1988 Subaru Vortex XT from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

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.

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.

I have had a 1985 Vortex XT manual for a few years now, and love it - though it hasn't been without it's troubles. If you're looking at getting one of these (if there are any still around now) make sure that you don't get one with a sunroof - they are prone to severe rusting as water just pools in there with no real means of escape. When winter strikes Melbourne and it gets a bit rainy I seriously have had streams of water pouring onto my face when going around roundabouts from drips coming through the rear vision mirror (through the sunroof), and 6 inch tsunamis sloshing around in the passenger side of the car. The electric windows can also be expensive to repair if they break, and occasionally the engine will get that familiar Subaru 'ticky' sound. Apart from that I've had no trouble, despite the car having done 260000 kms, and love the fact that the car is instantly recognisable in any car park - it is very much a unique car!

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.

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.

Hi everyone I have just perchased a 1989 xt 4wd turbo in mint condition!!! it has don 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 there dump valves as I can't afford 3 points for emissions eash 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!