1988 Subaru GL Station Wagon review from North America
"Can't beat it for the money"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Had problems with the right, front axle twice in the first year.
Odometer stopped working within a month of buying it.
Heater core has a leak that has resulted in overheating several times, but as long as I don't run the heater on the highest setting, it stays cool.
The timing belt just broke today, estimated mileage 200,000.
General comments?
I highly recommend old Subaru 4WD wagons. I have driven this car through standing water that reached the front bumper and climbed a mountain in snow just as deep without any serious problems. The Subaru just keeps going.
I paid $1200 for the car 26 months ago and driven it at least 60,000 miles, through blizzards, rivers, trees (resulting in a cracked windshield) and until today it had always gotten me home. I don't take great care of her, but she's always taken care of me.
The only downside is the lack of power, but I drive slow anyways so no big deal.
Recommended reviews
| Rock solid, economical, utilitarian mountain car! |
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| It's reliable and fun to drive for such economical transportation |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 128000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 200000 miles |
| Previous car | Saturn SL |
| Date of Entry | 20th April, 2004 |