I'm thinking of getting a Brat (if I can find one) as a second vehicle. I've always liked the little truck, but I don't know too much about them. Any of the following would help:

-Notorious defects or breakdowns
-What should I look for mechanically
-Any links to Brat websights or Brat specialists

Any help would be appreciated.

Fred

Besides wheel bearings and rust in the bed, I really had no troubles with my BRAT. I have been looking high and low for another one to have as a daily driver. If you get one of the 1.8 turbo models, A) you're damn lucky and B) get a new turbo for it, as it will be at least 14 years old at this point ;).

http://narf.ravensblade-impreza.com/hosting/brat1.jpg
http://narf.ravensblade-impreza.com/hosting/brat3.jpg

Still mad at myself for getting rid of that "truck." :(

Brian
AIM: captaindamorgan ICQ: 84483950

http://www.ravensblade-impreza.com
You and the Captain make it happen!

As the previous proud owner of an '84 GL Wagon (essentially the same thing as an '84 brat), I'd say expect having to swap out the rings in the oil pump every 10K or so (especially if you drive hard), and the occasional CV-joint. Get the joints with a lifetime warranty (suckers!) and make sure you have the right tools on hand. Other than that, great cars. I'm thinking of getting a Turbo brat as well someday.

Back in the day we had 3 in a row and each had over 200K miles on them. Mostly the floorboards and bed ended rusting out. Ripped a CV boot playing once but other than regular oil changes and tune ups no problems.


Photo is circa 83:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1471714&a=11073907&p=38590908

Peaty

I want one also, great another guy in Michigan looking. If I see and don't buy it I will email you.

Later
Bob

I know a guy selling a 1986 Subaru Brat in the Birmingham (MI) area. He had it repainted silver. It's not too rusty, but does need some work mechancially. It runs and drives fine, but it's got lots of little things that need to be fixed, such as a broken strut mount. Not sure what he's asking. As far as I know, he still has the thing. e-mail me if you're interested, and i'll e-mail you his e-mail address. Don't want to post it here because of spam reasons.

PM a gut named 'Matt in FL', he has one.:)

I saw one on e-bay yesterday kind of in bad shape though

Ill do you one better...visit http://USMB.iscool.net
Its a BB like this one, but it deals with 80'era Subarus, new Subarus, and it has a Marketplace which has a few Brats for sale in it right now. Good luck!

Kevin

I need one in the greater Northeast, and the home of all the BRAT's really is apparently the Northwest :(. I find one in the Tacoma area about 3 times a week!

Brian
AIM: captaindamorgan ICQ: 84483950

http://www.ravensblade-impreza.com
Don't whiz on the electric fence!

Thanks guys. There's one in Detroit I will go look at, just haven't had time this week. I hope Scooby do doesn't beat me too it! I saw that one on Ebay, something about welding a 12" support under the drivers seat puts me off to that one! There are some nice ones on Auto Trader Online, most are nowhere near me though and are all around $3K. I was looking to spend around $1500. Maybe I shouldn't expect too much for that as these things are pretty rare. wagman01, PM me the e-mail address. There are no PM or e-mail buttons under your post.

Thanks,
Fred



:lol: Don't whiz on the electric fence! :lol:

Cousin Sven was the greatest episode of Ren and Stimpy ever! Greatest Ren outburst of rage anyway!

"First, I'll rip your lips off. Oh yeah, that's what I'm gonna do! Then I'll tear your arms out of their sockets.....But first.....FIRST..... I gotta take a wiz!"

(I'm assuming that's what that's from North)

"My fossilized dinosaur droppings!!!!! RRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHH STIMPY!!!!!!!!!!!" ;).

Brian
AIM: captaindamorgan ICQ: 84483950

http://www.ravensblade-impreza.com
Error 666: Connection reset by Satan

We have a 1982 Brat that has a 4 inch lift on it. (custom). We also had a 1983 turbo auto brat. We made lots of boost on that one. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Ed.
Pam/WRXGirl
714-842-4107

Other than they kick ass? I have seen one rated with a 2K lb load capacity. FYI thats more than any stock F150 that I've seen.

The WRX swap seems to be a REAL fun idea. Also look for a set of 14 or 15" pugeot rims at the same time.

North,
"My opera records, all goobered in bubble gum!" :lol:

Pam,
Thanks, can you ship Brats UPS?

Fred

i had a 80 sold it :( but i am gonna buy another one when iget another job.. great truck.
Brat