The Best Years For Subaru Xt And Some To Avoid

The Subaru XT, a quirky and forward-thinking coupe from the mid-1980s to early 1990s, holds a unique place in Subaru's history. While not as widely known as the WRX or Outback, the XT offered distinctive styling, advanced technology for its time, and a driving experience unlike anything else on the road. This guide delves into the best and worst years of the Subaru XT, helping you make an informed decision if you're considering adding one of these vintage gems to your collection.

Subaru XT Model Years: Key Considerations

Detailed Explanations

1985-1987 (XT Coupe)

The initial XT Coupe models (often referred to as the "XT Coupe") are characterized by their sharply angled, wedge-shaped design, which was quite futuristic for its time. These models were available with either a naturally aspirated 1.8L flat-four engine or a turbocharged version of the same engine. Some early models featured a distinctive digital dashboard, a technological novelty that added to the car's appeal. While generally reliable, these early XTs are prone to rust, particularly in areas with salted roads. The turbo models, while offering more power, have a complex vacuum system that can be challenging to diagnose and repair. Parts availability for these early models is becoming increasingly scarce.

1988-1991 (XT6)

The XT6 marked a significant upgrade with its 2.7L flat-six engine. This engine provided a noticeable boost in power and smoothness compared to the earlier four-cylinder options. The interior was also improved, offering a more comfortable and refined experience. However, the XT6 is heavier than the XT Coupe, which can impact handling. The flat-six engine, while robust, is more complex than the four-cylinder and requires more specialized maintenance. Like the XT Coupe, rust remains a significant concern. Finding specific parts for the XT6 can be difficult due to its relative rarity.

1988-1991 (XT Coupe - Refreshed)

Subaru continued to produce the XT Coupe alongside the XT6, but these later XT Coupe models received a refresh. The interior was updated to be more in line with the XT6, and the exterior styling was slightly tweaked. These models still offered the turbo and non-turbo 1.8L flat-four engines. While the improvements were welcome, the fundamental issues of rust, aging electronics, and limited parts availability remained. The turbo models still retained their complex vacuum systems.

Specific Considerations for Each Aspect

Rust:

Rust is the biggest enemy of any older Subaru, and the XT is no exception. Pay close attention to the wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, and areas around the suspension mounts. Cars that have spent their lives in drier climates are significantly less likely to have rust issues. Thoroughly inspect any XT before purchase, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with older Subarus.

Engine Reliability:

The 1.8L flat-four engine, in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms, is generally considered reliable. However, regular maintenance is crucial. Pay attention to oil leaks, coolant leaks, and any unusual noises. The timing belt should be replaced at the recommended intervals. The 2.7L flat-six in the XT6 is also a robust engine, but it requires more specialized knowledge to maintain. Valve adjustments are particularly important for the flat-six.

Turbo System (Turbo Models):

The turbocharger itself is generally reliable if properly maintained, but the complex vacuum system associated with the turbocharger can be a nightmare to diagnose and repair. Vacuum leaks can cause a variety of performance problems, including poor boost, rough idling, and poor fuel economy. Replacing all the vacuum lines is often a good starting point when troubleshooting turbo issues.

Electronics:

Like any car of this age, the XT suffers from aging electronics. The digital dashboard (found on some early XT Coupes) can be particularly problematic. Check that all gauges and lights are functioning properly. The automatic climate control system (if equipped) can also be prone to failures. Wiring can become brittle and corroded over time, leading to electrical issues.

Parts Availability:

Parts availability is a significant challenge for the Subaru XT. Many parts are no longer available from Subaru, so you'll need to rely on aftermarket suppliers, junkyards, and online forums. Some parts are unique to the XT, making them particularly difficult to find. Before purchasing an XT, research the availability of common replacement parts.

Transmission:

Both manual and automatic transmissions were available on the XT. The manual transmissions are generally reliable, but the clutch may need replacement at some point. The automatic transmissions are also fairly robust, but they can be prone to slippage or harsh shifting as they age. Regular fluid changes are essential for maintaining the health of the automatic transmission.

Suspension:

The XT features an independent suspension system that provides a comfortable ride. However, the suspension components can wear out over time. Check for worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and struts. The rear self-leveling suspension (if equipped) can also be problematic, as the struts are expensive and difficult to find.

Interior:

The XT's interior can show its age. The seats may be worn or torn, and the dashboard may be cracked. The plastic trim can also become brittle and discolored over time. Finding replacement interior parts can be difficult.

Overall Driving Experience:

The Subaru XT offers a unique and engaging driving experience. The car's distinctive styling, combined with its sporty handling and available turbo power, makes it a fun and rewarding car to drive. However, it's important to remember that the XT is an old car, and it will require regular maintenance and repairs.

Best Years:

While all XT models have their quirks, the 1988-1991 XT6 stands out as arguably the best. The more powerful engine, improved interior, and smoother ride make it a more refined and enjoyable car to own. The refreshed XT Coupe models from the same years also offer improvements over the earlier versions.

Years to Avoid (or Approach with Caution):

There aren't necessarily "years to avoid" entirely, but rather aspects to be aware of. The earliest XT Coupe models (1985-1987) with the digital dashboard might present more challenges due to the complexity and potential failure of the digital display. Any XT model with excessive rust should be approached with caution, as rust repair can be expensive and time-consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common problem with the Subaru XT? Rust is the most prevalent issue, especially in regions with road salt. Thorough inspection is crucial before purchasing.

Are Subaru XT parts hard to find? Yes, many parts are no longer available from Subaru, requiring reliance on aftermarket sources and junkyards. Research parts availability beforehand.

Is the XT6 more reliable than the XT Coupe? The XT6 offers more power and refinement, but its flat-six engine is more complex and requires specialized maintenance. Both models require diligent upkeep.

Is the turbo version of the XT worth it? The turbo adds power, but its complex vacuum system can be challenging to maintain. Consider your mechanical skills and willingness to troubleshoot.

What is the fuel economy like on a Subaru XT? Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and driving conditions, but expect around 20-25 MPG. Turbo models may have lower fuel economy, especially if driven aggressively.

Conclusion

The Subaru XT is a unique and interesting piece of automotive history. While it's not without its challenges, particularly rust and parts availability, the XT can be a rewarding car to own for those who appreciate its distinctive styling and quirky character. The 1988-1991 XT6 generally offers the best balance of performance, features, and reliability, but any XT should be thoroughly inspected and well-maintained to ensure years of enjoyment.