1990 Subaru XT Turbo review from UK and Ireland

A few oil leaks.

Warped front disc's.

Air suspension started failing (not fixed)

CV gaiters split, then joints failed.

Exhaust manifold started blowing.

Several other minor niggles.

I've owned this car a few years and frankly its been a pain, I've now p/x'd it hence the review.

Its quirky!

Looks great from the front and bloody awful from every other angle.

It has a very good turning circle hence the way it chews CV joints. The air suspension started failing and that means BIG cost to replace. It can be set to firm or sloppy from inside the cabin, and is really just a silly gimmick.

The car is very fragile both mechanically and bodily, it likes exhausts and has a huge appetite for cam belts, I also found the engine very lumpy and hesitant, apparently this is normal because it was made for the N. American market and has dozens of emission control devices stuck to the engine which sap power and pump the inlet manifold full of recycled gases.

The engine has reasonable power, but quickly runs out of steam and the turbo whistles and whines, but you go nowhere from around 90mph, at which point the steering goes vague and the car starts to wander and drift as you prepare to meet your maker.. not confidence inspiring at all.

The interior is based on a fighter cockpit, with a strange steering wheel and pistol grip manual gearstick.

These cars are very rare in the UK and I can see why, they don't last, they rust, they are annoying, and the 4WD system is next to useless.

My advice... steer clear and buy a normal Japanese saloon and save money.