New subaru whip - help me choose!

[burnt_toast]

Hey everyone, I used to have a '98 Forester about 5 years back, had lots of fun with her but ended up selling after some serious body damage.. Then got a '96 Brighton Impreza for a while, which sold about 2012.

Been sans Subaru since, and seriously considering picking another one up. I would prefer a turbo version. And I love unassuming sleeper body styles, and so that brings me to 2 options I've recently found that I'm seriously considering:

'04 FXT:
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/5402658001.html

'94 Legacy Turbo Touring Wagon:
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/cto/5417190247.html

My budget should allow for either, but cheaper is always nicer. Both seem to have a good bit of maintenance done, so that is a plus. I've already checked out the Legacy Turbo and it is very clean for its age, inside and out, and not much more mileage than the Foz. Plan to go look at the FXT tonight.

I was able to get the Turbo Leg down to $1700, due to some work it needs: all 4struts, sunroof smashed but intact, cv boot and some minor interior lights and switches.

The FXT I'd like to shoot for upper $4k range, but don't know if he'll budge around the $5k mark.

There's honestly so much I love about both of them and its tough to choose really. Either one, I would plan to lightly mod and just enjoy. Both are auto, and I'm okay with that. My current daily is a rare '05 Corolla XRS with a close-ratio 6spd which gets me my shifting fix so this would be more a secondary vehicle, that just happens to have some turbo grunt to boot.

Please let me know what you think and what YOU would choose and why. cheers!

[mike-tracy]

Fxt all the way. You can actually get new parts easily when things break. Infinitley more upgradeable.

[allnines']

I'm going for what this forum is all about!

[Legacy777]

The turbo legacy wagon has nostalgia and I like the body style better, but I kind of agree with Mike that parts availability and upgrades are going to be far easier/better on the FXT.

[lucas]

choice D get a Brat and swap a WRX motor into it.

[rallyak]

What would be super fast is a WRX swap in a 69 360, they weighed around 1000 lbs. That was subaru's first US car.

[Pntaste4evr99]

I'm liking the brat or justly swap idea

[originalcyn]

The legacy is probably more reliable enginewise in the long run. But really depends on mileage i guess. I went the xt route mostly because of age on the body. Even if the engine is more reliable on the legacy, the xt has a decade newer transmission and suspension and electronics and etc etc etc.

[Legacy777]

Kijan,

I think to clarify your comment on the reliable engine, I think you need to state what you're considering "long run". Are you talking 100,000 miles, 150,000 miles, 200,000 miles or beyond. If the plan is only to keep it a couple years and not put many miles on and longevity only comes into an issue past 200,000 miles then it's kind of a moot point.

[burnt_toast]

Well folks, I did it. went, drove, and decided.

And after feeling both vehicles out, all I can say is the Turbo Touring wagon hit a real sweet spot in overall feel. Plus had this sense of nostalgia as mentioned above, that I totally dug. I'm just a fan of older simpler things, and the whole package did it for me. Mileage and age not withstanding, but I'm okay with that.

In comparison, the FXT was super nice, clean, well kept and maintained. But ultimately numb and uninspiring, and more like an SUV that just happens to have a kickass boxer engine. I thoroughly dislike SUV's. felt underwhelmed afterwards, and doubtful that even more power alone, down the line, would do much to change this.

SO with that, drumrolllllll..............

I am now the New Owner of a burgandy '94 Legacy Turbo Touring wagon!!!

It's not an all flawless fairy tail ordeal as she already flashed the CEL on way home after getting some gas, but thats alright. I'm loving on her either way, and looking forward to being a part of this community

[originalcyn]

Kijan,

I think to clarify your comment on the reliable engine, I think you need to state what you're considering "long run". Are you talking 100,000 miles, 150,000 miles, 200,000 miles or beyond. If the plan is only to keep it a couple years and not put many miles on and longevity only comes into an issue past 200,000 miles then it's kind of a moot point.

Oh, that's true. i definitely mean above 200k. It's a bad habit i have. When i buy a car, i intend to keep it forever, so i assume that other people mean the same.

I am now the New Owner of a burgandy '94 Legacy Turbo Touring wagon!!!

Anyways, congrats on the purchase!

Forester feels like a boat until suspension is done honestly.

[Legacy777]

Congrats!

[allnines']

All we need are some pics!