Subaru Liberty 3.6R

EBSXR6 · 11-05-2016, 10:53 PM

I have a 2013 FG MKII G6E and I thinking of changing over to a Subaru Liberty 3.6R. I am looking for a bit of feedback from anyone on the Subaru please?

Brazen · 11-05-2016, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBSXR6

I have a 2013 FG MKII G6E and I thinking of changing over to a Subaru Liberty 3.6R. I am looking for a bit of feedback from anyone on the Subaru please?

Extremely good value but Subaru servicing costs and service schedules are a killer. Also the 3.6 is a bit old tech compared to something like a Commodore.

Lovely interiors and probably decent resale.

EBSXR6 · 11-05-2016, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brazen

Extremely good value but Subaru servicing costs and service schedules are a killer. Also the 3.6 is a bit old tech compared to something like a Commodore.

Lovely interiors and probably decent resale.

Thank you

I am showing my age/bias, I have been down the 4 Cylinder and Front Drive Route during the 80's doesn't interest me any more and not a fan of Turbocharged Petrol Engines from a reliability point of view.

Tonz · 12-05-2016, 09:55 AM

There are a couple of Subaru forums aussie related, might be worth checking them out too.

DK30RB · 12-05-2016, 10:15 AM

I used to own a 3.0R Spec B liberty. Was a great reliable car. I think the 3.6 has 10 more kw and better torque.

Well built and solid. Servicing was a killer. Was spending at least $500 on minor service and over $1000 on the major.

EBSXR6 · 12-05-2016, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DK30RB

I used to own a 3.0R Spec B liberty. Was a great reliable car. I think the 3.6 has 10 more kw and better torque.

Well built and solid. Servicing was a killer. Was spending at least $500 on minor service and over $1000 on the major.

Thank you. They now have capped price servicing ranging from $245 -$544 per service for 3 years/75,000Kms.

SumoDog68 · 12-05-2016, 10:47 AM

I would like 3.6 Liberty in wagon and without CVT transmission. Unfortunately Subaru decided not to offer such a combination. High riding Outback is the only option but still with CVT. Current model has mostly fixed the gen5 terrible looks , now it looks decent enough for a Subaru. Engine is a proven unit and car will go the distance. Plenty of tech including Eyesight system that activates the brakes at random times .

superfly · 12-05-2016, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBSXR6

Thank you. They now have capped price servicing ranging from $245 -$544 per service for 3 years/75,000Kms.

Yeah but they are expensive as you have to service every 6 months or 12.5K.

I've owned a number of turbo charged Subaru's over the years and if you keep them standard, they are very reliable. We still have a MY01 WRX.

Also the AWD is awesome. It makes for confident handling.

blueoval · 12-05-2016, 01:28 PM

Great cars in terms of reliability and looks. Really wanted one for the mrs but it was out of our price range on what we wanted to spend. So went a low km slightly older Forester. I also have a Gen4 Liberty GT sedan and love it. Overall, the Subaru's get good resale and the AWD system is excellent. The Gen6 Outback is a great looking vehicle and from the reviews I have read they go almost anywhere. Capped servicing is good too but you can get it done elsewhere as long as its done by an MTA approved workshop to avoid warranty issues. I would go with the dealer if it's cheaper and still under warranty though.

Octane_Flash · 12-05-2016, 01:43 PM

I bought my wife a 3.0l Outback and whilst a nicely built car, the fuel consumption was a horror. I calculated that it was using just over 14.0l/100km with 98 octane fuel, on a good week.
The cause of the high consumption was that all of the Outback's shared the same diff ratio so the motor was spinning at 2400 rpm at 100km/h.
I soon fixed that. It was traded in on a Kia Sportage diesel.

sprintman1 · 12-05-2016, 01:58 PM

Don't service at stealership and problem solved

Russ · 12-05-2016, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octane_Flash

I bought my wife a 3.0l Outback and whilst a nicely built car, the fuel consumption was a horror. I calculated that it was using just over 14.0l/100km with 98 octane fuel, on a good week.
The cause of the high consumption was that all of the Outback's shared the same diff ratio so the motor was spinning at 2400 rpm at 100km/h.
I soon fixed that. It was traded in on a Kia Sportage diesel.

Not sure what the deal was with your's perhaps it had not been well maintained ?? I have an '05 Outback 3.0 and when I first purchased it I was getting decent economy out of it of around 11L /100 kms with a combination of city / hwy driving on 95 RON. Since fitting headers and higher flowing mufflers and a retune I'm now consistently getting under 10L / 100 kms (still using 95) along with more power and better drivability and I'm confident it would easily get under 9L / 100 kms on a trip

So far in nearly 3 years of ownership, about the only issue I have had was a faulty door lock actuator, I have since replaced that and all has been good. I do my own servicing now (oil and filter changes every 7,500 kms) when any major servicing comes up I now have a local bloke who specialises in Subaru and I know I can at least trust him to carry out the work. I discovered the local dealership were cutting corners and still charging for servicing items that were not touched during the service :( This has happened to me at other dealerships as well not just Subaru, but that's another story !!

blueoval · 12-05-2016, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octane_Flash

I bought my wife a 3.0l Outback and whilst a nicely built car, the fuel consumption was a horror. I calculated that it was using just over 14.0l/100km with 98 octane fuel, on a good week.
The cause of the high consumption was that all of the Outback's shared the same diff ratio so the motor was spinning at 2400 rpm at 100km/h.
I soon fixed that. It was traded in on a Kia Sportage diesel.

14L/100 is unusually high. Ive never gotten that high on my Lib GT even when giving it curry. Reckon something else might have been the cause.

Octane_Flash · 12-05-2016, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

14L/100 is unusually high. Ive never gotten that high on my Lib GT even when giving it curry. Reckon something else might have been the cause.

Our driving was all city roads so that may have contributed but my XR6 was better on the fuel!
The car was serviced on the dot and I had it checked over at different dealer service shops but never got any better. The H6 Luxury Outback was a nice car to drive. Shame it was to the petrol station along the way.

Russ · 12-05-2016, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octane_Flash

Our driving was all city roads so that may have contributed but my XR6 was better on the fuel!
The car was serviced on the dot and I had it checked over at different dealer service shops but never got any better. The H6 Luxury Outback was a nice car to drive. Shame it was to the petrol station along the way.

Just out of interest what year model was the OB you had ??

xr6man366 · 12-05-2016, 07:50 PM

I have had the MY15 Liberty 2.5 as my company supplied vehicle since September. Honestly a great car. The 2.5 has no low down torque and the 3.5 would fix that. Great note and the CVT is amazing ( and yes I am surprised to say that ) . The infotainment system is very clunky and in the base model locks up when you use an iPod ..this is a world wide reported problem that does not have a fix but does not seem to have effected the premium grade ( two USB) … searching is just plain clunky and my SZ Territory and previous VEII Commodore was better. The safety features are awesome for anyone who doesn't concentrate whilst driving but the lane departure is a pain around town ( I turned this off) ..Automatic wipers are just stupid ..the pause function is nil and void and it does what it wants..paintwork, assembly and features can't be beat for the money and it doesn't look unattractive either…my honest assessment

Octane_Flash · 12-05-2016, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

Just out of interest what year model was the OB you had ??

It was a 2004 H6 Luxury Outback

Brian_H · 13-05-2016, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBSXR6

I have a 2013 FG MKII G6E and I thinking of changing over to a Subaru Liberty 3.6R. I am looking for a bit of feedback from anyone on the Subaru please?

EBSXR6, Bought my wife a new 2015 Outback last year so there's a few things I can tell you for sure, even though it isn't exactly a Liberty Sedan. The quality is outstanding, the materials inside are top notch. The 3.6 six is great, certainly punchy enough but for the most demanding quick start driver. It loves to rev but it will take a bit of getting used to with the CVT tranny. A great tranny but just 'different' to what you're used to. You can always use the paddle shifters for that more familiar 'stepped' gear change. Nice to have the option actually. Relative to Falcs and the Liberty, the Outback is tall. It is at least as quick as a 6cyl Commodore, not quite as quick as a current model 6cyl Falcon.

The only real negative I can discern is that the cushion on the driver seat doesn't seem to come up high enough to support my legs - under the knees. The electric height adjuster stops just before I start to get support and it ticks me off. I get used to it and it is still a comfy car to drive. I'm just used to Aussie cars that are very facilitative in that regard. Also, the interior is beautifully crafted with a lot of soft touch materials and I only worry that these will last over the years. My wife isn't a car person and as such won't particularly look after or care for the interior - neither will the 2 boy teens. If it was my car then no worries I'd look after it. I suppose I'm saying the interior doesn't seem particularly 'robust' and a bit 'delicate' for lack of a better word. If my personal car it would be just fine though. I'm 99% sure the Liberty has the same interior.

One of the things that most impressed me was the unexpected LACK of body roll. I can only imagine the Liberty would be even better. I 'think' you may find less rear room in Liberty as outback is on a longer wheelbase - better check if that's important. If I needed one I wouldn't hesitate buying a Liberty or Outback again. One in the family should do for now. reliability-wise you can't do too much better. A great point is that they're still all made in Japan - a disappearing commodity feature these days. it would be my pick of all the jap cars.

My XRTS arrives in July so I'll be in the Outback a little bit 'til then with all the other mere mortals! cheers, a Liberty is a great choice in my view if you are in the market for a Japanese car - GREAT choice!

Brazen · 13-05-2016, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBSXR6

Thank you. They now have capped price servicing ranging from $245 -$544 per service for 3 years/75,000Kms.

They are pretty expensive services. It's over $2600 in the first three years, which is frankly ridiculous. But....the car is so well priced to begin with that it probably doesn't matter.

EB# · 13-05-2016, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brazen

They are pretty expensive services......

Indeed they are.... $540 for a 50,000km/2yr service? That's a $400 tip for an oil change isn't it? For a new car, I would certainly consider the indy option for services and save a packet over those first three years.

More info on capped price service schedule:
http://www.subaru.com.au/service/pri...rice-servicing

I have plenty of respect for Subarus - we have two old Foresters, 02 & 03, that are rock solid, everything working, 200K+ on both of them.... But that dealer service rort is a joke.

SumoDog68 · 13-05-2016, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EB#

Indeed they are.... $540 for a 50,000km/2yr service? That's a $400 tip for an oil change isn't it? For a new car, I would certainly consider the indy option for services and save a packet over those first three years.

More info on capped price service schedule:
http://www.subaru.com.au/service/pri...rice-servicing

I have plenty of respect for Subarus - we have two old Foresters, 02 & 03, that are rock solid, everything working, 200K+ on both of them.... But that dealer service rort is a joke.

50k service include engine oil and a filter, air filter ,coolant , brake fluid ,diff oil, fuel filter , PCV valve and spark plugs being replaced - $540 sounds about right.

Russ · 13-05-2016, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

50k service include oil and a filter, air filter ,coolant , brake fluid ,fuel filter and spark plugs being replaced - $540 sounds about right.

From memory Subaru charge about $180 for the spark plugs alone (6) pretty sure they use Iridium plugs so there's a 3rd of the service cost and doesn't include the labour to change them out either :(

Brian_H · 13-05-2016, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBSXR6

I have a 2013 FG MKII G6E and I thinking of changing over to a Subaru Liberty 3.6R. I am looking for a bit of feedback from anyone on the Subaru please?

Here ya go, enjoy this article EBSXR6 . . . https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car...y-3-6r-review/

superfly · 13-05-2016, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

50k service include engine oil and a filter, air filter ,coolant , brake fluid ,diff oil, fuel filter , PCV valve and spark plugs being replaced - $540 sounds about right.

The downside is that in 2 years, I would only have travelled 36K. So after 2 years in the Subaru, I've had 4 services done inc 1 big one. In the Ford I would have done 2 minor ones at $270 each inc 1 year RACQ road side assistance.

As mentioned Subaru make fantastic cars, they just need to sort out their servicing costs.

Brazen · 13-05-2016, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superfly

The downside is that in 2 years, I would only have travelled 36K. So after 2 years in the Subaru, I've had 4 services done inc 1 big one. In the Ford I would have done 2 minor ones at $270 each inc 1 year RACQ road side assistance.

As mentioned Subaru make fantastic cars, they just need to sort out their servicing costs.

Actually the Subaru would have 5 services in the first 2 years. For some reason the 3.6 requires three services in the first 12 months.

Probably not an absolute deal breaker in the scheme of things but is a downside of a pretty good package.

EB# · 15-05-2016, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

50k service include engine oil and a filter, air filter ,coolant , brake fluid ,diff oil, fuel filter , PCV valve and spark plugs being replaced - $540 sounds about right.

Fair call on the additional service items, but I think $540 is still somewhat 'over the top'. Plugs, diff oil and a PCV also sounds like over-servicing to me for 50K travel? The service regimens these days, together with the dealer 'fixed prices' presents like another opportunity to simply milk the new car owner on a regular basis. I'd wager that an indy mechanic would still be able to beat a 'dealer quote' on any of their recommended services.

SumoDog68 · 15-05-2016, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EB#

Fair call on the additional service items, but I think $540 is still somewhat 'over the top'. Plugs, diff oil and a PCV also sounds like over-servicing to me for 50K travel? The service regimens these days, together with the dealer 'fixed prices' presents like another opportunity to simply milk the new car owner on a regular basis. I'd wager that an indy mechanic would still be able to beat a 'dealer quote' on any of their recommended services.

Price is fair for the amount of work done and parts and consumables used. Whether is needed to maintain reliability of the car is another question. If you buy new you have to follow manufacturers specified service regime (performed by a dealer or independent) to keep factory warranty. They do milk it of course. If you don't care about the warranty or car is out of warranty you can decide on your service intervals.
Thats what i do with my older car - new car goes to the dealer for their capped servicing and their upsell tactics never cease to amuse me . How about wheel alignment or synthetic oil , brake pads and tyres are getting low etc. I let them do the basic service and look after other stuff myself.

blueoval · 16-05-2016, 11:12 AM

If the dealership prices for parts/servicing was on par with every other mechanic out there I would get them to do the work on my Subaru. But unfortunately their pricing is waaaaay out of the ball park that you are only left with finding your own guy who can do the same job with the same level of customer service for a cheaper price.

sprintman1 · 16-05-2016, 01:05 PM

Who uses a Sube dealer for service work? Rich and silly and that's about it!

Sioso · 16-05-2016, 04:51 PM

Seems a bit lifeless off the mark.
New video from PDriveTV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJd1GkPX_-g