Turbocharging was a way of transforming drab to desirable and Suby did it well
Subaru has a long history of attaching turbochargers to its mainstream models and turning bland transport into something quite ferocious.
The original RS Turbo was a rally winner and followed by the short-lived, twin-turbo B4 before passing the baton in 2003 to the Generation 4 Liberty GT.
The initial 2.0-litre EJ20 engine was smaller than the basic Liberty motor but came with quad camshafts, 16 valves and creative remapping that delivered maximum power at 6400rpm and which hung around almost to the 7500rpm redline.
Manual cars made 190kW, five-speed automatics had 180kW but tuners including Subaru’s own STi could easily extract more than 200kW. Early manual GTs had a five-speed transmission and were geared to reach 243km/h.
Without access to an autobahn that maximum will be difficult to achieve, however the GT hits 100km/h in 6.4 seconds and in third gear whips through the 80-120km/h overtaking segment in 4.7 seconds.
Cars designated GT Spec B and built from late 2006 had 2.5 litres and six-speed manual transmission, however all versions had their output pegged at 184kW.
Liberty GTs came with electric everything, leather trim and steering wheel, a six-speaker CD stereo plus dash display screen. Outside were 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, fog-lights and a boot spoiler on the sedan. Wagons are spacious for their size, offering decent boot space even when the rear seat is being used. With it lowered there is almost two metres of cargo area and the wheel-arches only slightly restrict load width.
| 2021 Market Review: Subaru Liberty/SVX 1989-2009
The leather seats, even after 15 years, should still look good and provide decent support plus enough adjustment to make people of most shapes feel comfortable.
Libertys since Day Dot have offered All-Wheel Drive and every Turbo version delivered its torque uniformly via each wheel. When pushed they have a preference for understeer but as people who won rally titles with the old RS Turbo version will tell you, a dab of left foot brake balances everything very neatly.
It is possible to fit wheels up to 18 inches in diameter without doing huge harm to the car’s ride, however low-profile rubber doesn’t work all that well on loose surfaces.
Bitumen rather than gravel is the GT’s preferred surface and fuel consumption on the highway can sneak below 9L/100km. Around town expect closer to 12L/100km.
Standard brakes are up to the task of punting a GT quickly along twisting public roads but struggle if you are a track day type. Rotor, caliper and pad upgrades are available and not ridiculously expensive.
Today’s typical GT will have travelled 200-250,000 kilometres, still be on its first engine but second turbo and sell for less than $10,000. If the engine is struggling, budget $3500-5000 (plus installation) for a decent used motor.
Some GTs have been modified and there are long-term consequences of such changes. Increased boost stresses engine internals and the transmission and a car that sits with its wheels at odd angles on shortened springs can offer all manner of suspension and drivetrain problems.
Value range: Liberty GT (2003-06 manual sedan)
Fair: $4000
Good: $9000
Excellent: $14,500
(Note: exceptional cars will demand more)
BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Body & chassis
After almost 20 years, even the well-protected Liberty body might be starting to rust. Look at windscreen surrounds, the bonnet lip, floors, doors and sills. Underbody damage is likely too, so check below the front bumper and sills for crush damage. Liberty headlights were ordinary when new and tarnished reflectors make them dreadful. Brand new light units are available, but prices online can vary alarmingly so be cautious and ensure the supplier accepts returns. Make sure the struts supporting the cargo door on wagons don’t collapse, however these aren’t expensive to replace. When test driving, switch off the sound system to listen for wind flutter that reveals door seals are no longer doing their job.
Engine & transmission
It would be unusual to find a GT that hasn’t undergone some mechanical freshening; even a complete engine and transmission replacement using more recent components. Heat hurts anything sitting close to the turbocharger so cars with their hard-to-reach hoses recently replaced are an attractive proposition. Smoke of any kind indicates engine work is needed; blue for piston or bore wear, white denoting a failed turbo seal. Taking oil changes to Subaru’s recommended 10,000 kilometres can accelerate camshaft wear and risk your turbo, so service a GT every 5000 km. The clutch is the transmission’s weak link, so check for shudder and slip and when coasting listen for rumbling from the rear differential.
Suspension & brakes
Peer underneath before test driving, looking for damaged driveshaft boots and suspension joints. Struts that creak and chatter over bumps need replacement. The steering in these cars should be razor-sharp with no more than 15mm of free play at the steering wheel. More means the steering rack and possibly column joints are worn and will need replacement. Brakes often squeal when cold but any noise once they warm up indicates a problem.
Interior & electrics
Subaru trim is excellent quality and even cars that have topped 200,000km should have minimal damage to their seat coverings. Sun does crack unprotected dash pads, so a $50 textile dash protector earns its keep. Door seals are vulnerable to damage which can allow water inside, so check carpets for dampness. Test all the window switches too because they are fiddly and expensive to repair. Also check that buttons on the key fob still lock and unlock the doors. Repairing faulty air-conditioning is costly so make sure the air is almost instantly cold and also that the heater warms even before the engine does.
2003-2008 Subaru Liberty GT specs
NUMBER BUILT: N/A
BODY: All steel, integrated body/chassis four-door sedan & station wagon
ENGINE: In-line 1994cc or 2457cc four cylinder with overhead camshafts, fuel injection and single turbocharger with intercooler
POWER & TORQUE: 190kW @ 6400rpm, 330Nm @ 2400rpm (2.0 litre manual)
PERFORMANCE: 0-100km/h – 6.4 seconds, 0-400 metres 14.9 seconds (2.0 litre manual)
TRANSMISSION: Five or six-speed manual, five-speed automatic
SUSPENSION: Independent with struts, coil springs and anti-roll bar (f) independent with struts, multi-links, coil springs and anti-roll bar (r)
BRAKES: Disc (f) disc (r) power assisted with ABS
TYRES: 215/45ZR17 radial (2.0)
From Unique Cars #467, Jun/Jul 2022