Hi Folks.
Check out this new-to-me 1988 Subaru GL Wagon with 5 speeds, dual range 4WD, and the SPFI EA82 engine. It is well maintained, totally stock with only 132k miles and minimal rust. I'm pretty excited today. Big kudos admins and users of the USMB, which was a critical info source supporting my decision to by this wagon.
::::CLICK HERE FOR FULL GALLERY:::: ---- http://s1080.photobucket.com/albums/j321/dendrodan/1988%20Subaru%20GL%20Wagon%204WD/
Researching the interwebs pre-purchase, I was disappointed not to find a photo gallery detailing this model. Perhaps the next person in my shoes will appreciate the photo gallery linked above.
CONDITION
It did well yesterday on I-17, 65-70 mph for the 2+ hour trip from Phoenix>Tucson. Only my second GL/Loyale to every test drive, but it seems VERY clean inside and out. Good pickup and the turning radius if phenomenal. 4WD Lo (just tried for a second) is a crawler. Rust seems minimal, only obvious place is front driver window post as pictured above; wheel well areas and undercarriage look great. Clear coat is going..gone and exterior rubber window seals dessicated/going. Slight dent in front driver fender from some punk kid driving by and kicking it, minor bumper damage.
The PO was the 2nd but owned since 1990/18k and did almost everything himself. Provided detailed listing of his work since 100k. In last month, he reportedly did timing belts, drive belts, front half shafts and lower ball joints, repacked wheel bearings.
Moving forward, I would appreciate any comments, input, or thoughts on the vehicle. I'm not a daily driver, but this will be my primary vehicle. Fuel economy and utility are my primary goals. After my mechanic gives a thumbs up to the PO's maintenance work, I'll start improvements:
THINGS IT NEEDS
1) Plugs, wires, distributor cap.
2) Alignment/new tires - keeping 13" wheels. want high-ply but torn between all terrain and low rolling resistance
3) Bike rack - really want to get the bikes behind the car. crappy clip-on style may work for a short time but hitch mount preferred
4) Roof rack - for trips with my cargo box
THINGS I WANT
1) custom bumper for hitch mounted rack and full size spare.
2) paint?
BACK STORY
This is my first post, although I've lurked around a bit. Several friends are long-time Subaru fans and given my outdoors-oriented lifestyle, I always wanted one. I'm a student with low income, and although primarily a bicycle commuter, I need wheels for the grocery and to get into the mountains and out of this hell-hot Sonoran desert where I've been living for ~3 years (read Tucson). My 1993 Honda has too many miles to continue maintaining and its no fun anyway. I saw this '88 GL Wagon and cursory research indicated reliability, ~30 mpg, and DUAL RANGE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE!!!. As of day 2 on Phoenix craigslist, the PO hadn't yet managed to uploaded photos. After 1.5 hours on the phone and a first peek at the photos, we agreed upon a fair price. He held it 1 day until I could drive 2 hours to Phoenix to check it out. During/after the sale we went to lunch together and talked about it for around 2 hours. Based on what I've seen here and elsewhere, I think I did fine on the price and got a great car. As you can tell by the novel-length first post, I'm stoked.
Cheers.
