1992 Subaru Brumby GL 1.8 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Bloody ripper

Faults:

Needed new CVs, oil temp switch, and a general clean up.

Needed a new radiator, because the owner before me put bore water in the cooling system, and it had corroded away the cooling system.

Needed new seats and a respray.

New rims and wheels.

Has a floppy gear shift.

Loose steering and a sloppy turning circle.

Needed a tune up.

Bought the ute for $4000, and I have spent another $3000 on mechanical repairs.

General Comments:

I still love it after all of that. It is a great icon for all future utes. The little Suby that goes anywhere.

Though I bought it off a farmer, I love it to pieces.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th August, 2013

12th Aug 2013, 18:24

Those are a lot of kilometers on there. Not everyone takes great care of cars unfortunately, so sometimes when they switch hands, the new owner ends up getting stuck doing some maintenance, which is really just wear and tear type stuff. I wouldn't worry about the radiator. Putting bore water in should be fine. Just need to make sure it stays full.

In reply to 12th Aug 2013, 18:24

12th Oct 2018, 08:21

So tap water is fine??? I've seen tap water corrode alloy heads.

In reply to 12th Oct 2018, 08:21

13th Oct 2018, 06:12

Like he said, the reservoir should remain full to avoid overheating. Otherwise, it should be OK.

1992 Subaru Brumby GL 1.8 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Cheap fun fantastic go-anywhere utility vehicle!

Faults:

Nothing (yet).

Engine misfired briefly once at 110km/hr on first trip. Seemed to fix itself.

Slight wheel wobble above 120km/h.

Speedo slightly out due to larger 14" wheels.

General Comments:

First trip 1200km with heavy full tray load. Sat on 110km/h (except for hills). Cruised at 100.

Could push to ~150km/h. Slightly unstable on bends above 110 (with lift kit). Acceleration at speed poor.

Noticeable deceleration up all hills (with load). Sat on 60-70 in 3rd gear up very steep hills.

High-ratio 3rd gear good for 60 km/h city driving. Can hit 80 in 3rd at a stretch. Low ratio 1st & 2nd gears bit slow unless revved but engine takes it.

Get ~10 litres/100kms (24mpg) in both city/highway. Over 500kms per tank.

Cabin noise not bad. Seats not uncomfy. Tray with door down gives 2 metres (6'5") length.

Lightweight offroader. 4wd capability fantastic. Excellent grip & suspension. Point & accelerate.

Feel very confident it can take anything anywhere.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2009

1992 Subaru Brumby GL 1.8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

I Love My Brumby

Faults:

Replaced CV Joints.

Renewed front struts.

General Comments:

When I bought the vehicle front suspension needed work as well as a leak from the gear box. While it was in the mechanics hands I decided to have the engine rebuilt even though it was OK.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2003

1992 Subaru Brumby GL 1.8 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A little gem

Faults:

The only problem I have had with this car is it needed a wheel balance and alignment.

My parents also own one and it has traveled 320 000Km and the only trouble they have had with theirs are the C. V joints.

Universal joints - both front and back ones.

And a couple of new selector pins in the gearbox.

The only thing they have touched with engine is changed the the oil and filters.

General Comments:

They are the toughest most reliable cars I have ever seen.

They have unbelievable fuel economy, and great power to weight ratio.

As far as four wheel driving goes, they are unstoppable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2002