with a front-mounted intercooler. There have been lots of examples of all three on legacygt.com over the last couple years.

I test-drove a WRX the same day I test-drove an LGT, and WRX just felt like a smaller LGT. I really wanted something right in between (my last car was about the same outer dimensions as the WRX, but it felt much bigger on the inside). The LGT won out and I haven't regretted it.

me_and_my_wrx · 06-06-2008, 11:09 AM

Thanks for all the great info. I actually got rid of my '02 WRX and we now have an '06. The 2.5l makes A LOT of difference. I daily drive a '98 Outback Sport with wrx suspension under it but I'm developing some rattles and I just need something a little nicer to run clients around in. I was thinking the LGT now that the prices are starting to drop. Keep the info coming and I'll check out legacygt.com

Thanks,

SiAutoXer · 06-06-2008, 04:10 PM

legacys are nice

Ferret13 · 06-06-2008, 04:55 PM

Get one! I loved my '05 LGT (and love my '08 spec b even more). It got decent mileage (20-30mpg in-town-all highway) but was still very quick. It was extremely comfortable for commuting in traffic and on longer trips. Its quality was great and no real issues once the rotors that came on it were swapped out under warranty. My only complaint was the overall feel of the brakes which was likely not legit since my other ride is an STi making it an unfair comparison.

usncorpsman · 06-06-2008, 11:02 PM

def. check out legacygt.com if you want to see what mods you can do

we've figured out plenty of ways to do STI swaps =D =D and they turn out fantastic!!! i love mine and don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon

4wdrift · 06-07-2008, 08:35 AM

It's an all aroung great car. The only complaint I have is the slow throttle response off
the line. wait...wait...go!

Infamous1 · 06-07-2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NSFW

The turbo's compressor housing is different from earlier the WRX/STI, in that the old style had the outlet pointed toward the driver's side but the LGT/08-STI style has a bend in the outlet that blows straight up into the TMIC. There are a couple of sources for 18G turbos with VF40 (stock 05 LGT) compressor housings, those have been around for a while.

After the 08 STI came out with the same style of compressor housing, us LGT folks have been looking forward to more aftermarket drop-in turbos... we'll see.

Plenty of people have added VF39s though (stock on pre-08 STIs (I'm not certain of the exact range)), with an STI intercooler/intake manifold/etc. Or if you want to go bigger, you can use the same turbos as the older WRX/STI, or rotated setups, with a front-mounted intercooler. There have been lots of examples of all three on legacygt.com over the last couple years.

08' STi still has the same style turbo/TMIC/manifold as the previous years, only the 08' WRX has switched to the LGT style

silentracer · 06-07-2008, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4wdrift

It's an all aroung great car. The only complaint I have is the slow throttle response off
the line. wait...wait...go!

Do you have auto? because if you have it then you don't know how to torque launch.

PA-Outback2000 · 06-07-2008, 08:15 PM

my friend got one and i was jealous. it is fast, looks sick, and is decently comfortable. it is also very easy to modify. good luck with it.

4wdrift · 06-09-2008, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silentracer

Do you have auto? because if you have it then you don't know how to torque launch.

If you beat on it it will launch.

I'm reffering to the turbo lag. If you
want to turn and roll into the throttle with some purpose, from a standstill,
real power doesn't come on untill half way through the turn then you have
to dial it back so as not to make like Makkinnen.

...can't drive like an asshat with kids in the car and traffic around...

Huffer · 06-09-2008, 09:44 PM

^^ to the turbo lag, get a downpipe and a tune. You'll tap a bigger wider powerband and improve responsiveness, as well as improving your MPG.

4wdrift · 06-10-2008, 12:36 PM

Yeah I know, but it's the wifes daily driver. Besides, the Impreza is having a few "minor"
mods done this summer.

Huffer · 06-10-2008, 01:08 PM

You should still get an ECUtek tune for the wife's car. That alone makes a huge difference.

Wiscon_Mark · 06-10-2008, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huffer

You should still get an ECUtek tune for the wife's car. That alone makes a huge difference.

A good tune is worth it for so many reasons...

Infamous1 · 06-10-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huffer

You should still get an AccessPort tune for the wife's car. That alone makes a huge difference.

Fixured, that way you can revert back to stock on your own....

Huffer · 06-11-2008, 07:43 AM

^^ that's the point though - you should get a tune even if you run a stock car. You don't need mods on the boosted cars to take advantage of a decent tune.

azelement520 · 06-12-2008, 02:14 AM

i am also in the market for one, too bad they are so hard to find in southern arizona, and i am too tall for a impreza, got a friend with a wrx and i have to duck everytime i get in and out. i bought a honda element on impluse last year, and while its a nice car its no subaru.

06-05-2008, 02:25 PM	#1
me_and_my_wrx Scooby Newbie Member#: 45198 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 36,000 leisure miles in a year Vehicle: '07 Outback Black	Opinions on '05 Legacy GT I'm thinking of picking up an '05 Legacy GT with a manual transmission. I was wondering if any owners could give me input as to what they think about their cars. Reliability Driveability Repair issues Fit/Finish etc... Any first hand experience is better than none. Thanks, * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
FS: Legacy GT Head Unit/HVAC out of an '05 Legacy GT Wagon	Geoff	Interior/Dressup/Audio & Security	0	07-14-2009 12:33 PM
P0244 CEL on Stock '05 Legacy GT	KJ_Knowles	Factory 2.5L Turbo Powertrain	9	07-14-2008 05:33 PM
245/40/17 on '05 Legacy GT Wagon?	boxerT	Tire & Wheel	0	02-15-2008 12:40 PM
Does anyone have pics/how to info on '05 Legacy GT Custom Double DIN...?	AutoBahn	Car Audio, Video & Security	1	04-26-2006 03:19 AM
Anyone have pictures of a GC8 with '05 Legacy GT rims on it?	paultg	Member's Car Gallery	3	04-06-2005 10:17 AM

06-05-2008, 04:28 PM	#2
DJHiRoller Scooby Newbie Member#: 121479 Join Date: Jul 2006 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Boston Vehicle: Too Many Wagons	Get one! I love mine. Only drag is that you can't swap parts between the WRX and the Legacy (with a few exceptions like crank pulley, etc). The turbo, intake manifold and intercooler are a different design along with the exhaust, suspension and clutch. However, it responds just as well to mods and you can make a ton of power in a very sleeper car (mine is a wagon). Reliability is just as good as a wrx, only issue is a cooling fan switch recall, which isn't a big deal. I also own an 06 wrx. They're different cars, but both very fun to drive and mod.

06-05-2008, 04:44 PM	#3
Infamous1 Scooby Newbie Member#: 133692 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: In So Cal tuning YOU!!! ;) Vehicle: 2003 Chevy Z06 Black/Black	I love mine and expect the same build quality as your WRX with a bit better fit & Finish. But it is still a Subaru....

06-05-2008, 11:28 PM	#4
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	It did pretty darn well in a luxury sports car comparison a while back, as I remember.

06-05-2008, 11:40 PM	#5
rougeben83 Scooby Guru Member#: 115154 Join Date: May 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: NYC Vehicle: 2003 Legacy L Turbo silver	also, check out legacygt.com as there are more new-legacy owners over there...

06-06-2008, 12:23 AM	#6
NSFW Scooby Guru Member#: 140444 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Near Seattle, WA Vehicle: 05 Stage Free LGT ATP 3076, 6MT, AVO FMIC	I bought my w/ 14k, and have a little over 30k on it now. So far it's been very good in every respect. I had a dashboard rattle that was fixed under warranty, and I've already blown two headlights (common complaint on the forum), but that's about it. The turbo's compressor housing is different from earlier the WRX/STI, in that the old style had the outlet pointed toward the driver's side but the LGT/08-STI style has a bend in the outlet that blows straight up into the TMIC. There are a couple of sources for 18G turbos with VF40 (stock 05 LGT) compressor housings, those have been around for a while. After the 08 STI came out with the same style of compressor housing, us LGT folks have been looking forward to more aftermarket drop-in turbos... we'll see. Plenty of people have added VF39s though (stock on pre-08 STIs (I'm not certain of the exact range)), with an STI intercooler/intake manifold/etc. Or if you want to go bigger, you can use the same turbos as the older WRX/STI, or rotated setups, with a front-mounted intercooler. There have been lots of examples of all three on legacygt.com over the last couple years. I test-drove a WRX the same day I test-drove an LGT, and WRX just felt like a smaller LGT. I really wanted something right in between (my last car was about the same outer dimensions as the WRX, but it felt much bigger on the inside). The LGT won out and I haven't regretted it.

06-06-2008, 11:09 AM	#7
me_and_my_wrx Scooby Newbie Member#: 45198 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 36,000 leisure miles in a year Vehicle: '07 Outback Black	Thanks for all the great info. I actually got rid of my '02 WRX and we now have an '06. The 2.5l makes A LOT of difference. I daily drive a '98 Outback Sport with wrx suspension under it but I'm developing some rattles and I just need something a little nicer to run clients around in. I was thinking the LGT now that the prices are starting to drop. Keep the info coming and I'll check out legacygt.com Thanks,

06-06-2008, 04:10 PM	#8
SiAutoXer Scooby Newbie Member#: 181734 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Fort Wayne, IN	legacys are nice

06-06-2008, 04:55 PM	#9
Ferret13 Scooby Specialist Member#: 149791 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: NoVa Vehicle: 2005 WRB STi 2008 spec b, 1995 RS	Get one! I loved my '05 LGT (and love my '08 spec b even more). It got decent mileage (20-30mpg in-town-all highway) but was still very quick. It was extremely comfortable for commuting in traffic and on longer trips. Its quality was great and no real issues once the rotors that came on it were swapped out under warranty. My only complaint was the overall feel of the brakes which was likely not legit since my other ride is an STi making it an unfair comparison.

06-06-2008, 11:02 PM	#10
usncorpsman Scooby Newbie Member#: 173322 Join Date: Mar 2008	def. check out legacygt.com if you want to see what mods you can do we've figured out plenty of ways to do STI swaps =D =D and they turn out fantastic!!! i love mine and don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon

06-07-2008, 08:35 AM	#11
4wdrift Scooby Guru Member#: 1403 Join Date: May 2000 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: In a warm dry place Vehicle: 99 RBP GC8 Impreza	It's an all aroung great car. The only complaint I have is the slow throttle response off the line. wait...wait...go!

06-07-2008, 08:15 PM	#14
PA-Outback2000 Scooby Specialist Member#: 161832 Join Date: Oct 2007 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: PA Vehicle: 2000 Outback Limited Black	my friend got one and i was jealous. it is fast, looks sick, and is decently comfortable. it is also very easy to modify. good luck with it.

06-09-2008, 09:44 PM	#16
Huffer Scooby Specialist Member#: 36735 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Wellington,NZ / Willoughby,OH Vehicle: 99 GF8 Impreza 2.0 2= 1998 BD + BK Legacy GT	^^ to the turbo lag, get a downpipe and a tune. You'll tap a bigger wider powerband and improve responsiveness, as well as improving your MPG.

06-10-2008, 12:36 PM	#17
4wdrift Scooby Guru Member#: 1403 Join Date: May 2000 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: In a warm dry place Vehicle: 99 RBP GC8 Impreza	Yeah I know, but it's the wifes daily driver. Besides, the Impreza is having a few "minor" mods done this summer.

06-10-2008, 01:08 PM	#18
Huffer Scooby Specialist Member#: 36735 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Wellington,NZ / Willoughby,OH Vehicle: 99 GF8 Impreza 2.0 2= 1998 BD + BK Legacy GT	You should still get an ECUtek tune for the wife's car. That alone makes a huge difference.

06-11-2008, 07:43 AM	#21
Huffer Scooby Specialist Member#: 36735 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Wellington,NZ / Willoughby,OH Vehicle: 99 GF8 Impreza 2.0 2= 1998 BD + BK Legacy GT	^^ that's the point though - you should get a tune even if you run a stock car. You don't need mods on the boosted cars to take advantage of a decent tune.

06-12-2008, 02:14 AM	#22
azelement520 Scooby Newbie Member#: 181803 Join Date: Jun 2008	i am also in the market for one, too bad they are so hard to find in southern arizona, and i am too tall for a impreza, got a friend with a wrx and i have to duck everytime i get in and out. i bought a honda element on impluse last year, and while its a nice car its no subaru.