I found a subaru wagon locally, it is an 85 dl 4x4. It has 136k mi, 4x4, 1.8L, dual range transfer case, a/c does not work, and reportedly needs new shifter bushings(manual tranny), otherwise in excellent mechanical condition. Asking price is 750. I am going to meet the guy to drive it today. I don't know anything about subaru's, except the engines look funny(upside down, crossways, etc). Does this sound like a fair price, assuming it runs well? Are there any problematic models/years? How hard are parts to find? Anything in particular I should look for(other than the standard used car checklist)?

If it checks out OK, this sounds like a good car and a good price. The dual-range 5-speeds are the best transmission on the older cars.

Good price.

 

Get it upto full operating temp. Look for oil in the coolant, coolant in the oil, and/or smoke out the tail pipe! Headgaskets are problematic due to peoples lack of prevenative maintanace. Usually due to neglecting the radiator, thermostat, and cooling system overall.

 

Don't be worried if she sweats a bit of oil around the rockers, cams, and oil pan. Ask him how much oil it uses and he says none he's full of it! Less than a quart per oil change is acceptable.

 

Get it out on the road and upto speed. Make sure the coolant temp needle stays at half or below. If it rides high and dudes says 'it always does that'; again, he's full of it :-p

 

Most everything else is easy to repair. Just make sure you arent getting a lemon or a blown headgasket.

Actually it's a GL not a DL and it's mine! Hey, I'll give you some more details on her, I can only guess but I'd say anywhere from 20-30 mpg between city and highway. It has the usual problems for a subaru that age, the shifter has the slop that most of these do, and the choke doesn't work the greatest. It needs new horns too. But mechanically it's pretty sound. It doesn't use a whole lot of oil it's just a hair below full right now and I changed it about 3 months ago, but like the mpg I haven't driven her enough to really tell. If you do a search on here you can see all my posts about any problems I've had. No oil in the coolant either! Temp. gauge takes a while to get up to half-way then just sits there, the cooling fan doesn't seem to work very often but it has the A/C fan which seems to compensate just fine.If you have any other questions just ask.

It's a GL not a DL and it's mine! Hey, I'll give you some more details on her, I can only guess but I'd say anywhere from 20-30 mpg between city and highway. It has the usual problems for a subaru that age, the shifter has the slop that most of these do, and the choke doesn't work the greatest. It needs new horns too. But mechanically it's pretty sound. It doesn't use a whole lot of oil it's just a hair below full right now and I changed it about 3 months ago, but like the mpg I haven't driven her enough to really tell. If you do a search on here you can see all my posts about any problems I've had. No oil in the coolant either! Temp. gauge takes a while to get up to half-way then just sits there, the cooling fan doesn't seem to work very often but it has the A/C fan which seems to compensate just fine.

If you have any other questions just ask.

 

$750 is a really good price for only 136k miles. The carbs on these old cars are pretty complicated, and seem to start wearing out around 200k miles (at least on three of mine). Other than that (and making sure the head gaskets are good -- don't over heat it), these are great cars, and very easy to work on compared to the transverse engine cars.

It's a GL not a DL and it's mine! Hey, I'll give you some more details on her, I can only guess but I'd say anywhere from 20-30 mpg between city and highway. It has the usual problems for a subaru that age, the shifter has the slop that most of these do, and the choke doesn't work the greatest. It needs new horns too. But mechanically it's pretty sound. It doesn't use a whole lot of oil it's just a hair below full right now and I changed it about 3 months ago, but like the mpg I haven't driven her enough to really tell. If you do a search on here you can see all my posts about any problems I've had. No oil in the coolant either! Temp. gauge takes a while to get up to half-way then just sits there, the cooling fan doesn't seem to work very often but it has the A/C fan which seems to compensate just fine.

If you have any other questions just ask.

 

Well atleast now we know the owner isnt full of it

 

Sounds like a good car for $750. Take it for a test drive JonnyP and see if you like it!

Sounds like you got a little hurt that they guy was trying to get some help, calm down and relax we all know your a good fella.

Ended up not having to sell her, just found out today that the state is taking my home and 1 1/2 acres here under eminent domain, and since I rent I'm sh*t out of luck. Was gonna sell her to buy heating propane, but no need now with no home to heat!

well that sucks and its great all at the same time, but mostly sucks

Ended up not having to sell her, just found out today that the state is taking my home and 1 1/2 acres here under eminent domain, and since I rent I'm sh*t out of luck. Was gonna sell her to buy heating propane, but no need now with no home to heat!

 

Drive it down her to the beach in Southport NC ,,, there will be plenty of work for you after the huricane;) and then sale it to me:D