serious looking!

[jonnmit]

Hi Guys,
Just joined as always been interested in the Legnum. Currently have a Jag x-type estate 3.0 auto, 05 reg, 33k miles. Prior to that I had a 2001 Scooby Outback h6. I loved the Scoob but it died in January. Recently retired so had dosh and time and found the jag. Its a dream but..too small as I play in a band, take a lot of gear. Leggy tt might be ok but every review says the VR4 better. Is it true?
The Leggy has the space but has the Legnum?
You can never find the litres capacity of the Galant estae/Legnum with seats down.
I love the performance of the Jag but not convinced its the best 4wd combination with the Jag settings. Feels understeery initially then oversteer and roll. Considering its on the Sports Bilsteins and 18" wheels/225/40's, its a little disappointing plus interior too small.
Its going for sale in the next week or so and I want to be sure I have space, more performance, and real 4wd security. I have to say the old Outback was brilliantly secure even if it rolled a bit!
I have a feeling you guys will convince me the VR4 is the right choice but I would love to get the real lowdown.
Also, any idea of Insurance costs. Currently £420 full 7 yr ncb.
Thanks in advance, everyone.

[Atik]

Welcome.

To clarify, when you refer to 'Leggy TT', what car are you referring to? As the Legnum is a TT car also.

In all honesty, the Legnum (estate Galant) is not the biggest in terms of rear load capabilities. Cars like the Honda Accord, Volvo V70, BMW 5 series, Audi A6, Mercedes E Class and Ford Mondeo are much bigger. But the Legnum is the one car that does everything really well. Its got a very capable rear load space (dont know actual figures), but I use it to carry my electrician tools on a regular basis and have never struggled to carry anything.

For any ridiculously sized loads, I have roof bars which attach to the roof rails so that items like long ladders can be carried safely. The one concern I always have when it comes to rear load is the slight angle of the rear windshield. As it has a small angle, anything like a 6ft wardrobe that fits in the back quite easily can catch on the glass if you are not careful, either shatterring it or popping it out.

I would expect the Legnum to be bigger than the Jag for load space, but the best way of knowing if its the right car is to go and see one in the flesh. It will definitely have the power you want, the stability, the comfort, the 4WD, but also remember it comes with the added cost of a performance car. Regular servicing intervals of around 4500 miles (though that can be extended with the use of a certain preferred oil). And its not exactly a cheap car to run. Most auto owners see average figures hovering either side of 20mpg. Manual owners would likely see around 25+, and on long cruises maybe even up to the high 20s. These cars are in insurance group 20, so budget that accordingly if you live in good/bad post code area.

[Ghost_2008]

The Legnum VR4 is almost certainly going to be an import so that will also be reflected in the insurance and often when sourcing parts or a decent mechanic...... however it is worth every penny.........

I have owned my Legnum for two and half years and it has never missed a beat, but regular servicing is a must....... In the time I have owned the vehicle I have moved house, been away camping, loaded her up with fencing and fence post etc etc and i have never had a problem transporting it........

With the back seats down it's approximately 6 foot to the drivers seat, at it's widest its almost four foot, but the rear wheels arches, seat bolsters do effect this...... if your looking for the largest load capacity you can do a lot better but this car can and will do whatever you ask of it........

[aboo]

Hi & welcome to CVR4.

[chris g]

There were some UK Galant Estate VR-4's...

[Atik]

There were some UK Galant Estate VR-4's...

Sorry if I am missing something Chris, but how does this post help the original poster who is asking for information/advice regarding the loading capacity of a car?

[chris g]

"The Legnum VR4 is almost certainly going to be an import so that will also be reflected in the insurance..."

Not all VR-4 Estates are grey imports...

[aboo]

I read somewhere on here there all grey imports at the end of the day. Just that mitsu colt imported them to sell.

[chris g]

Carrying that logic means all japanese cars made in Japan are grey imports, brought in by the manufacturer

I think grey imports are identified by being second hand, need for speedo conversion and a few other things, and usually brought in to UK by an individual or by a firm specialising in such cars

Official importss were brand new, prepared by CCC/Mitsubishi/Ralliart and are usually recognised as UK cars

Well at least thats my understanding...

I think there are a few cars that do not fit this and I guess someone will inform of us of such cars...

Hopefully the prospective owner will understand this discussion and the availability of different cars...

[Nick Mann]

The "UK cars" were imported by Mitsubishi UK and converted for UK use. They left the factory as Japanese spec cars, not UK spec cars. So from one point of view they are imoprts - from another point of view they are UK cars. They were never type approved, but they did come with a 3 year manufacturers warranty.

A UK car can offer some advantages over a grey import, but I'm not willing to say it will always be a better buy.

As to load space, it isn't bad, but it's not the biggest family estate car out there. I'm sure it is bigger than your Jag, but there are many other cars that fall in the same category. I'd suggest having a look at one local to you - even if it is a members car and not for sale - then at least you'll know if it could fit your requirements.

[aboo]

The wife & I got insurance through Sky insurance. We'r both 38, all mods declaired & break down cover for just under £500.

[jonnmit]

Thanks for the very welcome comments guys. Sorry if I inadvertently stirred up a new discussion. Didn't know Mitsu had brought in new VR-4's.
Sorry Atik, I did mean the Legacy tt. Thanks to you and Ghost for the info. on loadspace. Sure it is bigger than the Jag and 6' by 4' should be ok. I am aware of the turrets too but should get around that. I agree completely that the servicing is paramount, especially oil changes(with the right oil!) and cambelts.
Costs are not too much of an issue as the Jag is not cheap to run, consumption wise, but servicing is cheaper I would think as its a 10k interval. I only do about 220 a week so its not going to be hammered. I am hoping for 8k to 9k for Jag as thats realistic for the mileage. Should give me a bit of spare..
Bthe way, the Jag loadspace is 5' by 4' so the extra will be fine. Think 2 bass drums, 2 heavy hardcases, and assorted drums/cymbals all in soft cases. This is 2-3 times a week. When the car is empty, I want the grunt, 4wd security, and smiles per miles.
Thank you aboo for the welcome and Chris for your input. I am sure I will enjoy corresponding with you all in the club and hope in the next couple of weeks to have a lovely Legnum and get some photo's up.
Really appreciated guys,

Cheers

Jonn

[jonnmit]

Thanks again, aboo. Will check out Sky Insurance. Currently with LV who have a heart attack for anything like an import. I have looked at the Stagea as well but not enough info, even on the GTR forum. Not enough of the right specs available either and I think the Legnum is the looker of the Legnum, Legacy, Stagea trio, plus the EVO handling...mmmmm.

[jonnmit]

Point taken, Nick. It will probably be an import as I haven't seen any UK models. I would be grateful for any help from one of the club members once I move the Jag. It would be great to see one at any time but I know the economic climate and it can take time to move cars, especially a 3L Jag. Be disappointing to check the Legnum out and find you can't sell your own on.
Be great to discuss though, realistically. Costs, any known issues, meets.
I am in Cardiff but happy to travel to meet members.
I bought the Jag from Ascot Honda so travelling to buy the right car is not an issue for me.
Little interesting point..In '92, I bought an '89 Colt GTI 16v. Did 45k over 3 years and it was a mini stormer...great fun!

[bradc]

The Legacy twin turbo setup is a pile of crap to drive with, the Legnum is miles and miles ahead.

I'd like to see pics of the X type if you don't mind!

[Nick Mann]

Chris G has a white estate for sale in the appropriate part of the forums - that is a UK car. We understand that there were around 200 official imports, but how many of those are still on the roads is unknown. As a fraction, I'd guess only one in twenty VR4's is an official import.

[Ghost_2008]

Chris G has a white estate for sale in the appropriate part of the forums - that is a UK car. We understand that there were around 200 official imports, but how many of those are still on the roads is unknown. As a fraction, I'd guess only one in twenty VR4's is an official import.

This is all I was trying to say earlier, UK models are few and far between so chances are it will be an import........ I am aware that there are UK spec cars and was in no way trying to mislead anyone........ it seems it started a bit of a debate.......

[Nick Mann]

No worries! I read it as you meant it to sound. I was just clarifying as it appeared that not everyone did.

[BillHardy]

Nick, it was my understanding that there were only 50 official UK Legnums brought in,is the 200 figure mentioned including all Galant+ Legnums

[jonnmit]

Hi Brad, Nick, Ghost and Bill. This is getting very interesting all round. Sorry again for stirrin things but its a good debate. I take the point about the Legacy. Just needed confirmation from the wise guys on here. The Legnum looks to fit my bill!
The Jag is appearing now on P.st.nhe.ds and A.t.tr.d.r at £8900..worth a go. Plenty pics on there. I can have a go at uploading for you if you point me in the right direction. Had a go at Photobucket for the Jag forum and couldn't get them up. Something not right there.
I have seen Chris's car and it looks a beauty. Can't figure why nobody has jumped on that. Its just about the last built, so I understand. Great in white and you have the security of it being 'in the Club' so its a known. I will certainly be interested. Just need a sale, just like Chris. It does sound pretty unique though, a strong selling point, I would have thought?