Hi all,

 

Well, don't shoot me but I may be finally replacing my old faithful GL wagon. I would like to have a feel for what you think. Should I trade it in or sell it or keep it? And if I sell it, how much do you think it is worth? I haven't worked the dealer hard yet but it seems I may be able to get a couple thousand or so for it.

 

Here is the details of the car:

 

1989 Subaru GL Turbo Wagon AWD

4EAT transmission - EA82T engine with 92,000 miles (yes, that's it)

I bought the car in 2004 with 51,000 miles on it.

Never used as an off road vehicle.

Since I have owned it, I have done the following work on it:

 

- New shocks all around

- New alternator

- New brake discs (all 4)

- New brake pads

- 2 front CV axles replaced

- New radiator

- New spark plug wires

- New distributor cap and rotor

- New ignition coil

- Valve cover seals replaced in 2005.

- New rear wheel bearings (all four)

- New timing belts (done at 55,000 miles)

- New V-belts (done at 55,000 miles and again at 91,000)

- New battery in 2008

- Spark plugs changed recently

- A/C was recharged with R12 in 2005 and is still blowing very cold. No leak.

- Sony CD player/Tuner with Sony speakers installed (couldn't stand the old radio)

 

 

Things that need attention:

- Power steering fluid leak around the power steering pump. Haven't had time to investigate yet.

- Front right CV axle needs to be replaced... again (noisy); have a new one sitting in the garage waiting for me to find some time to put it on

- Timing belts need to be changed soon I would say

- Front camber is off... eating the outside of the tires. Not adjustable... I have new tie rods, new ball joints and a used lower control arm that need to be installed to try to cure the problem but I haven't had time for that either...

- Engine leaks a little bit of oil. Probably coming from the camshaft seals or the crankshaft seal.

- Engine burns a little oil and uses a little bit of coolant too (head gasket...) but nothing out of the ordinary for a car that old.

 

Well, let me know your thoughts... Keep 'er as a spare car or sell 'er? If I sell it what do you think I should ask?

 

Thanks!

If the car is reliable and doesnt cost you anything to keep it, then you may as well hang onto it.

 

but also, a well maintained clean example would be appreciated by any subaru enthusiast.

 

i you do sell it, please don't sell it to someone who is buying it as 'just a car', but sell it to someone who would desire such a subaru and appreciate everything that YOU have done to it.

It's not worth a lot. If the dealer gives you a couple K then they are adding it back in somewhere else.

 

It's likely worth $1000 or less. They just aren't desireable. It's an 80's, boxy station wagon and that's all that most people see. People in the know avoid that engine - so your market is very limited. A Legacy is nicer, just as powerful, and more reliable - they can be had for under $1000 any day of the week. An EA82T with 92k is about equivelent to an EJ22 with 192k in terms of reliability and desireability.

 

GD

Edited January 4, 201016 yr by GeneralDisorder

the car is still worth a whole stack to someone actively looking for that particular model with that engine, to someone familiar with this car.

If the car is reliable and doesnt cost you anything to keep it, then you may as well hang onto it.

 

but also, a well maintained clean example would be appreciated by any subaru enthusiast.

 

i you do sell it, please don't sell it to someone who is buying it as 'just a car', but sell it to someone who would desire such a subaru and appreciate everything that YOU have done to it.

 

I agree with you Miles... You may be right... I may just keep it as a spare. I like the car. It's been very reliable to me and dependable. Easy to fix and cheap to own. But it is just not the right car for long distance. Just drove 1200 miles over the holidays in it and it is not for long haul trips. But like you said, I may just keep it as a spare and keep working on it to make it better everyday.