My 1981 Subaru DL
just passed 510,000 miles yesterday. My wife and I purchased it in
1981, it had 141 miles on it. It actually has several thousand more
miles on it that were added while I was waiting to replace a faulty
odometer cable. The engine is original, however I've replaced water pump
2x, radiator, heater ...core, clutch 2x, front axles, alternator, and
repaired transmission. Nothing done to the engine other than oil and
filter changes at regular intervals.
Richard,I finally passed 510,000 miles on my 81 Subaru. I haven't put too many miles on it the past several years as we had purchased a 2005 Subaru Legacy Wagon and put almost 80,000 miles on it before we got rear ended in it last month and it was totaled. We walked away without any apparent serious injuries, but some sore backs, aches and pains. Meanwhile I had been using my 81 Subie for shorter trips in my farming operation. I have now been reassigned to it full time and I really enjoy it and it still gets 30+ mpg. I'm attaching some pictures of it I took this morning. I posted a picture of the odometer reading to face book just a little while ago too.
Mike Chase
Richard,Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you.
My '94 Legacy L has 516000+ on it now.
It is a 2.2l 5spd manual.
I bought it in Sep '02 in Georgia (via ebay) with 145000 on it. (paid about $3200 for it)
When I bought it the previous owner told me that the clutch was starting to act up. a few months later, I had my mech replace the tranny with a used one that had about 100k on it. I got another 120k out of that tranny and replaced it with another used one at approx 275k. Last month I did it again. Each of these jobs ran $6-800
Two years ago, a pulley in the timing belt system failed (disentrigrated). Unfortunatly, I was on the road and had no choice but to take it to Subaru. Tat ended up being about $1100.
I have replaced the PS pump (used) and put on two used alternators.Obviously, I have had to do brakes, tires, wipers, etc.
I try to do oil changes every 3000, but I am on the road so much, that it tends to run 3500-5000.
The body is starting to show signs of rust. No holes, but bubbling around tire wells, hood, and tailgate.
The miles I drive this car are diminishing, as I am using my wife's '99 Forester (202000) more.
I just bought a '97 Leg, (again via ebay) that has 148k , 2.2l mauual. It will probably become my primary vehicle if it works out to be as reliable as the '94.With the purchase price, major and minor repairs, insurance, and maintenance costs plus fuel, the '94 has cost me about 17 cents a mile to drive, over the life of the car.
If you or any members have any questions or comments, feel free to send them to me, but please be patient, it may take a while for my reply.
Peter Carbee
Subj: HIGH mileageDate: 5/16/2005 3:30:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: eheise@jubii.dk
To: shmc001@comcast.net
Hi Rich!
My Scandinavian neighbor is doing the Subaru brand proud: The link below is from the Swedish Subaru website. Basically it tells the story of a salesman who has covered an amazing 800,000 km in his Outback! Half the time towing a caravan! He uses the car to deliver the caravans with.
http://www.pressinformation.com/subaru.html
The car has just been to a state inspection in April and passed with no remarks. It's still running original engine, gearbox, springs, dampers, and exhaust. The only main repair has been headgaskets....at 680,000 km. A front CV joint and both rear wheel bearings have also been replaced.
Pretty good going, eh?
Emil
Subj: Subaru High Mileage ClubDate: 5/17/2005 9:44:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Jon.in.CT@ATT.NET
To: shmc001@comcast.net
The importer/distributor of Subarus in Scandanavia issed a press release today that might qualify for an entry on your site's "Some interesting Subaru stories ..." page. The release is at http://pressinfo.vegasys.net/servlet/VSP?id=subaru&lang=sv&page=clipitem .vsp&$dialog.IDITEM=C000000100 and includes pictures, history, validation, etc..
Essentially, a driver in Sweden bought a used 1999 Outback in 2000 with 12,000 km on the odometer. His most recent safety inspection shows that he had 807,801 km. He can only use his left foot to drive because of a birth defect. He's "retired" but freelances delivering camper trailers throughout Sweden, so about half those km were spent towing trailers.
Subj: Roger Söderberg in SwedenDate: 5/18/2005 4:32:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: mats@genberg.se
To: shmc001@comcast.net
CC: tlillrud@im-nordic.com, dpersson@im-nordic.com
Dear Mr Kahn
I handle PR matters for Subaru in Sweden, and received your e-mail sent to Dan Persson of International Motors in Sweden.
Roger Söderberg does not speak english, but I am sure he would be extremely flattered by sticker and web-site presence.
I do not know if you have read the full press-release in English, but it can be found at
http://www.pressinformation.com/servlet/VSP? id=subaru&lang=sv&page=clipitem.vsp&$dialog.IDITEM=C000000100
Any mail you would like to send can be sent to
Sunne Bil & Maskin AB
att: Staffan (Roger Söderberg)
Box 281
SE-686 26 SUNNE
SWEDEN