Subaru Liberty

Not worth it if someone takes the SD card out – So this car was sold to my father back in 2015 and the battery went flat now it says the SD card is missing and that actually stops the whole stereo and reverse camera from working completely. This SD card is at a cost of $650 to replace it. The SD card is only for the navigation but it actually stops everything. Show details

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!

7 Liberty's in the family – We have had 7 Liberty's in our family since 1992 (6 4Gen) I have bought my sons Liberty's as their first cars and my wife has had 4 since we first bought the 2Gen. My wife currently has a 2009 GT SpecB 2.5l - amazing vehicle that is stupid fast with 230K on the clock. My son has a 2009 2.5l 4Gen with 240K and no major issues. The main… Read more ·  1

concern is that the dash pads are now cracking and deteriorating - both have always had dash mats on them. In the 4Gen models we have always had the 2.5l motors and when the K's get up over 200K they can use a little oil and need checking (ask my son!) Otherwise they are reliable and pretty much bulletproof.

My wife's GT Spec B is lovely to drive and corners like it is on rails. Beautiful to drive albeit a little small for me at 6'2" The ride can be a little firm but it does have sports suspension so that is expected

I would highly recommend this model Subaru as a first car. Safe, secure and reliable. The first one achieved 420K with no major mechanical issue except replacing one clutch at 200K. Very good I would say.

My throughts on CVT and manual trans – Hi guys R.O.C here. I brought a used 2011 Subaru liberty 2.5i non turbo 6sp manual with 140,000 KS on the clock and it has a ej253 engine for $8000. I didn't want to get one with the automatic CVT purely because they are weak. ( In the US and AUS.. by the look of it ) I am now spending $1700 on an Exedy clutch kit (fitted) because when the car is… Read more ·  1

cold and I start it, it makes a light shimming/squeeling noise when the clutch pedal is out but when I push the clutch in with my foot it goes away. ( Only happens for about 2-3 mins while it's warming up and was told by mechanic it's the throwout bearing and recommended I get a clutch kit put through it. ( Clutch kit contains: fork assembly, new flywheel, new throw out bearing, crank bolt, plates, alignment tool and spigot ) The internet seems to have a lot of cases with the manual trans just like my case and there seems to be a lot of confusion about the cause and fix. Soooo... luckily For all those people that are right now going that's what my car does with a serious look on there face starring at there phone haha... I am planing on having the new clutch kit fitted to my car in the next week or too and I will post an update here and let you know if problem is fixed.. and if it comes back at any point... I will update again. But overall I love my subaru 4 out of 5 stars.

Great until the CVT fails – My 2012 Liberty has been a fantastic car, now that the torque converter/ cvt appears to have failed, any long term economy of owning a Subaru is out the window. Subaru Australia will say how sorry they are to hear it, and act like they know nothing about this being a big problem with these cars. This is a major safety issue as the car stalls when… Read more

you brake. They will also say that American cars are different from ours; the bottom line is that when Subaru of America were faced with an identical issue they extended the drivetrain warranty to cover owners. My local dealership has still not given me a price to make the repair, after 6 months of back and forth stall tactics from Subaru Australia. I am told by other owners that it could cost upwards of $5000 to repair. My car is still in amazing condition at 200,000k's and looks like it should be good for another 100,000k's which is what I expect from a Subaru, especially with full Subaru servicing. it looks like the days of long term ownership of Subarus has gone forever, I am seeing a lot of CVT problems with newer Subaru's also. Subaru have built a transmission that they reckon needs no servicing, and can't be repaired economically, yet when one fails, they call it wear and tear. Customer service team have no idea about cars, they are just there to pass on whatever story they are given. it's a shame that Subaru are going this way, their cars are lovely to drive but it's not worth paying the premium price to own if long term reliability is not built in. this will also affect resale value for those who turn them over in a couple of years.

Head unit failed – Car was bought new in 2015 and no problems until recently when my starlink unit failed. Subaru Australia offered no help saying it was not a known problem but suggest the dealer performs a reboot at a cost of $160. No guarantee it will work and no other offer. Show details ·  5

Closest thing to Flying – I drive this beauty to do my job, she’s a smooth, fast, powerful, comfortable, mod cons filled, roomy car . Runs efficiently, is reliable and is an utter pleasure to drive. Show details ·  1

Great car! Comfortable, fast when need it to be, good looking. Only downside is the head gaskets don't last – I use this car to commute to places, personal use, I use it on average 4 days a week, Its serviced every 5000 km's, no issues except the head gasket. Show details ·  1

There ok but not the punch for $ had one for six months then moved it on resale was ok – Being a tall person just not enough room ....ok if yr smaller !.. didnt have the power i thought it would and only handle ok not the best not the worst ! Show details

Avoid this model like the plague – The torque converter is a shocker and Subaru, unlike in the US, won't give an extended warranty with the problem. The stalling is a serious safety problem. And the cost of repairing it is in the region of $4000. Show details

Excellent engine, best cvt of the lot, comfortable for long journeys. Excellent value. Show details

The most reliable car ever – I can't praise my Subaru highly enough. Had since new and has never let me down. Show details ·  1

Best car I have ever owned – I bought my Subaru Liberty 2010 with 117,00 klm on the clock. It had always been serviced at a Subaru Dealership and still is. The Takata Airbag recall was done as well as the electronic brake recall problem. I drive the car most days. Melbourne trips are a joy to drive in my Subaru. I have now clicked 175,000 and I have not had one single problem… Read more ·  3

in 58,000 klms. Paintwork holding up amazingly well as it is not garaged. A cut & polish keep it preserved. Love my Subaru!

Subaru GT Premium Wagon – I purchased new a 2014 gt wagon and still have it. It has been a great little car, now with 95k on it. Everyone that drives it cant believe how well it performs in acceleration and handle. A wee bit noisy with the low profile tyres on rough bitumen. It now steers around the windy roads of tasmania with ease. Service is not expensive and I have not… Read more ·  1

had a mechanical issue yet. In the purple mode overtaking is quick and a lot safer. If I was to worry about what might go first, it would be the clutch as it pulls so hard. OK these weren't the prettiest, but hey if you want a sleeper you don't want to draw attention.

Can’t fault it, great car. Great safety features. Does not lack power. Smooth drive and good visibility – Driving every day to and from work, using highway and freeways normally. Not bad economy. Servicing, average once a year or 12500kms. No issues as yet. For the price there’s good features. Show details ·  1

Solid car over many years – 2005 bought second hand from dealer. Premium wagon. Driven on all roads and long distances. Just about to clock 375,000kms! Engine is perfect but everything Else starting to go. Suspension gone! Electric windows issues. Tailgate light always needing replacement. I dread having to get a new but the time has come. Servicing too expensive. Show details ·  1

Best car in the world – I bought a subaru liberty in 2009. I got delivered a Subaru Liberty on the 1st April with 13km on the clock. Last Friday (31/07/2020), it ticked over half a million kilometre. Over last 11 years we travelled a lot together. The ride was and still being awesome. I have a BMW 430! convertible and ride of my liberty is no less enjoyable. I never had… Read more ·  1

spent anything except normal wear and tear. Just got it polished and waxed and it looks like new again. I am so happy with this car and want to thank Subaru for delivering this little piece of gem.

Great family car – Great car and value for money with so many features. The all wheel drive adds to the safety of the car and it has enough room to fit a family of five comfortably without compromising on the power. The semi automatic with paddle gears lets you have some fun with the 3.6 engine especially in sports mode. You really do not need any more power than this in the city or for cruising on highways Show details ·  1

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.

Satisfied – After 4 years and 64,000 klms, I am still happy with my Liberty. The fuel economy is even getting better with the more klms I do. Open hwy regularly getting 6.3- 6.8 ltrs per 100 klms. My "only dislike" is the cheap clunk when closing the boot. So if that is the worst thing, yes, I am happy. Currently looking for replacing my Dunlop Max 050 tyres. Any recommendations? Show details ·  1

Best car on the road – I've had my beast for 9 years and its still going strong. It has been regularly serviced and the interior is as good as it was the day it came home,and that's with dogs regularly on board. I can confidently drive on the open road, its fast acceleration keeps me out of trouble when overtaking on hills and cruise control makes open road driving a… Read more

breeze. The rear seats fold down to take extra long loads when required. It's just done a weekend in the bush, give adults and two dogs, all rode comfortably. Highly recommend the Subaru Liberty to anyone for any purpose.

CVT Issues – My 2015 Liberty's CVT gearbox has shuddering, slipping and is jerky as reported by other owners. The torque converter fails to lock up most of the time leaving me with no power. Likely a problem with the torque converter itself or solenoids (many similar problems in American Legacys). Local Subaru service department gave me the runaround for years. Traded the car for something more reliable. Very disappointed. Show details

I love my Liberty – I love my Liberty. Stylish and sophisticated with more safety features than you can poke a stick at. It drives and handles beautifully, particularly In wet condition. It is zippy enough for me to buzz around the city, and big enough to comfortably accomodate the whole family. The boot is quite big. Great for all of the shopping or kids stuff. Fuel economy is quite reasonable too. Show details

CVT delay – Transmission has a 2 second delay when engaging from reverse to drive. This is how it works from new. In my view this a serious defect and could be dangerous as i didnt know about it and almost hit a car when it rolled back at the shops. Show details

Not entirely convinced – I purchased the Liberty Premium last year as a brand new car. Probably the two biggest Achilles heels for this car are the CVT and suspension; both of which are doughy and slow to respond. The CVT takes getting used to and even in conjunction with the beautiful 6 cylinder engine (which could use just a bit more “poke”) it still suffers from the… Read more

dreaded “rubber-band effect” of taking its time to spool up and react to the engine revs and demand for action (5/10). As a result, the otherwise fantastic EyeSight system (9/10) in conjunction with adaptive cruise control suffers when maintaining a relatively constant speed without limiting factors - such as slow vehicles in front. If you come to a hill for instance, with cruise set @ 100, you find it dropping as low as 90 before the transmission finally catches up to the extra engine revs to bring the speed up again. Not a deal-breaker but annoying. Sport and Sport# modes help a little, but there’s no getting around the inherent CVT way of doing things... Suspension is also very ordinary in this car and clearly not tuned for Australian roads (4/10). So soft is it in fact, I’ve discovered the bump stops more times than I care to remember on Victorian back country roads. As I use the car to travel all over Victoria for work and travel an average of 60,000km a year, this has become a real letdown for this car. Then there’s the front seats. The seat base is way too short for me (I’m 6’3”) and wasn’t apparent at the time of test drive but after 55,000km from new I still for the life of me not get comfortable in the drivers seat. The lack of leg support is painful on a long drive. I was far more comfier in my 2015 Lancer XLS than I can get in the Subaru. The infotainment system is functional (6/10) but the inbuilt TomTom navigation system is pretty ordinary in both its accuracy and functionality. As for the stereo, the Harmon Kardon sound system is a letdown for the premium price tag; especially the 8 inch subwoofer that has an extremely narrow frequency band that causes some to be overbearing whilst others inaudible. Very little ability to finely tune the system doesn’t help here. As an audiophile, I am definitely disappointed with the overall sound system performance. On a good note: the EyeSight system is extremely well designed, very trustworthy and never intrusive. The car is definitely a cruiser (as was its intended purpose when I purchased it) but the above mentioned CVT, suspension & seats let it down. Interior is nice otherwise with a roomy back seat and little comforts like USB charging ports in the back and so on. Servicing - even at the “capped” pricing - is on the higher end of the scale. This will be an expensive car to own in the 3 years and 180,000km I’ll likely put on it. I’m worried about the 100,000km CVT oil change as I believe this is prohibitively expensive. CVT reliability will also be a consideration. Also, make sure you tick the box on your insurance for windscreen replacement. One chipped and cracked windscreen after 8 months of ownership was a cool $2,600 to replace - buyer beware!

Love my car, great handling and great features – I use my car for daily travel to and from work, on a freeway as well as local running to and from school. I love the handling of the car, which was one of the main reasons I chose a Subaru in the first instance, especially in the wet, i felt extremely safe in the car. The size of the car is great for a family (we have 2 children and initially had… Read more

car seats in the car when i first purchased). Boot size is also great for shopping. Features are all great, parking is a breeze with the rear camera and guiding lines, and bluetooth is extremely clear when talking with people on the phone. Cruise control is awesome for freeway driving, allowing you to stay a set distance from the car in front. My only concern is the auto breaking when going a round a roundabout, as it can sometimes sense you too close the the outgoing car on the roundabout and break for you - it has never been dangerous, but just a word of warning as the first time this happens it can freak you out a bit.

Love the subaru liberty – 2008 subaru liberty has plenty of power leather seats sunroof luxury edition popular car very smooth on roads steering wheel is smooth as well I clean my cars one a week always protected with wax the liberty's will not let you down Show details

Great car. Really quite impressed – I have now owned my 2018 Liberty 2.5i for 12 months and I’m extremely happy with the purchase. The car is fantastic and is a pleasure to drive. I bought mine new from a dealer, after being given one to drive as a loan car for a few days. My previous vehicle was a WRX, so the Liberty was a very different car to drive altogether. For my… Read more

circumstances, it is a far more comfortable and practical daily commuter, as well as being an awesome family car.

The Liberty handles beautifully. I travel about 70kms a day, some of that on quite poor road surfaces, and the car is great. You don’t feel like you are being bounced around constantly as the suspension does a good job at soaking up the bumps. It’s a very comfortable ride for both driver and passengers.

In terms of the engine size, mine is a 2.5i (2.5 Litre). I find it’s great for everyday driving. The CVT does a great job and the car accelerates well and is smooth. There is an intelligent mode and sports mode that you can select for driving. The sports mode does add a bit more pep to the driving experience and is good when you need a bit more performance, especially if you are passing someone on the highway etc. The intelligent mode is fine for most daily driving though.

When it comes to fuel economy, I am actually quite pleased. This is a mid to large family sedan and I get 7.9 L / 100km. I drive roughly 70km Mon-Fri in peak hour periods and I’m often sitting in heavy traffic. When I compare this with previous vehicles I have owned and taken on the same daily commute, this is by far the best fuel economy I have had. It is certainly costing me less in petrol and runs on 91 Unleaded.

I have the standard Liberty and didn’t opt for the premium package that has leather seats and sunroof. Mine has fabric seats, which are very comfortable. The drivers seat in the standard model doesn’t have the electronic adjustment that the premium model has, but it’s not a concern for me.

The interior of the vehicle is nice and neat. In the standard model you have a chrome type trim on the interior doors and the glove box. The car has cup holders in centre console and in the rear, and the lighting on the interior is good too, including the puddle lamps that are in the front doors.

My car has apple carplay which is great, as it doesn’t have a built in GPS. I use CarPlay when I need to use GPS. The car has a 6 speaker system in it and it’s absolutely fine. It also has Bluetooth tech.

The boot space in the car is great, and you can always push the back seats down (60/40 split fold seats) if you need extra space.

As for servicing, I got a capped price service deal for three years and the 6 month (12,500km) and 12 month (25,000km) services are around the $300 mark each. The 50,000km service will be just under $550 according to their service schedule on website.

So far I have not experienced any servicing/maintenance issues with the car. Everything has run like clockwork and the servicing centre I take it to has been very professional and efficient. I have owned Subaru’s before as well as other makes, and the servicing costs would be in line with those, certainly not higher.

For anyone looking for a great family car or daily drive, I would highly recommend this car. Great handling sedan with AWD, lots of room, good on fuel and really comfy to drive. I love my Liberty and hope to have it for a long time to come.