1989 Subaru Leone DL review from Finland
"Reliable and simple car, but not for bad roads"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
General comments?
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.
Recommended reviews
Fantastic, reliable workhorse | |
| Excellent car - the best for Russian roads and climate |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 151000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 194000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Nissan Sunny |
| Date of Entry | 16th December, 2002 |