Positioning:
The Subaru XT and XT6 represented Subaru's foray into the sporty, front-wheel-drive biased (with optional AWD) coupe market, offering unique styling and engineering for their time.
Competitors:
Competed against cars like the Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and to some extent, the Nissan 240SX and Ford Probe.
Design:
Striking, aerodynamic, low-slung design with a 'digital' dashboard and aircraft-inspired cockpit.
Performance Variant:
The XT6 featured a potent 2.7L six-cylinder Boxer engine, a significant upgrade from the XT's four-cylinder, and offered a more sophisticated AWD system.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and independent mechanics maintaining or repairing these unique and increasingly rare vehicles, providing factory-accurate procedures and specifications.
Engine:
1.8L EA82 (4-cylinder), 2.7L ER27 (6-cylinder Boxer) - including fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission:
5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic (with Sportshift on XT6)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front/rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum (XT), front/rear disc (XT6), hydraulic system, parking brake
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, springs, shock absorbers, sway bars
Steering:
Power rack and pinion
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, ignition, lighting, instrumentation, power windows/locks/mirrors, HVAC controls, stereo system
Body:
Exterior trim, interior components, glass, seals, body panel alignment, rust prevention
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, controls
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Flowcharts, symptom-based diagnosis, specific component testing
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement
Engine Repair:
Head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain service, piston/ring replacement, valve adjustments
Transmission Service:
Fluid changes, clutch replacement, seal replacements, automatic transmission overhaul
Brake Service:
Pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, bleeding procedure
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut/shock replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump/rack service
Electrical System Repair:
Alternator/starter testing and replacement, wiring harness repair, sensor diagnosis and replacement
Body Work:
Door panel removal, seat removal, trim piece replacement, minor body panel adjustments
HVAC Service:
Refrigerant charging, leak detection, blower motor replacement, heater core replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive: covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Xt Engine:
1.8L (1781cc) EA82 horizontally opposed 4-cylinder
Xt6 Engine:
2.7L (2673cc) ER27 horizontally opposed 6-cylinder
Xt Horsepower:
Approx. 97-100 hp (depending on configuration)
Xt Torque:
Approx. 100-105 lb-ft
Xt6 Horsepower:
Approx. 150 hp
Xt6 Torque:
Approx. 150 lb-ft
Xt Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Xt6 Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) on some models, or Distributor with electronic control.
Engine Monitoring:
ECU (Engine Control Unit)
Xt Transmission:
5-speed Manual
Xt6 Transmission:
5-speed Manual
Xt Transmission Optional:
4-speed Automatic
Xt6 Transmission Optional:
4-speed Automatic with 'Sportshift' manual override mode
Drivetrain Type:
Front-wheel drive biased, with Subaru's full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system as standard or optional depending on trim and region.
AWD System Details:
Center viscous coupling differential (for full-time AWD). XT6 AWD also featured a higher-torque capacity.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 75W-90 (Subaru recommended)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II (Subaru recommended)
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Use synthetic oil for extended intervals if preferred and supported.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt:
Crucial: 60,000-100,000 miles (EA82) or 100,000 miles (ER27). Non-interference engine for EA82, interference for ER27, making timely replacement vital.
Engine Oil:
API SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on temperature).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Subaru Blue Coolant or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially on EA82), oil leaks from Boxer engine seals, timing belt wear/failure.
Electrical:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, intermittent power to accessories, issues with the digital dashboard components.
Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts due to age and mileage.
Body:
Rust, particularly around wheel arches, rocker panels, and rear subframe mounts.
