Pros / Cons of Replacing 92 loyale with 92 legacy

[ryanderk]

Hi,

I've owned a 92 loyale 4wd wagon for the past 4 years. We've used in
for camping and trucking our two little kids (under 3yrs) around
town. I bought it at 218,000km and now it's 272,000km. No major
problems. I've replaced the radiator, alternator, clutch cable, front
right tie rod, cv boots. I haven't had to put too much money into it
because it's pretty easy to work on. It's always leaked a fair amount
of oil from everywhere including the head gasket. The muffler is
starting to sound funny and midas (a year ago) said it was going.

I'm considering getting a 92 legacy AWD wagon to replace it. It has
220,000km. They want $3800. I'd probably get $1000 in a trade-in.

I see this as an alternative to financing a $10,000 2002 Forrester or
Toyota Sienna for example.

Benefits I see are:
1. more power and supposedly "bulletproof" engine the EJ22
2. probably no more leaks
3. slightly safer but not as good as a mini-van
4. no financing.

Cons I see:
1. Still have a 14 year old car with around 200,000km.
2. Inheritting new unknown problems.
3. less safe than a newer car or mini-van

Is this a crazy idea for a young family?

Ryan

 

[bigjimpack]

So you would trade one car on the verge of $$$ repairs for another on
the verge of $$$ repairs. I really would hate to rely on a car that
old and with that mileage as my sole car. Buying a 15 year old car
with 110k miles for ~$4k seems like folly to me. Either buy a newer
lower mileage used car or spring for a new one. I saw a 4 door legacy
sedan with sunroof and 17" wheels with a sticker of $22k. A new
outback can be had for $22k or so. My preference is to buy new and
keep for 8-10 years. I have several years without payments and I know
the history/maintenance of the vehicle. A new Kia minivan can be had
for close to $20k but no AWD.

 

[DK]

Hi,

I've owned a 92 loyale 4wd wagon for the past 4 years. We've used in
for camping and trucking our two little kids (under 3yrs) around
town. I bought it at 218,000km and now it's 272,000km. No major
problems. I've replaced the radiator, alternator, clutch cable, front
right tie rod, cv boots. I haven't had to put too much money into it
because it's pretty easy to work on. It's always leaked a fair amount
of oil from everywhere including the head gasket. The muffler is
starting to sound funny and midas (a year ago) said it was going.

I'm considering getting a 92 legacy AWD wagon to replace it. It has
220,000km. They want $3800. I'd probably get $1000 in a trade-in.

I see this as an alternative to financing a $10,000 2002 Forrester or
Toyota Sienna for example.

Benefits I see are:
1. more power and supposedly "bulletproof" engine the EJ22
2. probably no more leaks
3. slightly safer but not as good as a mini-van
4. no financing.

Cons I see:
1. Still have a 14 year old car with around 200,000km.
2. Inheritting new unknown problems.
3. less safe than a newer car or mini-van

Is this a crazy idea for a young family?

I think it is. If I were you, I'd get that $10K 2002 Forester.

DK

 

[johninky]

Hi,

I've owned a 92 loyale 4wd wagon for the past 4 years.  We've used in
for camping and trucking our two little kids (under 3yrs) around
town.  I bought it at 218,000km and now it's 272,000km.  No major
problems.  I've replaced the radiator, alternator, clutch cable, front
right tie rod, cv boots.  I haven't had to put too much money into it
because it's pretty easy to work on.  It's always leaked a fair amount
of oil from everywhere including the head gasket.  The muffler is
starting to sound funny and midas (a year ago) said it was going.

I'm considering getting a 92 legacy AWD wagon to replace it.  It has
220,000km.  They want $3800.  I'd probably get $1000 in a trade-in.


I see this as an alternative to financing a $10,000 2002 Forrester or
Toyota Sienna for example.

Benefits I see are:
1. more power and supposedly "bulletproof" engine the EJ22
2. probably no more leaks
3. slightly safer but not as good as a mini-van
4. no financing.

Cons I see:
1. Still have a 14 year old car with around 200,000km.
2. Inheritting new unknown problems.
3. less safe than a newer car or mini-van

Is this a crazy idea for a young family?

Ryan

My first post didn't take. Why not just keep the Loyale as a backup
car? Both of these models can easily last will over 200K miles with
just normal maintenance.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

I'm considering getting a 92 legacy AWD wagon to replace it. It has
220,000km. They want $3800. I'd probably get $1000 in a trade-in.

Just personal thoughts, but I wouldn't put that kind of money into a
"new to you" car of that age. If your Loyale has a solid body (no
serious rust, no serious collision damage) you'll probably be money
ahead, if you're to have but a single car, to simply keep it up best you
can. (Mine had 360k miles on it when it blew--209k when I bought it--so
that EA-82's not as weak as you might think. I can't say it was babied
before I got it, either. And when I get the time to play w/ it, it looks
like it'll only cost me $1000-$1500 to put in a "decent" used engine.
For maybe $2000, I can have it in better shape than it's been as long as
I've owned it!) Otherwise, I'd be looking for something a lot newer,
even at a somewhat higher price.

What you're REALLY gonna get w/ a Legacy over a Loyale at that age is
arguable. Personally, I like the 4wd system that can be switched off
better than ANY AWD system, let alone one that's 15-16 yrs old. AWD is a
fine idea, but the reality is few people need it that much, and you can
always flick it into 4wd if you have that option, and save a bit of gas
and wear and tear on the drivetrain at other times.

Plus you already mentioned the possible "joys" of a totally unknown car...

Good luck,

Rick

 

[suburboturbo]

Hi,

I've owned a 92 loyale 4wd wagon for the past 4 years.  We've used in
for camping and trucking our two little kids (under 3yrs) around
town.  I bought it at 218,000km and now it's 272,000km.  No major
problems.  I've replaced the radiator, alternator, clutch cable, front
right tie rod, cv boots.  I haven't had to put too much money into it
because it's pretty easy to work on.  It's always leaked a fair amount
of oil from everywhere including the head gasket.  The muffler is
starting to sound funny and midas (a year ago) said it was going.

I'm considering getting a 92 legacy AWD wagon to replace it.  It has
220,000km.  They want $3800.  I'd probably get $1000 in a trade-in.

I see this as an alternative to financing a $10,000 2002 Forrester or
Toyota Sienna for example.

Benefits I see are:
1. more power and supposedly "bulletproof" engine the EJ22
2. probably no more leaks
3. slightly safer but not as good as a mini-van
4. no financing.

Cons I see:
1. Still have a 14 year old car with around 200,000km.
2. Inheritting new unknown problems.
3. less safe than a newer car or mini-van

Is this a crazy idea for a young family?

Ryan

Not crazy, but if it was me I probably wouldn't do it unless the
Legacy has a bunch of new equipment (tires, brakes, etc.)
You don't say whether you're in the snow belt or not, or whether the
mini-van is being considered because your young family may continue
growing to the size that might require the extra space for people and
cargo that the Subaru wagons just don't offer. I don't see much sense
in trading one 15 year old car for another unless the "new" one has
considerably less mileage. At least you know what to expect with the
Loyale. Someone else's Legacy might be full of surprises. Don't know
how much safer the Legacy might be. Required safety gear is the same;
can't say what options or factory upgrades the Legacy offers, but I
wouldn't expect a huge difference in safety, just a little more room.
Might be best to hang onto the Loyale until finances permit a jump to
something considerably newer or bigger. Safety design and equipment
has progressed a lot in 15 years. Good luck either way.

 

[alf]

Hi,


I'm considering getting a 92 legacy AWD wagon to replace it. It has
220,000km. They want $3800. I'd probably get $1000 in a trade-in.

not sure where you live in (Canada?), but in States, 92 Legacy Wagon
with that millage is apprised as follows (edmunds.com):

trade-in: $535
private party: $839
dealer retail: $1,355

 

[ryanderk]

in the person of the great Sultan of the Turks.

114. Variety is as abundant as all tones of the voice, all ways of walking,
coughing, blowing the nose, sneezing. We distinguish vines by their fruit,
and call them the Condrien, the Desargues, and such and such a stock. Is
this all? Has a vine ever produced two bunches exactly the same, and has a
bunch two grapes alike, etc.?

I can never judge of the same thing exactly in the same way. I cannot judge
of my work, while doing it. I must do as the artists, stand at a distance,
but not too far. How far, then? Guess.

115. Variety.--Theology is a science, but at the same time how many
sciences? A man is a whole; but if we dissect him, will he be the head, the
heart, the stomach, the veins, each vein, each portion of a vein, the blood,
each humour in the blood?

A town, a country-place, is from afar a town and a country-place. But, as we
draw near, there are houses, trees, tiles, leaves, grass, ants, limbs of
ants, in infinity. All this is contained under the name of country-place.

116. Thoughts.--All is one, all is different. How many natures exist in man?
How many vocations? And by what chance does each man ordinarily choose what
he has heard praised? A well-turned heel.

117. The heel of a sl

Thanks for all your posts. The new twist is that I'll be getting some
help on a new car. Probably a Yaris. We just don't have the finances
for a newer subaru.

I know a toyota, even a small one, would be a great reliable city car
for carting the kids around, but I love my loyale so I'll probably
keep it. I know it'll last.

Ryan

 

[Sheldon]

Hi,

I've owned a 92 loyale 4wd wagon for the past 4 years. We've used in
for camping and trucking our two little kids (under 3yrs) around
town. I bought it at 218,000km and now it's 272,000km. No major
problems. I've replaced the radiator, alternator, clutch cable, front
right tie rod, cv boots. I haven't had to put too much money into it
because it's pretty easy to work on. It's always leaked a fair amount
of oil from everywhere including the head gasket. The muffler is
starting to sound funny and midas (a year ago) said it was going.

I'm considering getting a 92 legacy AWD wagon to replace it. It has
220,000km. They want $3800. I'd probably get $1000 in a trade-in.

I see this as an alternative to financing a $10,000 2002 Forrester or
Toyota Sienna for example.

Benefits I see are:
1. more power and supposedly "bulletproof" engine the EJ22
2. probably no more leaks
3. slightly safer but not as good as a mini-van
4. no financing.

Cons I see:
1. Still have a 14 year old car with around 200,000km.
2. Inheritting new unknown problems.
3. less safe than a newer car or mini-van

Is this a crazy idea for a young family?

Ryan

I don't know what kind of dollars you are talking about (US?). I had a 90
Loyale and miss it. If you are going to get rid of the Loyale, I would
"upgrade" to a much newer car, like a 97 or 98 Outback. I sold my Loyale
and got a 97 Outback, and for the most part feel it was a good move. Lot's
more creature comforts and I wanted an automatic tranny. I already have
another car with a stick.

 

[bigjimpack]

Before you buy one of the goofy yari look at the suzuki SX4. Far
nicer and with AWD for 18k. Thats cheap.