1989 Subaru Legacy RS-RA 2.0L turbo from Japan

Summary:

AWD turbo fun

Faults:

Currently needs only prop shaft carrier bearing changed.

General Comments:

If you can find a good used first generation Legacy or Liberty Turbo, it's a great fun car. I have owned a few other Legacy Turbos, and this is the best one.

There are other great AWD turbo cars, but few can compare to a Subaru. Colin McRae made this car famous and helped put Subaru on the map.

One ride and you'll understand what makes a Subaru a Subaru.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd August, 2011

1989 Subaru Legacy RS 2.0 quadcam from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

This car is off the chain

Faults:

* Head gaskets blew at 138905.

* CVs needed replacing at 141089.

* Seats starting to wear at 144120.

General Comments:

* This car is seriously quick and handles like it's on rails.

* The cabin is very roomy and the seats are very comfortable.

* The original gun metal grey paintjob is awesome for a 22 year old car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st August, 2011

1989 Subaru Legacy RS 2.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Excellent performance at a price

Faults:

Suspension replaced at 147000 km due to age.

Broke 2nd Gear due to sporty driving

Replaced clutch every 20,000km $800 each.

Rectifier failed in Alternator causing major electrical surge $2000 repair bill.

General Comments:

Handling was very awesome, even when road conditions were appalling.

Turbo kicks in at 3000rmp Sharply.

180km max speed limited, easily reached.

Only modification to the vehicle was a 2.5inch cobra exhaust which sounded great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2003

1989 Subaru Legacy RS EJ20 2 litre quad cam intercooled turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A high performance high cost car

Faults:

The back shock absorbers are on their way out.

General Comments:

Really quick for a first car at 15.

Insurance was a problem until I found a decent company with good rates (NAC) - $598 a year for full cover.

The handling is good, but is very keen to come sideways now that the back shocks are basically gone.

Petrol consumption is even worse than I expected it to be: when driving off boost expect 8km to the litre if youre lucky.

If youre driving hard 5km/litre is about normal.

High costs of servicing and maintenance a problem.

Highly stolen car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st September, 2002

1989 Subaru Legacy RS 2.0 turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Best performance, practical car money can buy

Faults:

Top radiator hose split 95,000 km

$ 45.00.

Radiator tank starting leaking

95,000 km $ 180.00.

General Comments:

Very good open road car. Good comfort, good fuel consumption. Around town can be quite hard on fuel.

Very good performance gain with simple modifications.

Very good cabin room.

Front tyres wear quickly.

Handles like it's on rails.

Easy to install sound system.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th March, 2002

1989 Subaru Legacy RS 2.0 turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An all round awesome car

Faults:

Radiator leak, fuel pump leak, the ABS light stays on on, preventing me from getting a warrant, the internal fans don't work, the aerial doesn't work properly, the air conditioning doesn't work and the stereo is broken.

General Comments:

This car has exceptional handling, and is very smooth to drive. It looks awesome but could do with a bit more torque.

So far I have added a 2 and a half inch mandrel bend exhaust, boost gauge and turbo timer.

If anyone could help me on some mods I would be very grateful.

Cheers Tom.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th December, 2001

1989 Subaru Legacy RS 2.0 16v turbo intercooled from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Velcro on wheels

Faults:

Gear-box tail-shaft seal has been replaced.

New gear linkages.

Had the thermostat replaced due to the engine running below normal operating temperature.

Had an air leak in the intake behind the airflow meter which stuffed up the oxygen sensor.

Fuel pump is on its way out - $400 NZ to replace.

Momo steering wheel is starting to disintegrate.

General Comments:

Very quick car.

I put a set of 17" blades with low profile tires on and they made it handle like a slot car.

Unbeleavable traction on gravel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2001

1989 Subaru Legacy RS 2.0 turbo 4 cam 16v from Kenya

Summary:

Once you own it you can't let go

Faults:

Gearbox has been replaced, fuel pump has failed, door locks are messed up.

General Comments:

I love the car, it's amazing to drive, handling is superb and the power is simply amazing. A bit expensive in town on fuel, but well worth the ride, brilliant car from Subaru.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2001

1989 Subaru Legacy RS 2.0L turbo from Japan

Summary:

The best bang for your buck car around!

Faults:

The clutch needs replacing (from the factory one).

Cam cover replaced.

Surge tank split open.

General Comments:

Truly a remarkable car to drive and own. All my friends beg me to let them drive it. It's very good on the petrol. I just love it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st December, 2000