1989 Subaru GL 2WD Wagon 1.8L

Summary:

Relatively roomy, reliable, quick econo-transportation

Faults:

Hole in the radiator, caused by a stick.

Warped cylinder/head interface, caused by the hole in the radiator (drove home without coolant).

Timing belt breaks (exact, predictable 60k intervals, always when least convenient).

Seats loose adjustment settings weekly (detente teeth break off).

Alternator goes up intermittently, takes battery with it (similar to timing belt, but unpredictable - never at a good time).

Air conditioning pump clutch goes up occasionally (also, when you need the car most).

Half-shafts wear out.

Transmission input bearing & main bearings both worn & cause plenty of noise.

Clutches last about 100k miles.

General Comments:

This car has surprising power - drop down a gear, floor it, blow by cars with twice the power.

Similarly surprising handling - not great, but good for a supposed econobox, and station wagon.

Carry anything. (Yes, I CAN fit that sheet of plywood/2x4/large piece of furniture in my sub-compact car!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th April, 2001

18th May 2001, 20:06

I own a subaru 1989 wagon with 61,450 miles. I think it's a DL. Today it broke down while going 40 mph. The car just stopped, shut down and now it won't start. It almost turns over but won't. It has oil, new belts and plenty of coolant. What do you believe to be wrong? I love the car. I bought it 3 years ago with 36K and it runs great. This is the first time is has broke down on me like this. It always would start no matter what the weather. I'm trying to figure out what would have cause this to happen. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks, adam.

5th Jul 2002, 14:01

My Subaru just clunked out. The engine surged, the air conditioning surged and then both flat lined. I stopped the car turned it off and it never started. I had it towed home 4th of July less than a mile for 70.00 charged the battery and still won't start. Grrrrr.. So it's off to the repair shop on Monday.

7th Oct 2010, 23:53

So what happened to it?

1989 Subaru GL Wagon 1.8L

Faults:

Radiator required replacement due to road salt corrosion.

Exhaust system required replacement; same reason.

General Comments:

There were some corrosion problems with this car, and it was underpowered (could NOT use the AC). But it was extremely reliable and got excellent mileage. I replaced it with a Legacy L, which was unfortunately wrecked, and replaced that with an Outback. That by itself should tell you what I thought of this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2000