1996 Subaru Vivio GLXi review from Singapore
"Small reliable cheap transport for the slightly hard of hearing"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Battery died soon after I got the car, but a new one lasted me the rest of the 2 years I had it.
Alternator shorted out; I believe it had something to do with my driving through 40 to 50 cm of flood water.
It is beginning to rattle and squeak quite a bit.
General comments?
Generally a very reliable car, but very very noisy at higher speeds.
Suspension is pretty hard. You feel every rough spot on the road. If feedback from your tyres is what you want, this is it!
Boot space a joke; however with the back seats down, it can carry quite an amazing amount of stuff.
Road holding was unbelievable, though; considering the car rides on such skinny tyres, it still handled like a go-cart (and not much bigger than one, either). Magazine review specified a top speed of 120 km/h, but I managed to get mine up to 130 km/h without too much effort, although I am slightly deaf after that experience. However, I was really amazed that the car didn't feel "floaty" at all, and there were only 2 of us in the car.
Petrol consumption is pretty amazing; I managed about 17 km per litre on average, with a lot of it being city driving, and me pushing it pretty hard. I reckon if I cruised at about 65 to 70 km/h in 5th gear, I could get around 20 km/l.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 0.7 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 4/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 29000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 70000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 14th January, 2002 |