July 15, 200619 yr OK, now that I know just how good these Subaru's can be, as well as easy to work on (being an old hot rodder, that's important!!) AND now that the price of gas is what it is, we're thinking seriously of getting an early to mid 90's 5-sp. wagon to replace the Jimmy 4x4. My old rustbucket 84 has taught me a lot, but I need some input from you folks regarding the plus's and minus's of Loyale vs. Legacy models. What to look for, what not to worry about, etc. etc. We live in the Okanagan Valley, BC so we have lots of product to pick from judging from craigslist, etc. We'd lean toward the larger Legacy so fire away and tell us what you think and what to look for. (Rust and worn CV joints no longer bother me!!)
July 15, 200619 yr Legacy. Newer engine, newer drive system, bigger car, more reliable. Bigger fanbase (http://bbs.legacycentral.org)
July 15, 200619 yr Another vote for Legacy. Easier to work on in all respects....timing belt is easier and changing a front axle is certainly easier. Handles much better too. Only downside is slightly poorer gas mileage.
July 15, 200619 yr I've had both Loyale and Legacy wagons. I vote Legacy...manual transmission, definitely. I've had an untold number of problems with both Legacy and Loyale AT. Good luck!
July 15, 200619 yr Get a well cared for Legacy/manual/non-turbo these cars have lots of power with the same mpg on the highway as the loyale
July 15, 200619 yr Loyale: Just like a GL Wagon from the late 80's. 1.8l. FWD/4WD (Not sure if Loyale was available in D/R (Dual Range 4wd)? It is an easy car to work on and very reliable. Legacy: The "new" look for the 90's 2.2l FWD or AWD. Also easy to work on. Also extremely reliable. I prefer the Legacy, I think it looks a lot nicer and also has more space for cargo. I Believe that it being the "new" design also contributes to the safety and better reliability. Probably a 93-94 would be best, but don't limit yourself. Stay away from the auto trannies unless you like spending money at tranny shops:clap:
July 15, 200619 yr Author Well, that's pretty unanimous! More specifically, any comments about any particular issues with the 90-94 n.a Legacies apart from the auto trans, which I wouldn't want anyway. For instance I see a motorized shoulder belt in some pics. U.S. market only? Can they be retrofitted to a normal belt? Are the 2.2 n.a. engines all 4-cam 16 valve engines? Is the 4-wheel drive part-time or full-time? Thanks for all your comments, folks, and for the link to the Legacy forum, manarius.
July 16, 200619 yr I can't answer all of your questions.. but they were available some as FWD and the others AWD (which is full-time unless you put in the FWD Fuse for diagnostics)
July 16, 200619 yr Well, that's pretty unanimous! More specifically, any comments about any particular issues with the 90-94 n.a Legacies apart from the auto trans, which I wouldn't want anyway. For instance I see a motorized shoulder belt in some pics. U.S. market only? Can they be retrofitted to a normal belt? Are the 2.2 n.a. engines all 4-cam 16 valve engines? Is the 4-wheel drive part-time or full-time? Thanks for all your comments, folks, and for the link to the Legacy forum, manarius. 8 valve motor Non Interference Auto Seatbelts have teh suck.. Don't know about retrofitting them, though being a subaru its entirely possible (being built like kegos and all) FT4WD disclaimer - all the above info applies to USDM only. Don't know about outside the US
July 17, 200619 yr I definetively like the Legacy, specially the EJ engine... but I think that the Loyale is more Upgradable, and you can do a Better Off-Road vehicle with Loyales... Just see the Images I Found in this Website: http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/longtrackrmk/? I got the link from the image at this thread: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=61619 Think about a Loyale with an EJ22 or EJ25... and it is perfectly possible... well... I vote for a Modified Loyale. (EJ engine and Lifted)
July 17, 200619 yr When 4 wheelin, I always think about the electrical part. The more (crap) there is the more chance of a complete shut down with no way out if you know what I am saying. so heres my pic !!!
July 20, 200619 yr Hey, im a n00b too. I'm in a similar situation, not sure which to get. It will be my daily driver. 4wd is a major plus, how fast (rather slow?) are these cars? Are they both cheap? 5-speed is a must for me. Thanks guys. -Matt
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