2003 Subaru Liberty RX Ltd Edition review from Australia and New Zealand
"Seriously disappointing"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Excessive fuel consumption: this car uses more fuel than either of our two previous Libertys, 97 LX wagon which we loved (see report on this site), and '99 RX sedan.
The engine performance of this car is way off-colour compared to our previous Subarus. I've complained to the dealer, who claims to have checked the car and re-set the ECU. No difference. I'm now using Mobil1 10W-30 in an effort to liberate a few more horses, without much success. This car just feels like a slug. I think I got a dud one. Ran it in by the book, use premium (95RON) fuel - which is the highest octane available here in Tasmania.
Interior rattles - they come, they go, and the dealer can't find them. They drive me mad and have totally destroyed the bullet-proof image I previously held for Subaru's.
This will most likely be our last Subaru.
General comments?
This car is definitely lower quality than our '97 and '99 Libertys, uses more fuel and delivers worse performance than both, even the '97 2.2litre wagon.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 20 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 21000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Subaru Liberty |
| Date of Entry | 13th June, 2004 |