excalibur5 Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 I have found a cherry 1984 2wd Subaru GL wagon with 96,000 miles on it at a local dealer in California. It runs and drives beautifully, but has a couple problems, and I hoped you guys might be able to help me with how much the car is reasonably worth. It has no rust, still has glossy paint, new tires and new brakes, clean interior The clutch engages right at the floor, indicating it likely needs to be replaced soon (it is not slipping) The dealer is asking $2200 which seems quite a bit steep. I am guessing its real value is 1000-1500, anyone have any idea as to its value? Other question, anyone ever replace a clutch in one of these? How much does it cost to have someone do it? (ballpark is fine) Thanks for the help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSubaruJunkie Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 $2200 is way too much for that car. Your looking at a $1200 car at most. I paid $1100 for my 1984 GL Wagon, 4wd basic options. That was at a local dealer who had it listed for $1400, which i thought was too high. And after taxes and dealer fees that $2200 is more like $2500, $2700, which can get you a good used Legacy or Impreza in the '91-96 range. Oh, and where in NorCal are you? Im in Sacramento. -Brian oh, and a clutch kit for that car will probably be under $130 after tax. Installing them on these old EA81's are a snap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffroid Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 Hard to say without seeing it, but it certainly isn't worth what they're asking, and probably not worth what you are thinking since it's FWD. I don't know what a clutch job at a shop cost but it's an easy job and the parts are cheap. If you don't want to or can't replace the clutch yourself you've probably got no business buying an old Subaru anyway, especially for that much money. Not trying to rain on your parade but it would be hard to imagine a FWD wagon needing a clutch being worth that much but maybe I'm just used to seeing what they go for in the Seattle area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
excalibur5 Posted February 17, 2006 Author Share Posted February 17, 2006 I am in Paradise, about 2 hours north of you. I thought the price was insanely high. If it checks out otherwise on the inspection tomorrow, we'll just see how negotiable his price is. (I know for a fact the car has been on his lot for about 4 or 5 months now, likely because of the price..) I have pulled an engine on an '85 GL wagon before, is the '84 easier? I know there was a dramatic difference in the models.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subieman Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 Hey, here is a picture of my 84 4wd Wagon I bought for $500! I don't want to see you get burned. My 84 is the best running Subaru I have ever owned, I love it and it's from Chico, right down the hill from you. Good luck on your car search! ~Jeremy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffroid Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 I'm an EA81 guy but from what I know it should be about the same to pull an 84 vs an 85, just depends on how much other BS is involved such as A/C, PS, etc. Seems like everyone here is going to tell you it's better to pull the engine to replace the clutch, but depending on extenuating circumstances I might rather just drop the tranny. I've done it both ways many times and it's definitely always been done sooner when I just drop the tranny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subieman Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 I pulled my engine when I did the clutch on mine last month. Sure beats the heck out of dragging a tranny jack around in the dirt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
excalibur5 Posted February 17, 2006 Author Share Posted February 17, 2006 I thought the clutch would likely be no big deal to do myself, these things are pretty easy to work on (I owned a 1985 GL wagon years ago).. I need reliable & reasonably cheap transportation to replace our old car, which is proving to be tricky in this area.. I guess I will just have to see how willing this guy is to wheel & deal tomorrow. Anyone know of any older subies in the area in good shape for sale? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffroid Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 I pulled my engine when I did the clutch on mine last month. Sure beats the heck out of dragging a tranny jack around in the dirt. I've never used a tranny jack, but all my work has been done in the dirt. Since I don't have a garage or driveway pulling an engine is a bit of a project by myself. A 2WD tranny is so light a jack is not necessary. Again - depends on extenuating circumstances. But I regret starting this argument yet again. I have seen it pop up on many threads. Sounds like the original poster knows what he's dealing with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subieman Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 To each his own Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack in Norfolk Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 Man that wagon from Chico is sweet!!! Especially for the money!! 2200 is wayyy to high for a 2wd car with a sloppy clutch. If you buy that car and then stay on this board for a while you will end up mad when you see the prices. Moosens has a cherry coupe a while back. It had low low miles, it was super clean and I think it ran fine and needed nothing. I think it was still under 1500. I was seriously thinking of buying it. That should give you and idea of price range. Plus it was in the northeast and rust free cars there are unheard of. Anyway, I'm not trying to scold you, just help out. If you really like the car and think you are up to the clutch job offer the guy 1000 or even 800 and see what he says. Then when he turns you down, wait and see how long it sits there. Just my idea. Good luck. You shouldn't have to comprimise or overpay. It seems like there are a lot of good subarus in your area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSubaruJunkie Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 A 2WD Subaru that needs a clutch is worth, at most, $700. If your looking for a good subaru, keep an eye on Craigslist. Subies can be had real cheap in our area The '85 engine you pulled is completly different than the one in that '84. And is easier to pull. -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subieman Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 Let us know if you pick it up. Sounds like a nice subie! We could have a Northern Calif/Northern Nevada mini meet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
excalibur5 Posted February 17, 2006 Author Share Posted February 17, 2006 We'll just see what I end up doing.. I'll offer the guy probably $800 and see what his reaction is, any more than that and I can't see the car being worth the trouble. Thanks for all the help guys, and I'll keep you posted. -Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zyewdall Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 I'd say 90% sure it doesn't need a new clutch at all. It needs the adjustment nut on the clutch cable tightened, or worst case, a $20 clutch cable. My '82 GL used to readjust itself all the time, so every month or so it would get so it engaged about a quarter inch above the floor, and grind going into first or reverse. 5 minutes with a wrench, and I was good to go for another month. $2,200 seems high even for a nice rust free one like that. I might pay $1,800 if its really in as good a shape as it seems (and they adjust the clutch properly ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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