1990 Subaru XT Turbo from UK and Ireland - Comments

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.

I cannot disagree more. In general the Subaru is a unique marque. I find them extremely reliable having had an XT and a Legacy 2.2. Millions of drivers in the US love them even with all the pollution stuff attached. The XT is easier than most of the new ones to work on.

I agree that the 4wd is superfluous, but only because the front wheel drive is good enough by itself. I think you lose something by engaging the back wheels except if you need to get out of somewhere you shouldn't be in the first place.

Show me another vehicle that will scoot along with over 200,000 miles on it.

Neville Aitken, WA USA.

Your experience seems to be quite negative, but you must also remember that to have a car that is turbo-charged, 4wd with accessories such as air-suspension etc. one must maintain the car as per the manufacturer's instructions - you may have just had a lemon. I've had a non-turbo vehicle in East Africa from 1987 - 1994 without ANY problems at all... that is saying something as "roads" in east africa are what we call "green lanes" in the UK (at best). Never had CV boots go. I'm now the proud owner of a 2001 Impreza WRX and aside from minor issues (non - mechanical) it's been the best car I've owned.

Hope you have better luck with your next Subaru.

I had a 1986 Subaru XT. It was sporty and fun, but the maintenance costs were killing me. I replaced a clutch at 9500 miles. I went through CV joints like crazy. By the time I unloaded it it was costing me a new car payment per month in repairs.

I think this car is more suited to the American market, here in the damp British weather they do not last, and maybe the American models are built better, I'm not sure, but I imagine they have an easier time eating up those long highways, unlike here in the UK where potholed, cracked and busy twisty roads are the norm.

I owned a UK Turbo version briefly and I firmly belief the best model would be the normally aspirated one with regular shocks and springs commonly found in the USA, but not sold here.

...I used to watch UFO too, but if you look at the Honda Insight... now that really does look like Ed Straker's car!

Hi.

I'm sorry to see that you have had a bad experience with your Subaru XT. I have a 1986 subaru XT 1800 turbo with 180,000 miles. For having only a 1.8L engine, the cars is very fast and fun to drive. I find that the handling (do its design is better than most cars) I live in New York City and with all the rain, snow, potholes the car is very durable, reliable and strong. I guess the major reason for its longevity is because I take care of it. I'm 26 and had the car since I was 18. I'm almost certain that you car was not taken care of. My father had the same car and his fell apart part because it was abused and neglected - still lasted for 220,000 and it was still running when he sold it.

I now own a subaru Impreza WRX and I think the XT turbo is more fun to drive. It's not as fast, but with the XT you feel the road.

Sorry that you have had a bad experience,

Chris.

Hi all.

I also have a Forester XT, it's a brilliant car.

I have done 40,000 miles in it in one year, and nothing is wrong.

I increased the power by instaling (PPP) Prodrive performance pack.

It increased my horsepower from 177 to 214, and made my forester as fast as a WRX impreza. 0-60 in just 6.6 sec. It handles briliantly and goes off really quick. I strongly recomend you guys talking to the dealers about the ppp on your foresters.

Good luck.

To the above contributor, they are all talking about a totally different car, the XT is a small 2 door coupe, not the Forester.

I think the xt gl is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I did not even take good care of it really and it lasted well over 200,000 miles. it hit a cow and I drove it to death, but it still kept going and never lost any power or steering. maybe god was looking after the car, cause the way it performed and how long it lasted with almost no up keep... i miss it to this day and wish I could find one in excellent shape. I would buy it in a minute. if I ever won the lottery, one of my first plans is to see if subaru will role one off for the right price.

Sorry you had a bad experience.

Rb Texas.

I used to own a 86 XT GL 1.8 N/A when I was in Toronto. It was not famous for it's power, and handling was not the best in it's class. Not many performance part were made for them. But I love the XT so much! Futuristic design even in today's standard. It had very solid built, no major problem that I can recall. Hat off to the engineers and a Subaru company that supported them.

I then had Volvo 740, Nissan Bluebird ARX, Eunos 800M, Nissan Fairlady Z32, Subaru Lancaster 2.5 (Outback). Now I drive an Imperza 20K wagon that I like a lot. It's a different animal than the XT, however all Subarus I have came across are very reliable. I don't mind owning another XT if it's available in my area nowadays. Well, would prefer a XT6 turbo...:)

Anthony/Hong Kong.

Hi from Australia,

I have a white 1987 XT Turbo, front wheel drive, manual transmission model which I have owned for 14 years. it has 215,000 klms on it now and has been super reliable and trouble free. I replaced the CV joint covers once, the joints are still fine, the clutch once, the cam belts every 100,000 klms and that's about it. It has normal springs with gas shockers, which are also original and in good condition. The body shows no sign of rust and it's a still great looking car. Every now and then I consider a new car, but I enjoy driving this one so much I see no reason to change. It's a great daily driver, quiet, comfortable and fun.

I'm sorry to hear about your experience, but I can't help thinking that you thrashed it to death and didn't service it. These are NOT fragile cars.

Name, Darin M. Jacobs.

Cars: Taurus 2003 SES, 1988 Mitsubishi Mighty Max 4 Cylinder, 1988 Xt6.

This car is fast... very fast...very..very fast. Tops out at around 122 124 mph. If you own this car, don't get a turbo. Get new air intake, new exhaust and jut general stuff having to do with exhaust or intake. If you want a turbo, get a small one.

I just picked up a 1986 XT GL, and so far I'm very impressed with it. The only odd thing is that the gearing on 5th gear doesn't seem all that much higher than 4th, so I'm hitting 3000 rpms when going to 65. I don't know if this is normal or not, but it's the only "strange" thing I've found.

I've also found that subaruofdallasparts.com has new parts for this car as well - a bit pricey, but if you're looking to restore your pod, then it's well worth it.