I am a bit confused at the use of either the simple past or the simple present after the main clause in the simple past in those instances when the subordinate clause does not denote the universal truth but some kind of continuous state or habitual action. When you google for such examples you get both variants. Here are some instances, off the top of my head:
She told him that the train usually arrived at 6 o'clock.
She told him that the train usually arrives at 6 o'clock.
She told him she liked ice-cream.
She told him she likes ice-cream.
She told him she believed in God.
She told him she believes in God.
She told him Oasis was her favourite group.
She told him Oasis is her favourite group.
If the subordinate clause refers to the time before that of the main clause, it should be the past perfect, right? I am not sure anymore with all the controversial examples I come across.