legacycentral bbs

Hello All!
Thank you for your time--I am the greenest guy on the board so bring it on, peanut gallery! And if anyone sees a reputable board member's NorCal car for sale, we may skirt all the issues below!

I'm wondering about best practices for Subaru evaluation--and if i learn about one chassis--will it translate to another... I already have a list of items that are common to most cars but i know little about Subaru specific quirks. I am hearing the usual AT and Head gasket failures that aren't uncommon to any brand... is there a definitive test a prospective buyer can preform?
I am liking the simpler, 92-96' and older 2.2's/1.8's AWD either Legacy Wagon or Impreza Wagon, im thinking the impreza is just too small, though i like it's more efficient curves. I will buy almost any mileage car and as such am leery of AT--my price range is 3-4k. Really, the availability of one that looks as if it has been maintained will determine which I choose to purchase. As such I am looking at both!

So, i'm under the impression these cars share very similar drivelines--if I were to learn all about the legacy I wouldn't, then, have too much difficulty translating the Impreza, would this be accurate?

Mind I do not expect a cherry car but i would like engines/struts/diffs/hoses/belts that will get me through winter--this is likely asking to much, especially from the selection below:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/287253306.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/286743777.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/car/288758492.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/car/286896777.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/car/285780729.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/car/285575320.html


So, either way, I should do a leak down/compression test to confirm head integrity? or get the engine oil tested to see what it is burning?
Also, diff fluid, should be clear but not clean and not filthy--ditto for engine and final drive--can these be inspected easily? What about splines and diff failure, is it wise to check these before purchase--anyone know a smart NorCal mechanic that is in the middle of the bay area? Say, Berkeley?

Suggestions are very much appreciated,
Thank you
Cb

thanks for reading!


I have narrowed my selection down to the late 80's GL wagon, or the early 90's Legacy--the leg has fulltime AWD after 91' as i understand; and the GL can't use it's on-demand 4x4 on dry pavement, unlike the later AWD legacy--correct?

So what's the breakdown of fun vs safety vs gas here?

I'm thinking the later models would use just a tad more gas, but with the added safety and fun of fulltime AWD.

All Legacy AWD models in the US are full time. The Legacy has a larger engine, for sure, but that gives it more power too, but can affect mileage. In 5MT trim, however, the newer EFI on the Legacy can get very high 20s.

I also think the newer car has a much better chassis and suspension setup if you actually want to drive.

Safer too.

...i think ABS is pretty important myself...the leg has it.

get a post facelift leg with a hood scoop. You know than you are atleast getting a turbo, abs, and awd.

I am hooked on a wagon--with 4x4 capabilities or awd. A first gen Leg would be sweet--a turbo is icing, but gilded icing (rare beast here in the SF bay area)

I am under the impression the GL's 4x4 is actually 4x3, cause the rear diff is open, not a LSD... so if my front wheels are stuck and one of the rear spins--I am nailed--or am i wrong?
Also the GL's have no ABS which is only a safety hazard if one is driving poorly--but still, we all have our moments.

Let me know if you find my new-old Leg!




I have no intentions of buying a non-runner--but if anyone needs parts read on.

HEre is a TURBO GL with a front end collision-- 1987 posted on Craigs list.

Subaru 1987 4x4 turbo - $500 (fremont / union city / newark)
Reply to: sale-286695041@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-03-05, 11:25AM PST


Project Car. Not street driveable, but engine runs. It is a 4x4 turbo, so it has potential. Has about 160xxx miles on it. 5 Speed manual.

If interested please call: 510 468-8909
or email: daveed118@yahoo.com

Stay away from the Turbo GL's...they are WAY more trouble than they are worth!!

or an old car with poor maintenance? Weren't these old GL turbos in production for a long time?

What about none turbo GL's? I am looking at picking up an 89' with hi-lo 5spd she's a solid example (oil leaks, minor dings and with high (230k mi, new heads @ 180K, cracked i guess) miles but good axels, boots, steers straight--has CEL code for neu. safety switch and i suspect an oil pump leak or the valve adjustment is off judging by the noise it makes) for cheap. Owned by the guy who drove her on all those family trips--Bargain eh?

If she passes smog in her current state, she's mine. Although I doubt this outcome as the owner hasn't replaced the Neu. safety switch (if this is like a BMW CEL condition) blowing the CAT. with a rich A/F ratio, and she's been running to Chico and back for a year like this.

Let's have it--I am a masochist!

turbo GL = crappy engine...

heads? exhaust? plug wires? full suspension? steering rack? oil pump?

one should confirm some of these repairs on vehicles with > 100,000 miles?

Heresay on my part - never owned one. Sure some others here have first hand experience...

Think that Subaru made a huge leap in the early 90's with Legacy platform and new engine...the rest is history!

Cheers!

can anyone else confirm that there were non turbo imprezas and legs with hood scoops?

There were. The 98-01 2.5RS was non turbo and had a hood scoop. The Outback Sport, which was just a fancied up Impreza wagon, also had them from 97 or 98-01.

The Legacy GT and Outback had hood scoops from 97-99.

My 97 OBS has a hood scoop.

Maybe a Touring Wagon

It's done, 1989 Subaru GL 4x4, 230k miles--$400 dollars.

I am near-certain it needs oil pump o-rings--judging by the noise.
Thanks for all your thoughts.