1986 Subaru Leone Touring Wagon review from Australia and New Zealand

Crunchy synchromesh 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd; 3rd into 2nd.

Leaky rear boot seals.

Electric windows not working.

Interior dismantled and incomplete.

Valve lifter noise when cold.

Constant velocity joints crunchy on extreme lock.

I paid AUD$2,000 for this car and rectified many of the above faults with little or no cost. It has been a joy to own and drive with all the features of expensive 4 wheel drives.

For $40, I bought every conceivable interior part it was missing plus a solenoid base thereby completing the interior and electric windows.

A good mechanic bled-off half of the gearbox oil and filled the balance with auto transmission fluid and bingo, synchromesh is perfect!

The same mechanic replaced the oil filter with a genuine Subaru oil filter and bingo, the valve lifter noise disappeared.

The same mechanic cut-off a portion of the leaking rear boots, greased the joints and stretched the remaining boots and re-sealed them.

Now everything works and I have left the constant velocity joints until they really grind before replacing. The car has been all over Queensland and NSW in Australia with much off-road and dirt track driving. It carries as much as my Landcruiser and is a lot more nimble on dirt. Fuel consumption is about 10 litres per 100 klms with aircondition 'on' (about 30mpg).

The two weaknesses are:

1. Airconditioning drains too much power.

2. Wheels and tyres at 13" are inadequate for bush roads and tracks.

For $2,100 what sort of vehicle can you buy that has airconditioning; power windows; adjustable seats and steering; 5 speed 4 WD with high and low ranges; plus excellent handling?

Highly recommended.