1996 Subaru Legacy GTB from UK and Ireland - Comments

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.

Legacy GTB

After this car was sold on (although not by me), the new owner insisted on having the timing belt changed (100,000km) even though this was totally unnecessary. One week later the crankshaft bearings failed. To date no explanation. Suggestions include switching to premium petrol, but my theory is that new owner failed to notice an oil leak from say crankshaft seal. Of course it's possible the timing belt was off one tooth. New owner had no mechanical knowledge, or as it was described to me "knew less than half of FA". Any suggestions?

Big end failure quite common with these, generally the result of low oil pressure / oil pump wear, normally occurs after the car has been left standing for a while. higher spec pumps are availible.

Rebuilds are quite easy to do if you have the time, or get hold of another used engine, there are plenty around.

Final follow up: Neglected to mention that replacement engine was fitted. One of those s/h imports. And wouldn't you know it, the same thing happened. Bearings ran. "My sympathies, friend. You have no manner of luck." Presumably the same comment applies. So buy at 20,000km, sell before 80,000km would seem a wise precaution.

My 94 Legacy GT has 280,000 km on it now. Everything is still original except the Primary turbo. The motor doesn't smoke (apart from a small puff in the mornings) and runs like a dream. Everything still works, including the headed wing mirrors. I will be buying another Subaru.

Replying to up there:

JDM subie turbos should most definately run on premium petrol, or they WILL blow the bigend.

Not sure what the octane ratings are in the UK, however here in NZ we have 91,95 and 97.5/98.

Run a TT legacy or a WRX on 91 and say goodbye to the big end bearing. For general driving run on 95, and when under boost it is best to be running 98+.

JDM Subies drink 100+ in their home country, so yeah. Octane is good!

Did you really run the car with the Diff Lock fuse removed?

I heard that it's for towing, not for driving!

I'm talking automatics only here. Would welcome input regarding manuals. Yes, you can add a fuse and run in front wheel drive. There used to be a separate fuse, but recently it's in the main fusebox under the bonnet. Have heard of people running for up to two years like this. Feels like taking two big dogs for a walk with them pulling in opposite directions. Also, when you clod it to pass, you get serious wheel spin. Was going to take a pair of wires from the fusebox to inside the car, but felt going from 2WD to 4WD on the move, or even with the engine running could be a seriously bad idea. Back burnered the idea as you only need to slip up once.