Known issues with the four-speed automatic transmission in the 1996 Subaru Liberty wagon

Any vehicle of this age has to be approached on an individual basis. It’s likely to have covered a lot of kilometres by now, so any major (or minor) component could be well past its best. Any Subaru transmission that doesn’t shift properly or is slow to engage a gear or shudders under acceleration needs to be either investigated further or avoided completely. Don’t forget that the Liberty was all-wheel-drive, so that places extra strain on the transmission as well as making for a more complex arrangement if it does need to be repaired or replaced. In high-performance Subarus (such as the WRX) the transmission was something of a fuse if the driver got a bit over-enthusiastic, but in models like the Liberty, the four-speed automatic was a sound unit. When test driving the vehicle, make sure there are no thumps or vibrations when the gearbox shifts down, and try to shift gears manually. The gearbox should respond instantly to manual input, without any hesitation or noise.

Factory vs. Aftermarket: which oil is better?

I would use the factory recommended oil, at least while the car is under warranty. Once the warranty has expired you could use the Mobil oil and shouldn’t experience any problems.

Is it worth replacing the engine on a '09 Subaru Liberty?

In going order it’s worth $7000-$9000 depending on condition, so you have to consider if it’s worth spending $5000 on it to get it back on the road. It’s eight years old, has done 180,000 km, it’s probably best to sell it to a wrecker if you can get $2000 for it.

Welding marks at rear axels and wheel suspensions on 2016 Liberty

Couldn't say without at least seeing a photo, but I doubt it's anything to worry about. If you are concerned about it talk to your Subaru dealer.

Best car for a sales rep?

I would question the Renault if you're doing lots of kays in then country. I'm sure it would be reliable, but having it serviced when you need to could be an issue if you're away from a main city. The Kia is a good choice, so too are the Mazdas. You could add the Honda Accord, Subaru Liberty and Suzuki Kizashi to your list.

Best replacement for a Liberty Wagon?

With 2000 kg towing capacity the Discovery Sport has the towing capacity you want, it's more than the CX-5, and it's not limited to 80 km/h like the Subaru is. That's a big plus. The only criticisms we've heard about are some niggling interior fit and finish issues, and one or two electrical gremlins. The Land Rover also has more ground clearance than the CX-5 and a traction control system better set up for actual off-road work.

Solutions for Subaru Liberty road noise?

Try a sound system specialist; they are doing that sort of thing all the time. Another possibility is Mordialloc Auto Parts, they specialize in Subarus.

Subaru Liberty 2001 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Subaru Liberty 2001 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Subaru Liberty review: 2000-2003

27 Mar 2015 · by Graham Smith

The decision to go all all-wheel-drive was a momentous one for Subaru. From a company building cars that no one really cared about it went to one that everyone wanted to know.NewIf the hot rally-bred ...

Used Subaru Liberty and Outback review: 1989-2012

17 Aug 2012 · by Ewan Kennedy

Subaru's largest passenger car, the Liberty, has a well-deserved reputation for toughness and reliability with Australian buyers. The Subaru Outback is an interesting variant on the Liberty station ...

Steering Shudder in Subaru Liberty RX

Answered by CarsGuide 29 Jul 2010

If you haven't had the brakes checked, do so, as it could be the brake rotors causing your steering shudder. I wouldn't be expecting to rebuild the suspension as such, although you could have a suspension specialist check the shock absorbers for you. Likewise, I wouldn't be expecting the auto to pack up just because it's racked up 100,000km, particularly if it's driving normally without a sign of a problem.

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Subaru Liberty 2001 Problems

Used Subaru Liberty review: 2000-2003

Used Subaru Liberty and Outback review: 1989-2012

Steering Shudder in Subaru Liberty RX

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