1988 Subaru Wagon DL review from North America
"Capable, reliable, and low cost to own"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Normal wear and tear for brakes, battery, and tires.
Replaced alternator and serviced air conditioning after 19 years.
Replaced c-v joints at 90,000 miles.
Replaced front-end bushings at 135,000 miles.
Have replaced a few exhaust systems over time.
Timing belt and water pumps at 60,000 mile intervals.
Rust has taken over at the rear quarter panels and hood leading edge.
General comments?
We purchased the Subaru DL wagon with automatic transmission and air conditioning in 1988 for $10,100 as we were expecting our second child and had to replace one of our two two door coupes.
The car was spartan, with a rougher, noisy ride, but was also reliable and low cost to drive and maintain.
This has been a great family car that we have passed on throughout the family over the years. I am finally at the point of letting go due to the extensive body work that will be required to keep it on the road. 140,000 miles with an engine that is no where near ready to quit, but leaks oil.
I would buy another new if I could.
Recommended reviews
  | These cars become members of the family |
| It's unstoppable, but expect some maintenance costs as the miles accumulate |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 1988 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 40 miles |
| Most recent distance | 140000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 1st January, 2008 |