Tyre Kicking

Bumpty · Post by **Bumpty** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 10:41 pm

Well seeing there is an abundance of knowledge & experience on this site, I just thought I'd post this one up for you guys to "Look over" if you like.
After seeing my Soob, my sister has become quite keen on the idea of owning one herself.
She is interested in the L wagons, and we've come across this, haven't seen it in person only on http://www.autotrader.com.au/iteminfo/a ... Used+Cars_
Now I think this would be an extremely good buy, by the photos and its age x milage. Now questions,
What you guys think of the buy?
Can anyone determine the exact model if it has one, deluxe, gl or whatever?
I know its been asked a million times but what to look out for with one of these things? I know the rust spots, check for offroading scars, Cvs/suspension/bushes etc, don't know what to look for under the bonnet though, any tips would be great!

And do any of the South Tassie people know this car?
It's Located in Howrah, Hobart.

Specs provided:

87 L Wagon
Front Wheel Drive
1.8l
5sp manual
217 000ks
01/08 rego
new tyres
"Excellent condition"
$1950

Front

Rear Right

Front Interior

Suby Roo · Post by **Suby Roo** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 10:51 pm

I have seen the car around and looks pretty good. only seen it driving so havent checked it out totally.

D3V1L · Post by **D3V1L** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 11:49 pm

it is a DL....IDENTICAL to my old wagon (apart from the engine)

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 12:36 am

It's a MY88 too so the updated model = ever so slightly better (auto choke is one good point).

Oh yeah, it's beige...... but then so is my brumby :P and another thing, L series's are crap :P

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 12:37 am

Despite the condition I think thats overpriced. Looks to be the base BASE model L series (no aircon or powersteering or even carpet).
You can get good Touring Wagons for similar prices. 4Muff picked up an absolutely mint one quite a while ago for $2500 and that had a lift kit too.

BrennyV · Post by **BrennyV** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 9:19 am

*takes a bow*

BrennyV · Post by **BrennyV** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 9:21 am

Seriously tho, wouldn’t be worth more than 1200 in my eyes. my brothers wagon cost 1100 and that is a 92 sports wagon (just had major service, and aircon regas)

MY_STI · Post by **MY_STI** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 10:22 am

Hey Mate,

I can go and have a look over the beige L series when I am back in Hobart if you like.

Also have a blue '85 L wagon I'm sellling if your interested. Its in Burnie and so am I for the next few days.

Give me a call if your interested.
William Gregory 0438 596 116

Cheers
Will

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 10:29 am

Make them an offer if you're really keen on this car.

For a wagon like that - providing it drives properly - it sounds like a good deal. In Vic an immaculate example of an L could be as high as 4 grand with higher k's than that.

The difference between asking for 4 grand and selling it at that price is pretty big.

One thing to look out for is an engine that has been overheated one too many times. I got my L cheap - $500 with 297,000km and a dud engine (didn't know at the time til I replaced the head gaskets). Its not real easy to tell but if the oil is creamy after a good run walk away from that car as it may not just be head gaskets (mine had cracked heads and cylinders).

Oh and that's a DL - the base model but very good to start with. And it seems to be the 87 updated model - two steering column stalks and some other changes to the dash layout (i much prefer this to the single stalk on the steering column setup - my sisters 84 L has this).

Rust - around windscreen mainly. Other places to check are spare tyre well, rear wheel wells (left side below jack etc - the rear window water bottle lives here and can leak) and around the doors - not very common but I have seen rust here on L's before. Check under the vinal floor if possible.

Also check for a dented fuel tank - always a good indication that its been off roading

Thats about it. Good luck on the hunt. There's many L's available over in Vic too - if you need one sent over after an inspection I can drop it on the ferry for you if need be.

Cheers

Bennie

theclick · Post by **theclick** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 10:31 am

well of course the price depends on rego/ road worthy (tas equivalent) too. I doubt you would get that for 1200 as stated above if you want reg and road worthy too.

Bumpty · Post by **Bumpty** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 7:57 pm

Cheers, Guys.
My sister can't believe the quick responses hehe... thats ausubaru for you!

Post by **Alex** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 8:38 pm

2grand is a reasonable price i reckon.

alex

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 9:07 pm

One thing to comment - could be wrong.

DL Models normally base models without Power Steering & Air Con but vyanl
floor lining.
GL Models normally have Power Steering & Air Con. but has carpet floors.

Dual Range & Single Range 4WD was options.

Since that Subaru is in Tasmania wouldnt be in the city much - sounds like it has "country" kilometres on it so the engine would be in good nick.. (I've always liked looking on Tasmanian cars since they have low kms!)
Cheers
AP

brumbyrunner · Post by **brumbyrunner** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 11:14 pm

Try and find your sister a Touring wagon. You'll be glad you did later when you park next to one and see all the good stuff you missed out on.

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 11:11 am

AlpineRaven wrote:One thing to comment - could be wrong.

DL Models normally base models without Power Steering & Air Con but vyanl
floor lining.
GL Models normally have Power Steering & Air Con. but has carpet floors.

Dual Range & Single Range 4WD was options.

Thats a good point. My DL has AC but not power steering (I really don't see the need for PS on these cars).

The vyanl floor lining is great for off roading - you can wipe the mud out after you get home - no messy carpet to deal with...

Dual and single range are easy to tell apart - the dual range the lever will move up two places (and has a lever) the single range will not have a lever but will have a button on top of the gear stick.

Touring wagon adds an inch to the roof line behind the driver, power windows, power mirrors, central locking (including a dash mounted button to lock and un-lock the tail gate - this would be handy), carpet and thats about it. You may find one with suspension height control, but this would be a very rare find.

Cheers

Bennie

Bumpty · Post by **Bumpty** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 12:11 pm

Yea a Touring Wagon does sound very nice and there is one I know of selling in Tas at the moment. But her Price range does not permit her to even make a reasonable offer near $4500.
Shes checking out 'My Sti's' wagon today, getting the feel for a another example.

What ever she ends up getting... It'll be a subie all the same! haha Too Keen for one

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 9:49 pm

The best thing about subi's is that later on down the track you can add these things with a bit of know-how if you want...

That L looks the part and sounds like what your sister is after. The other thing to consider is that after this car she may want to go for a touring wagon for the extra goodies. This car is a good starter to get to know a subaru without the distractions of all the bells and whistles...

Cheers

Bennie

mattl200 · Post by **mattl200** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:46 pm

theclick wrote:well of course the price depends on rego/ road worthy (tas equivalent) too. I doubt you would get that for 1200 as stated above if you want reg and road worthy too.

we dont have yearly roadeworthy checks in tas only transport to pull u up when thay see half the boot rusted off the ****boxs some people drive

Bumpty · Post by **Bumpty** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 8:40 pm

^haha is that what those fellas do!
Well an update on the Tyre Kicking, Who ever was selling the beige Suby (pictured in first post) was too hard to get in contact with so in keeping with wanting an L wagon my sister has bought an 85 Dl? Yet to see pictures but I think it should do her very well...