1988 Subaru Justy GL review from North America
"Best car I've owned (20 vehicles and counting) Can't kill it!!!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Fuel system always needs cleaned. Very finicky carburetor. Rear shoes seem to be a common problem with these cars. They seem to wear fast which causes front rotors to become warped from working harder. Leaks oil. That's about all I can say for the 1987 GL FWD. The 1988 Gl 4WD has more problems. Wheels bearings, more oil leaks, needs rod bearings, brake pads and shoes, clutch, altenator belt, A/C work (both cars). Even though the 1988 4WD needs all of that work I am looking forward to spending about 800 dollars and 2-3 days work repairing the car for at least another 100k miles.
General comments?
I have driven the 1987 Fwd car for less than a year and loved it so much I traded a road worthy 1980 R-X7 Twin Rotory car for the 1988 4WD car. The cars seem to be built for industrial heavy duty work. I installed a hitch on the 1987 and pulled a car trailer with the R-X7 on it for 70 miles to go get the 1988 car and pulled the trailer back with the other justy on it. I pulled a 1200lb trailer 365 miles over mountainous interstate roads from Atlanta Ga to central Kentucky. I ahve also pulled othe heavy loads many times. The car will work harder than a Mack truck for its size. At any other time I am driving the 1987 FWD car I am usually running just about wide open. Paid 250 dollars for the car and have put 10k hard miles on it and it hasn't changed one bit. I have only put about 800 miles on the 1988 4WD car, but it seems to be just as good other than the problems that I know that need to be taken care of.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | A great car for the ice and snow |
![]() ![]() | An economy car with character |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.2L 3 cylinder. Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 170000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 180000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet S-10 |
| Date of Entry | 27th September, 2005 |





