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Just got a German Subaru Libero !!

Discussion in 'Microvans' started by franck2cv, Mar 22, 2010.

  1. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    Hi folks,

    My quest for a left hand drive micro van has paid of!
    I'm finally the proud owner of a Subaru Libero! Great hey?
    There's a catch.... Aware of the rarity, I jumped on this opportunity even though it's not 15 years old yet. It was delivered to my parents in France (yesterday) where it will be stored untill it reaches the legal age (21 months to wait !!!).
    The oportunity was to good. A friend of mine happened to be in Berlin and was about to drive back to France with an empty trailer..... So the shipping cost is very minimal) He also dealt with all the paper work and transaction for me (he does that on a daily basis!). Can't wait to receive pictures now from my father!! I shall post them with yet more info.....
     
  2. erixun

    erixun Member

    That's awesome! Too bad you have to wait 21 months:eek:, that is a looooong wait, how much do you think it will cost to get it across the pond? Glad to hear you atleast got what you wanted! And ofcourse pictures are in order when you get them!
     
  3. Stuff99

    Stuff99 Moderator Staff Member

    glad to hear! 21 months will at first take forever but then they will be here before you know it.
     
  4. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    Thanks :)
    i know it's a long wait but I looked daily on German website and they are very few Libero for sale, take the rusty one out..... three or four left, mostly form the later years (1998 and 1999), and a couple overpriced with special specs that I don't need or want. So I thought, let's grab this one: No rust, reasonable mileage (106000 kms), faitly priced (3500 Euros). My consolation.... I'll import a 15 years old car with 13.5 years of usage!!!
    As per shipping cost: Last Citroen shipped cost $1500.... but it may vary in 20 months! we'll see. Over all, it shouldn't cost me more than what I see coming from the usual Japanese route. Less than 9k for sure! ... and that include some cash to splash on it.
    Pictures next week.... or sooner If i'm lucky. (come on Dad!!!)
     
  5. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    Agree. I've got loads of exciting projects ahead and in between. One up side is that I'll have plenty of time to seek specific parts or accessories.
     
  6. Acerguy

    Acerguy Moderator Staff Member

    Awesome! Just don't go away for the next 21 months! We expect regular updates. :D :pop:
     
  7. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    Oh you will :) I'll try to gather as much as info as possible in order to know the Libero inside out before I get a chance to touch it!
    By the way.... any Domingo / Libero driver out there?? Helloooo :)
     
  8. MiniBrutes

    MiniBrutes Member

    Good Score! That is fantastic! I will buy your headlights off you and replace them with Japanese ones ;)

    There are some Domingos around, although not many. Pretty much a Sambar van with different engine and bigger bumpers. (Amongst other things)

    What engine is in that Libero? 1.3? 4WD?
     
  9. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    Hmmm I think I'll keep my headlights!! :eek:
    Bigger wheels as well (13"), can accomodate 6 (thin) people.... I've noticed some cosmetic differences such as seat fabric, lights, mirrors between the three brothers (Sambar, Domingo, Libero). The German Liberos have the smaller mirrors from the Sambars for instance.
    The engine is the EF12 from the Justy (1.2 - 3 cyl - no turbo), Manual, AWD on demand only.
    My friend Vincent who dealt with it all has just called me and promised me some pictures very soon. He's a bit tired after 2000 kms mostly on the french hectic roads (well, drivers... the roads are ok as long as you know where to go and turn!!!)
     
  10. anthill

    anthill Member

    Hey Franck, congratulations on the new (ahem) van. Since you're now a Domingo/Libero expert: Do you know if they have any more driver legroom than the Sambars?
     
  11. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    Hmmmm a remote expert!! As far as I know, it's exactly the same. Being Left Hand drive, the gas pedal is not stuck on the A-post (unlike LHD) which helps.
    Still hoping to receive some pictures soon..... My Dad must have a French Camera..... on Strike!!! :frustration:

    F.
     
  12. Stuff99

    Stuff99 Moderator Staff Member

    need updates!!!
     
  13. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    As soon as I get pictures!! :)
    F.
     
  14. anthill

    anthill Member

    Hey franck, another question for you: Are the rear bench seats removable, or just foldable?
     
  15. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    Just foldable I think. Of course they may be dismantled but not removed in a 'clip in' clip out' modern minivan fashion.
    F.
     
  16. anthill

    anthill Member

    Thanks Franck, I went out and saw a Domingo for myself today... I like it! Maybe it was just better maintained than the kei vans I've seen so far, but it drove much smoother with the bigger engine. Had a few looks underneath, it's pretty clever some of the things they've done on the van. Drawing the intake air from the front of the van through the frame, for example.

    Seats were a bit finicky to work with, and I never got the middle seat to fold down like the Silverboys did. However, the middle seat can be slid forward or unbolted, and the back seat folds forward easily. The Domingo could have a reasonable cargo hold with the back seat folded forward and laid flat.

    Good news for you (I think) is that the E12 Subaru engine has a small cult following due to the Justy's rally-ableness. Dusty's Justys carries aftermarket parts and maintenance diagrams for a lot of stuff... I wonder how many parts the USA Justy and Libero/Domingo share in common? They mention a few maintenance weak points of the E12 engine - cracked oil sump covers and leaking water pumps being the top two.

    Looking forward to photos as well. :)
     
    Acerguy likes this.
  17. Acerguy

    Acerguy Moderator Staff Member

    Awesome post, Anthill! Some fun stuff in those links. :)
     
  18. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    Hi there,

    First, I'm very pleased to hear form someone who's interested in this micro van.
    I felt very lonely on this topic!! Where are you located?

    As you pointed out, the Libero/Domingo for me is the cleverest of them all. The fact that the engine is a known mecanic in Canada is a big asset. I've read all the stuff published by DustyJusty as well some time ago which conforted me in my choice. Justy drivers have very few issues whith its 3 cylinders.

    Seats: According to my Dad, it's not very intuitive and mechanisme seem to be stiff as if they were very sparsely used. I suppose once you know the 'how's' and all the hinges have been worked in, it should be fine. Having said that, my Dad didn't figure out yet how to tip the driver seat to access the battery... I told him to keep on trying!!!

    No photos yet!!!... and I can't really nag my parents. Storing my Libero is a big favor. I shall remain patient :eek::rolleyes:

    Franck
     
  19. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    One Photo at last!!

    Well.... at long last I received a picture from my father! :)
    and guess what....? Can't wait for more!!!
     

    Attached Files:

  20. Acerguy

    Acerguy Moderator Staff Member

    Wow. That is so cool. And left hand drive to boot.
     
  21. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    More pictures...

    My parents seemed to have had fun photo shooting my Left Hand Drive Libero (Domingo) !!! I'm not disapointed, it looks in good condition. Here is the link to the album:
    http://gallery.me.com/franck2cv#100089
     
  22. anthill

    anthill Member

    So franck, you have a libero, you live in quebec so you have snow... question is do you have anyone to hold the camera?
     
  23. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    Geeee.... I've seen video before! The driver looks like he knows what he's doing!
    I'd have to train hard to do just that safely!! Did you hear the passenger giggling?
    No way my girlfriend would..... Her screams would cover up any engine and road noises!! lol
     
  24. Sambarmon92

    Sambarmon92 Member

    hi Franck2cv

    Congrats on your find.:D She's a beauty. It will be worth the wait.
     
  25. fupabox

    fupabox Well-Known Member

    looks very nice..congrats:)
     
  26. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    Thanks! :)
    I too think it is worth the wait considering the very few option I was left with living in Quebec. I must be lucky too since getting a German licensed vehicle in good condition was an impossible task according to some... but as all rule require exceptions.......
    Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing from another Domingo/Libero owner on this forum. So far, it looks like I'm on my own!

    Franck
     
  27. anthill

    anthill Member

  28. franck2cv

    franck2cv Member

    Are they mandatory? Or can you make do with those headlamp beam converter British drivers put on their headlights whilst they drive on continental Europe?
    Are you ready to hit the road now or are you still pending lisence, insurance bla bla bla.....?

    Franck
     
  29. anthill

    anthill Member

    Am plated and have already driven it a little way - it's 401-capable, but not by much. On the side highways it does just fine, except for getting the RHD headlights aimed so as to light up the road shoulder but not blind oncoming traffic. Headlight conversions aren't mandatory in Ontario, but if I end up wanting to sell the van in BC they'll need to be done.

    With the 14" Nissan Sentra rims the van looks much better although I can't say it handles any different.

    Oh - and I finally figured out how to flatten the middle passenger seats! :p
     

    Attached Files:

  30. Stuff99

    Stuff99 Moderator Staff Member

    looks good!
     

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