2002 Subaru Liberty Pricing and Specs

The XV will be fine around town but is very small in the boot, and the same goes for the CX-3. If you want a similar cabin and boot space to the Liberty then go for the CX-5, but also have a look at the new Kia Sportage.

WE PUT your questions to Subaru's technical people, who gave this response: ``This is a normal characteristic. It is of a minor nature and we have had only a handful of comments from owners of the thousands of this model that we have sold. The current model has enhancements to ensure only minor sensation of the opening and closing of the throttle when cruise control operates to maintain the set speed, particularly on downhill roads.'' Though the company claims to have had few complaints, it has moved to improve the cruise control on the current model, which should tell you they thought it wasn't up to scratch. Unfortunately, it seems you'll have to put up with it or get the newer model.

THE Liberty is generally a very reliable car that gives little trouble, as long as it is serviced according to Subaru's recommended schedule. I haven't heard of the gear whine you talk about, so can't comment on that.