Hello my name is Chris, My first ride was a flat4 in the form of a fuel infected 75 VW bug that caught on fire

since then I moved on the common Japanese cars - Hondas, Toyotas, Mitsubishis,

Last year I bought a 4cyl Jeep that left me wanting something with more room and better MPG - sold it in 3 months of ownership

Got a W124 wagon that was plush til the trans took a dump.  I unloaded it to a Mechanic for $900

This past December for $800 I bought my 1987 GL 2WD 5spd wagon with 126K miles from a substitute teacher in Los Angeles who got it from the original owner who was a nun.  When I first saw it, I was pretty unimpressed since it was only 2wd and looked pretty well used.  I was in need of a car (this is L.A.!)  Car was in good running shape mechanically no leaks (thats a first for me!) and I was able to peek at the maintenance records from the mechanic T-belts, clutch, alternator and mostly everything major has already been taken care of within the last 25K miles.  I rode my bike back to the bus station, and after a long ride and a night to think it over I decided to pull the trigger.

First order of business I had to get it smogged.  It failed the first time due to High NOx.  After treating the carbon build up (decoke EGR, mopar combustion cleaner), new plugs, an oil change and a fresh tank of 89 Top Tier gas I got it to pass!!!  Yay i wish all the tests in life were this simple!  

 

I have been monitoring the fuel mileage and I can't seem to break into the 30s with my best recorded so far 29 which is still decent.

Still lots of cleaning to do on the inside, like rewraping the sundamaged door panels, but I kinda like little projects as they give me a greater sense of ownership.

the mechanicals seem very simple to work on

I love driving this thing and I hope I can take it to see 333,333.3miles

Look fwd to learning as much as I can about these cars.

 

That's a nice wagon IMHO! I've got a 93 Loyale with a 3AT granie tranie & I only get about 23 - wish I had a 5 speed. I got to replace my water pump & T belts & front engine seals & looking for a good cheap mechanic or someone with tools & a garage I can rent for a few of days in case I run into unexpected problems

 

Thanks

Craig

Edited September 10, 20187 yr by Craigar
a Typo

Front wheel drive is fine for 99% if driving especially where you are.

You did the right thing. It’s a commuter that you’ll likely get another 200k out of.

Just be aware that parts are already becoming a little hard to find at times. If you’re like me and prefer to have some shelf stock I’d look into snagging a water pump , oil pump , and timing bits. For timing pulleys be sure to get quality and going cheap always results in problems down the line.

 

Good luck with it! 

Just bought a NOS Paraut oil pump from czny  AND he "threw in" a new water pump and what looks to be all the gaskets for the front of the motor. The day before it arrived I ordered this timing belt kit & water pump through Rock auto

ITM ENGINE COMPONENTS ITM299 (Premium) Includes Seals

AIRTEX AW9161 {#CP9161, WP683} (Standard Replacement) Includes Gasket Info Hub height approximately 4.320" +/- .020", supplied with lobed hub

here's details about my car and good responses from other members

93 Loyale wagon 3ATwith 135k,000 miles - may need water pump & timing belt & front seals - Is it worth it?

I read a year ago everything for this car is still available, except oil pumps. For the installation/mechanical work I called a shop on the list from North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club thats about 2 miles away, they said it would be $350 labor, unless the entire oil pump needs R & R then $400.

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=982178

AQ Motorsports
16709 Gramercy Place.
Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 539-9010
http://www.aqmotorsports.com

Also one of the members offered his services - going to PM him - although he is 25~30 miles city miles away so it may be rough logistcly mostly because I have a night job close to my home, that's almost in the opposite direction.

Thanks

Craig

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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