1986 Subaru 1800 L series review from Australia and New Zealand
"A beast"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The thermostat on this car occasionally failed and the car used to overheat - without damage to components. Easily fixed. The back window screen wiper motor stopped working. Pretty good for over 250 000 km. Absolutely full of rust.
General comments?
This car was a beast. The four wheel drive option was great for the beach and the car was capable of doing some reasonable dune jumps. The low ratio four wheel drive option was great for when trouble was found in deep sand.
This car was very practical, it had plenty of room and could be comfortably slept in, if needed when the back seats were folded down.
Around town this car was subject to body roll and could be a little slow to accelerate. Acceleration between 3 and 4000 revs was good though. Once moving this car had a max speed of 140 km. After 250 000 km this car still idled evenly.
Easy modifications such as a bull bar, extra water container for the engine, welded transmission covers and rubber guards for the CV joints were easy and welcome additions, as were extra interior lighting for camping and extra internal tie down brackets.
Recommended Reviews:
 | 1987 - 1800 RX Turbo 1.8 turbo Most overrated and most disappointing car I ever experienced |
  | A small car with 4wd |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 260000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 280000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Corolla |
| Date of Entry | 30th August, 2004 |