Subaru Liberty 4th Gen GT vs. Subaru Outback (7-10k budget)

Lshields01 on 01/09/2020 - 12:15

Seeking some advice from Ozbargain on a 'sensible' car choice.

Looking to spend 7-10k on a 'weekend' car, primary use:

Weekends away (light camping, roadtrips)
Run about town during the week
medium sized dog transporter
Estimate road driving at 80-90%, small amount of back road nothing serious.

Currently tossing up between a sub 200,000 kilometre Subaru 4th Gen Liberty GT or an 07'ish Outback with similar km's. I recognise the primary difference is ride/clearance and storage space.

Is there any clear difference between the two in terms of reliability that I should be concerned about, obviously a GT is the turbo so may have been thrashed a little more than an outback. My head tells me the outback is the more practical choice but I feel the GT would be more fun and not sacrifice too much in terms of storage space and capability on the odd gravel track.

Keen to hear any views/thoughts.

Automotive

Comments

  • Oofy Doofy on 01/09/2020 - 12:25

    Boxer engines need their maintenance done on time, or earlier. In fact I'd half their logbook service intervals. Don't buy an Auto, just get a standard transmission. If everything checks out (besides normal wear/consumables), should be alright for a few years of 20k driving.

  • ThatKiwiFella on 01/09/2020 - 12:42

    I've got a 4th gen Liberty (or Legacy as we call them here) GT. From stock, the GT isn't very low, you wouldn't have clearance issues.
    The Outback would be more practical to take off roading or on rough terrain, but the GT can do it too.

    The GT is a lot of fun to drive, I love it, has a lot of grunt when you want it.

    As the GT is the performance model, you can almost guarantee it's been driven harder than an Outback would've. Both are reliable when maintenance is kept up, but whether it has been kept up from previous owners, you never know

    • shields01 on 01/09/2020 - 12:56

      That's good to know re: clearance. Do you have a manual or auto? i'm not too fussed on either but wonder if there's any difference from a reliability/longevity perspective.

      • ThatKiwiFella on 01/09/2020 - 12:59

        I own the manual version but never heard or read about any problems where the variation was a key factor

  • k-rokfm on 01/09/2020 - 12:43

    primary use:
    -Run about town during the week

    So youre looking for a 'daily' car that you can use on weekends for your hobbies? Do you currently have another car?

    • shields01 on 01/09/2020 - 12:55

      Basically yes - I think i'd struggle to put more than 10-15k kilometres/year on a car at the moment.

      No other car, only a motorcycle which isn't super practical. By 'daily' I mean run to the shops in the afternoon or drive to a park for an afternoon walk/run. Would usually commute to work either by train or cycle (if we ever return).

  • Drakesy on 01/09/2020 - 13:07

    Don't want to go for a forester XT?

    I've heard good things about the diesel outbacks for grunt and their off road capability is not bad.
    Otherwise the Liberty gt's are fun to drive, fast for what they are. Used to own a 1990 liberty wagon with the 125kw boxer and that thing flew (they were pretty light for the size of the car), miss the performance, not the oil leaks though.
    Traded it in for an ever reliable kia sportage, full on soccer mum spec and miss the grunt.

    • brendanm on 01/09/2020 - 13:14
      -2

      The diesel is no good, not sure how you heard good things about it.

      • Oofy Doofy on 02/09/2020 - 07:41

        The only thing about the Subaru diesel that wasn't good is the DPF system, design wise. Somehow Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi (and other lesser known brands) can get this right, yet many of the other big brands can't… the mind boggles.

        Subaru has ditched the diesel in the Outback now, and probably their other models too.

        So yeah, I don't know why you were down voted.

        • brendanm on 02/09/2020 - 08:00

          They also have problems with the glow plugs, and are pretty rubbish performance wise compared to pretty much anything else. People love downvoting when they don't understand.

  • paulpavs on 01/09/2020 - 14:15

    I have an 07 GT spec B and love it. Ground clearance is not much of an issue albeit it is slightly lower than regular cars but not to the point of scraping gutters.
    My family and i have had an 99 Outback, 02 Liberty RX sedan, 04 Liberty wagon premium, and the 07 GTb sedan (big fans of the subbie).

    Things to consider is for practicality and lower cost the outback will be better. The wagon, clearance and the NA motor will be far easier to get in and drive with the capacity in the back to carry what you need (Liberty's of this era also came in wagons main difference being ground clearance).

    If your looking for some more "spirited" driving the GT is the way to go. Being the GT wear and tear items will be more expensive like brakes, tyres, premium fuel etc as well as the risk it has been modified or driven harder over its life. Also in the sedan format the back seats dont fold down so will limit your ability to carry larger items. It will handle corners and bends and really grip the roads, but may not be comfortable on the corrugated and gravel surfaces as something like an outback.

    My old Liberty (the 02) gave up (diff, gearbox, clutch etc) around the 235k mark so 200k is high kms so be aware some parts will need replacement.

    Things to look out for on either cars are split CV joints, head gaskets, split radiators and the performance models knocking in the shocks or centre diff as these can be expensive (trust me ive had both repaired).

    Comes down to what is more important to you as far as offroad ability, or fun to drive.

  • Presence on 01/09/2020 - 15:22
    +1

    If you are looking at Outbacks you should look at Foresters too, they are extremely similar. Foresters are a bit cheaper but have less luxury. Eg. Basic AC.

    Regardless of the two, you should get a manual IMO, the 4 speed autos are pretty lethargic and make the car feel a lot slower.

    Manuals in the age you are looking at will come with low range which is cool.

    Often the rear springs are stuffed but they are about $200 for HD ones.

    Other than that it's like any other car, make sure it's got complete service history, timing belt is done/budgeted for and buy a car with the least km you can afford.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/09/2020 - 16:16
    +1

    200,000 kilometre Subaru 4th Gen Liberty GT

    Youre seriously paying good money for this 🤣🤦‍♂️

  • [Deactivated] on 01/09/2020 - 16:24

    You in NSW? I posted the other day about my slightly broken 06 Outback I'd be more than happy to sell to you ;)

  • tekisei on 03/09/2020 - 13:31
    +1

    In NSW, in theory you can park in loading zones with a Liberty, but not with a same year Outback. In practice almost no ranger will fine your Outback, but if one does, it's a bit messy to get out of it.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join