I have a Toyota Vitz RS with some mods which came with the car when I bought it. It has done 166k had have never had any trouble with it at all. I now just want to get something a little bigger and different. Just like the B4 as a car but do they have heaps of trouble. I service my cars all the time with regular oil changes etc. I own my Toyota outright and just thought a change would be good.
franc123,
May 30, 5:01pm
Unless I'm reading this wrong why would you buy a B4 Legacy to be different!They're everywhere, thirsty and can't even be given away once they get old, twin turbo versions especially just start falling apart and cost silly money to keep on the road once they get to a certain age/kms, and thats not including petrol and insurance.You will find that the slot on the bonnet swallows large wads of cash very nicely.I'd be keeping the Vitz and continuing to look after it well or else getting something thats more unusual but still a fun drive.I'm sure the Jazzman will be along to offer some suggestions soon.
mitchell_nz2005,
May 30, 5:07pm
Would not waste my time with a b4 nice on inside but slow for a twin turbo 2.0ltr and they do always crap out
mugenb20b,
May 30, 5:28pm
Spot on.
moosie_21,
May 30, 7:31pm
GT-T Caldina, much better option!
trogedon,
May 30, 7:40pm
Suby B4 = as above. Vitz RS - cool little car = keep it.
cjohnw,
May 30, 7:41pm
The B4 does come as a non-turbo. But we had awful gearbox problems with ours. Almost couldn't give it away.
ginga4lyfe,
May 30, 7:47pm
+1 get one in something other than white though, the white ones look horrible
richardmayes,
May 31, 9:48am
Some interesting opinions on this thread.
My mate has owned a low-kms 2001 B4 for the last 3 years, no problems. Awesome car, especially considering the as-new condition and the fact it only cost him $8,000. Performance and handling is streets ahead of his Dad's brand-new V8 Holden, the old guy is very jealous apparently.
Basically you would be trading a small, mechanically-simple hatchback for a very high-performance 4-door sedan with bigger everything and a lot of machinery under the bonnet, which will drink nearly as much petrol as a V8 if you drive it hard. If this is what you want, then go for it, and enjoy. Choose one carefully and keep it well maintained.
(Oh and a GT-T Caldina is a Corona Wagon hotted up with celica turbo running gear. The B4 Legacy was designed from the start as a high performance grand touring car. Drive both of them and you will see the difference. Caldina still has 4wd transmission and a forced induction engine and all of the mechanical / electronic dramas that go with that, the same as a B4.I would only look at one of these as an alternative to a B4 if it was significantly cheaper!)
vtecintegra,
May 31, 10:01am
Uh no it wasn't.The Legacy is a pretty nice mid sized car but at its core is just like a Caldina - there are a range of models available from basic to fancy.
ninja_man,
May 31, 2:15pm
EEEEWWWW that is dam ugly! sounds like a nice engine tho
vtecintegra,
May 31, 2:39pm
All that B4 means is its a Jap import 98-03ish Legacy sedan.
It does not necessarily mean turbo, they all had the B4 badge
bevharris1938,
May 31, 3:15pm
If you do get a B4 , make sue it is 1/ manual (autos can give trouble) 2/ No oil leaks (common with most subarus) 3/ Engine has done less than 100,000. If you buy one over 100,000 make sure the cambelt/waterpump/tensioner has been replaced.
antwerp87,
May 31, 3:28pm
unfortunately in these situations it gets to the point where its your decisioN.c. Anyone can say there never ending problems. Every car is different just like people. One car can burn 500ml oil from factory. Its not that someone didn't treat it right (seen it with my own eyes) you buy a car it will mean spending money. How much no one can tell you a definite figure. It may give you never ending issues till you sell it. It may be the best car you ever own till it dies. It can not be guaranteed (unlessits an alfa romeo Hehe. Hate the dam things)
oddbits,
May 31, 4:46pm
I bought a B4 and love it , handles well and is not much dearer than a toyota celica to run. It also looks good and with the tinted factory windows &its awesome in the summer doesnt heat up like a std sedan .If you get a non turbo insurance is good to un der $600 a year
trogedon,
May 31, 7:31pm
Anyone can get their can windows tinted!So, on balance it'll be best to stick to the Vitz.
vtecnet,
May 31, 7:38pm
Go for a newer 2005 Legacy Turbo, they went back to a Single turbo design, also this model makes peak torque from about 2400RPM, which makes the car nice and peppy feeling, rather then laggy like alot of turbo cars.
les41,
Jun 1, 4:12am
Thank you all. I'll keep the shopping trolly a little longer.
trogedon,
Jun 1, 5:00pm
Good call.
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