I've been looking for a vehicle to get around in with gas prices on the rise and came across an '87 GL10 Turbo Wagon part-time 4x4. I immediately thought of all the fun me and my buddies had in these wagons in High School. I was always impressed how good these things ran and performed. I dont have much experience with the turbo side of them though. This car also seems to be loaded with all the bells and whistles. It has a digital readout on the dash full air and power, more then I'll ever need. It has a new clutch and radiator and the motor runs strong (cant remember the miles on it). I can pick it up for $900.

 

Is there anything that I should look for before I hand over cash? I also searched and it looks like I can expect between 20 and 30 mpg depending on conditions.

 

The only thing it seems to be missing is a low range but I can deal with that.

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

Check for axles clicking(will mean new axles needed), lifters ticking(they almost all do that), overheating(bad bad bad.. especially on a turbo), and oil leaking from the cams and front crank seals( I think they are designed to leak...)

 

$900 for one in good shape with new stuff.. go for it.

Mechanically speaking, all that can be fixed or replaced.

Rust is what you gotta look for, especially on the sub-frames where the front-end attaches. That is the weak spot and once it goes, it'll never be the same without spending more than it's worth.

Oh, yeah.

Welcome to the board!

I had a '88 turbo GL-10 for many years and it was great to drive. This was the top of the line car then.

 

The head gaskets and intake manifold gaskets gave me a problem on mine along with the usual oil leaks. The alternator was a little weak also and had to work on that a couple of times.

 

You should be able to get at least 23mpg around town with a manual I would guess.

Thanks for the reply's!

 

The motors been swapped out once and seems to be in good shape. I'll check the CVC'c and the frame in the front. I expect the frame to be in good condition as I dont see too much frame rot out here in the west.

 

Where do the oil leaks happen? I'll look for that also.

Oil leaks are usually around the head and pan areas. It will be pretty obvious if you have any.