Faults:

Alternator fault that overcharged battery until it exploded.

Drivers window bracket regularly breaks.

Pulley for Oil pump jammed making cam belt skip - very messy.

Strange vibration in exhaust around 2000 rpm.

CVs starting to get noisy.

Engine blows smoke around 5000 rpm under extreme acceleration.

General Comments:

Car is quite quick for what it is.

Station Wagon is extremely useful and remarkably spacious.

4WD is fantastic!

Car is in remarkable shape considering it is heading towards 300000 kms!

Tall passengers have no leg-room.

Faults:

At the beginning, the carburetor had to be fixed, because the gas cable broke. This happened in January of 2003.

In March I changed the tyres from 165-13 to 175-70-13, and I had a 20000 km service.

Also in March, I changed the gearbox oil. This one is 20w's thinner so it shifts better.

In June, my right front brake was broken; a tiny stone had slipped into the mechanism.

In August, my tailpipe was leaking; it was a very sporty sound.

And in November, my right rear shock absorber was leaking. I replaced them for 2 brand new Koni's (at least 50% more comfort).

General Comments:

I actually love two things; my girl and my car. Of course I can't decide which is better.

And the off road skills are very impressive for a two wheel drive car.

I like the handling of the car; it's very quick!!!

Faults:

Alternator needed to be replaced, it tried to give the battery 20 volts.

Car needs a new coat of paint.

Wrote off car in crash at end of 2002, back on road with $ 200 of parts.

Joint in exhaust tailpipe does not seal properly, actually this gives the engine a unique growl.

Bushes in rear suspension needed replacing.

Problem with air conditioning compressor, needs to be re-gassed every year.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable and the parts are inexpensive.

The subaru has reasonable fuel economy for an old, non fuel injected engine. Fuel consumption varies greatly between city and highway driving,8-13 km per liter (18-31 miles per gallon).

I find car comfortable for long trips, it has no trouble traveling from Ballina to Mount Isa (4,000km round trip).

I love this little car, I have just finished uni and now that I have some time I plan to give the car a new coat of paint.

Faults:

Rust is becoming a major problem and will require the car to be scrapped in a couple of years.

The hydraulic valve clearance compensators have been an ongoing problem. This may be a result of their lying on their sides rather than upright as in most engines. They can be changed without removing the rocker shroud if care is taken. They can also be completely stripped and cleaned which usually gets them working again.

The generator packed up up had to be rebuilt at 300000 Ks which isn't bad.

The CV joints have become noisy, but as the rubber boot is intact its still going O.K.

General Comments:

Very well engineered motor car, the boxer engine is a gem (part from the compensaters)

Very easy to work on, a head can be removed and replaced in about 4 hours.

The rust problem is a disappointment and would make me think twice about buying another Subaru unless it had been rust treated when new.

Faults:

Rust has been becoming a problem in last few years.

Front wheels bearings went at about 250K Km, but I do lots of fast driving on rough roads, so that's to be expected.

Hydraulic valve tappets are noisy.

Had to replace the alternator at about 235K km.

General Comments:

Excellent handling.

Is wearing very well for a 15+ year old car with 300K+ Km/s.

No problems with seat wear or mechanical wear etc. And it gets a real workout on unsealed rocky New Zealand ski field roads.

Good handling too, love the boxer engine.