Trashbox 11 of 12: Subaru Justy 4WD

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We continue our countdown of 12 econoboxes from this vintage Car and Driver comparison article. The twelve sub $10k (when new) cars were ranked by an assortment of college kids, and this next one is number 11. Today’s Justy has the desired 4-wheel-drive option, but it still has a 1.2 liter 3-pot engine that puts out 73 horsepower, most of which goes into vibrating the steering wheel. Find this 1991 Subaru Justy 4WD offered for $2500 in Denver, CO via craigslist.

From the seller:

1991 subaru justy
condition: good
cylinders: 3 cylinders
drive: 4wd
fuel: gas
odometer: 98000
paint color: white
size: compact
title status: rebuilt
transmission: manual
type: hatchback
TEXTS or EMAIL ONLY – Calls ignored

1991 Subaru Justy 4WD – EFI
3 door hatchback
5 speed manual
Factory AC
98k original miles
NEW battery in 2021
Lots of new parts at 92k miles including, NEW clutch, NEW timing belt, NEW oil pump, NEW water pump, NEW alternator + belt., NEW spark plugs, wires, and distributor, NEW oxygen sensors.
Lots of extra new and used parts included
$2,500 / offer

This car is NOT for the average person looking for a used car. The buyer should be ready to do some DIY restoration.This car needs some work but is basically in strong condition and ready for restoration. It’s an amazing little 4WD that works great in snow but would make a cool forest road runner. I really hate to sell it but it’s become a third car and I’d prefer someone take it that will actually improve on it.

The good:
Engine is strong with solid compression in all cylinders.
Transmission is also good.
4WD works
Always passes emissions with ease
2nd owner installed leather seats from 1995 Audi
Tinted windows
Many extra parts! Extra hubcaps, side view mirrors, tail light assemblies, front parking lights, used struts, various mechanical parts. Extra mud flaps. NEW ball joints, other minor steering and suspension parts. I basically stripped any junkyard Justy I could find of parts that might break and ordered replacement parts years ago that are harder to find now.
Has been in Colorado it’s entire life and only has minor rust.
Clean Colorado title

The less than good:
Justys are notorious for oil leaks, but this one is mainly from the valve cover gasket.
4WD works but sometimes the switch won’t disengage. I believe it’s just the switch needs contacts cleaned.
The exhaust pipe separated from the connection where it meets the exhaust manifold. It looks like it could be fixed fairly easy and the muffler and catalytic converter are in good shape.
The engine could use some work on engine mounts.
The struts and mounts are fairly worn out.
AC compressor turns but no belt is attached.
I bought it in 2011 with a salvage title. It only had minor front damage.

I’ll gladly answer any questions. A friend in Co Springs offered $2k if I can’t find a buyer, but I believe it should go for more than that with all the parts. If I can’t get a reasonable offer by January 1, 2022, it will be listed on bringatrailer (dot) com, where I believe it could easily bring $3k+
$2.500 / offer

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