Villano Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Hello everybody, i'm new here... From some time ago, i've been considering the idea of buying a Loyale 4wd. I really like the looks and offroad capabilities of this model. I've been looking Loyales for sale, and all of them have high mileage engines... I'm planning to use it primarily as a dd in dirt roads (because of my job), and this is why I want to ask you some questions: What should I expect in terms of engine durability from a car that has more than 200000 km? What fuel economy? If the engine is ok, will it last enough if I drive it at least 100 km a day? (with proper manteinance) I limited my search options to dual range 4wd only. Should I get a EA82 or a EA82T? Almost all turbos come with automatic transmission in the cars i've been looking (I prefer mechanical). What "weak points" should I look for? Also, most 86-90 turbo'ed cars were imported used from USA... Currently I have a Fiat Strada pick up TD; I bought it for the economy, but I don't like older diesels. I'm planning to sell the Fiat before having any serious issue (diesel repairs costs are ridiculous) and buy the subaru; this would let me enough money to get the subaru running ok (and lifts, tires, etc). Can I trust an old Subaru for this task? I live in Chile, South America, for those wandering why I have a fiat pickup... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickolai Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Hi, welcome to the board. I have an 88 DL which is very similar to the Loyale - same body style, but less options and gadgets, which I like because it makes the car that much lighter and I don't have to deal with slow power windows or auto seat belts etc. Getting dual range 4x4 is good but (here in the U.S. at least) all the Loyales came with single range push-button 4x4, as did the DLs. Dual range in a Loyale body style came in the 85 to 89 GLs. I would avoid the ea82, and shun the ea82T like the plague! The ea82 is prone to head gasket failure, and turbo charging just makes it worse. If I were you I'd try to get a GL with an ea82 SPFI - not carb. Then look around for a good ea81 and swap it in. They are much more reliable, simpler, and they are both 1800cc. Ditch the carb on the ea81, and put the SPFI system from the ea82 on it, and you've got a pretty sweet car! As far as the rest of the car goes, they are pretty solid. My DL has almost 250k miles on it and it's still goin strong except for recent head gasket issues with the ea82. :-\ I'm hoping to get an ea81 in it soon. My DL gets around 25 mpg. I've heard of them getting into the low 30s per gallon. Hope this helps, Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dj7291993 Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 economy depends on carbed or injected. could be anywhere from 20mpg (sorry, you'll have to convert) in a carbed 3-speed, or up to around 40 in a fuel injected 5-speed. I can say that, because the first is my car, and the other is my dad's. As far as weak points, cv axles WILL go out, but it's not to bad. I would stay away from automatics also, as they seem to be weak (unless you want to convert). My auto 3-speed just went out a few weeks ago. Not sure about the 4-speeds from the turbos. Mileage: As long as it wasn't severely neglected, the milage shouldn't be a problem. Just keep in mind that with a high milage, it's probably going to need a little more upfront maintenance, i.e. timing belts, plug wires, plugs, cap and rotor, fluids. I wish I could help with the turbo, but I don't know much about them. I'm sure someone will help you out on that though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92_rugby_subie Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Ive got a 1986 GL Sedan. D/R 4WD 5 speed. 169k miles on the EA82 with a Weber 32/36DGEV carb. I have ZERO issues with it besides a very tiny oil leak. I have taken the D/R offroad several times and I also "drive like I stole it" To me this car is bullet proof, I think an EA82 would be fine, but stay away from the EA82T... Turbo just means trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92_rugby_subie Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Also since you have asked, I get about 23-29 miles per gallon depending on whether I keep my right foot off the floor board or if Im on the highway etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickolai Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Also since you have asked, I get about 23-29 miles per gallon depending on whether I keep my right foot off the floor board or if Im on the highway etc. Haha I like your style! Good to hear someone has had better luck with the ea82 than I have. I just did head gaskets last summer and they are blown again already. Probly had somethin to do with that cheap thermostat... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92_rugby_subie Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Subaru Dealer is where to go for that kind of stuff... Hoses are premolded so you dont have to cut them and stuff, I wouldnt buy aftermarket stuff for things that are NEEDED to keep my car running... Rockin an oil filter from Subaru... Always nice to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Villano Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 Thanks for the input! GL's were sold down here until 1993, and all models (gl, dl, dlx, etc) are badged "Loyale". Well, Im gonna start looking for a solid car for the next weeks, stay tuned. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subynut Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 EA82s are solid with proper maintenance. EA82Ts are more prone to failures due to that head gasket issue all EA82s have. Just don't let it get too hot and properly maintain it and you will be fine. I have a 87 GL 4WD 5sp wagon with SPFI (Single Port Fuel Injection). It's got 172K miles on it and I am getting 23-25 in town and 25-30 on the highway depending on how fast I want to get there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deener Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 My 88 GL 3spd rarely sees the pedal off the floor, it has 300k and you almost can't hear it idling. Standard maintenance is all that one needed when I picked it up, the front differential went on this one after a year but that was before I knew that the diff oil wasn't supposed to be black!!! Small oil leak from the oil pump but thats right on the front of the engine - only 5 bolts and three seals to do, just haven't gotten to it yet. I've had it for 3 years now. Dad has a 91 Loyale 4wd 5spd. His daily driver to work and to the fishing hole - it sees roughly 100 KM per day. Timing belts and standard maintenance is all we've had to do. He's had it for a year now. About 280km on the odometer. Two brothers both have Loyales - one 93 and another 94, both 5spd 4wd, both with over 250km. I did the Head Gasket's on these two because the previous owners neglected them but they both run great with minimal maintenance, zero leaks on one, slight leak from the oil pan on the 93. Both run like champs. I just got another 5spd 93 Loyale a couple weeks ago - this one has a weird engine issue that I am just getting into. So thats 1 out of 5 Loyales/GLs that has a serious engine issue, and the only automatic had a transmission issue. You will be hooked if you get a chance to experience the control of the 4wd slide, coupled with the fuel economy, the room for junk (in a wagon), how easy they are to fix, nobody breaks in to them because they dont look like a rich persons car, and most importantly the USMB members are without a doubt the most helpful, kind and insightful people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesFox Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 What should I expect in terms of engine durability from a car that has more than 200000 km? What fuel economy? If the engine is ok, will it last enough if I drive it at least 100 km a day? (with proper manteinance) I limited my search options to dual range 4wd only. Should I get a EA82 or a EA82T? Almost all turbos come with automatic transmission in the cars i've been looking (I prefer mechanical). What "weak points" should I look for? Also, most 86-90 turbo'ed cars were imported used from USA... another 200,00k 26-28 mpg yes turbos requre a bit more maintenance, non turbo is dead simple weak points are the timing belts every 60,ooo miles, although they can last longer. due to age, the radiator may need attention. the rest of the car is simple to maintan, and parts are interchangable between 85-94 gl/dl/xt(alcyone vortex)rxII and loyale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesFox Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 I would avoid the ea82, and shun the ea82T like the plague! The ea82 is prone to head gasket failure, and turbo charging just makes it worse. If I were you I'd try to get a GL with an ea82 SPFI - not carb. Then look around for a good ea81 and swap it in. They are much more reliable, simpler, and they are both 1800cc. Ditch the carb on the ea81, and put the SPFI system from the ea82 on it, and you've got a pretty sweet car! As far as the rest of the car goes, they are pretty solid. My DL has almost 250k miles on it and it's still goin strong except for recent head gasket issues with the ea82. :-\ I'm hoping to get an ea81 in it soon. My DL gets around 25 mpg. I've heard of them getting into the low 30s per gallon. Hope this helps, Cheers! Headgaskets issues are cause by overheats, and do not occur on their own like the newer model subarus. Overheats are duel to lack of cooling system maintenance, either old coolant, old water pump, corroded radiator, neglected hoses/blowouts/leaks, due to no maintenance the ea82 will last over 300,000 miles on its own if it's not cooked Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Villano Posted February 27, 2011 Author Share Posted February 27, 2011 (edited) It is good to hear from your experience that Subarus can last that long. I've been looking cars on internet pages, and I can see that GLs 4wd are sold quickly... Edited February 27, 2011 by Villano Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now