1991 Subaru Legacy VZ review from Australia and New Zealand
"Great on gravel and good engine, but higher than average running costs"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This car is the air suspension model variant (Japanese import). However, its pneumatic suspension (reminscent of my mother's Citroen in the 80s) soon needed replacing with normal spring struts.
Developed a rough idle so had to replace all 4 ignition coils - at $140 each they are not cheap.
Been through a couple of sets of spark plugs (the first one's, although the cheapest, didn't last long).
Has done 50K since the better more expensive (platinum?) plugs were fitted.
Work needed on door central locking.
Radiator header coolant tank replaced as sprung a leak at 150K.
Keyway in cambelt worn out (which caused the fanbelt to snap amongst mountains one day). Luckily a garage was only 10K away and was able to limp there). Temporary then permanent repair ($1000+ in total).
General comments?
I have a love-hate relationship with this car. But like some marriages I keep persisting with it because it drives well (especially on rough or gravel roads).
In between repair jobs it runs great, then out of blue it disappoints with something going wrong. Been good lately, touch wood!
On the positive side, its ABS brakes feel strong and secure and the the brake pads have lasted 90K to date.
Engine appears very durable - no noticable reduction in overall performance.
Recommended reviews
| Be more reliable if fixed properly |
|
| Quick bang for your buck but quicker with a few extra modifications |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1991 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 103000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 190000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Subaru Mazda Familia |
| Date of Entry | 7th August, 2004 |