1987 Subaru GL review from North America

Timing belts at 90K, then again at 120K because the new ones weren't properly installed. Have rebuilt the C.V. joints twice. Radiator replaced at 90K. Between 100-130K I've replaced just about every component for a variety of reasons - some just wore out, some were sabotaged!

Rear main seal was replaced at 130K. The starter motor, oil pump, alternator and carbeurator are all newer at this point. Things got weird when the old carbeurator started to fail, so I bit the bullet and bought a new one. The fuel pump went when some SOB filled my tank with water. Otherwise I've changed the oil and fluids religiously so the engine is still running smooth. I think this car's going to make 300K (knock on.. the spare under the hood).

One big complaint is the clutch. I've had to rebuild and finally replace this part more than should be necessary. Even with annual adjustments the dang thing just isn't built to last. It could be the way I drive, but most of my miles are on the highway and back roads (ah ha!) as I'm an avid fan of mass transit and bikes.

Old School Scooby's Rule! well.. kinda.

As far as what I've spent over the past ten years to keep 'Biscuit' running, it's been a heck of a lot cheaper than any S.U.V, and I've taken it more places than 98% of those gas hogs will ever go. (OK I admit, I'd love a 4Runner, but...)

You can't beat the 4WD in back roads or especially snow! I've seen a lot of S.U.V.s rolled along the mountain passes, but no Subarus - yet. I've been in 3"+ snow, ice, deep mud, & steep logging roads. The only set back is the low clearance. On the other hand I once passed another Sub on the narrowest of back roads down in N. CA and despite the cliff wall and harrowing drop off to the sides we made it with millimeters to spare. L. Rover can bite my shiny metal butt!

The wagon holds plenty of room for gear, or bedspace if the weather's nasty. It will sleep two if you bring enough pillows! Tie a tarp off the ski racks and viola - your home away from home.

I've driven an AWD Outback and I like the handling. I've seen the Legacy vs. the GL in a rally cross and I'd say it is in fact superior to the old 4WD, but the price is not agreeable at this time.