The good, the bad, and the ugly

[aartod]

I am looking to buy a subaru and want to know what years are good years or what years to avoid and what has problems and what does not! I am looking to buy a mid-80's to early 90's wagon and want good gas milage for commuting and good off road capablity(logging roads and snowy roads).... What are all you guy's thoughts?

[somick]

I drive 92 Loyale, FWD 3AT.
The car has 160,000 miles on it. It is powered by EA82 1.8 engine. Valve covers, crank shaft seals and cam shaft seals always leak, but are relatively easy to fix.
I do not have off road experience.
Tell you the truth I am still in love with this car!
For more information you may visit www.ultimatesubaru.org.
The site is run by REAL subaru enthusiasts. You will find tons of information there. Especially about offroading.

Good luck,
Sam

[psychopathicdude]

I drive an 86 GL, which coincidentally also has the EA82 1.8L flat-four and a 5sp FWD...Has around 190,000 or maybe closer to 200,000....I switched out the gauge cluster (speedometer went loopy) and didn't record what the mileage variance was...

Sadly, mine has a bizarre computer-strangled carburettor. It's been quirky since I got it (four years ago), mostly relating the aforementioned carb (or the computer, sometimes hard to tell)...There was a minor issue with the original oil pump, internal seal wear was causing foaming in the oil, which manifested as clicking valve lifters. Replaced oil pump, no more clicking! I've also replaced the original water pump after it began to make shrieking noises.

This car is a built like a battle tank. I've taken it on numerous prairie surfing excursions, and it still holds a perfect wheel alignment! The only problem I've had from my offroading is the progressive settling of the already worn springs and reduced life of the already worn dampers...I believe both of these issues are related to the age of the original equipment, which I'm surprised has lasted this long. With a new set of springs and dampers, (I'm not sure if I'll go aftermarket or replacement) it'll be back in business! (embarassing the pickups and ATVs)

I commute it daily and get between 24 and 33 mpg (mostly highway) depending on mood. Someday I seek to procure the turbo motor and 4wd transmission, either in the form of purchasing a GL-10, Loyale or equivalent, or find them in a salvage yard and swap them into my GL.

Best of luck on your Suby search! Let us know what you get.