1985 Subaru Leone GL 1.8

Summary:

Reliable quality engineering transport

Faults:

Rust is becoming a major problem and will require the car to be scrapped in a couple of years.

The hydraulic valve clearance compensators have been an ongoing problem. This may be a result of their lying on their sides rather than upright as in most engines. They can be changed without removing the rocker shroud if care is taken. They can also be completely stripped and cleaned which usually gets them working again.

The generator packed up up had to be rebuilt at 300000 Ks which isn't bad.

The CV joints have become noisy, but as the rubber boot is intact its still going O.K.

General Comments:

Very well engineered motor car, the boxer engine is a gem (part from the compensaters)

Very easy to work on, a head can be removed and replaced in about 4 hours.

The rust problem is a disappointment and would make me think twice about buying another Subaru unless it had been rust treated when new.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st October, 2002

1979 Subaru Leone DL 1.8 Litre

Summary:

Pure engineering excellence

Faults:

The car was a rebuild as it was left in severe neglect. 168900,Ks.

Motor replaced with large cam, machined rockers and some other work.171000,Ks.

Sport muffler added and gaskets.181900Ks.

Sport shocks and lowered King springs at 186000Ks.

Whole body paint job in 2 Pack and rust work at 189000 Ks.

Total brake job on disks, caliper's, bearings, 197890 Ks..

To be supercharged in the future...

General Comments:

The car is a rocket and handles great.

It is comfortable for a small car.

Fuel economy is excellent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2002

1979 Subaru Leone DL 1.6

Summary:

An absolute dream first car

Faults:

2 pistons needed replacing.

Clutch was replaced for a learning driver.

Major rust problem in the drivers side door.

General Comments:

I love my Subaru Leone. The engine, even though it's done 189500 k's still has a lust for life and the car runs superbly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th May, 2002

3rd Jun 2002, 22:42

Sounds like a good car, even though I know the owner of the car.

1985 Subaru Leone GL 1.8

Summary:

Great touring car

Faults:

Rust has been becoming a problem in last few years.

Front wheels bearings went at about 250K Km, but I do lots of fast driving on rough roads, so that's to be expected.

Hydraulic valve tappets are noisy.

Had to replace the alternator at about 235K km.

General Comments:

Excellent handling.

Is wearing very well for a 15+ year old car with 300K+ Km/s.

No problems with seat wear or mechanical wear etc. And it gets a real workout on unsealed rocky New Zealand ski field roads.

Good handling too, love the boxer engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2002