[Robe30]

I currently own a 2002 LGT wagon, 5spd, 142k etc. Over the last year and a half I replaced the head gaskets (and all engines gaskets/seals), new clutch, new group N trans mount, new center differential etc etc. I'm at a cross roads here. The car is not particularly fast, nor does it handle corners great and it lacks ground clearance to go offroad. I could make it handle better w/out too much $, fast isn't needed (I have my cammed E30 and my wifes OBXT w/ a reflashed ecu) and I'm unsure if I need to go offroad. I should add that I stopped past a friends shop today and picked up a pair of 06 WRX seats to make it a little more supportive through the corners.

I have someone that wants to trade me an 03 OB w/ 160k on it. 5 spd, cold weather package, no sunroof (I really really like a sunroof). Supposedly the car was owned by an older couple that bought it new, never been abused, recent hg fix etc.

Am I a fool to trade a mechanically known car for an unknown entity? Also, when my wife had her 03 Legacy wagon, it would buck when you'd let off the throttle (worse w/ ac engaged). This car does the same thing. My 02 does NOT buck when you let off the gas. Does this bucking have to do w/ the egr valve on the 03?

I'm not sure what to do and yes, I'm asking a group of strangers for car advice

Thanks guys!

 

[frogsthatmoo]

For me the bucking was because of the rear differential bushings in my 5-speed OB. There was a large discussion somewhere that came to a fork where people sort of fell into two camps. I'm unsure of what ended up happening, but I'll look for the thread.

I realllllllllly want an Outback with a sunroof too


But to answer your actual question. I would just drive the Outback and see how it feels compared to your Legacy. I personally feel like you've invested a lot into your Legacy but you seem like your almost ready to sell it anyways so maybe you should go for it.

 

[Robe30]

I either need to tighten up the handling on my GT or move it along. My list for that would be 07 WRX wheels (17"), new struts and maybe Whiteline sway bars. I need to enhance its strengths and I think handling would be the best place to start

 

[cardoc]

Keep it. You would have to start over with the OB and as you already posted, the unknown.

 

[susiemk]

Keep your car!

If you need more ground clearance get a set of good Outback struts from a J/Y - I did this to my '00 Legacy Brighton & it sits as high as an OBW.

 

[boxterfan67]

Keep what you have. Especially after all the time & $ you have put into it. Spend a little more to make it handle better. What you lack in power you can gain in corners.

 

[Robe30]

Thanks guys for the input. The GT is staying. Now I just need to r&r the suspension w decent struts and other worn bits. The money I would've put into making the Outback more offroad capable will now be put into my 87 BMW 325is. I've been dealing w a bad driveshaft for too long now and I need to spring for a reman shaft

Eventually ill post a picture of my family, 87 325is, 02 LGT wagon and 05 OBXT.

 

[idosubaru]

i'd keep what you got, known and all.

i love the way our 2003 Outback Sedan H6 handles, it handles very sharp compared to the OBW, I would imagine a GT with any bit of stock OEM stuff in good shape should handle well. new struts and springs and upgrade the sway bars appropriately, should handle very well.

i'm not overly familiar with them, but some/many BMW's handle very well, if you're comparing it to that maybe that's too big of a jump?

hard to imagine someone not liking how a GT handles, doing upgrades, and attentive enough to swap seats for support...liking the OBW handling.

 

[Robe30]

The thought was to take the OB offroad but that opens up a whole other world of ways to spend $$ and break things.

I have Bilsteins and H&R spec E30 springs on my BMW along w M3 sway bars so I'm a little biased in regards to handling

 

[Ahowe125]

I'm with the others, good choice to keep what you have and make it better. I have also replaced the Head gaskets, just did a clutch job on it, and now would like to replace the transmission mount. Where did you end up buying your Group N mount?

I love how simple our cars are, and it sounds like yours is pretty sound. I'm always looking for ways to make mine better, and I think suspension may be next for mine.

 

[Robe30]

Ill check w my friend but I'm pretty sure he sourced it through the dealer.