Subaru Liberty 1991 Problems

Subaru's largest passenger car, the Liberty, has a well-deserved reputation for toughness and reliability with Australian buyers. The Subaru Outback is an interesting variant on the Liberty station wagon. On the market since 1996 it is intended as a halfway step between a conventional station wagon and a dedicated 4WD.In its earlier models Subaru Outback had a tougher appearance than the standard wagon because of the additional protective plastic facings on the doors. These were discontinued with the new generation of 2003 to give the vehicle a more upmarket air, though there are many Subaru advocates who preferred the tougher look of the original.Since 1995 only all-wheel drive Liberty models have been sold in Australia, prior to then there were also front-wheel drive versions, even by 1995 these were comparatively rare because buyers had already sussed out the advantages of driving all four wheels.Unusually for Japanese cars, Libertys and Outbacks, indeed all Subarus, are popular with country drivers as well as those from metro areas. Libertys and Outbacks are much loved by snow skiers because their permanent all-wheel drive system makes them safer and more capable in slippery conditions than a 2WD vehicle.Subaru Liberty first arrived in this country in 1989 and struck a chord with local buyers almost immediately. These older models are generally getting long in the tooth so may be near the end of their lives. You’re probably better off avoiding them.Liberty is sold as a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon, with a much larger percentage of wagons being sold than in other models in the mid-size class. The combination of the traction of all-wheel drive and the practicality of a wagon rear end is a strong one.The engines have a flat ‘boxer’ layout to lower the centre of gravity for improved road holding. Engine capacities in the four-cylinder models are 2.0, 2.2 and 2.5 litres. The 2.0 actually has more performance than the 2.2 being a later design.Flat-six engines began with a 3.0-litre unit in the Outback and later the Liberty range, its capacity increased to 3.6 litres in September 2009. Subaru calls the flat-six engines the H6 - ‘H’ for horizontally opposed, but most owners tend to retain the use of flat-six or boxer for it.There are a couple of high-performance Subaru Liberty variants. The Liberty RS has a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit and was introduced here in 1992. It was on sale for less than two years, when it was upstaged by the smaller and lighter Subaru Impreza WRX, a car that went on to be a huge success.The Liberty B4 sports machine has a twin-turbo 2.0-litre. It first came here in August 2001 but was somewhat of a disappointment in Australia because the engine had to be significantly detuned from the one offered on the Japanese market to run on our lower-octane petrol.These Subarus are reasonably easy to work on and most routine jobs can be carried out by an experienced home mechanic. However, safety items and most areas of the high-performance variants are best left to the professionals.Spare parts prices are about average for a car in this class. The Subaru dealer network, though relatively small, works efficiently. Because of Subarus’ popularity in country areas there are dealers in comparatively remote areas.Insurance charges on all but the turbocharged high-performance Liberty RS and Liberty B4 are moderate. The turbo models can be really expensive to cover, especially if you are a young and/or inexperienced driver. Living in a high-risk area further increases charges. Be sure to get a quote before falling in love with a turbo Liberty as premiums can be scary.Look over the interior trim and carpets for signs of damage, though they usually hold up well to all but the most outrageous of treatment. Mud or a real buildup of dust may indicate a lot of time spent of the beaten track.Check out the luggage area for signs of harsh treatment caused by carrying big and/or sharp loads. Have a look underneath a car, particularly the Outback, for signs of damage through it coming into contact with the ground. Some owners really do treat them as though they are ‘real’ 4WDs.The undersides of the bumpers, especially on their corners, are usually the first to suffer. Be sure the engine starts quickly and immediately idles smoothly no matter how cold the conditions. The sixes are naturally smoother than the fours, but the latter should be pretty good as well. Manual gearboxes should be quiet in operation and gearchanges should be smooth and light. Automatics which tend to hunt up and down the gears, or which are slow to go into gear, could be due for an overhaul. Rust is not common in Subarus, but if one has been badly repaired after a crash it may get into the metal. Call in a professional inspector if there’s the slightest doubt.

All-wheel drive is all about safety in all weather conditions on all road types, but almost as soon as those wonderful attributes were identified some rally tuner realised it also had enormous potential for rallying. It was about then that the all-wheel car went from a nice safe family car to a hotter-than-hell performance machine and we had some of the hottest special edition models, like the Subaru Liberty RS Turbo, appearing in our showrooms.At first it was a limited edition model available to rally competitors by way of special order, but such was the demand for it that Subaru released it for general consumption. Before the WRX with which the company is so closely identified, the RS Turbo was already attracting the attention of rally enthusiasts.MODEL WATCH Subaru was in a period of transition in the early 1990s. Apart from its all-wheel drive models Subaru was producing cars that were struggling to stand apart from the small Japanese crowd, but in a moment of marketing genius the company decided to become an all-wheel drive only company. It was a masterstroke, one from which the company hasn’t looked back.In late 1991 when the RS Liberty Turbo sedan was launched it looked much like its more mainstream cousin. If it wasn’t for the alloy wheels, sports rubber and modest rear wing you wouldn’t know you were looking at anything but a regular Liberty sedan. It’s not until you drove the RS Turbo that it became clear, instantly clear, that this wasn’t a family shopping trolley.If you dared bury the right foot in the carpet the RS Turbo’s blown 2.0-litre quad-cam flat four responded with nearly 50 per cent more power and almost 40 per cent more torque than the naturally aspirated 2.2-litre engine that lurked under the standard Liberty’s bonnet. Peak power was 147 kW at 6000 revs while the torque curve reached its maximum of 260 Nm at 3600 revs.To achieve the increased output Subaru beefed up the cylinder block, added four-coil ignition and added a liquid-cooled turbocharger and liquid/air intercooler. It then fed it through a five-speed manual gearbox and centre and rear differentials to all four wheels for a thrilling drive well beyond its modest looks suggest it’s capable of.Given its head the RS Turbo Liberty would run hard and fast. It was capable of reaching 100 km/h in seven seconds, the standing 400-metre sprint was dismissed in 15 seconds, and it would reach 215 km/h if pressed all the way in fifth gear. As you might expect with its rally credentials, the RS Turbo LIberty was a delight on the road. It handled fast and slow corners well, was very precise and could change direction easily. The ride, while firm, wasn’t uncomfortable and soaked up bumps and potholes without being upset.The brakes were perhaps an area for criticism. While discs were employed at all corners it lacked the added safety of ABS anti-skid electronics, which would definitely have been a bonus on a car of such high performance.Inside, the RS Turbo LIberty offered the full accommodation of a regular four-door with quite good headroom, good legroom and foot space, even for tall occupants. The cloth-trimmed seats were both supportive and comfortable, there was a footrest for the driver’s left foot and an adjustable steering column.Standard equipment included air-conditioning, power windows, mirrors and antenna, central locking, cruise, and there was an optional sunroof. The sound system was an AM/FM radio cassette with four speakers. A wagon version was released in 1992.IN THE SHOP The RS Liberty Turbo is at least 12 years old now, the last leaving dealerships in 1994, which means they will have racked up plenty of kays, some of which could well have been very hard ones. On average an early car will have done over 200,000 km, a later one around 170,000 km, but Subaru reliability is such that high kay cars can still be worth taking on.Some early cars had rattling valve lifters that were fixed on complaint by Subaru, but some might have slipped through the system and owners have to try and find a solution themselves.The body is fairly sturdy and stands the test of time well. Look for the usual car park dings, which are inevitable if the car has been driven daily.Many have been modified for more performance or handling so look carefully for mods and make sure they have been well done by professionals who know what they’re doing. Also make sure those modifications don’t adversely affect the things that matter to you.Fitting aftermarket springs and shocks, for instance, can make the ride hard and uncomfortable which diminishes its appeal as a family tourer. Look carefully for engine modifications, which might have boosted performance, but cut the reliability. Again seek expert help before buying a heavily modified car. Before you take on a car that has been modified check to ensure the modifications are legal rather than risk getting stuck with a car that doesn’t comply with the law.IN A CRASH Primary safety is the all-wheel drive RS Turbo Liberty’s great suit. Its handling in all conditions, boosted by its rally suspension is the perfect recipe for extracting yourself from a dicey situation. Airbags weren’t offered, but secondary safety comes down to its sturdy body construction.OWNERS SAY Dave Shephard has owned two RS Turbo wagons. The first was written off a few weeks after he bought it, but the second now has 260,000 km on it. When he bought them he was looking for a car with performance, but could still swallow his kite surfing gear. He says it’s a perfect compromise, a mix of power and performance with Subaru reliability.Oliver Lever says the RS Turbo Liberty is a fantastic car for the young enthusiast or the family. Like all cars, he says, they have their shortfalls, which in the case of the RS Turbo Liberty is the gearbox. He says there’s plenty of information on them, parts are readily available, and their modest looks means they don’t come in for regular attention from the police.Matthew Pyman has owned a 1991 RS Turbo for a year and says he has never been happier with any previous car. It is, he says, a dream to drive. He loves the handling, the rumble of the boxer engine, and the overall thrill of the drive.Jarrod Power has owned his RS Turbo Liberty for three years. The great thing about them, he says, is that while they are quite attractive, and can be improved upon easily by lowering them and fitting a set of alloy wheels, they don't attract the attention of the police, which allows you to enjoy the driving experience. The RS Turbo Liberty gets tick in every box with its looks, performance and cost.LOOK FOR • Rattling valve lifters• Illegal modifications• Great all-wheel drive handling• Roomy interior for family• Combination of performance and practicality• Good build qualityTHE BOTTOM LINE Its all-wheel drive safety makes it a great learning car for young drivers to gain experience.RATING 75/100

The Liberty, released in 1989, was front-wheel drive – a transition model for the company as it made its way into an all-wheel drive future. The Liberty was a medium-sized sedan or wagon suitable for most families, even though it wasn't as big as the cars coming from the local manufacturers.It was cleanly styled with neat, simple lines forming a wedge shape with plenty of glass to give the interior an open, airy feel, and good visibility. Inside, there was generous leg, head and shoulder room, even for taller occupants. The shape of the rear seat made the Liberty essentially a four-seater, but there was room for five if really needed.Vision was clear with plenty of glass and well-designed pillars that didn't interfere with the view from the driver's seat.All the controls and switches were laid out sensibly and drivers were generally able to find a good driving position with plenty of seat adjustment, allowing everyone to establish a comfortable relationship between wheel, pedals and seat.The Liberty's performance was adequate without being particularly sporting. A 2.2-litre fuel-injected four-valve, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder engine provided sufficient performance with particularly good mid-range torque, giving it the sort of flexibility that makes for a comfortable driving experience. When asked for its best, the Liberty's engine would produce 100kW at 6000revs and 189Nm at 4800revs.A pleasant and efficient five-speed manual gearbox transferred the engine's output to the front wheels. In normal use, the Liberty returned quite commendable fuel economy with 10.5-litre/100km on average. The Liberty's ride was comfortable and compliant with plenty of control to swallow bumps without disturbing the inner peace, while the handling was predictable and precise with good road-holding when pressed through corners.The LX provided the entry point to the Liberty range and it came with a decent amount of equipment with tilt-adjustable steering column, illuminated vanity mirrors, cup-holders, remote boot release, power mirrors, AM/FM radio cassette sound, and driver's seat height adjustment.The Liberty enjoyed an enviable reputation for build quality and reliability and came with a three-year 70,000km warranty, which was unusually long for the time. But remember, the Liberty is now up to 15 years old and that means it must be approached with caution and the understanding that you're buying an old car that is nearing the end of its useful life.Use of galvanised steel in the body meant it was resistant to rust. But listen carefully for engine rattles and knocks during the test drive and have someone follow you to observe if there's smoke from the tailpipe. This may suggest an engine rebuild is needed.Check the condition of the oil. If it's dark and dirty, it hasn't been changed in a while, which will be indicative of the level of servicing that has been done.No airbags here, so it's down to good old sheetmetal and belts. In surveys of road crashes, the Liberty is rated above the average for occupant protection.Check seatbelts for any sign of wear.It's not a bad idea to replace the belts as a precaution, particularly if you're putting your kids in the car.