1996 Subaru Legacy GTB review from UK and Ireland

While resident in UK (1993-03), went to Japan and bought Legacy GTB at auction, so grey import.

N/S front brake calliper needed serious attention to free and slide when pads were changed.

Engine splash shield seems pointless to replace each time you change engine oil. Semi-synthetic oil is fine, no need for full-synthetic.

Did all routine servicing as Subaru dealers didn't want to know. However, relatively easy to find independent Subaru specialists, who are often more knowledgeable than official dealers. Also, Subaru dealer supplied parts are very expensive, but cash payments at motor factors plus dishevelled appearance ensures trade discounts.

When you change timing belt, be sure to change crankshaft front seal and assorted other seals.

Major problem was destruction of rear differential due to filler plug falling out. Surprising, as this had never been removed, so never hurts to pull all filler/drain plugs up tight. Need to find Subaru grey import breaker (try Central Subaru, NE Birmingham), Stg.200 fitted. Replacement diff. from Subaru dealer (if obtainable) would cost more than car was worth. However, if you can ring Subaru Spares in Tokyo with chassis number, they will provide diff. ratio and LSD spline details. You don't even need to learn "chassis number" in Japanese.

Tip: Automatics have fuse under bonnet labelled "DIFF LOCK" or similar. Insert a fuse and this gives 2WD (front). Possible to drive for years if necessary in front drive only. Improves fuel economy, but not road holding.

Heated front screen very expensive (Stg.1,000), so better to replace with standard if necessary.

If the above freaks you out, you're not ready for a grey import. But don't believe all that anti-grey import government propaganda.

CD packed up at around 60,000km.

Some lag switching from low- to high-speed turbo.

Watch that parking light switch above the steering cowl, as when flipped engine will not turn over.

Performance is really impressive, and I've run STi, Skyline GT-R, NSX, etc. Far more stable than Impreza. Brakes never faded, but fronts wore out quickly. Often slight engine oil smell after extended use.

Servicing easy, but allow two hours to change spark plugs.

Disconnecting battery causes no problem on grey imports.

Fuel economy poor if you use the performance.

Great car to take to Europe although good idea to "chip" to remove 180km/h limiter.

Doesn't carry weight all that well.

Subaru have high owner retention, on my sixth.