1982 Subaru 1800 4WD review from Australia and New Zealand
"Excellent Little Car, A real surprise"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
There are a few things wrong including; the CV joints are on their last legs, the car is at the half way point on the temperature gauge after half an hour of driving and one of the fans in the engine doesn't work and it uses quite a bit of water.
Not sure how to test the condition of the 4WD system, all I know is that the CV joint doesn't rattle once 4WD is engaged. Also, can reverse be engaged when in 4WD as it won't select so I have to take it out of 4WD first.
General comments?
This is a first car before I get my licence, it will be used as a practise car for learning the manual transmission and learning the mechanics of the car. While I haven't placed too many kilometres on the car, it was in fairly good condition when I got it. The car won't be used on the road for a while, but as paddock basher, in the time I have had it it has had it pretty hard, dodging trees, pulling large trailers and hill starts.
The seats are fairly comfortable, the brakes are good and the handling is safe and easy. The things that are wrong with it are at no fault of the car, but are from the way the car was treated and its age.
Well worth the $500 I paid. Love it heaps, perhaps I'll get it registered.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1983 - 1800 Dual Range 4WD Wagon 1.8 horizontally opposed 4 cylinder Very reliable and economical, recommend it for a cheap first car |
| It will not die |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Leaded Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 370771 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 370840 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 14th November, 2005 |