MRTurbo
My ultimate daily! Looks GREAT Jay :D

Cheers dude. Can't wait to install the lip on Thursday too.

darius
Looks good Gonna be tough to challenge that at Al Palmers next year with Best Lexus in Show.

Yeah, will probably lose next time since it won't be factory original.

fredhoon
Love the series of black cars, must keep you busy cleaning them!

Photography question for the FD - was there a reason you didn't wait until sunset for pinkish cloud reflections in the paintwork? I could see some nice sky reflecting in Shots 1, 2, 3 & 5 and wondered if it would be too dark later in the day for similar detail with orange/pink highlights.

Doesn't take that long as they're both garaged. MR2 & RX7 don't see much rain, so are cleaned once every 3weeks or so, even then they're still clean (usually covered during the week). The Lexus is once a week, but since it's a daily, I'm not as fussy as I am with the others so it's a pretty quick job.

Photography - I honestly didn't have the luxury of picking the exact time during that shoot (was after work & a quick golf round). For a black car, I always aim to start the hour before the sun sets or on a cloudy/overcast day. It would've been nice to get a pinkish reflection, however it's also a rush/challenge as it can take a few minutes to get the car's position right, all while the sun is setting & the light's fading. Low light & black cars aren't as easy to get right as you lose contrast. Maybe perfect on white concrete though, but not tarmac. The biggest issue with my car shoots is having all the stars align; clean car, nice weather, time on my hands & a feasible location ready.

Quick addition to the line-up. Have a baby on the way & needed an additional car with greater family versatility than my IS250, MR2 & FD that the wife can drive. Also have 2 dogs which we like to bring along most weekends for family outings, so a wagon or SUV was a must. Naturally, thought of an ST246 Caldina to keep in line with my Toyota/Lexus loving, but after test driving a few, found them to be more like a hatch & the 4spd auto was a disappointment (too tall gearing). Since I've been admiring Mitsubishi's a lot lately........Enter the Legnum. 4WD turbo, AYC similar to an Evo....Sounded great. 2.5L twin turbo with a 5sp auto.....sounded even better.......Could fit my golf clubs, dogs, baby & be used on fishing/snowing trips........perfect!

After 2 disappointing inspections (Thanks Trav!) & toying with the idea of purchasing interstate or importing, I was about to throw in the towel & buy a Honduh CRV. Had a few spare minutes one Friday afternoon & found a newly listed 2000 FL Legnum in Pearl White & Sydney/local. Needless to say, I was on the phone with the seller within seconds & out to inspect it myself the following morning.

I'll be honest, it wasn't love at first sight. The car was in quite the sorry state. The owner had been in Europe for the past year & the car had been sitting around unwashed for even longer. Cobwebs, spiders & a layer of dirt is what awaited me. Luckily, there was more than meets the eye & the stars had aligned in my favour. The car was imported in 2010 (sourced not landed/sold) & apparently only had one single owner in Japan before the seller picked it up. The seller had neglected it over the past 2.5 years & it had only had one service (20,000km ago) since it arrived. Slightly overdue for it's major service too. Enough for most to turn away.

Spent a decent amount of time going over it with a fine toothed comb & getting underneath it. It had just had a brand new alternator & belt fitted, which was about the only service-related positive. Thankfully, no underbody rust, but only a bit of surface rust at the bottom drain on one of the doors (seems to be a fundamental problem with these) & a bit on the radiator support too. The body was very straight, showing no signs of accident history, the paint beneath the dirt was in great condition to with the only exterior imperfection being a very 15mm long scuff on the front bar & 2 tiny pin dents. The interior was immaculate with the exception of a layer of dust & dirt on the carpets. Massive bonus points for having factory recaros (in mint condition), momo steering wheel & flip out screen. Seems the original owner ticked quite a few of the options when purchasing new.

Mechanically, the car sounded great (very quiet motor esp the head), but it was obviously in immediate need of a major service. The transmission shifted okay, except from 2nd-3rd which is a bit rough. Given the service neglect, I'm certain the transmission fluid hasn't been changed in many years. The AYC was clearly functioning, but in need of a service/bleed too I'm sure. All interior electrics worked as intended, including the large moonroof. A/C was working well too. Car idled/drove well. Brakes, however need attention as they vibrate from the front warped rotors.

Nice family car. I too am looking for a wagon and am finding it hard to decide on one.
I am liking the Alfa 159 JTD Ti wagon atm.

Look at a Legnum Nick. Parts & support is great given they have a strong following locally. Hammers too. AYC makes it really safe also. I got this one quite cheap (well below $10k). Soaren had a Leggie too & loved it. I know of another pearl white one for sale near me with leather @ a bargain price (some nice mods too).

I considered Euro but just don't trust them.

Thanks for the mention mate. The legnum is the absolute BEST all rounder car Ive ever had. Fast, economical, reliable, heaps of room (ran my DJ business from my legnum) etc.
 
I have no idea but the legnum killed my sw20, v8 soarer, turbo vvti soarer, evo in reliability and economy. Maybe it was a one off car but somehow all legnums get 9-12L/100km 1500kg awd 2.5L TT...sounds too good to me but it just was.
 
 
Ohhhh and did I ever mention about the worst experience Ive had with cars...I bought an 03 Alfa 156 a few years back drove it a total of 5 times then it died, it has remained an expensive garden ornament since. Im selling it for $3700ono but I think I would much rather the enjoyment of torching it then receiving a few grand. Hope you think about my anecdote when you consider buying an Alfa
 
Enjoy!

No worries Jay, i liked the Legnum and it is alot of car for the money.

Thanks mate, Im glad they did. I couldnt fault my legnum ownership. the only thing that concerned me was the auto box but never had trouble with mine (never tracked or drove it hard though).
 
With both my legnum and evo you can drive for a while after emergency light comes on. I generally would go less then 50km once light appears for fear off stopping. I just picked up another FL legnum auto, but I will be parting it out down the line I think