thelynns

I think I want to pay 5-6K if everything is fixed. Seller has a garage, just took in on trade, but didn't do anything to it...so I am told.

Found a 2001 Forester S package, leather interior. Exterior in excellent shape, interior almost perfect, 98K miles. All interior functions work. Carfax shows one owner and no accidents, etc. Took it to a family member that owns a garage and he checked it out for us. This is what he found: Right front axle boot ripped needs new alt and a/c belt rear brakes hanging up front end alignment struts all around are weak oil leak from engine head, passenger side timing belt needs changing We knew going in the head gaskets and timing belt would need changing, but if seller agrees to fix these, would you consider buying? Any of these a major deal breaker in your opinion? Thanks in advance for the advice. The Lynns.

Still trying to make an educated purchase of a newer Subaru. Seeing a lot of Foresters that are 2.5 and SOHC. Are these just as good as a 2.2 SOHC? Thanks again, this site has been extremely helpful. The Lynns

grossgary, Tell me about your 2003 Legacy. Just read the 2.5 vs 2.2 thread plus saw log on blown hg that someone started. The Lynns

Thanks again for advice. We are keeping the 86, my point A to B car for my 3 mile commute to work, but replacing the van that will need work and is getting horrible gas mileage right now. Just found a 1999 Subaru Outback Legacy Limited wagon 113K, but said hood is warped. Why would a car have a warped hood? Does that indicate something? http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ctd/2425766829.html The Lynns

wow, thanks for the quick response. Didn't know that about 2.5 motors. Like your view about buying cheap and having a properly installed new motor. Not too concerned about all interior bells and whistles, just want something that won't be a money pit, plus live in N. Indiana and see road salt from any where between Nov. to March, so min. rust important. Here is a recent ad I saw, play devil's advocate, what would you question and be concerned about? Don't have a lot of money and this would be a significant investment of our funds, so want to make the best decision. I am not a car guy, but do have some reliable friends and family that are. http://www.rocksolidmotors.com/details.php?v_id=114. Thanks again for input. The Lynns

Already own a 1986 GL sedan, but wife wants something a little newer and aesthetically pleasing...plus 14yr daughter totally embarrassed when I pick her up from school. We currently have a 99 Windstar van we are replacing, ( I know, but it was extremely cheap). Unfortunately at 86K miles, manifold gasket leaking, air conditioner died and experiencing random electrical problems, interior lights going on and off, various warning lights going on and off without any apparent problems. Looking for a wagon or Forester. Needs to be automatic...neither of us ever learned to drive a stick, plus with a roof rack. Since we are downsizing from van, would need to add a roof top carrier for vacations, etc. I have found some Outbacks locally with 130-140K miles, but have never owned a vehicle with this many miles. My GL actually had around 80K when I bought it. The typically Grandma car, only drove on Sundays to church!!. So, what would you be looking for if you had $5,000 to spend? All opinions wanted and appreciated. Thanks, The Lynns

Thanks for all the advice. Money is the primary motivator. If I had it, would look for something newer. This will be local driving, grocery getter and soccer practice, etc. I will get her a pillow if it doesn’t have lumbar support. Also, sort of committed to keeping the ’86 GL fed and happy, so thought a similar age vehicle will have more in common than something newer. Don’t know if this is a right assumption. Just like them simple. I have a Nissan truck, ’94. Don’t have to worry about power windows not working..doesn’t have them, don’t have to worry about power locks not working…doesn’t have them, don’t have to worry about digital dashboard going out…doesn’t have it. You get the picture. Any way, ad stopped running today, not sure if sold or time ran out. Still need my tax refund to come back before I could do anything any way. Keeping the phone number, might still be there when the money comes in. Couple people said stay away from a turbo…why? The Lynn’s

Subaru 92 Loyale, 4 Wheel Drive Station Wagon, Automatic, 155,000 miles, Well maintained. $1500 Saw this in a local paper. Need to replace a Chevy Venture van that is falling apart as I type this. Manifold gasket leaking for the second time and many things not working or only part of the time. I need an automatic for the wife. If mechanically sound and no fatal rust, is this anything to get excited about? Price seems high. What if around $800 to $1000? Haven’t called or seen it yet. Wanted to have some options first to be better able to talk them down. Our area doesn’t have an abundance of Subaru…don’t even think there is a dealership any more. Any pitfalls with this year or model? Any and all opinions welcome. Thanks, The Lynn’s Owner of 1986 GL Sedan

If you could find it and had the money, what year Subaru would you buy and why? Looking for a wagon to replace the Chevy van that is about to fall apart. My idea is keep it simple for a vehicle. At what year did they start adding items to make it more and more harder to maintain? Value everyone’s opinion and realize there will be no right answer. The Lynn’s

I’m new on the board and a new Subaru owner. 1986 GL Sedan. No mechanical background, but have decide to learn through this forum and the “How to Keep your Subie Alive” book. Kind of fell into it…actually thought Subaru’s were from Sweden (SAAB?). Needed a vehicle to drive during winter instead of my ’94 Nissan mini truck. Don’t have a lot of money. Father-in-law knew of one from an elderly neighbor that couldn’t drive anymore. Picked it up for $200. Now, would like to pick up a few more. I live in N. Indiana, kind of a waste land for Subaru. Five listed on Craiglist for my area. Checked Denver the other day, over 700 listings. Very encouraged from this thread, have asked a few questions and got some great answers. What to change the belts and some other work….when the temps get above single digits. So for now, just reading and learning.

Thanks for the info, couldn’t find an obvious switch near the latch itself. Will look for panel when I get home tonight. thelynns

Have an '86 GL sedan for little over a week. No manual. Having some issues with door locks. Some stick and don't unlock without manual opening. Some don't lock automatically and one door can't get child safety lock to disengage. Realize I need to work on them, but temps have been from -3 to 8 degrees all weekend. Until I get it figured out, just not locking doors. My question is, Is there a quick and easy way to disable the remote trunk release? I would like trunk to be only opened by the key. I had an old car from '80's and it had a switch in the trunk you could push to do this. I couldn't find one on the Subaru. This same lever opens gas cover, so I don't want to cut cables, etc. I also want a reverseable solution in case I want to use it again. Thanks, The Lynn's

I just noticed tonight my oil pressure dropped to zero at idle also, but went back up when I started driving. The Lynn's

Ok, 1986 4 x 4 Sedan, automatic. Never owned a Subaru or 4 x 4. These will seem like basic questions. Also, most I have ever have done mechanically is change oil…but willing to learn anything. Took it out on icy, slightly snow covered roads, with some dry pavement intermingled. Didn't want to trash the transmission on first outing. 1. Under these conditions, good candidate for 4WD? 2. Safe to switch into 4WD at any speed? 3. Safe to drive in 4wd at high speed, 50-60 plus (in conditions allow) 4. Usually good idea to be switching in and out frequently? Also, I do have a Nissan 4 cyl. Truck. Noticed it idles at very low RPM and only during acceleration does it go up between 2000-2500. The Subaru seems to run at 2000 and accelerates to 3000. 1. Is this normal? Oil Pressure guage This is floating around 45. Is this good or bad? Volts meter shows 12v while in motion, but drops to 8 or so with some dimming. Alternator going bad or normal? Finally, temp guage runs in the middle...my Nissan rarely gets to middle unless during summer. 1. Is this normal? I have no history on this car or manual. I have had oil changed and radiator topped off. I have purchased a Chilton's manual and am reading online something called "How to Keep Your Subaru Alive". Thanks, The Lynn’s