1991 Subaru Loyale Station Wagon 1.8 from North America

Summary:

If you can buy this car for cheap, go for it; the parts are not inexpensive but it rarely needs them

Faults:

Very simple for maintenance, super reliable. I kind of regret that I gave it up when I had fuel pump issue that was not diagnosed properly by the car mechanic I used at the time, and sold this little station wagon.

At only 115 horses, this car seems rather underpowered; in fact, I traveled with the car fully loaded (almost like moving from one city to another for work), and it performed very well on over 2,000km round trips, done three times in 2003.

General Comments:

No power windows or any luxurious features, very basic interior, rather ugly interior design, but everything worked as it was supposed to, and never had any issues.

Changed the oil, the plugs, bought new tires when the original ones went kaput, a few bulbs and that was it.

I kind of loved that car at that time, and only the issue with the fuel pump, and the fact that my wife hated the looks of this car, convinced me to sell it for next to nothing. The guy who got it from me came back a few months later and said he's extremely happy with it, after he fixed the pump for less than $100. I regretted selling it ever since I did, since my next car was a lemon that came at $15,000 cost (compared to $3,000 for the Subaru Loyal wagon in 2001, sold at $600 in 2004).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2010

1991 Subaru Loyale 4WD Wagon 1.8 liter from North America

Summary:

A little car that seems to love a workout!

Faults:

Right CV joint at 110,000.

Brakes at 124,000.

Timing belts and pulleys at 134,000.

General Comments:

This has to be the best car I've ever owned. It's as tough as nails and seems to like being ridden hard. I've taken it up Arizona mountains many times without a complaint.

There is something weird about the gas mileage; it does lots better than it should. Ever since I have had it, I get 32 MPG without the A/C and 27 - 28 with A/C. This is running 2WD which I do 99% of the time. I do go off road to get a picture or nature area and will engage the 4WD. It is surprising how well it works.

Perhaps related, the check engine light comes on after it runs 10 minutes or so. The last emissions test it passed with flying colors as it always does.

As stated by others if you find a good one you have a great handling and reliable vehicle that's fun to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2008

1991 Subaru Loyale 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Wow!!!

Faults:

Replaced front axles 5 times... by myself.

Replaced water pump @ 160,000 miles... by myself

Replaced timing belt 2 times... by myself

Replaced driver side head (crack head) @ 200,000... by myself

Replaced valve cover gaskets @ 200,000... yes, by myself

Replaced radiator @ 160,000... by myself.

General Comments:

It gets 30 MPG and cuts through 29 inches of snow like it's butter. You lock this baby in 4WD and it's like driving on pavement.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th October, 2007

1991 Subaru Loyale 1.8L from North America

Summary:

Anyone selling one call me so I can always have a backup

Faults:

Exhaust manifold gasket went. Replaced, but went again. The bolts came loose. Tap and die, but still shake loose. Next thing motor mounts.

Loud, but reliable as can be. Good mileage too.

General Comments:

My son calls it MR Eagle because it keeps going, and we fly like an eagle for miles and miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th August, 2007

1991 Subaru Loyale from North America

Summary:

Great car

Faults:

CV joints replaced last year. Other than that nothing major.

General Comments:

Great car, but I need HELP! There is something wrong with the starter or ignition. Every few weeks it decides not to start. It may take 2 minutes to 10 minutes before it starts. I've replaced the contacts in the starter twice and have now replaced the starter. It still has that problem. I have called 5 Subaru service departments and they don't have a clue. Can anyone help me?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2006

2nd Feb 2007, 08:37

I have the same issue with my 1990 4wd wagon. I have replaced the starter with no luck. Every once in a while it doesn't start. I have found that if I tap the starter, it starts right up. So now I keep the Subaru issued lug-wrench under the driver's seat. When it doesn't start, I open the hood, tap the starter a couple of times (you can reach it under the spare tire with the lug wrench) and it starts right away. Hope this helps.