1985 Subaru Wagon GL10 review from North America
"A wonderfully reliable, affordable car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
It began showing body rust when it was about 10 years old; no surprise, as it had been on Cape Cod its entire life (it had been rust-proofed by the previous owner).
The heat-controlled switch for the electric auxiliary fan (for engine cooling) gave up at about 70,000 miles.
The dashboard-mounted controls for the heater were jammed by nuts stored by some small animal. Other small animals have died behind the dashboard -- I think it's way too easy for them to get there!
It doesn't perform as well at 6,000 feet as it did at sea level.
General comments?
This car has been a winner from the day I got it, and continues to be. I don't ever want to replace it! It has way more bells and whistles than I would ever have ordered on a new car, and I appreciate every one of them.
It is beautiful, solid, reliable, willing, spacious, and fun to drive. I generally treat it as a truck -- I've carried ridiculous loads in it -- but have never been embarrassed to take it to formal affairs.
It's my third Subaru wagon, and if it ever dies, I'll almost certainly buy another.
Recommended reviews
  | It's unstoppable, but expect some maintenance costs as the miles accumulate |
| The best $400 I ever spent was on that SUBARU GL-10 Wagon |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1986 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | not turbo Don't Know |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 13000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 98000 miles |
| Previous car | Subaru Wagon |
| Date of Entry | 20th January, 2002 |