Subaru Sportswagon 91' + Gibb River Road

Submitted: Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 07:21
ThreadID: 41094 Views:3640 Replies:7 FollowUps:0
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Anybody have much knowledge of this vehicle.
I am still looking at a vehicle for extended camping trip and budget is very tight.
Hilux 4x4 or simular is looking very expensive and a Subaru could be a half way bet.
With only 1.8 motor much more economical than bigger car.
Have found 2 that have 200,000km for around $3,000-$4,000.
Any idea what to look out for with this vehicle when looking over them to purchase.
Would this be able to handle the Gibb River Road?
Not expecting it to go down the stiff 4X4 tracks but hoping to get to some stuff.

Cheers.
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Reply By: MickO13 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 08:10

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 08:10
Mate with the amount of modern day back-packers travelling the road in 25 year old Hi-ace vans you'd have no problems. Good tyres and shocks needed, a punture repair kit and check the depth of the Pentacost River at the east bend of the track as it's the only big water crossing you'd have to deal with. Just check the road conditions and crossings with the local shire and the roadhouse/stations before going.
''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (W.A) - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:06

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:06
As for the Suburu , have a read of this, though I don't think every owner should try it

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Reply By: Kiwi Kia - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:08

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:08
Rough corugations and punctures on sharp stones is all you have to worry about on the GRR
AnswerID: 214624

Reply By: Des Lexic - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:30

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:30
I'd upgrade the suspension with a lift kit and replace shockers etc before you leave.
Get the vehicle checked out thoroughly also.
A few hundred dollars spent before you go is much better than sitting on the side of the road waiting for assistance to carry out repairs.
Don't forget the usual spares like radiator hoses and fan belts. Fit the new ones before you go and carry the old ones as spares. That way you will know that they will fit if you need to replace them.
AnswerID: 214630

Reply By: rolande- Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 12:56

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 12:56
Just to add the what is above.

Make sure you check the alignment of the front end of the vehicle before you buy. When they bend front struts the tyres wear very fast and it shows the vehicle has been bashed around a bit.

Also, check the rubber boots on the CV joints, leaking rubber boots leads to CV wear, (a clicking noise on full lock when moving, test drive on a hard surface at full lock in both directions), CV's have come down in price but still not good to have a borken one in the middle of nowhere.

Where possible, run them on 95RON or better unleaded, the extra economy will more than cover for the extra cost

Finally, check the oil pump, earlier series engines had a problem with them leaking around the 135K mark.

Hope this helps

Rolande
AnswerID: 214677

Reply By: F4Phantom - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 17:33

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 17:33
My 89 DL touring wagon was quite powerful, not that economical but nice to drive. Not to bad off road. Anyway mine had done 330,000 and the engine was very solid. Reliability was awesome. I would say put quality tyres to resist puncture and a good quality service. Other than that they rock.
AnswerID: 214737

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 20:29

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 20:29
Its very hard to break an L series Subaru. But they are getting old, and other stuff like head gaskets, timing belts and tensioners, CV boots etc etc can cause issues. They were beautifully engineered, but you just need to get it checked out by someone who knows Subarus.
AnswerID: 214782

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