Over 5 or 6 years, which do you think provides more value?

 

I can get a demo Legacy for about 23k or an 02 or 03 LL Bean or VDC with less than 45k miles for 16 to 19k.

 

The new model has the much nicer interior and gas mileage.

 

The older H6 is less money up front and it has the smoother, more powerful engine, which gets less gas mileage. Also, I'd be able to put an aftermarket stereo in. The VDC model has the VDC as well. Also, it seems as though the older H6 models had a nicer ride than the newer Legacy, but I didn't drive them back to back. Is this possible?

 

No idea what depreciation will be like on either. Insurance premiums I would guess would be about the same, most of the time 6 cyl means higher, but a newer vehicle means higher too.

With fuel prices like they are MPG would be a big factor for me. If you plan on keeping the car for many years pick the newer one - it's a known quantity.

The body styles change every 5 or so years. The 05 was the beginning of the new cycle and would then hold that newer car look for more years than the previous generation styling. I love the styling of our 05 OB Ltd. Compare the rear tail lights on this newer incarnation as two distinct lamps as compared to the band of red reflector that went across the entire back. The 05 is higher and has more "hip and shoulder" to the look. I feel the 05s are styled like a better scaled Lexus (which I find too large and clunky).

You'll be getting a longer warranty with the new car if this matters to you. The older car is back for sale either because it had issues, an accident or was driven as a leaser by someone who may not be as concerned as you about care and longevity.

I stayed away from the 05 turbos because of the required premium gas and I don't care for the hood scoop which though at leaast functional on these models gives the car a more "boy racer" look. Of course... IMHO.