Subaru Vortex Reviews

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1986 Subaru Vortex xt 1.8 turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Model year1986
Year of manufacture1986
First year of ownership2006
Most recent year of ownership2006
Engine and transmission 1.8 turbo Manual
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 7 / 10
Comfort marks 8 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.0 / 10
Distance when acquired135900 kilometres
Most recent distance136500 kilometres

Summary:

Good all round car that is different

Faults:

Brought the car with a bad clutch, but was given a new one. cv boot split. needs new exhaust, but it does not matter because I'm putting on a bigger one on. little rust, but repaired easily.

General Comments:

Is fast for what it is, engine holds out good. different car to all the others and is not too bad once you get to know it. very tidy for 1986 car, cost $700 NZ.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th October, 2006

Comment on this review

1988 Subaru Vortex XT 1.8 from Australia and New Zealand

Year of manufacture1988
First year of ownership2003
Most recent year of ownership2003
Engine and transmission 1.8 Automatic
Performance marks 10 / 10
Reliability marks 9 / 10
Comfort marks 8 / 10
Dealer Service marks 8 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.8 / 10
Distance when acquired212000 kilometres
Most recent distance213000 kilometres

Summary:

4wd turbo for under $1500 US

Faults:

Nothing at the moment which is too serious, need to replace the alternator belt, c.v. joint in the boot, and oil for the steering column.

General Comments:

Considering the age of the car, it handles like a dream, very nice interior.

I don't believe much will go wrong with this car, it has been well cared for.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th August, 2003

Comment on this review

3rd Apr 2006, 03:19

I've got a 1986 Vortex, Its in need of some work to make it reliable again, But That is the previous owners fault.

If the maintenance is kept up, I have heard these things go forever, like all the old Subarus.

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14th Apr 2006, 01:29

This car belongs in the pantheon of the ugliest vehicles of all time. Disgusting to look at and from I have heard and read, gutless with pathetic handling.

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27th Jun 2006, 12:30

Hi everyone. I have just purchased a 1989 xt 4wd turbo in mint condition!!! It has done 147k miles, but still as tight and as responsive (well as they are LOL) and looking forward to seeing what interesting mods I can get away with!

The main reason for buying such an individual motor is just that, and also being in the UK, having a pre cat car is a big bonus as all these new ones are in trouble soon not being able to use their dump valves, as I can't afford 3 points for emissions each time it goes off, but that's just the law going stupid.

Well as soon as I have started a few of the mods I have planned, I will post a few pics and let you see how she is going!

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1st Mar 2012, 03:56

I am now onto my 3rd Vortex 4wd turbo. Love the oddity of it, and the handling isn't as bad as some say.

Only fault - leak behind the second firewall. Absolute bugger to try and locate.

Have just brought another as a donor vehicle, so will be right for spare parts :)

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Average review marks: 8.4 / 10, based on 2 reviews