1989 Subaru Leone Reviews

Engine was broken when I bought it. Had to repair it by myself.

CV - joints were changed at about 215000.

This car is seriously quick and handles like it's on rails. It`s very dynamic and fast. Besides, it`s Full-Time 4WD.

I haven`t managed to get in snow on it and not to have the ability to go on my way. I ran by the roads where all the funny Range-Rovers, Kamazes, Volgas, Toyotas, Hondas, Samaras, and other cars couldn't make their way on.

It handles on the ice and snow like a tractor - an everywhere to run car.

The only bad thing is - it is rare here, in Russia, and the parts are not easy to get.

The CV joints got really noisy at about 155000 Kms and had to be replaced.

Also replaced the timing belts at around the same time.

Rusts pretty easy. Some rust appearing on the bonnet for no obvious reason.

All speakers had to be replaced when I got the car as they weren't working or were in bad condition.

At the moment it needs new brakes and the handbrake also needs some attention.

Cars got a fair bit of go considering the engine is small and its not the turbo/fuel injection model.

Handles beautifully round corners. Takes dirt tracks fairly well too, even thou my tires aren't really fit for off road.

Large boot size considering how small the car is.

Rear wheels support frame corroded, broke and had to be rebuilt.

Rear brake pipes had to be replaced because of corrosion.

Radiator replaced.

Blower regulator broke.

Intake air heater regulator was taken out and made manual... did cause carburetor freezing below - 15 C.

Gearbox is noisy on I and II gear... will be changed soon.

Clutch squeaks while engaging... will be changed soon.

Rusting in various locations.

On a smooth highway and light load this car runs like a real luxury.

The 1600 push-rod engine has low power and extremely low torque, but it is reliable, simple to maintain and has excellent gas mileage.

The surface treatment is very bad, Subaru rusts easily and everywhere.

The wheel suspension and the whole body is very weak and light. This car handles very badly on rough roads and harsh winter conditions of Finland (this is not 4WD which is only little better).

The heater and defrosting is inadequate for northern climate.