Just got a German Subaru Libero !!

**anthill** · 04-19-2010, 07:46 PM

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** · 04-20-2010, 07:17 PM

Awesome post, Anthill! Some fun stuff in those links.

**franck2cv** · 04-22-2010, 08:23 AM

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

Franck

**franck2cv** · 05-10-2010, 07:54 PM

Well.... at long last I received a picture from my father!

and guess what....? Can't wait for more!!!

**Acerguy** · 05-10-2010, 09:11 PM

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

**franck2cv** · 05-25-2010, 09:26 AM

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

**anthill** · 06-01-2010, 11:50 AM

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

**franck2cv** · 06-02-2010, 07:59 AM

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

**Sambarmon92** · 06-02-2010, 09:47 PM

hi Franck2cv

Congrats on your find.

She's a beauty. It will be worth the wait.

**fupabox** · 06-03-2010, 01:45 AM

looks very nice..congrats

**franck2cv** · 06-03-2010, 08:56 AM

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

**anthill** · 06-21-2010, 08:32 AM

Alone no more: I'm now another Subaru Domingo owner on this forum!

I want your LHD headlights, now...

**franck2cv** · 06-21-2010, 09:26 AM

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

**anthill** · 06-24-2010, 03:21 PM

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!