Used Subaru Legacy Saloon 2003 - 2009 review

There are three petrol engines - a 2.0-litre, a 2.5 and a 3.0. Trim levels at launch consisted of S and SE on all engines, with the 2.5 and 3.0 also getting SEn (sat-nav). All 3.0-litre models were available only as automatics until October 2004, when the 3.0 R Spec B was introduced with a six-speed manual 'box.

In October 2005, a five-speed automatic transmission was added to the options list on the Spec B model and the 2.0-litre S and SE versions were replaced by the R and RE.

From this point, every Legacy had twin front and side airbags, a CD player, cruise control, climate control, electric windows and alloys. 2.0 RE models add leather upholstery, electrically adjustable seats and an electric sunroof. 3.0s have sat-nav but are expensive as a used buy.

Overall, we reckon the entry-level 2.0 engine in RE trim is the car to go for.