1992 Subaru Liberty RS Turbo Wagon review from Australia and New Zealand

1. Clutch replaced at 200,000km.

2. Right hand side cam-cover seal, which sits right next to a very hot turbo pipe, went hard and leaked oil onto said pipe. Caused lots of smoke and a small fire once. 200,000km.

3. Rubber bushes for gearstick linkages worn, replaced at 200,000km.

4. Ignition module (very) occasionally and without good reason cut spark for a second and caused engine to surge. Never replaced, apparently common fault. Just put up with it.

5. Wind noise/whistling around A-pillar seal near mirror. Rubber goes hard with age.

6. Fuel pump died at 220,000km.

You may think there was a lot of stuff wrong with the car. But what is listed above is EVERYTHING. Not bad for a car over 10 years old with more than 200,000km. And (mostly) expected wear and tear items anyway.

Performance. My mother drove it and said she thought it was really sluggish. But she never took it past 2500rpm (boost point). The lag really is that bad.

But this is what happens because these Australian delivered RS Turbos have a larger turbo (running lower boost) than the later WRXs, and much taller gearing too. This means it's a little laggy, and easy to get caught in the wrong gear around town. But it also makes it nice relaxed, sub 10.L/100km highway car with lots of accessible mid-range torque. Not that it's slow. 7 something to 100km/h. Top Speed around 230km/h (indicated). yeah. it pulls. Just have to wait a second for that boost, or pick your gear early.

Handling. The brakes are much larger than a normal liberty and it comes with an LSD rear. It's also a really nicely balanced car. You can feel the left/right weight distribution is pretty spot on thanks to the symmetrical engine layout. So it's a hoot in the wet and can be throttle adjusted through corners really easily. Come in too fast, just back off and the front tucks in nicely, fool-proof really. I guess that's why I see all the Subaru's out playing when it rains.

Practicality. Rear wagon seats fold perfectly flat, with lots of space. Typical Japanese A/C (ie cold and reliable). But back seat not very spacious or comfy since the windows only wind half way down - typical Subaru design there.