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.
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.
I had a 88 Subaru GL 4wd wagon I got for free! I drove it for 1 winter, and did nothing but replace a front lower ball joint. The car had 124k when I got it and about 150 when I was done, sold it to a friend for $50, body was rough, they rust out like all the older japanese cars.
I have a 1985 Honda Accord now, Honda has a better fit and finish than Subaru but you can't beat the 4wd!! Make sure you change out the timing belts every 100k on the Subarus.
Final thought, I liked the Subey but I like the Accord much more!!
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