1990 Subaru Legacy RS review from Australia and New Zealand

Surprisingly not as much as I was told about this mechanic's dream!

Fuel ignition relay problems. Wouldn't start sometimes. Was re-set for only $NZ300!! Due to the cost of using the electrical equipment to find the fault.

Wind noise through passenger window can be very annoying but can't seem to be stopped.

Fuel pump is playing up (pinking as it's known to the mechanics), due to over-boosting, need to be replaced else pistons may detonate! (mech's exact words!)

Over-boosting can be very dangerous and boost levels need to be checked after any modification.

Cam belt, spark plugs replaced. (Normal wear and tear every 100,000kms)

Potentially a very quick car, but requires regular attention with service and oil change to keep it running at a 100%.

Don't expect to take on VR-4's with standard modifications.

Like Cold-air duct, Group A front pipe, Exhaust, blow-off, K & N Filter etc.

But these mods are definitely recommended as the car "breathes" a lot better and you can feel the improvement in performance.

It's a good start and easy on the pocket compared to mods to many other Japanese cars.

Don't seem to be able to launch it as hard as other similar turbo cars as the gear box doesn't seem to handle it well.

It's obvious reading the other reviews' that the fuel pump needs attention.

My advise is to replace it with a after market fuel pump like a Bosch motor-sport model with a high flow filter.

Don't expect fuel consumption to come down but do expect a power increase and smoother acceleration.

Legacy RS models are renowned to be known as "thrashed" to potential buyer's and buyer beware this car is like a drug, its addictive no matter what the costs are to keep running it.

Do give the car a good working over with your current mechanic or one specialising in Subaru models before buying one, otherwise you may end up with a lemon.

Great car to modify and keep modifying till you run 0-100 in under 5 seconds.

There a few "big-time" mods which are more expensive to achieve this.

This is where the real fun begins, let's face it, you get used to the quickness of your car pretty soon and need to new buzz, to reach a new high!