Hi guys

 

This looked like the right place to post this. I am new to the Subaru world and have decided to take the plunge. I need an affordable 4wd/AWD vehicle to drive (and have fun in), so what's better than a Subaru right? So I found a 1992 Loyale DL 5spd. manual AWD at a local dealership for a good price. The car looks like it has hardly seen the road, but has 176K mi. on it. What are some things I need to look for with this thing? What are the more common issues with the Subaru engines and manual tranny's from this model? Any and all help is much appreciated. Looking forward to being a proud new Subaru owner.

Keep up the coolant and oil - do the usual regular oil and filter changes and your subi should be sweet!

 

I know in km's that subarus are good for well over 300k kms over here, so I'm sure they'll do the same in the equivalent miles over there if you maintain it well

 

Happy subi motoring!

 

Cheers

 

Bennie

for the most part those are pretty decent cars, just dont expect a lot of hp out of it - that is not what they were designed for. it will however get very good fuel mileage for its age if it is kept up.

 

EA82 engine is non-interference, but does require regular timing belt maintenance - it isnt all that difficult with some good basic instructions which can be found here.

 

these are also prone to oil leakage - as 19-20 yr old seals get old & brittle they tend to leak. it isnt a huge problem, but be aware of it and make sure you check theoil regularly.

 

also make sure the cooling system is up to par - these motors do NOT like to get hot.

 

Tranny - really shouldnt have any problems with the 5 spd - check the diff oil - if it stinks like rotten eggs, it is in need of a change.

 

only other thing i can think of right of the top of my head is the alternators arent the best on these - and can cause all kinds of weird issues when they go kaput.

It,s not technically an AWD, its 4WD, so its really only 2wd, unless its offroad or really snowy/icy.

 

Not a problem, I've enjoyed mine over the years, but nothing beats true AWD, but a 4WD subie is still better than anything else, just something to keep in mind.