2004 Subaru Liberty 2.5 i

tickfrd6 · 22-09-2011, 10:48 AM

Hi guys ive been looking at subaru liberty 2.5's as im in the market to buy one. Ive come across two of them that have had their engines replaced at 200,000 kms. Does anyone know if there is a common problem with them when they hit 200,000 kms? I know its a ford forum but i thought id see if anyone knows anything about them.

Thanks
Matt

kocho · 22-09-2011, 10:53 AM

Matt, I'm in the market for a Liberty of same vintage (GEN4). Major services at 100,000k's and 200,000k's are timing belts which have to be changed on the 4 cylinders. They can also use a fair bit of oil which is something to look out for so without proper maintenance, they probably wont be 'bulletproof' like any other car out there.

Personally, I'm not looking for a Lib without a complete service history. That's a must for me.

forum.liberty.asn.au is a good bible much like FF is for Fords.

tickfrd6 · 22-09-2011, 10:58 AM

Thanks for the quick reply kocho. They are such good looking cars the liberty. So with the 100,000 km service is the timing belot done too or is that just at 200,000 k's? I too will not buy without full service history. Just gives me peace of mind that it was always serviced on time and done properly.

kocho · 22-09-2011, 11:10 AM

Yep, every 100,000k's it needs to be done. You're looking at around $1000 for that service alone so make sure that's a bargaining point for you.

They are good looking cars. Like Airmon (on FF) said to me, the look a bit like a mini BA.

Are you looking at the auto or manual?

tickfrd6 · 22-09-2011, 11:34 AM

You know I was thinking the exact same thing they do look a bit ba'ish haha. Yeh I was looking got a manual and preferably with a sunroof but it's not a deal breaker. How bout you?

Paxton · 22-09-2011, 12:05 PM

If it were me, and I was after a Liberty, I'd find it hard to go past a 3.0. The 2.5s just feel a twinge underpowered, and the 3.0 isn't that much dearer than the 2.5 when it all boils down to it. You also get all the fruit (leather, climate, decent stereo), and if you look hard enough, the 3.0B spec is manual, Bilstein Suspended, with Sports Seats and a few other goodies. I'm going to find one hard to resist when I replace my EF.

This one is Blue, Manual, and under $15,000 (in Victoria)

Silver, Manual, 155,000 Kms.

tickfrd6 · 22-09-2011, 12:15 PM

Paxton I was originally looking at the 3.0 but was told by a mechanic at Subaru docklands that they leak oil due to how big the H6 engine is and how tightly it sits in the engine bay. Apparently it gets pretty hot and the seals tend to go and therefor leak oil. So i thought the 2.5 was the next best thing. Would love a liberty gt but I'm only on my P's and cant drive turbo.

Fev · 22-09-2011, 12:21 PM

My brother has a 2009 model Liberty 3.0L Luxury and he hasn't had a single problem with it. He even drove it down to STI in Melb and had them tune it for him. Resulted in 10awkw more and about 30nm across the entire rev range. Not bad for $600 and its still under warranty!!

DK30RB · 22-09-2011, 12:26 PM

Watch out for the 2004, 2005, 2006 3.0l libertys. I had a 2005 3.0 Spec B model which had the engine replaced 2 times under warranty.

They had an issue with oil blow by and would consume oil at an alarming rate.

Put it this way, my car wouldn't make the service interval if i didn't top it up.

They replaced the engine with a new one within the first year, and then again in the second year.

Having said that Subaru offered some of the best service i have seen and would fix anything - no questions asked.

Also a great drive too.

tickfrd6 · 22-09-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DK30RB

Watch out for the 2004, 2005, 2006 3.0l libertys. I had a 2005 3.0 Spec B model which had the engine replaced 2 times under warranty.

They had an issue with oil blow by and would consume oil at an alarming rate.

Put it this way, my car wouldn't make the service interval if i didn't top it up.

They replaced the engine with a new one within the first year, and then again in the second year.

Having said that Subaru offered some of the best service i have seen and would fix anything - no questions asked.

Also a great drive too.

So in saying that I should stay clear of the 3.0 liberty at get a 2.5?

kocho · 22-09-2011, 01:04 PM

tickfrd, I'm not sure if I'll be going with a 2.5 or 3.0. The 3.0 would be an auto, but I'm 50/50 on the 2.5 being a manual or auto. The manual is supposed to be better, but I've only ever driven a manual once. It's also supposed to be a touch quicker and a touch better for fuel.

If I went for a 3.0 I'd be 90% sure I'd be getting a pre-facelift (pre 2006) model due to cost. Bit harder to find a 3.0L post facelift for around 20k. The GT's are going to cost more to insure and most have high k's in my price range, so I'm not bothering with them.

One thing to note about the 3.0 vs the 2.5 is 95RON vs 91RON for fuel. The 3.0 is going to drink perhaps a bit less than a falcon, but you'll be filling up with 95.

Oil is definitely something to check. Look for leaks around the engine / under the engine, check the dipstick for oil quality.

The 3.0L is quick, no doubt. Really gets going above 3000RPM from what I've driven. The 2.5L (in auto form) I didn't think was too bad but I'd like to try it out again. I think sitting lower to the ground also makes it *feel* a bit quicker too. I just tested to about 70km/h so I'm not sure what they're like for overtaking and the like.

I live in a more built up suburban area so at the moment I'm leaning towards the 2.5. You've got the freeways and that right beside you - I'd be pretty tempted for a 3.0. At least you can open them up entering the freeway.

EDIT: Also, just on the sunroof, I find that it perhaps cuts off a bit too much headroom (for me anyway). I don't like how the 3.0's have them as standard. Another thing I have to re-try just to clear my mind. Also, the pre-2006 3.0's have audio controls on the steering wheel which I'm not sure anything in the range does (the post 2006 might too).

80rs · 22-09-2011, 02:53 PM

I have replace 3 engines in liberty's this year all 2.5 all between 125-150kms all with service history. They seem to have major problems with crank bearings leading to engine rattle. I also have a 2004 outback 2.5 manual that has full subaru dealer service history and the motor has also developed a rattle. It has 175kms on the clock. Just keep in mind that if you buy a gen 4 liberty/outback that the engine will need to be looked after more than most. On the upside there a really easy engine to changeover and should only take under 4 hours

JamesR · 22-09-2011, 06:23 PM

im looking at an 04 Lib GT wagon w/ premium pack. such nice looking, well specced cars.
2ltr Turbo and 5sp Seq Auto.

Chippa666 · 22-09-2011, 06:37 PM

Very Surprised to here all this as when I worked at Subaru we had no issues with these engines. But, in saying that, the way they are designed can cause issues as they get older. The biggest problem with them is the pistons. They have a very very small skirt on them, and if they are driven spiritedly when cold, they can develop piston slap and high oil consumption. You can usually here a slight rattle from the block when the engines are cold which is an indication that they have been driven a bit hard.
I've seen a forester reach over 400,000kms before it developed any major mechanical issues. We replaced the engine and he got another 100,000km before his auto started to play up. New auto in and it's still going as far as I know. It all comes down to how they are driven and looked after.
Make sure when you go to look at a few that you listen to the engine on cold start up. If it knocks at all, walk away.
I loved working for subaru but got bored of it as these cars very rarely have anything go wrong with them, and if they do, it's usually only minor faults. If you need any help or advice, I still know a few of the guys that work for subaru Melbourne at their different sites. I can hook you up with one of them to help you out if you like? Let me know.

Chippa

Chilliman · 22-09-2011, 10:20 PM

The Liberty is a great car - I have a Manual 2008 2.5i and have had no complaints so far, but I have heard the horror stories so I am vigilant about maintenance. I service it every 6months regardless of kilometres.

tickfrd6 · 22-09-2011, 10:36 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone. hearing all these good and bad stories is exactly what i wanted to hear. The one ive got my eye on is actually located in N.S.W and im in melbourne. What would be the best way to get it checked out without me going up? My brother bought a landcruiser from queensland and got the RACQ to check it out for him and gave him a full report on condition and mechanical. Should i only be looking in Melbourne?

*EDIT* Here is the link.
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?trecs=265&tsrc=allcarhome&__Ntk=CarAl l&Cr=7&__Ntt=2.5&R=11231321&__Qpb=1&__D=2.5&silo=1 011&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|1||pCar_RankSort_I nt32|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&ke ywords=2.5&__No=60&__sid=130896D8A355&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294963801 4294963605 410&PriceTo=410&__Ntx=mode matchallpartial&seot=1&__Nne=15&__Dx=mode matchany