Liberty 6th gen (BN) inspection checklist

Look for: The bulk of Subaru's Australian Takata recall covered 2004-2009 Liberty, so most BN-generation cars fall outside it, but Takata coverage was broad and ongoing - it must be confirmed by VIN rather than assumed clear.

Look for: The Lineartronic CVT is marketed as 'sealed for life' but benefits from periodic fluid changes; neglected fluid contributes to shudder and premature wear. Mismatched tyre sizes/diameters on the full-time AWD can also cause driveline binding and accelerate CVT and diff wear.

Look for: A recall covered a brake-lamp switch fault that could disable pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control on EyeSight-equipped cars; EyeSight cameras can also throw faults if the windscreen is cracked or replaced incorrectly.

Look for: A subset of FB25 engines burn oil through premature wear of the oil-control piston rings, with low oil-light or smoke between services. Affects roughly a small percentage of engines but is well documented and the subject of a Subaru TSB; severe cases needed updated rings or a short block.

Look for: Owners report a shudder under light load, a 'bump' or jolt at idle in Drive once the CVT is warm (Subaru TSB for 2015-17 2.5i), and a 1-4 second delay shifting reverse to drive. Most are nuisance-level and resolved by a TCM reflash and fresh CVT fluid; a minority escalate to valve body or full transmission replacement.

Look for: The 3.6R uses the high-torque version of the TR690 CVT and shares the family's shudder, low-speed bump and reverse-to-drive delay complaints. The six's torque means CVT replacement, if required, is at the dearer end.