The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

HI All,
I have just purchased a 92 rs liberty. I have taken it to all drive subaroo in Sydney.
Does any one have experience with these guys?
They have quoted $5000 for work to car.
The car does not have documented service history, but is in good nic with 145k on clock stock standard.
I wish to look after it and need to get it up to speed as the service history is unknown.

They seem ok over phone. They are planning to pull engine out to fix a few minor problems and do timing belt, tensioner ect change water hoses /pump. $1050 for new clutch with subaru flywheel ect. HP line to power steering is leaking and pump need over haul. Engine is strong, just needs some love.

Any advice?

I would get a second quote, as for 5000 dollars you could buy 1997 onwards subaru in really good condition.

get a NSW member to look at it and give you an honest opinion

TOONGA

Hi KenVortex,

Looking at their website (bad indication I know) they look to be a pretty full on Subaru Specialist. Perhaps they are quoting you on a premium everything sort of service. Like the car comes out semi new. However it may be a wast of money, like half of it. It all depends on your budget, what your looking. If they gave you an itemised quote, perhaps let them do a basic service on it and get a feel of how they think the car is and what it needs. They can then recommended areas that need attention. Alternatively do the same thing at a Subaru dealership. The clutch for example, i'd not replace it at 145K if its not slipping. I got 260K out of mine (EJ22 96 Lib).

Welcome to the forum. Where abouts are you and when do we get to see some pics?

5000?.... they putting a a later model sti engine and gearbox in for you?

What did you pay for the car?

Are you capable of doing mechanical work yourself?

I have some interest in your RS (felt a little jealous when RSR showed his wagon) , but wanna know why the Vortex in your user name ?

Gents,
Thanks for the feed back.
They are pretty much giving everything a full freshen up. Replacing all with new. I want to keep her stock not interested in STI engines ect. My aim is getting everything up to 100%.
They are using genuine subaru parts hence the cost and its taking 4 days to do all the work.

I'll keep you posted on the progress. I have owned many subarus. My red 88 brumby is for sale on gum tree. It's in Sydney, Randwick. Check it out. It's a great Ute and I will be sad to see her go.

My user name doe not mean anything just was available....

Love the rs liberty's they are a weapon and really solid. Plan to keep her for a while. I'll post some photos when I'm next back in NSW. Work in WA.....

I am usually the first to defend automotive professional's advice on here having worked in the industry and understanding the costs involved, but for for $5K you can have:

• A half cut from Japan with <100K km (need not be STi motor)
• New clutch (no real labour as motor is out anyway)
• Timing belts, H2O pump, service etc

AND have change from $5K PLUS recouping further costs from selling the old motor and bits from the half cut. Further savings if you do the work yourself - plenty have been in driveways in the 'burbs over a day or two (mates and beer consumption dependant)

I say all this with firsthand knowledge of owning a RS wagon that was long in the tooth. Great car, but very easy to over-capitalise.

Jump on RSLC to read more.

looks to me like the kind of quote you give when you really don't want to do
the job, but if the fella is silly enough to pay, well........

Hey Lads, fair comments. I got a big tax check. Getting everything done in the one hit. She will be a new car when complete. I would normally do some work myself but being away alot, I decided to get it all done.
If you lads know anyone looking for a great brumby....

The RS will bring a smile again, like the old days in my 94 rex. Giiddy the **** up...

KenVortex wrote:Hey Lads, fair comments. I got a big tax check. Getting everything done in the one hit. She will be a new car when complete. I would normally do some work myself but being away alot, I decided to get it all done.
If you lads know anyone looking for a great brumby....

The RS will bring a smile again, like the old days in my 94 rex. Giiddy the **** up...

No problem...be sure to thank Aunty Julia for the tax refund!

5k!?? no offense you can do better!! Shop around further and get a couple of quotes.
Cheers
AP

I should have dropped it into you AP, by the look in your photo you would have sorted it right out.
I'll post up the reciept and we can have a good look at the break down.

While you are at it, please post pics of the car - RS Liberty wagons are porn in my book.

This is not my car - from a member on rslc

Hotness...

Very nice. Mine is a sedan. Stock standard apart from sports muffler. Gives it a nice subaroo rumble.
I like the eye brows above the front headlights....
I wonder if the weather strips are still available for the side windows...?

KenVortex wrote:I should have dropped it into you AP, by the look in your photo you would have sorted it right out.
I'll post up the reciept and we can have a good look at the break down.

You should post up the quote first and then we will be able to see if they are playing ball or taking the piss

niterida wrote:You should post up the quote first and then we will be able to see if they are playing ball or taking the piss

Second that..
Cheers
AP

sven '2' wrote:While you are at it, please post pics of the car - RS Liberty wagons are porn in my book.

MMmmm, much the same. Once upon a time the much heralded Ford XY GT HO was the fastest four door production car in the world - the RS Lib wasn't too far off that mark, nearly 20 years later......

Lads,

Here is the report,

RE: Vehicle Inspection and Report upon customer request

Please see below for repairs needed, information and pricing in regards to mechanical work required for the above mentioned vehicle.

We prefer to use genuine Subaru parts for reliability and performance. If you would like us to use non-genuine parts to help reduce the cost please advise us when talking to one of our representatives.

On the initial Road test, the following observations were made:
1. Clutch Slippage under load
2. Drivers window gusset not sealing and creating wind noise
3. Engine idle unstable especially when cold
At All Drive Subaroo we have a rating system that is explained below to help you understand the severity of each item.

3: Severe – The matter is of a serious nature and requires immediate attention.
2: Moderate – The matter requires action now however is not yet severe.
1: Minor - The matter is not of major concern and can be monitored throughout your next service at your discretion.
.
Below you will find an itemised list of components required to repair the vehicle including associated labour cost.

Work required on 3- Severe itemised:

The Engine has various water and oil leaks with the most apparent leaks coming from the timing belt area, we will need to remove the timing cover and inspect the cause. On average the cost to do this type of work is about $700 + GST that includes replacing timing belt if needed and (possible camshaft seals)

Due to the accessibility of some of the components it would be far more cost efficient to remove the Engine and address all of the leaks both Water and Oil, this in turn will guarantee a professional and quality repair.

We would recommend resealing the Engine less head gaskets with genuine Subaru gaskets, seals and sealing compounds. We would renew all water bypass hoses around the engine.

Associated cost to do this repair including parts and labour is as follows;
Gasket and seal kit $420 + GST
Water hose kit less heater hoses $390 + GST
Engine removal and Refit $690 + GST
Bench Work $780 + GST
Materials to fit the engine such as Engine oil, oil filter, Sparkplugs, Coolant and complete the major service $520 + GST

Additional components that may need renewing at the time of repair include;
Timing Belt, bearing and Tensioner kit $580 + GST
Water pump $162 + GST
Thermostat $ 30 + GST
Front Engine belts $ 80 + GST
Injector seals $ 70 + GST
Water manifold (If existing component is non-serviceable) $ 80 + GST
Water Reservoir (the original part may have been discontinued) ???
High pressure power steering hose $160 + GST
Clutch kit (including new genuine flywheel) $1028 + GST
(Please Note: Machining of the flywheel is possible and will reduce the cost but we do not warrant against clutch shudder)


Work required on 2-Moderate itemised
• Reconditioned Power steering pump leaking $225 + GST
• O/S/R Shock absorber leaking $??
• Rear sway bar links worn $ 90 + GST
• Gear selector knuckle worn $130 + GST
• 1x Fog light globe $ 25 + GST

All Associated Labour costs are included in the above Prices

Work required on 1-Minor itemised
• Driver’s side door barrel damaged $?
• Gear knob torn $?
• Wind noise from door Gussets (adjustment required) $160 + GST
• Wiper rubbers $ 28 + GST
• Noise from Front brake rotors, replacement required $190 + GST

The above report is constructed based on a basic inspection. Once work has commenced and the car is stripped down, any other observations will be recorded and reported if required

All of the prices mentioned are accurate at the time of printing.

We apologise for the delay on the report, if you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the information I’ve provided, please call or email me.
Kind regards
Niazi Helou
All Drive Subaroo