Dante

Thanks--I have time to shop around. I saw an October 7 listing in Oly for $600 and change. Any chance you've seen it? Here's what the ad says: '81 GL Wagon . 4WD, runs great, straight body, starts 1st time $695. Jesse 490-5205. I haven't called, because I don't know when I'd be able to get down there and it's probably gone by now anyway. I also have a line on another one that sounds good, but it's a 5-speed and i'd prefer the dual-range 4-speed... I've also posted WTBs here, in the classifieds at http://www.cars101.com (a site run by Carter Subaru's online sales manager) and a couple other places...

Looks like Subaru may have hired the guy Pontiac fired for designing the Aztek Just kidding--to each his own...

Thanks for all the info. StormTrooper. I haven't developed any preferences regarding the details yet. I want a pre-'85 for the ground clearance, and I'd like the 4-speed dual-range tranny. They might come in handy for getting to (or closer to) trailheads. They will also come in handy if I ever try to run with any of the more hardcore members of this board

Cool! A fellow member of http://www.nwhikers.net had a '72 501 wagon with what he called the "SUV mod"--basically big tires, more power (L20) and cut-out wheel wells or a lift, IIRC. I had another buddy with a '72 Sport truck converted to 4-wheel-drive. QUESTION: There are specs for some old Subarus in the archives at www.cars101.com but nothing for '80-'82. Are the specs for the '80-'82 4x4 dual-range wagons about the same as those for the '83 and '84? I'd prefer an '80 to '85, but is there any reason to shop for a particular year?

Thanks StromTrooper. My wrench turning skills are a little rusty, but I always enjoyed it. I used to own and love a '72 Datsun 510 and did all my own work on that car (including replacing the rear differential and u-joints), so once I get up to speed on the pre-'85 Subarus I should be golden.

Thanks XSNRG and moosens. I'll be getting a 4-speed moosens, but thanks for the warning Anything else? Anyone? BTW, this looks like a great Board. I can't wait to poke around. I've learned a lot about my Volkswagen TDI at the forums on a similar site: http://www.tdiclub.com

As my signature suggests, I'm shopping for a pre-'85 4x4 wagon with the dual-range 4-speed. Are there things unique to these cars I should look for or try to avoid while shopping (besides the normal used-car shopping stuff)? Basically, I'm looking for something as straight and rust-free as possible. I'd like something I can turn into a reliable second vehicle for runs to the trailhead, dump or home and garden store, or exploring back roads--probably not hardcore 'wheelin.