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1987 GL Wagon 85K For Sale @ $2500. Q: Is it worth it?


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New to Subarus and wondering if this 1987 GL Wagon with only 85,000 miles is worth what the seller is asking for it?

It has the AT rather than the 5 speed.

The body seems to be in great shape (straight except the seller is replacing driver's side front fender and headlight assembly, and slight hood fix due to damage. Paint is good (some dusty rose metalic color)

Interior looks like it only has those miles on it, so I can imagine that this is truly  real mileage. Still has the cover for cargo hatch area.

It is at his mechanic's shop right now undergoing an inspection, and I hope it comes back with a good report.

 

If said to be mechanically sound motor and running gear, is it worth the $2500?

What repairs can I expect in the next 85K miles? Any and all input is appreciated.

 

Theobob

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Having sold and bought a few ea82 wagons, and watched a bunch more come and go on craigslist over the past few years, Here is a ballpark on what ea82 cars SELL for in the PNW

 

- 0-500: Not running or wrecked

-500-1K: rough condition but running

-1k-1.5k: Generally good condition and running well 

1/5-2k: Sometimes one in uniquely good condition goes in this ball park

 

Very very rarely do ea82 wagons sell for more than 2K, although it can happen. They are exceptional. 85k is very low mileage, but mileage alone isn't really enough for 2k. Especially as it sounds like there is front end damage. The AT also reduces value (and functionality, that tranny has a lifespan on it for sure). I think its easy to buy a car at the most expensive end of the price range thinking you will be able to avoid maintenance costs, which may be true but isn't a safe bet. Some parts such as gaskets and seals wear or crack with time even if parked in a garage. I'd make sure you have money left over after you buy the car so your prepared if something does fail. The car may indeed be worth it, but just know your looking at the higher end of the price range for these cars. The condition should truly be superb. If not, buy a cheaper one and use your extra money to do fix any known problems. Just my 2 cents. 

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If the body is really rust free, I would buy it, if I didn't already have 2 very good ones. I'm in ct, so rust is the main killer.

 

Expect to reseal the engine around 100k to 150k miles. Make sure the radiator and all 7 coolant hoses are in like new condition .

The alternator should wear out a brush at around 150k miles. I have driven a few 3ATs past 200k miles. I have had very little trouble with them. I do use synthetic atf in them , but can't prove that it does anything other than make them shift better when cold in the winter. Do check the gear lube level to avoid burning out the front differential pinion bearings. Some 3ATs the pump drive shaft splines strip. Replace the pump drive shaft, good to go.

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i payed $100 for my last one ran kinda it had a bad freeze plug in the head and a slightly bent front bumper and bad headlight my daily driver weekend worrior for the last 7 years and the parts doner i robbed the motor and duel range out of where both free both ran great drove good and were registered people through these away out here with out a second thought so personaly i would never pay that much for a loyale

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Low miles can be misleading.  I picked up my 87 GL FWD 5spd wagon w/ 126K.  After first few tanks I realized it had a bit of oil consumption.  Roughly 1qt/1K miles.

Not bad but I'm guessing the old lady I got it from rarely drove it at the hwy speeds I commute with.  it' a good runner and even w the low miles, I've replaced the radiator, PCV, the distributor (CTS, TPS, wires and plugs didn't fix a misfire) and a CV boot.

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I wouldn't pay that much for it.  Even with low miles the timing belts are still gonna fail and if they have not been changed the hoses will all be dried out at this point.  around 10 years ago I used to sell mechanically reconditioned GL's in the $1200-1500 range.  But that was with 200,000+ miles.  But they had everything new pretty much. (fresh fluids, head gaskets, water pump, timing belt, hoses, etc)

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If your just looking for a good reliable car, you can get something much newer for 2500. Sounds overpriced anyway it wouldn't be worth much more then 2500 in mint condition. I've been following older subaru values for years, so there is my two cents.

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This thread reminds me of a 1980's movie call "Used Cars".   I think Kurt Russell was in that movie.  Funny stuff - you gotta rent it... if you can.

  THAT'S TOO EFFING HIGH !!!     Then they blow up their competitor's car that was priced too high.

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Low miles on a 29 year old vehicle doesn't mean much. All the rubber hoses and seals are 29 years old too. They haven't invented rubber yet that lasts 29 years, let alone in 1987. 

 

Call up a dealer service shop and ask for a quote on resealing the engine and replacing hoses and belts on a 1987 GL. The go back to the seller and take that quote off the asking price.

 

Chances are they will OWE YOU a tidy sum.

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