Learn me, early 80's Subaru

Other than the Yugo I looked at today looking for a car, which was a highlight I came across this 1985 Subaru GL, only 107,000 miles, looks all sound, no major rust as I could see, everything seems in very nice condition for $1,995 but I garauntee if i waved cash in his face I could talk him down to 1500, maybe 1200.

What do you guys think? Go for it? I really was preferring to get a Toyota pickup to bag and found some really nice examples but should I go with this instead?

That's pretty descent. Find out if it has an EA81 or EA82 engine. Being a GL like the one I have, it most likely has the EA82 which is an OHC engine opposed to the EA81 which is OHV.

Is it a coupe or sedan? AWD or FWD?

Pretty sure FWD and coupe!

Oh it's a GL Hatch (Coupe is different). That's in pretty awesome condition. I'd jump on it if it runs good regardless the engine. You'd get 30 mpg out of it easily.

Wow, I haven't seen one of these in quite some time. I really like the attempt to add some sportiness, (or value when new?), to an otherwise dull econobox.

Ah, the early-mid '80s, when car manufacturers were still chopping the back ends off cheap sedans to turn them into cheaper hatchback coupes....those were the days.

Also like the hand drawn dealership sign.

I thought all of those cars had disappeared into the ground.

integraguy wrote: . Also like the hand drawn dealership sign.

Yeah well, that's south central Pa

and yeah so did I, that's why I couldn't believe it when I saw it.

NickF40 wrote: I came across this 1985 Subaru GL, only 107,000 miles, looks all sound, no major rust as I could see.

I looked at the pictures and can't believe how clean that thing looks. I have never seen one of those that wasn't an absolute rust bucket.

Yeah I know!

So is that a yes?

NickF40 wrote:

integraguy wrote: . Also like the hand drawn dealership sign.

Yeah well, that's south central Pa and yeah so did I, that's why I couldn't believe it when I saw it.

That's a PA car? Take a magnet with you. Most of those dissolved in the late '80's in PA.

Funny, I don't remember any of the 4 headlight front ends as hatches. Wagons/sedans/Brats sure. The only hatches I remember were the two headlight ones. And two headlight ones that had a third light behind the badge in the grill.

Yeah surprisingly. I did notice some minor work done at the front of each rear wheelwell but I was poking and knocking and it didn't sound bad at all

NickF40 wrote: Yeah surprisingly. I did notice some minor work done at the front of each rear wheelwell but I was poking and knocking and it didn't sound bad at all

Take a look under it. I remember the one my cousins had eventually rotted through the frame rails.

And I just noticed that one has a vinyl roof. Extra weird.

Also noticed you aren't too far from me. Next time I'm out that way I'll have to look for that dealer sign.

Yeah, the underneath doesn't look too bad, i'm going to check it out some more.

Yeah your not too far really from it.

Hows the aftermarket, if there is one for these? Engine wise?

NickF40 wrote: Hows the aftermarket, if there is one for these? Engine wise?

It has to be sought out. Some new stuff can be found, but you need to get on a subaru forum to find it. When it comes to wheels, the bolt pattern is so goofy that no one makes new wheels, so you have to find them used.

Dude Nick get it, it'll look great with one of your GT5 paint/wheel combos on it, the hellaflush guys havent gotten to GL's yet, you could be the first

hahaha hellz yes! That would be sweet looking, and yeah I was actually thinking of that, I could be the first to do some rediculous wheels and insane color combo I think there's a reason they haven't lol

I mean I was looking for a 2wd Toyota I just thought i'd ask about this because I was surprised when I saw it and it's kinda in my head now. If you can get at least coilovers, wheel, header, maybe a cam, i'll be good lol

I just reread the OP and Yugo was mentioned. Get the Yugo!!!!

In reply to NickF40:

I have owned several subies and what u have found is a gem. as long as you stay away from the legacy and loyale they are gold. Buy it. Enjoy!

Oh I half wrecked when I saw the Yugo, it was actually in DECENT shape but I would of bought it there on the spot, if I would have another vehicle

Yeah I mean, it is amazing how nice this thing is because I have seen so many 80's Scoob's that are ROTTED but not this and the price is good.

NickF40 wrote: I mean I was looking for a 2wd Toyota I just thought i'd ask about this because I was surprised when I saw it and it's kinda in my head now. If you can get at least coilovers, wheel, header, maybe a cam, i'll be good lol

I'm building a Brat of the same generation for the Challenge, figured I'd loan some advice here...

That car would have the unkillable EA81 chain-driven engine. Cams are available, but that's about it, and even then you're looking at ~100HP. If you want headers, you'll have to go custom. A modern EJ22 from a Legacy/Impreza bolts in with very little modification and opens you up to a MUCH better aftermarket while doubling your power and gas mileage out of the box.

You'd also be on your own with suspension unless you retrofit Legacy/Impreza stuff (again, not very hard) unless you want to lift the thing, which is what virtually everybody does. There is a setup in the works to run modified Miata struts but that's very early in development at this point.

Wheels are 4x140, unique to Subaru and Peugeot. Most people find 14" or 15" Peugeot wheels and run those. Lately a lot of people have been re-drilling 6-lug Nissan wheels with pretty good success. You can also do what I'm doing and swap in XT6 hubs to run the much more common 5x100 bolt pattern.

They are awesome cars and can get through pretty much anything. Gas mileage kinda sucks unless you swap in an EJ22 (I regularly see 30+ in town with mine). Insanely slow in stock form, but the EA81 engine has some good torque and they feel a lot faster than they actually are as a result. VERY lightweight, around 2100lbs wet.

NickF40 wrote: Other than the Yugo I looked at today looking for a car, which was a highlight

more about the yugo? price? condition?

It was red, GLV, is there really a condition for a Yugo? It was fair...just exatly how it left the factory haha and it wasn't for sale although I bet if you waved a few bills in front of the guys face he wouldn't hesitate, it was a nice Bentley though

In reply to NickF40:

Where is it at? a couple bills?? like 2-300 bucks or couple bills like 1000?

next to a small garage in ephrata pa lol It's not for sale but like I said, i'm sure he wouldn't turn money down for.....his Yugo