Hey guys,

 

I'm new to the forum. I've been into subies since I rode in my brother's friends 2002 bugeye when i was 15. I currently drive a 2006 STI that I love. I like all subies and in general can appreciate any car for what it is. I joined this forum because there is a lot more older gen subie love. 

 

Anyways even though I love my STI it kill me to daily drive my baby and see all the damage she gets. I hoping to get some advice from you guys on good daily driver. 

 

I was looking to get an older subie that was 4wd or awd, stick, reliable, and decent gas mileage all at a reasonable price. Can you guys give any suggestions and information on possible cars that would be a good daily? Also I live in Oregon and plan on using it in the snow.

 

 

Thanks guys

Depends how old you want. A sweet car that's getting rarer but would still be a fun DD could be a GL or Loyale wagon - a good one with no rust and not too many miles would be reliable, economical (switchable 1.8L 4wd) and reasonably priced. You'd want to look for a good one though, most are shagged. My old turbo AT wagon got around 9l/100km combined driving, which is better than my current 2.5L Forester.

 

Coming from an STi though all GLs/Loyales will be gutless, my Forester (2.5L SOHC NA) is faster than my 1.8 turbo GL... Although the GL was more fun. EJ swapped GL would be perfect.

Depends on your location. GL's can be hard to find in the midwest. Any mid to late 90's legacy or impreza with 2.2 engine is a very good choice for reliability and parts compatibility

I would try to find a nice 80s GL Wagon. Reliable and can get you out of a jam thanks to 4wd and an almost completely steel covered undercarriage. Plus mileage is good and upwards of 26mpg. More if you drive it right.  

Thanks for the replies,

 

@KiwiGL Yea that was actually the car that got me interested in looking at these older subie. First I was looking for a wagon with the ea82t, just for the extra power, but I've been reading that they are not the most reliable subie engine and are prone to over heating leading to blown head gasket. Ha and yea that was one of my concerns too with these older subies too, I'm just so used to my STI with enough power that would be fun to drive. 

 

@MilesFox I'm from from northeast Oregon, but have been going to school in Southern Oregon right next to the California boarder. If i were to go with a 90 impreza or legacy I think i would want a 2.5rs. I've always wanted a Impreza 2.5rs, but they're so hard to find in good condition and they are getting to be pretty expensive, so most likely I can't afford this route.

 

@Sapper 157 Yea the GL wagon is definitely one of the contenders. Just like you said I wanted a 4wd or awd because I do a bit of driving in the snow.

 

 

What would be the best GL to look at? I want a manual, but i have seen both a push 4wd and 4hi/4lo. I have seen engine differ in the ea81, ea81t, ea82, and ea82t, some carbed and some fuel injected. Can you guys help me with which is best for what and give some of the advantages/disadvantages to each?

 

What do you guys think of a Brat as a daily? 

I have an 82 wagon as a daily and love it. Gutless yes but it gets me where I want to go. I also have a brat with the ej motor. It is really fun to drive but I feel guilty in putting wear on it as a daily. Its no where near mint either. The wagons are just so useful!

Don't think they made imprezas until 93. That being said, find yourself a fwd 5 speed impreza with the ej 1.8. That is the most bullet proof car I have ever seen/driven. Ever. And 40 mpg if you drive right.

 

Jesus that car was a beast. R.I.p.

Thats sweet. Idk why, but those Brats just have some magic about them. I would look for one, but they're so hard to find in decent shape.

 

 

Sorry, I meant 90s impreza or legacy. If i did get an impreza i would want something really solid for a possible swap later.

Can you guys help me out?

I want to know what years the EA82 came carburated and when it came fuel injected. Also what years the dual range was replaced by the push button 4wd. I have been researching gl's and it seems like the best base for an offroad rig is a fuel injected engine to give more power and the duel range transmission. Are these even options that come together? or would I have to swap either the engine or tranny to get this combo?

Can you guys help me out?

 

I want to know what years the EA82 came carburated and when it came fuel injected. Also what years the dual range was replaced by the push button 4wd. I have been researching gl's and it seems like the best base for an offroad rig is a fuel injected engine to give more power and the duel range transmission. Are these even options that come together? or would I have to swap either the engine or tranny to get this combo?

Your going to want about a 87-89 gl wagon since they were fuel injected and had d/r's.  Most of the dl's if not all came with a push button.

As above. Late GLs were fuel-injected and had the DR gearbox. Loyales (early 90s) were FI but only had push-button 4wd, so not as cool. Also lacked a bit of trim, they were essentially the DL model from what I can gather.

A late fuel-injected GL would be a great car if you looked after it, and if you fold down the rear seats flat and put a mattress in they are long enough to sleep in if you're not huge, so they're great for an easy camping trip too. My Foz is just a tad shorter in boot length which is really annoying.

If you can't find a gl in good condition get a loyale with a good motor and put in a gl transmission. Super easy to do since it bolts right in you just have to add a whole in the trans tunnel, get a the d/r interior pieces, and some wiring. Same with a auto 4wd you just have to swap everything over related to the manual trans including the 3.9 rear diff. You can by 2 or 3 cars for the price of one if you don't mind building and fixing the car the way you want it.