1988 Subaru GL 4-Wheel Drive running excellent, decent body, restoration project
Make: |
Subaru |
Model: |
GL |
Type: |
Wagon |
Year: |
1988 |
Mileage: |
169700 |
VIN: |
JF2AN53B6JF430034 |
Color: |
Blue |
Engine: |
1.8L |
Cylinders: |
4 |
Fuel: |
Gasoline |
Transmission: |
Automatic |
Drive type: |
4WD |
Interior color: |
Blue |
Vehicle Title: |
Clean |
Item location: |
Lansing, Michigan, United States |
1988 Subaru GL Additional Info:
I bought this car in 2014 off the original owner/family in Colorado. In 2014 I replaced the automatic transmission with about 90k miles, so the transmission has about 30-40K less miles than the car and engine. I drove it as a daily for a little less than two years 2014-2016, then around 155,000 miles it blew a head gasket, as these are notorious for doing. I took time to find good heads (that took months searching parts yards), and did a entire engine overhaul with the help of an expert mechanic. I runs so well! The check engine light came on after we put the engine back in and attached the computer. I have had three different mechanics test it, and all three say it is likely minor (e.g. an emissions sensor or something like that), if anything at.
I have been driving this era Subaru since the early 90's. They are great little cars - I wish they still made cars like these. The push-button four-wheel drive works perfectly. Since the engine overhaul was completed in 2017 I have only driven it sporatically as I have had another daily driver since then. Since 2017, I have put about 12K or so, plenty to verify the engine in running great. The most recent drive happend in February 2020 when I moved from Columbus OH to Lansing MI - 250+ miles - and drove this up there at a clean 70mph, four hour drive, no issues at all. Runs like a top, does not leak a drop.
There is a very minor (<100rpm) idle fluctuation that causes a slight, very slight hesitation upon acceleration. Probably needs the injectors cleaned because the timing and other firing components are good (replaced less than 12K ago with the new heads and engine overhaul). The body has a few rust spots. I did have a spot on the chassis welded in 2017. The body is good except the hatch where a rust spot and missing trim make a bit of an eye sore.
It was my hope to replace body parts and make this car-show worthy, but I just do not have time and need to move onto other things in my life. With the car are extra parts such as two good fenders, four decent tires (the tire size is becoming hard to find), interior door panels (to replace the ones currently installed), two extra running light covers, headlight housing, bumper, alternator, electric door engine, and a handful of other things I will nicely pack and include with the sale of the car.
I would not hesitate to drive this car anywhere in the U.S. after purchasing it. If you come pick it up, clean title in hand upon arrival and completed payment. If you have it shipped, I will mail you a certified letter with the title upon payment completion ahead of shipping the car. $200 non-refundable Paypal deposit due 24 hours after purchase is agreed upon. Contact me to complete the remaining balance of the payment, and to make vehicle pickup arrangements.
Please ask questions before buying it. I hope someone who would like a neat project can buy this. Thanks for looking.