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Subaru Liberty Problems

Are you having problems with your Subaru Liberty? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Subaru Liberty issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Subaru Liberty in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Subaru Forester annoying rattle

It's worth checking and easy to find out if it is the source of his annoying rattle. Another reader with the same problem found that it was the tailgate latching mechanism and a little bit of grease fixed it.

Used Subaru Exiga review: 2009-2011

The choices available to car buyers today can be bewildering. Where once you chose between a sedan and a wagon todays car buyers have a vast range of models to choose from, models that are specifically targeted at particular parts of the market.

Families can now choose from sedans, wagons, SUVs and peoplemovers, with many blurring the boundaries between vehicle types.

NEW

Subaru's Exiga was a case in point. It looked for all the world like a compact peoplemover, but Subaru wouldn't have it, for them it was a family wagon.

The Exiga had a sort of utilitarian look, like most peoplemovers. It comes from its tall stance and boxy shape. It was conceived to fit into the Liberty range alongside the regular Liberty wagon and the Outback, offering larger families the benefit of a roomier cabin with the feel and finish of a regular Subaru.

Underneath the Exiga was a mix of Liberty and Forester/Impreza. Inside there was plenty of accommodation for six, with comfortable front seats, equally comfortable second row seating, and adequate seating for a couple of adults in the third row if you weren't going too far. The third row is really there for kids, and there's ample room for them.

With all seats up and in position there isn't a lot of room for luggage behind the third row, but when the 50:50 split third row is folded there's heaps, and with the 6:40 split second seat folded there's even more space.

A well-proven 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine powered the Exiga with more than sufficient punch for the task at hand. There was just one transmission available, which was a CVT auto, which was perfectly suited to the job of shifting a family. The CVT is not renowned for its sportiness, but the Exiga was a pleasant, steady driver. When it needed to be stirred along you could resort to the manual shift paddles and make like it's a manual.

Like all Subarus the Exiga had the safety of all-wheel drive, which added to its appeal. It was well equipped with dual-zone air, DVD entertainment, cruise, remote central locking and power windows and mirrors. With a five-star tick from ANCAP you could expect it to come with all the safety bells and whistles, and it did, with a raft of airbags, full ABS braking, and stability control the main features.

NOW

Subarus in general give little trouble, and the Exiga is no different to its cousins. Servicing is all-important, always has been, but it's even more crucial in the modern car with its fine tolerances. Missed or delayed oil changes can be terminal, so it's vital that the servicing is maintained as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

With the Exiga using a CVT transmission it's important to conduct a thorough road test looking for any glitches in its operation. While there are no specific reports of issues with the Subaru transmission, there are plenty of reports of issues in other makes and models.

When testing a car equipped with CVT drive it in as many different situations as possible, highway speed, urban driving speed, walking speed, manoeuvring, parking and reversing. Try to take off on an incline, going forward and backwards. Observe for shuddering, particularly on take-off, hesitations, surging, or anything else that doesn't seem quite right.

Make the usual checks for a service record to ensure the servicing has been done as required, and ask about oil usage as Subarus can use a little oil.

SMITH SAYS

Not as funky as an SUV, but more practical for a larger family.

Subaru Exiga - 2009-2011
Price new: $37,490 to $41,990
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 123 kW/229 Nm
Transmission: CVT
Economy: 8.6 L/100 km
Body: 4-door wagon
Variants: base, Premium
Safety: 5-star ANCAP
 

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Subaru Liberty water pump

It's common practice to replace the water pump at the belt change, and not just on Subarus, as the water pump is usually found to be leaking when they take off the front cover and belt etc. By replacing it when the engine is pulled down for the belt change you won't have to do it again when the water pump finally fails. If you're not sure ask to see evidence the water pump needs replacing before the mechanic goes ahead and fits a new one. $400 is about right if it has to be replaced.

Used Subaru Liberty and Outback review: 1989-2012

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.

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Used cars for sale under $7000 review

In cheap used car territory – around $7000 or so -- it’s condition, condition, condition.

Don’t be too worried about how many kilometres it’s got on the clock. If the car has its original, complete service book, that’s a better indication that you could be on to something good.

No matter how schmick the car looks, though, at this sort of money there are probably one or two expensive time bombs lurking within it. Unless you really know how to check a car out properly, get an independent mechanic to have a look at it before you sign up. A report might save you from a $7000 disaster.

No other brand makes cars that keep on keeping on like Toyota, and a well maintained Corolla, of any vintage, is usually a trouble-free choice. I know of one that’s done more than 400,000 kilometres. You’re looking at a 2002-2003 hatch or sedan, probably base Ascent or Conquest grades, with the same 1.8-litre engine used in the current model, and a five speed manual or four speed automatic. You’ll get great fuel economy. It’s big enough for four, practical and comfortable. Try to find one with the passenger airbag/ABS brakes option..

Price when new: $23,890
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 1.8 Litre
Transmission: five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, front wheel drive
Outputs: 100kW/171Nm
Thirst: 7.7 / 100Km
 

The Lancer is a basic, tough, reliable sedan (and wagon) that was heavily discounted when new, so you can pick up a relatively late-model (2005) base 2.0-litre ES for about $7000. That’s great value, especially if it’s got the ABS brakes/six airbags option.

Price when new: $21,990
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 2.0 Litre
Transmission: four-speed automatic, front wheel drive
Outputs: 92kw/173Nm
Thirst: 8.7 / 100Km
 

You probably have to spend more than $7000 to get an early (2004) Mazda3, but its 2002-2003 323 predecessor is a blue-chip Japanese small car with similar virtues to a Corolla. There’s Protégé sedan and Astina hatch body styles, with a 1.8 litre engine, plus upmarket, sorta kinda sporty 2.0-litre SP20 variants.

Price when new: $19,990
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 1.8 Litre
Transmission: five-speed Manual, Front Wheel Drive
Outputs: 92kw/163Nm
Thirst: 7.4 / 100Km
 

The Civic is a favourite with older buyers, who are either too tight to pay for proper servicing, or fastidious about keeping their pride and joy in mint nick. If the seller proudly shows you the complete service book, buy the car. It will be a 2000-2002 GLi sedan or Vi hatch, with an economical 1.7-litre engine.

Price when new: $27,950
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 1.7 Litre
Transmission: four-speed Automatic, Front Wheel Drive
Outputs: 96kW/155Nm
Thirst: 7.3 / 100Km
 

I’ve included this because it was cheap as chips when new, so you can now pick up a 2005-2007 model for about $7000. Avoid the base S hatch; go for a 1.6-litre SX instead, which has ABS brakes as standard. Motoring associations rated the Getz as the car with the lowest running costs on the market.

Price when new: $16,490
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 1.6 Litre
Transmission: five-speed Manual, Front Wheel Drive
Outputs: 78kW/144Nm
Thirst: 6.2 / 100Km

Toyota Camry

Price when new: $30,990
Engine: 6 Cylinder, 3.0 Litre
Transmission: five-speed Manual
Outputs: 141kW/279Nm
Thirst: 9.9/100Km

Seriously, what else could I recommend above one of these? The Camry’s quality, durability and reliability are legendary. It might take a while, but eventually you will find a 2003 (introduced in September 2002) Altise or Ateva, the first of the 2.4-litre models, probably with a four speed automatic, though there are a few five-speed manuals around. There’s also an equally reliable 3.0-litre V6/four speed auto, which is usually slightly cheaper than the four cylinder, because that’s the car everybody wants. Camry’s a big five seater, with a huge boot. ABS brakes were optional on the base model, so check they’re fitted.

Mitsubishi Magna

Price when new: $32,710
Engine: 6 Cylinder, 3.5 Litre
Transmission: five-speed manual
Outputs: 155kW/316Nm
Thirst: 11.8/100Km

Not as bulletproof as a Camry, but there are still plenty of 2003-2005 models being used as daily drivers. The 3.5-litre V6 is smooth and powerful, but if the four speed automatic shifts slowly, or with a clunk, leave it alone. Go for the ES sedan, which has four airbags as standard.

Subaru Liberty

Price when new: $41,890
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 2.5 Litre
Transmission: four-speed automatic
Outputs: 115kW/223Nm
Thirst: 8.7/100Km

The safest car in its class at the time, the 2001-2002 Subaru Liberty sedan is available with 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre four cylinder engines, five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, and all-wheel drive. This is an effective substitute for a traction/stability control system, especially in wet, slippery conditions.

Mercedes-Benz C180/C200

Price when new: $53,000
Engine:  4 Cylinder, 1.8 Litre
Transmission: five-speed Automatic, Rear Wheel Drive
Outputs: 90kw/170Nm
Thirst: 8.0/100km

The W202 C Class, popular in the late 1990s, dates from an era when a Mercedes was over-engineered and built in Germany, to the world’s best quality and reliability standards. They’ve arguably gone backwards since. Choose from 1.8 and 2.0-litre four cylinder engines, both offering glacially slow performance.

Nissan Maxima

Price when new: $42,990
Engine: 6 Cylinder, 3.0 Litre
Transmission: Automatic, Front Wheel drive
Outputs: 157kW / 291Nm
Thirst: 8.6L/100Km

You’ll have to hunt one of these down, because they didn’t sell in big numbers, but a 2002-2003 Maxima is used car gold. At the time, owner satisfaction surveys done in secret by the car industry rated the Maxima as the best big, affordable sedan on the market. Its powerful 3.0-litre V6 was also regarded as one of the world’s best engines.

Build quality is light years ahead of any Falcodore, and the Maxima is luxuriously comfortable. Four airbags and ABS are standard. If you’re lucky, you’ll find an ST-R, with sunroof and 17-inch alloys. Ti also gets leather and side airbags.

Toyota Avalon

Price when new: $43,990
Engine: 6 Cylinder, 3.0 Litre
Transmission: Automatic, Front Wheel Drive
Outputs: 145kW / 284Nm
Thirst: 8.5L / 100Km

This is basically a rebodied Camry with the 3.0-litre V6 engine and a four-speed automatic. At $7000, you’re probably looking at a 2002-2003 model, before the September 2003 MkIII facelift. If you can find one of those, though, it’s worth looking at because Toyota improved the brakes, ride and handling.

Ford Falcon

Price when new: $36,575
Engine: 6 Cylinder, 4.0 Litre
Transmission: Manual, Rear Wheel Drive
Outputs: 182kW / 380Nm
Thirst: 11.4L/100Km

We’re in BA territory here, from September 2002 to October 2004. The mighty Falcon is a more reliable old dunger than its Commodore equivalent, and the BA got the 4.0-litre six (with a shocking thirst), plus a four speed auto. Don’t buy a BA without traction control; the Fairmont also has side airbags.

Holden Commodore 

Price when new: $35,950
Engine: 6 Cylinder, 3.8 Litre
Transmission: Manual, Rear Wheel Drive
Outputs: 152kW / 305Nm
Thirst: 8.0 / 100Km

Our $7000 limit bring us in at the 2001 VXII and 2002 VY Commodores, both with the primitive, hoarse and incontinent, but surprisingly economical, 3.8 litre V6. Ah, but you can also get the Gen III 5.7-litre V8. Nice, but be very, very careful. These things have dropped their guts in many a driveway.

Subaru Liberty Outback 

Price when new: $38,290
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 2.5 Litre
Transmission: Manual, Four Wheel Drive
Outputs: 115kW / 223Nm
Thirst: 8.9 / 100Km

Liberty wagon engines and spex are as per the 2001-2002 sedans. The Liberty is unusual in that nearly every sedan variant is also available as a family freighter. Subaru sold heaps of wagons because, while some car makers still didn’t take safety seriously ten years ago, the Liberty’s four star ANCAP rating (the maximum at the time) made it the obvious choice for parents who wanted to make sure that their kids were properly protected in a crash. It’s not quite big enough to work as daily transport for three kids, but it’ll take two easily. The 2.0-litre engine is gutless, so try to find a 2.5. The Outback has higher clearance and awful plastic body trim.

Toyota Corolla

Price when new: $29,090                      
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 1.8 Litre
Transmission: Automatic, Front Wheel Drive
Outputs: 100kW / 171Nm
Thirst: 7.7 / 100Km

The Corolla wagon is now no more, which is a pity, because this 2002-2003 model was one of those cars that cleverly packed a big, useful interior into a compact body. The wagon’s 60/40 split fold rear seat folds down to make a completely flat floor space.

Toyota Camry

Price when new: $34,165
Engine: 6 Cylinder, 3.0 Litre
Transmission: Automatic, Front Wheel Drive
Outputs: 141kW / 279Nm
Thirst: 8.7 / 100Km

Toyota stopped making the Camry wagon in 2002. The Kluger took over that role in 2003. There’s plenty of 2000-2002 Camry wagons out there, though, with bulletproof 2.2-litre four cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 engines. Find one with ABS brakes, which were optional on most variants. The 3.0V6 Touring is the gem.

Toyota Tarago

Price when new: $45,030
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 2.4 Litre
Transmission: Manual, Rear Wheel Drive
Outputs: 102kW / 208Nm
Thirst: 9.3 / 100Km

If you need seven or eight seats for $7000, you’re looking at a 1998-1999 Toyota Tarago GLi. Its 2.4-litre engine goes OK and doesn’t use huge amounts of juice. Find one with rear seat air con to keep the kids comfortable. The Getaway model has ABS and two airbags.

Whats your pick for a budget second hand buy? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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Best used cars for a first car review: 2005-2006

The first lesson for first-car buyers is to forget power and performance - go for safety, reliability and low running costs. Today's car choices are far wider and considerably less basic that Peter Brock's first car, a stripped-down 750cc Austin Seven. But the exercise of buying your car demands patience and - if possible - expert consideration.

Compared with buying new, you will save money purchasing a used car. But be aware that a used car may require expensive repair costs, may be less fuel efficient and that its safety standards are likely to be lower than a new car. The basic safety gear you want are two airbags and ABS brakes.

Every car is different because each has been treated differently during its life. Be cognisant that cheap new cars are bought on a budget and the penny-pinching owners may skimp on regular servicing and repairs. Steer away from hotted-up cars - you want reliable, easy-to-fix transport here, not a temperamental, ground-hugging runt that sounds like it's lost its exhaust pipe.

There are a few quality used car models that have lasted the distance. These have retained a solid reputation for quality and reliability, have a strong spare parts back-up, simple service schedule and are renown for just being easy to live with.

The only downside is they won't be the newest car on your block and they're unlikely to be the most rewarding ride of your life. But you have to start somewhere. Just like Peter Brock.

CHOICES

These are some used cars, not in any particular order, that should be reliable first-time cars. But each car is different. Ensure your car is professionally checked before buying and that all the car's service papers are accurate, regular and preferably stamped by a competent service centre.

NISSAN TIIDA

This model is the evolution of the Pulsar and, I admit, isn't the prettiest car on the road. Fellas, perhaps stay away from this one. But the model is enduring because of its simplicity and low running costs. It has a decent amount of metal around the passenger cell to minimise intrusion in case of a collision, a neat and functional interior with comfortable seats, big boot in the sedan model (and more than adequate in the hatchback version), and four doors so your friends won't have to squeeze past you on the way to access the rear seat.

2006 TIIDA TI SEDAN

Cost: $9200 with 79,000km
Engine: 93kW/174Nm 1.8-litre auto
Fuel economy: 7.8 L/100km
Safety features: ABS brakes, 4 airbags, brake assist Crash rating: 4-star

MAZDA3

Two of my daughters drive these and love them for their comfort and features. Later models are preferable because of the electronic stability control, but earlier versions had at least four airbags and ABS brakes plus a four-star crash rating. Because everyone loves these, they're going to cost a bit more than some rival cars. But Mazda's quality name should extend to the day you sell it allowing it to retain a high resale value.

2006 MAZDA3 MAXX

Cost: $11,500 with 75,000km
Engine: 108kW/182Nm 2.0-litre auto
Fuel economy: 8.2 L/100km
Safety features: ABS brakes, 6 airbags, brake assist
Crash rating: 4-star.

MITSUBISHI LANCER

These have been made for decades yet nearly all carry a name for reliability. One model, bought with 247,000km on the clock, stayed trouble-free in my household for four years before finding yet another owner. That's not uncommon with Lancers. They're very simple cars but early models fall down badly in safety equipment, so look at 2003 and younger if possible. The 2007-plus models have a five-star crash rating. It doesn't really matter which model you buy but you may have better resale in the future with an automatic with four or five doors that will appeal to a wider audience.

2006 LANCER LS SEDAN

Cost: $10,000 with 70,000km
Engine: 115kW/220Nm 2.4-litre auto
Fuel economy: 8.5 L/100km
Safety features: ABS brakes, 2 airbags
Crash rating: 3-star.

TOYOTA COROLLA

This is a stablemate of suburban living with the distinction of being a member of practically every Australian household since the 1970s. It's always been a simple and reliable car without any major hiccups, though the Toyota badge means there's a premium - justified or otherwise - on the price. Paying the extra on the Corolla name alone may not be worth it - look closely at each car before purchase. Toyota was one of the last major carmakers to introduce extra features - such as additional airbags and stability control - on base versions. Better models started from 2000 and the more upmarket versions (Levin and Ultima, for example) are preferred.

2006 COROLLA CONQUEST SEDAN

Cost: $10,500 with 75,000km
Engine: 93kW/161Nm 1.8-litre auto
Fuel economy: 7.4 L/100km
Safety features: ABS brakes, 2 airbags
Crash rating: 4-star.

MITSUBISHI MAGNA

This is something a bit bigger and yet is generally priced about the same as the smaller cars. Mitsubishi made these in Australia and progressive years honed the product to excellent reliability while ho-hum styling and performance slashed resale. That makes this big family car good buying today. Magnas ended their run in 2005 and today these are the pick of the bunch, even though the powerplant was a 3.5-litre V6 with a four-speed auto. These cars were common in government and rental fleets but don't be put off - that means they've been regularly se rviced and repaired.

2005 MAGNA ES SEDAN

Cost: $5000 with 120,000km
Engine: 155kW/316Nm 3.5-litre V6 auto
Fuel economy: 11.5 L/100km
Safety features: ABS brakes, 4 airbags, traction control
Crash rating: 3-star.

SUBARU LIBERTY

Another biggish car that offered high safety standards for its era. The later Libertys are also attractive, well equipped - in their day they weren't a cheap car - and roomy. The downside may be lacklustre performance, so-so fuel economy and some high-priced spare parts but we're primarily chasing a reliable and safe car choice here. The Libertys are all-wheel drive sedans and wagons which aids safety on wet roads rather than giving them any off-road ability (for that, look at the Subaru Outback).

2006 LIBERTY 2.5i SEDAN

Cost: $11,500 with 75,000km
Engine: 121kW/226Nm 2.5-litre auto
Fuel economy: 9.5 L/100km
Safety features: ABS brakes, 6 airbags, traction control
Crash rating: 5-star.

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Used Subaru Liberty review: 2006-2007

Subaru has kicked goals at every turn since it went all all-wheel-drive. The audacious move saw it go from also-ran to leader of the pack and it has never looked back.

If the awesome Impreza WRX is the hero model that gives the brand its zing, the Liberty is the real brand leader.

The 2.0R entered the fray in 2006 when it replaced the 2.5i. It was much the same as the 2.5i, but built on the success of its predecessor and brought more to the table in the form of goodies. Most not able among a raft of changes was the engine, which boasted double overhead camshafts where the older model only had a single cam per bank. With better breathing courtesy of the extra cams the flat-four produced 20 kW more than the older engine.

A five-speed manual gearbox came standard, with a four-speed auto an optional choice. The big advantage of the Liberty when compared to its rivals is its all-wheel drive system. The others, of course, are all front-wheel drivers.

In the Liberty's case the system is a permanent all-wheel drive system so all four wheels are being driven all the time and there's no delay in grip as there can be with systems that are front-wheel drive until it's determined that grip is needed at the rear wheels. With grip on tap all the time there's no loss of poise when things turn slippery on wet or muddy roads.

The Liberty simply gets on with the job, no fuss, sure-footed and stable. The upgraded engine of the 2.0R is no fireball, but it has all the punch a family needs. The 2.0R was released midway through the model cycle, so the looks are a bit plain, but that shouldn't deter anyone from buying it. Inside, the cabin is quite roomy and well laid out with comfortable and supportive seats, and with a nice feel to the trim and fittings.

IN THE SHOP

The Liberty is a well-built car and little really goes wrong with them, at least on a grand scale. They do need regular servicing; oil changes are a must for long  engine life, so look for a service record. Look also for oil leaks  around the engine. The cam belt needs changing every 100,000 km, so check that the changes have been done as required. The front suspension bushes can wear so have them checked. Owners also report having to regularly replace headlamp globes that fail on low beam.

IN A CRASH

With all-wheel drive grip, front and side airbags and ABS brakes the Liberty came standard with pretty much everything needed to keep you out of trouble, hence the 5-star ANCAP rating.

UNDER THE PUMP

Subaru claimed an average fuel consumption of 9.1 L/100 km and that  was backed up by real life results on road tests at the time of the 2.0R's launch. The minimum octane rating was 95, while Subaru said E10 fuel was ok if the minimum octane rating was maintained.

AT A GLANCE

Price new: $33,990 to $36,490

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol;121 kW/187 Nm

Transmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual; AWD

Economy: 9.1 L/100 km

Body: 4-door sedan, wagon

Safety: 5-star ANCAP

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Ask Smithy Xtra Humming Liberty Exiga

You could well be right. It would seem they haven’t found what’s causing the noise and have simply guessed that it’s a problem with the tyre. The car is still under warranty, so I would take it back and demand they find and fix the fault.

Used first cars review: 2006

On a tight budget, you had four options: unsafe cars, unreliable cars, really boring cars or cars that combined all three characteristics.  In the past decade, though, it's become easier to find a tidy, safe, cheap used car, for several reasons.

Firstly, used cars don't hold their value like they once did. New cars have become cheaper in real terms, and sales have boomed, so there's a lot more used cars on the market.

Cars are also much safer than they used to be. Government legislation and independent crash test programmes like NCAP, (which publicises the results of its tests, much to the annoyance of the industry) have forced car makers to improve safety. A 2005 car, no matter what make it is, will be safer than a 1995 car. At the minimum, you want two front airbags and anti-lock (ABS) brakes.

Unless it's French or Italian, in which case a weekly dummy spit is part of the "ownership experience," most cars from the last 10 years will be pretty reliable, as long as servicing has been done by the book.

We are talking about ordinary, everyday cars here, that haven't been thrashed. If you're looking at some dude's slammed, chipped Subaru WRX and the price seems too good to be true, chances are it will self-destruct before you make it home. You pay your money and you take your chances.

Immaculate, low kilometre cars owned by little old ladies do exist, and they are gold. So is a complete service record, especially if it's from the dealer who sold the car new.  Let's see if we can find a few to recommend. Bottom dollar in our search is $5000.

There's not much joy at this money, but the last of the Mitsubishi Magnas, from 2004-2005, are great value and reasonably plentiful. Many will be ex-renters. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because serving will have been done to schedule. The 3.5-litre V6-four speed auto ES has four airbags and ABS.

Another Mitsubishi, the Lancer, is the best small car we can find at this price. Toyota Corollas are fine too, though they're more expensive.  The Lancer's as sexy as a can of baked beans and completely bulletproof. Pay about $7000-$8000 or so for a 2005 model. Find one with optional ABS and six airbags.

If you've got around $10,000 to spend, you have much more choice.  In 2004, Mazda made six airbags and ABS available across its entire range, as options or standard, so any Mazda2 or Mazda3 from 2004 on will be worth checking out. Mazda does blue chip quality, and if you find a good one, with a service book, buy it. You'll pick up a 2 for less than $10,000; a 3 will be $10,000-$12,000.

If you need something bigger, this sort of money will also get you into a 2004-2005 Subaru Liberty, another top car from Japan's A league. All wheel drive, excellent handling and Subaru's class leading NCAP scores are pluses. The 2.0-litre four won't rip your arms off, but it will do the job. Wagons cost a little more.

You might prefer a small SUV wagon instead, so look for a 2004-2005 Subaru Forester, or Toyota RAV4, at $12,000-$15,000.  If you need a big car for a big country, the Aussie six is hard to go past.

You'll pay $10,000-$13,000 for the first of the VE Commodores from 2006. The 3.6-litre V6 sounds like 1000 leaf blowers on maximum thrust, however it's durable enough. Holden got serious about safety with VE, so you get stability control as standard.  It might take a while to find the right car, but in the end, it pays to be fussy. Second hand doesn't have to mean second best.

WHERE TO BUY?

Dealer
Pros: On cars under 10 years old, most states require a warranty, typically 3 months or 5000 kilometres. You also get guaranteed title. Franchised dealers (ie those who also sell new cars) usually have the best selection of used cars; the trade-ins they don't want are unloaded to non franchised dealers or auctions.
Cons: Can be more expensive than a similar car bought privately. Beware of non-franchised dealers selling flood damaged or rebirthed (ie cars written off by insurance companies but then repaired) from Queensland.

Private
Pros: The best way to find a bargain.
Cons: You have to do plenty of legwork, and finding the right car, in a place that's close to where you live, can be a time consuming process. There's no guarantee of title or provenance, and no comebacks if it drops its guts on the way home. Buyer beware.

Auctions
Pros: Ex-government or fleet cars, usually properly serviced, with low kilometres. Guaranteed title. Many dealers buy cars at auction, take them to their car yard, and jack the price up by thousands of dollars. Buy it yourself, and pocket the difference.
Cons: You can't test drive the car before you bid. It's also easy for an amateur to pay too much, so go to a couple before you buy to get an idea of prices and how it all works.

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Ask Smithy Xtra Subaru Liberty E10 enquiry

Yes, you can rely on E10 to have the correct level of ethanol. Subaru’s advice is that the 2004-2006 Liberty GT should not use E10, it needs a higher octane rating, but yours could, providing you use fuel of the recommended octane rating.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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