Trawlerman

Had my ‘18 1.6 GT for four years and love it. Gearbox is very responsive and it is a lovely drive. Done 40k without a single problem; I think it may feel a bit quicker and more responsive than the 2 litre non-turbo - no turbo lag and it pulls consistently from 1500 - 5000 rpm without hesitation, so great for overtaking on UK country roads. I average around 35 mpg on rural routes in Midlands. 38 mpg on long M’way runs at 70 mph. Don’t know about parts as never needed any but routine servicing about £250-£300 at local non-Subaru garage (who have an ex-Subaru mechanic). Hope this helps.

Think my engine’s still OK but my bodywork is definitely showing signs of wear! Anyway, thanks for your advice and I’ll leave the timing belt for now.

Thanks - it hasn’t been lying idle and has been properly serviced every 12 months. Had done 19k when lockdown started last year and only done 4K since but was just wondering if the fatigued with age (like me ...).

2016 Levorg 1.6 GT, now five years old but I have only done 23k miles. Fully serviced from new but I don’t know whether I need to be thinking about replacing the timing belt due to age rather than mileage. Any thoughts/advice, please?

It’s a great car (2016 Levorg 1.6 GT) 1.6 turbo works really well and you will find yourself going faster than you think. Very reliable too. I love it. See my posts about sorting out the only major drawback, which is the lack of a proper spare wheel! My local village garage services it with no problems (as with my previous Foresters and Outback).

Hi David, I posted this in February and you may find it useful. Different PCD from yours but same principal ie go for a full-size spare if it will fit in the well in the cargo space. Space savers are more trouble than they are worth and the aerosol goo is an expensive joke!

It has worked out well. Local Subaru MD quoted me £460.00 for a wheel and said they were ‘unaware of any other alternative other than a Road Hero Space Saver for £245.00 but don’t worry, you’ll be fine with the emergency repair kit’. So I asked our local village garage and he told me exactly what to do, checked it was exactly right before I bought it, tipped me off about the spigot ring, fitted and balanced the tyre, all for £15.00. (Note to Subaru MDs - this is called customer service ...)

I introduced myself on the forum a couple of days ago and mentioned how I arranged to have a full-size spare, so thought I would post it here with some pics. I solved this by buying a used Kia Ceed 18” 7.5j ET55 5x114.3 wheel and fitting it with a used but good 225 45 R18 tyre - both from eBay for £100.00 total. A 67.1 - 56.1 spigot ring (£2.95) is then all that is needed for a perfect fit. The wheel isn’t identical to the originals but it looks pretty much the same and will be fine as a spare. I lifted out the plastic insert and it fits perfectly under the rear load floor in the space provided. Job done and I feel much happier than when I just had the supplied inflator kit. Space saver wheel would be useless as you can’t fit one to a front wheel - just what you need on a stinking night on the hard shoulder. So, all done for £115.00 including fitting and balancing the tyre. Hope this is of use to someone.

Thank you!

Hi, what is a throttle controller? I agree about the ride but we are very rural here and I fitted winter tyres, which I keep on all year as only do about 6k per year and they soften the ride considerably. I went for the full-size spare as, if I have I do have a puncture, I want to get on at normal speed and finish my journey. I couldn’t be doing with all the limitations of a space saver. With the insert removed and the spare wheel in upside down, there is just as much storage space as before.

Hi, I have a 2016 Levorg 1.6 GT which I love and have only just discovered this very informative site. I have owned one ‘91 Legacy, one ‘97 Outback and two Foresters (‘03 and 08) before the Levorg, which I love as I no longer need the ground clearance and it is so nice to drive. My first contribution regards a full - size spare. I solved this by buying a used Kia Ceed 18” 7.5j ET55 5x114.3 wheel and fitting it with a used but good 225 45 R18 tyre - both from eBay for £100.00 total. A 67.1 - 56.1 spigot ring (£2.95) is then all that is needed for a perfect fit. The wheel isn’t identical to the originals but it looks pretty much the same and will be fine as a spare. I lifted out the plastic insert and it fits perfectly under the rear load floor in the space provided. Job done and I feel much happier than when I just had the supplied inflator kit. Space saver wheel would be useless as you can’t fit one to a front wheel - just what you need on a stinking night on the hard shoulder. Surely they must return to supplying a proper, full-sized spare? Looking forward to enjoying being a member and benefitting from all your knowledge and ideas!