Just got a German Subaru Libero !!

[franck2cv]

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.....

[erixun]

That's awesome! Too bad you have to wait 21 months, 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!

[Stuff99]

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

[franck2cv]

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!!!)

[franck2cv]

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

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.

[Acerguy]

Awesome! Just don't go away for the next 21 months! We expect regular updates.

[franck2cv]

Awesome! Just don't go away for the next 21 months! We expect regular updates.

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 :-)

[MiniBrutes]

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?

[franck2cv]

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?

Hmmm I think I'll keep my headlights!!
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!!!)

[anthill]

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?

[franck2cv]

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?

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!!!

F.

[Stuff99]

need updates!!!

[franck2cv]

need updates!!!

As soon as I get pictures!! :-)
F.

[anthill]

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

[franck2cv]

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

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