The 1987 Subaru Justy arrived at a time when small imported hatchbacks were prized for efficiency, compact dimensions, and practical everyday use. Its lightweight, city-friendly character makes tire selection especially important, because the right size preserves both the look and the nimble feel that helped define the car. Tire fitment on the 1987 Subaru Justy depends on sub-model, with the DL using 145R12 radials and the GL using 165/65R13 radials. That means the main decision is not simply brand, but confirming whether the car is on its original 12-inch or 13-inch wheel setup. For a stock or restoration-minded Justy, getting that fitment right comes before anything else.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Subaru Justy
The 1987 Subaru Justy uses two primary tire sizes, and they are tied to specific sub-models and wheel diameters. The DL uses a 12-inch radial fitment, while the GL uses a 13-inch radial fitment, so the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter on the car before choosing a tire.
145R12 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 145 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 12 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this format, the aspect ratio is not stated in the size itself and is commonly associated with a taller-profile radial design. On the 1987 Subaru Justy, this size belongs to the DL and keeps the fitment centered around a 12-inch wheel. Michelin MX is available in this size as a blackwall radial, making it a practical choice for owners trying to retain the Justy's compact, traditional small-car presentation.
165/65R13 is a metric radial size that gives a clear modern-style breakdown: 165 millimeters of nominal section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch wheel diameter. For the 1987 Subaru Justy, this size applies to the GL and reflects a different wheel-and-tire setup than the DL. The most important point with this fitment is confirming that the car is actually on the correct 13-inch wheels rather than assuming any Justy uses the same tire. That check matters before comparing tire choices or considering any substitute sizing.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Subaru Justy because the DL and GL do not use the same tire size or wheel diameter. Identifying the exact trim is the quickest way to avoid choosing a 12-inch tire for a 13-inch wheel, or the reverse.
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1987 Subaru Justy DL
The 1987 Subaru Justy DL uses a 145R12 radial tire on a 12-inch wheel. That makes the tire decision fairly straightforward once the DL fitment is confirmed, with the focus shifting to maintaining the correct compact size and choosing a suitable radial in that format.
The 1987 Subaru Justy GL uses a 165/65R13 radial tire on a 13-inch wheel. Because this differs from the DL setup, GL owners should confirm wheel diameter first and then select tires that match the lower-profile 13-inch fitment intended for that sub-model.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1987 Subaru Justy Tires for Sale
Current product coverage centers on 145R12, where the Michelin MX provides a blackwall radial option. For Justy owners comparing fitment choices, the key variables on this page are correct size, 12-inch wheel compatibility, and the traditional Euro-metric radial format.
These FAQs focus on 1987 Subaru Justy tire sizing, sub-model differences, wheel diameter, radial fitment, product selection, and the checks that matter before putting a compact collector-era hatchback back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Subaru Justy?
A 1987 Subaru Justy can use either 145R12 or 165/65R13, depending on the sub-model. The DL uses 145R12 radial tires, while the GL uses 165/65R13 radial tires. Both are primary fitments, but they are not interchangeable vehicle-wide because they correspond to different wheel diameters.
The practical next step is to confirm whether the car is a DL or GL and then verify the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle. Many older small cars have seen wheel changes over time, so matching the tire to the current 12-inch or 13-inch wheel is more important than assuming every 1987 Justy uses the same setup.
What size rim does a 1987 Subaru Justy use?
The 1987 Subaru Justy uses either a 12-inch or 13-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The DL is fitted with a 145R12 radial on a 12-inch rim, and the GL uses a 165/65R13 radial on a 13-inch rim. Rim diameter is part of the tire size itself, so it is a critical fitment detail.
Checking wheel diameter before ordering tires prevents the most basic mismatch. A 12-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 13-inch wheel, and a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 12-inch wheel. On an older Justy, it also helps to confirm the actual wheels on the car in case a previous owner changed the original setup.
Do all 1987 Subaru Justy sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1987 Subaru Justy DL uses 145R12 radial tires, while the 1987 Subaru Justy GL uses 165/65R13 radial tires. That means sub-model identification matters before choosing a tire, because the two trims use different sizes and different rim diameters.
This difference affects more than the tire label alone. It changes the wheel diameter the tire must fit, and it also changes the overall style of tire used on the car. If the trim badge is missing or the car has been modified, measuring the installed wheel diameter is the safest way to confirm the proper starting point.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 145R12 tire for a 1987 Subaru Justy?
Start by confirming that the car is a 1987 Subaru Justy DL or that it is currently running the correct 12-inch wheel setup for 145R12. This size is a Euro-metric radial format, so the most important factors are matching the size exactly, keeping the proper rim diameter, and choosing a tire that suits the Justy's compact, light-duty character.
Michelin MX is available in 145R12 as a blackwall radial, which gives the buyer a clear period-friendly option in the correct size. Beyond brand, pay attention to wheel compatibility and overall condition of the wheels themselves. A small car like the Justy can feel noticeably different if the tire size or wheel setup has been changed from the intended fitment.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Subaru Justy tires?
The available 145R12 product for the 1987 Subaru Justy is offered in a blackwall sidewall style. Blackwall suits the understated, practical look many owners want on a small 1980s hatchback, especially when the goal is to keep the tire presentation clean and simple rather than adding a more decorative sidewall treatment.
Sidewall style should come after the core fitment details are confirmed. On this Justy, size and wheel diameter matter far more than appearance choices, particularly because DL and GL fitments differ. Once the correct tire size is established, the sidewall becomes part of the visual decision, especially for owners trying to preserve a stock-looking overall profile.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Subaru Justy?
Michelin is represented in the current 145R12 product selection for the 1987 Subaru Justy through the Michelin MX. That gives DL owners a recognized radial option in the correct 12-inch Euro-metric size, with a blackwall appearance that fits the Justy's straightforward small-car character.
Brand choice matters most after size, wheel diameter, and construction are settled. On a vehicle like the Justy, using the proper fitment has a greater effect on the end result than chasing variety for its own sake. If the car is a GL, the main priority remains confirming the 165/65R13 size and finding a tire that matches that separate 13-inch setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Subaru Justy?
A period-style approach starts with using the correct size for the specific 1987 Subaru Justy sub-model. The DL uses 145R12 and the GL uses 165/65R13, so getting that foundation right preserves the car's intended stance and small-car proportions far better than choosing by appearance alone.
For a DL, the Michelin MX in 145R12 offers a blackwall radial presentation that suits a clean, restoration-minded look. On any Justy, the goal should be visual consistency with the car's era rather than assuming one tire style is exact for every surviving example. Owners chasing strict originality should also compare against marque references and period documentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1987 Subaru Justy restoration?
Yes. Correct tire fitment has a noticeable effect on how a restored 1987 Subaru Justy looks and sits, especially because this is a small car with modest wheel and tire dimensions. Using the proper size for the DL or GL helps preserve the compact proportions that are part of the Justy's character.
Fitment also affects the restoration process in practical ways. A mismatched tire size can change the visual balance of the wheel opening and may create avoidable clearance questions on a narrow-bodied hatchback. Before final assembly, it is worth confirming wheel diameter, installed wheel width, and whether the car still carries its intended sub-model-specific wheel setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Subaru Justy?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Subaru Justy, especially because the car already has two different factory size-and-wheel combinations across the DL and GL. Aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, or body changes can all influence whether the correct 145R12 or 165/65R13 size still works properly on the vehicle.
A modified Justy should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender, inner wheelhouse, and steering range before new tires are chosen. Even small changes can matter on a compact hatchback. Confirming the current setup on the car is more reliable than choosing tires by model year alone.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Subaru Justy on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Subaru Justy on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the wheel diameter, and make sure the valve stems and mounting surfaces are in good condition. It is also wise to check alignment, brake condition, and whether the suspension components are secure and free from obvious wear.
A short, careful road test helps confirm there is no rubbing, vibration, or pull once the tires are installed. Tire pressure should be set correctly and rechecked after the first drives, particularly on a vehicle that may have sat unused. Older compact cars often reveal wheel or suspension issues only after fresh tires are fitted.
How should tires on a collector-era 1987 Subaru Justy be maintained?
Tires on a collector-era 1987 Subaru Justy should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions rather than mileage, so tread depth alone does not tell the whole story.
Proper inflation and storage habits matter on a lightweight hatchback. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible, and move it periodically if it sits for long periods. Before longer drives, give the tires a close visual check and confirm that the wheel-and-tire setup still matches the car's sub-model.
