Should i buy this??

Joined: 02 Apr 2005

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Subaru-1990-L-Series-GL-4X4-Turbo-Wagon_W0QQitemZ130064538994QQihZ003QQcategoryZ136007QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

ive been on the lookout for a new fourby, but i figured, its mainly gonna see tar, and the frequent trips to moreton and fraser, with maybe the odd bush trip. how would this go on sand? i've heard good things, and its got a dual range... but i.m worried that without the diff lock it won't really handle the soft stuff??
anyone feel free to look over it and give me any opinions, cheers Smile

Joined: 07 Aug 2003 Location: Townsville

Subies are brilliant on sand because they are so light.

You can get some decent mods for them (2" "bodylift", larger tyres and wheels). Wouldn't worry about not having a diff lock in sand.....

Best thing to take with you to Moreton/Fraser is an exhaust operated air jack (Bullbag) and a couple of pieces of carpet to protect it.

It appears to have all the mod-cons...

Have a look underneath at the front CV and DOJ's, they can take a bit of a beating and tear boots. Check for "clicks" on turns (CV shot).

I wouldn't buy it without an inspection.

I would also contact the local Subaru 4WD club for advice (ppl may know the seller), or your local one to see what to look out for.

Joined: 10 Jun 2004 Location: North West Qld

I used to have a 91 model similar to this, about 4 years ago.

That car looks familiar. I used to be on a Subaru forum, and I'm pretty sure the owner of this car was on there too. They've driven that car all over Aust, including desert trips, IIRC. All the places "bigger" 4wds go, they've been.

I think the buy it now price is a bit high. $4k would be the most I'd pay for it.

They're great cars though. My one was a good comprimise between a suburban run around and a touring car. The main issue I had was clearance. I got it stuck a few times, but with a lift, it was surprising where it would go.

Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Location: yallourn north,victoria

great lil truck nice and light.ive seen 1 lifted 6 inches higher than normal.and it goes any were.no differnt to a brumby

cheers adam

Joined: 02 Apr 2005

hmm sounds pretty good so far, thats basically what i was chasing, more of a runabout really. anyone has any experiance with those motors? i've heard they have about 120kw is that correct?? with that sort of power...id expect it to give a sports car a run for its money haha, or would the gearing be set up differently? im pretty keen, few k's though...
anyone have an idea on this motors rebuild costs?

thanks all

Joined: 07 Aug 2003 Location: Townsville

--sinner-- wrote:

hmm sounds pretty good so far, thats basically what i was chasing, more of a runabout really. anyone has any experiance with those motors? i've heard they have about 120kw is that correct?? with that sort of power...id expect it to give a sports car a run for its money haha, or would the gearing be set up differently? im pretty keen, few k's though...
anyone have an idea on this motors rebuild costs?

thanks all

Subie motors are pretty reliable (I had ~180 thou on my EA81 when I sold it, blew smoke but still ran well). IIRC turbo EA82 was about 110-120kW through its life. It will most definitely move, but remeber that you have larger tyres on than a WRX so you acceleration won't be as good off the mark.

In general the motors are "different" to service (a la VW) but not complicated or expensive. Two people at a pinch can lift the engine (minus a few bits and pieces) out of the engine bay without a hoist, although 4 guys could do it no probs. We had one club member several years ago that (infamously) changed a clutch in the middle of the Simpson Desert (Ugly duckling 1600 model, circa 1975)

Joined: 02 Apr 2005

indeed, but it would be a nice change from my 2.4 diesel non turbo hilux with 33's hehe. as long as its fairly quick i'd be happy, how much room is in the back of one of these? with the rear seats folded down, and the front seats as far forward as possible and tilted forward, could you chuck in a foam matress and sleep in it.....reasonably comfortably? lol

Joined: 07 Aug 2003 Location: Townsville

--sinner-- wrote:

indeed, but it would be a nice change from my 2.4 diesel non turbo hilux with 33's hehe. as long as its fairly quick i'd be happy, how much room is in the back of one of these? with the rear seats folded down, and the front seats as far forward as possible and tilted forward, could you chuck in a foam matress and sleep in it.....reasonably comfortably? lol

How tall are ya??? Laughing

I did a few overnighters in the back of my 81 model, and the later ones were a bit bigger again. I'm about 178cm/5'10". Not hugely comfortable for regular use, but when you are pi55ed you don't feel pain........ Rolling Eyes

Joined: 02 Apr 2005

haha, im about 190cm Razz

but thats exactly it, when pissed, anything is comfy hehe