Flow Posted April 17, 2004 Share Posted April 17, 2004 Stopped and looked at a XT-6 today. It was an '88, 5- spd Fulltime AWD w/ difflock. Didn't have an LSD. The body was straight with only a couple 6" scratches on both fenders. Interior was dirty but in fairly good shape. Owner's wife said that the power steering didn't work and they disconnected the cruise control because it was making the engine "spaz out". Looked to be about 2 quarts low on oil and in need of a serpentine belt. While underneath, looking for a LSD I noticed that the rear exhaust pipes had rusted out and started a basketball sized spot of cancer in the trunk. What's this thing worth and how expensive are XT-6's to maintain? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greggbrat Posted April 17, 2004 Share Posted April 17, 2004 That sounds like my friends 88 XT6.....I picked it up for her about a year ago for $350. It also needed the power steering pump (which is an electric hydraulic pump, not a pulley driven pump) which I picked up at a salvage dealer for $80. It was quite simple to replace. (I think they are about $500 new). Put on new tires, a tuneup and its still running for her today. (granted the front axle shafts both need to be replaced as the boots are torn and they are starting to go. As for maintenance costs.....a bit higher than other subarus just because the parts are harder to get......they only made this car (to my knowledge) from 1988-1989. The other drawback I have heard about is the air suspension......if it goes its a major expense to repair/replace. But I have also heard about people replacing it with a strut system. I would think anything less than $500 would be a good deal......but get other opinions before you take my word for it. I just remembered.....the muffler is not standard.......I think the muffler shops want about $225 just to put on a new muffler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerFahrer Posted April 17, 2004 Share Posted April 17, 2004 How many miles are on it? The power steering could be a bargaining tool. The XT6's (made in 1988, 1989, and 1991) used a complicated Cybrid power steering system that was electrically-driven, not engine-driven. Pumps can be very expensive new, and hard to find in a yard. Plus they must use Subaru-approved power steering fluid and nothing else. ATF will ruin the whole system immediately. Make it sound like a big deal and you might be able to get the car for cheap. Air ride was standard on 6's, and yes the system is doomed from the beginning. The seals grow old over time, the struts collapse and the car gets "slammed" and replacing all 4 struts can cost in the neighborhood of $2000. My XT 4cyl was rare in that it came with air suspension. The previous owner replaced the entire thing before I got it too So that could possibly another bargaining tool , but you can convert the suspension to conventional easily and cheaply. I'd say if the engine is running good, it's worth a shot. XT's/XT6's are growing rarer and rarer, they're absolute blasts to drive, and look cool too :cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flow Posted April 17, 2004 Author Share Posted April 17, 2004 Thanks for the replies, fellas. I called the owner tonite and asked what he might take for it. He told me there was nothing wrong with the car and he wanted 1200$ firm. I thanked him for his time.... It sounds like I would almost need to get it for free with all the time and money I would have to put in it. I'll happily stick to my dime-a-dozen EA-82 Wagon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShawnW Posted April 17, 2004 Share Posted April 17, 2004 I recall somebody saying there a lapse in model year in the XT6's. If memory serves they were saying there are hardly any 90's out there but the 91's are around. In 1992 the car was no longer made and replaced with the SVX. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greggbrat Posted April 17, 2004 Share Posted April 17, 2004 My friend might be selling her 88 XT6 in the next few months.........She likes it but is looking for a newer car. It is in Denver. Keep in touch BTW.....if the power steering doesnt work, the cruise control doesnt work and there is a shot exhaust system then are definitely a few things wrong with the car. It often amazes me that people try to sell a car for too much money when they havent even performed basic maintenance. If someone were to buy this car and then bring it to a mechanic to get fixed the cost would be $1200 purchase price plus about $1000 in repairs. Thats a pretty expensive XT6. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeakingOil Posted April 17, 2004 Share Posted April 17, 2004 The power steering pump mostly goes due to worn out brushes. It's a simple fix. You can get brushes here in the states from the dealer for around 70.00 or you can do a search on the XT6.net for Anthony's Subaru in Canada...they sell for 12.00. The "basketball size hole" well, my thought is if you know a good welder that could be fixed. Belt is cheap. But when getting one look at it before purchasing and make sure it's got the 6 grooves <I've had mess ups before about this>. Ummm...anything else you can search the XT site. They are very knowledgeable about XT/XT6s. As for the price...I have to laugh at that. That's just way too much unless it shoots gold out the tail pipe. Hope I helped a little. Smiles, Melis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.