1988 Subaru DL 4WD Wagon review from North America
"I love, and will miss this car."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Lost the timing belts at 240,000 miles. Since I bought the car with high mileage, I suspect that this wasn't the first time they were changed.
All oil seals around that cam and crank shafts leaked from time of purchase until they were repaired at 240,000 miles.
Four wheel drive no longer engages.
The body is rusting in several locations.
The front-end wheel bearings seem to last only 30,000 miles before they need to be replaced.
The vehicles computer failed at 210,000 miles.
The boots on the Constant Velocity (CV) joints are torn.
The main pulley off the crank-shaft that powers the alternator, power steering, etc. fell off at 283,800 miles.
Can't get the smell of dog out of it.
General comments?
This vehicle refuses to die.
The Boxer style engine is indistructable and extremely easy to work on. The opposable cylinders maintain compression even after a couple of hundred thousand miles.
Removing the engine to replace the leaking oil seals was simple.
Most problems associated with this specific vehicle were due to its age, high mileage, and lack of maintenance.
Very good snow car with or without the 4 wheel drive option.
This car took unimaginable punishment and continues run.
Recommended reviews
| The best car ever made |
|
| Subaru's are durable workhorses! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1988 |
| Year of manufacture | 1987 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8L Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 192000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 284000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Sprint |
| Date of Entry | 2nd November, 2004 |