ECVT-equipped, this 1994 Subaru Justy is an interesting version of a small 4WD car. The four-door version was only offered from 1990 to 1994, and they all had 4WD, as shown here. This nice-looking example has a surprise inside, and it’s listed here on craigslist in Berthoud, Colorado, where the seller is asking $6,200. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Jack M. for the tip!
Having just 54,000 miles, give or take, this little, unusual Subaru (is that redundant?) would be a great winter commuter vehicle for almost anyone in snow country with 4WD and four doors for hauling coworkers back and forth to the office, store, plant, shop – or wherever you work. The seller mentions the window tint as being dark enough to keep out the sun, but it isn’t too dark.
We got the Justy in two generations here in the U.S., from 1987 through 1994, and that’s it. I think it was just too small for Americans, even back then, before everyone realized that they needed a seven-passenger SUV to commute in. The rear cargo compartment is looking like new, and whatever you do, don’t lose that cargo cover; you most likely won’t find another one.
The seller found this Polar White car at an estate sale from the original owner, or presumably, from their family. I can’t get over the condition of this car; it looks as close to new as any that I’ve seen. The seats look perfect, both front and rear. The backs of the rear seats usually get frayed and tattered from the sun, but not here. The big thing with this car, good or bad, is the ECVT (Electronic Constant Variable Transmission) transmission. We saw almost the same car last December here on Barn Finds, but it had a 5-speed manual and was a 1991.
The clean engine is Subaru’s EF12, a 1.2-liter SOHC inline-three (!) with 73 horsepower and 71 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by the automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels as needed, the seller says that after they bought it at the estate sale, they went through everything, putting in a new water pump, new tires, a new suspension, a fresh transmission service, a new timing belt and valve cover gaskets, a new battery, a new oil pump, and the all-important CV axles, which are almost always needed on Subarus. The paint has also been ceramic-coated. I still want to get a 4WD Justy someday, but I’d want a manual. Have any of you heard of the ECVT Justy?
I remember the TV commercials where they had a drag race between a Justy with a CVT and a Hyundai and Toyota and blew their doors off, and a race agains a Porche and it blew its door off. These are just simply non existent and to see this one in a time capsule status is really impressive. Nice one Scotty.
Saw a few of these up at Whistler mountain ⛰️ back in the day ❄️ ⛷️
Well, a pretty simple “estate”, if this was part of it. I suppose not all estate sales have GTOs and such. As said on the last one, I had a friend that had a 360 and developed brake issues, that were never resolved, couldn’t find a master cylinder, I think, anyway, she “updated” to a Justy, ’85 maybe?. Big macho Peterbilt driver,,,a what now? Good heavens, a snowballs chance in Phoenix,,,we said. And we had merit in saying that, as these were deemed no threat to our beloved LTDs. Then came the DL/GL and changed everything. Subaru was catapulted into fame, and won acceptance to certain alternative lifestyle folks, and never looked back from these humble beginnings. Like most Asian car buyers, they stayed with them for life. You can’t go wrong with a Subie, you’ll rarely find a low mileage one, except for estates. I’m not sure about a Justy, however. Maybe.
Now, if you look at the authors avatar, it’s long been a question what he is portraying. Some say, a Saab 3 cylinder, or his Yam 750, or maybe a GEOzuki? Subie? Judging by the work done, it’s safe to say parts are still around. The 360, not so much. Cool find,,,cool enough to replace the Jeep? Oh, I don’t think so.
I would own it, nice little car my daily driver is currently a 2025 forester and I find the infotainment screen to be more distracting than just picking up my phone.