subaru wagons - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

rsgerry · 01-26-2002, 00:57

i need to buy an older car (okay...a shitbox) to run around in. looking for something for about $1000 - $1500, and the little subaru wagon of the early 80's sort of fits the bill.

i am no mechanic, but would like something that is reasonably simple to work on, and i can get parts easily and cheaply. does anyone know anything about these cars?

if they are not a goer, then it will be a cortina wagon or an escort van. i just need something with a bit of space, but it wont matter if it gets scratched, dog hair etc ec etc

thanks :)

XR_Strider_GuY · 01-26-2002, 01:06

Mate, i don't know much about older subaru wagons i'm assuming your talking about the Subaru Leones.

Being Japanese it will be never easier to work on compared to say a falcon. Though i can say one thing i've heard that even old subaru's can clock 300-350k without much problems at all. The only thing is if it does have a problem then it would be a bugger to fix as parts are scarce etc.

If your budget is $1500 why don't you consider an XD falcon Wagon, tough as nails, got a 4.1L donk in it and bloody suited for carryin weight due to leaf springs.
I guess only draw back is looking for an XD thats not beaten up/stuffed is the problem. But even if theres a few problems with it i'm sure it can be repaired easily.

XT500 · 01-26-2002, 01:11

Heard of serious problems with block/head softening on old subas, but inevitable with any alloy engine. Apparently, the pores in the aluminium become so great that oil leaks thru the sides of the engine :dead: But every car has its downturns

XR8chic · 01-26-2002, 01:18

My ex was a mechanic, and he always used to whinge about having to work on subu's and mazdas etc etc..

Very hard to work on - cos there is no room in the engine bay.

Whats wrong with a XE - XF ??

XT500 · 01-26-2002, 01:23

Spare tire's mounted in the engine bay, too!

rsgerry · 01-26-2002, 01:26

thanks everyone. actually poked my headinto an xf wagon today as part of the rounds. for the price, $1500, it wasnt too bad. no shortage of space either....

looks like the little sube can be forgotten about. still wont discount the escort though...i have a few spares already for the van and that could save me a few $$$. however, the xf was air con...

decisions, decisions, decisions.....

Jamie XR6 · 01-26-2002, 04:18

Why don't you consider a Laser, Meteor or Telstar. I've owned all three and they are great little cars. I use a KE Laser now to get to work as I don't like leaving the XR6 in the car park.

FTEfan · 01-26-2002, 14:50

I own a Suby wagon and have to say go the XE/XF Falcon. The Escort van would be to old and are way to hard to find in decent condition, tried looking myself. The corty wagon wouldn't be much better while the other older jap cars would most likerly be to small. The Suby is a good car if looked after but if/when they have a problem it costs big dollars to fix eg:heater fan $300 second hand. They are under powered and drink fuel like you wouldn't belive, My '91 auto 4wd uses about 13L/100km and can barely keep up with the traffic unless I ring the things bloody neck which then causes air to be sucked in through the non-genuine oil filter 'O' ring and the oil pump 'o'ring. I could go on but there is no need.

Martin · 01-26-2002, 17:15

What about a Datto 1200 Ute with a SR20DET(200SX motor) conversion :s6:

XR_Strider_GuY · 01-28-2002, 01:40

Quote:

Originally posted by Martin
What about a Datto 1200 Ute with a SR20DET(200SX motor) conversion :s6:

yes this car would get you places alright. Apparently they're not that hard to put into a Datto ute.

But with the XD-XE falcon you could drop a nice 302 or 351 in it then she'll go like the clappers.