Subaru Liberty 3GEN (1998-2003)

Expecting 400+ ks – The car was left to me by my son who purchased a later model outback. It had just over 200k on the clock. All services were done throughout its life. It’s now showing 285k and still running well. First clutch replacement and struts and wheel bearings now. ( country car). The thing is still driving very well, everything works as it should. Chilling… Read more ·  1

cold air and toasty heater. Paint is excellent and no rust anywhere. I’m a home mechanic so I will attend to all repairs myself for under $1k. I use it every day short & long trips. Very comfortable car. Roomy. I’m keen on squeezing every k I can out out of it. Simple no fuss car. Love it!

Reliable and comfortable – Bought a second hand 1999 Subaru Liberty RX several years. It has always been comfortable to drive and reliable. I'm only writing this review now, as I am preparing to sell this vehicle. It has required no major work. Leaking at the valve cover gaskets (as common on this model's engine) and a new starter had to be recently installed. Several… Read more ·  1

bushings are starting to fall apart, but that is to be expected in a car of this age.

My next car will be a Subaru.

Really amazing car – I was given this car after having to leave my Mercedes with my ex. Best thing ever, sticks to the road, entertaining to drive (love Awd now), and surprisingly quick (mid range) also good on fuel. I should be replacing her, but why, she never misses a beat Oh the tiny battery has been an issue (once) but hey small issue in a great car  Show details

Best shaped Liberty Sedan Ever – This is a brilliant car. It's my wife's car and has 178K on the clock still running strong, great engine power, smooth ride, great AWS, ABS and general steering. For an old 2.5 Litre box engine, it really goes with great torque! Never had the head off, has front end steering replaced, original suspension so the costs have extremely low for the… Read more

fifteen years we have had the car. Bit hungry on the fuel by today's standards at 10 litres/100km but what a ride. The Heritage has all leather and that is still all like new as well. Probably last of the old school Japanese solid build with #1 QA control.

The usual 170K slight oil leaks around rocker cover and head but apart from that no other issues. What a great machine. Best sleek sports like design that looks good even by today's standards. This car would be an excellent buy for a young mechanic that could rebuild the engine and then just drive it for another 100K

Lacking in power but overall a good driving experience – We first purchased our 2002 GX Liberty in October 2015, kind of on a whim as we needed another car ASAP due to our previous one being written off and apart from needing to get a new set of tyres for it since purchase it hasn't been a bad car at all, it's the 2.0 litre AWD version. Positive: Reasonable fuel economy Good interior space for 4… Read more

adults

Nice sized boot

Negative:

Can be expensive for parts

Servicing through Subaru is VERY EXPENSIVE hence I avoid going to them

No vents for rear passengers which on a hot summers day can make things uncomfortable for them, as happened to my in-laws this year

Overall this car isn't to bad, ours has now traveled 248 thousand k's and is still going without a drama, it sounds somewhat agricultural, though from what I understand they all do when the clicks get up (Liberty's) and it can be very underdone for power when climbing steep hills, also has a strong tendency to lag when changing gears til you really put the boot into it (automatic variant)

Great car – We have owned a 2002 Subaru Liberty RX for 3 years.It has the 2.5 litre single OHC engine with a 5 speed manual gearbox.It had 170000Klms on it.It now has 250000Klms on the clock and apart from regular 12000 klm services at the local Subaru dealer, the only repairs it has had are the rubber boots on the front drive shafts replaced, a replacement… Read more

timing belt fitted and a clutch replaced.It is now on it's third set of tyres.

A great car to drive, handles very well in wet or dry conditions, comfortable seats .It runs well on 95 unleaded and I feel that we get reasonable mileage per tank full.

Service costs are a little higher than we would like but it gets genuine parts fitted and the people at Subaru always let us know of any potential problems that may arise by the next service.This gives us peace of mind while travelling long distances.

I like the interior design and the pillarless doors.

I were to update our car in the future,I would look to a Subaru as first option.

2.0 2003 Subaru Liberty – My 2003 Liberty is the best and most reliable car on the road with only 180k on the clock and only a clutch change. It has performed better than I expected, at only 101kw it can still take a Falcon or Commodore on the road. I am very surprised with the performance for such a small engine and fuel econemy. I recommend Subaru as a family car or… Read more ·  1

for fun.

Don't forget some of the parts can be $$$, but at the end of the day its quality that lasts for a long time. Reliable, efficient, Parts can be expensive, but pretty well priced.