New member ?
 

Well, I've been a Subaru owner before, have seen and marveled at the SVX. Just sold my 90 Prelude, because it was time, have a Pilot also, so its time to shop for a second car.

So a little input would be much appreciated.

I've done much reading on the SVX and understand the weak point, trans, bearings and rotors. Although I’ve come across a fair number of SVXs with blown motors! Is this a problem?

With these problems I've read people state that the SVX is a reliable car...is this true in the same sense as a Honda or a Toyota?

Also when rotors, bearings, trans(+ added cooler) go and replaced is the problem solved or is it ongoing??

What are the parts availability, when (if) the trans goes...where do you get a replacement? Is Subaru still supporting the car with replacement part..are all the body parts available, if I get in an accident?

Lastly, what are the common cost of repairs for a shop to perform; Trans replacement, rotor replacement, and bearing replacement?

Thanks much for any input,
Joe

another problem is the radiator but generally with upgraded brakes/pads, bearings it is a fairly reliable car as long as it is maintained and not ragged on. Subaru still has all the parts available and theres always ebay and the members on this site that can help you find just about any part you need. trans preplacement is generally 2k+ (most people feel its better to just go with a 5spd), just do rotors yourself....you can get aftermarket rotors for under $200 and pads for around $70. I had one of my rear wheel bearings replaced last year and it was $140 plus $65 for the bearing

I would say its very reliable in the 12 years we've had the car it only left me sit twice, both times caused by the alternator.

Remember the car is over 10 years old, and you will need to update the car. Once that is done, you will need to maintain it well because parts are expensive. Good luck!

If you do look at cars available, my advice is to completely stay clear of anything which shows evidence of modifications and add ons. Pay for an original specimen which has not been buggered about, with and more than likely abused.

It is my opinion that this is a major factor involving in reported problems. My car has given excellent cost affective service as daily transport for seven years, since purchased as a used vehicle.

Although I agree with this 99% of the time. I would generally trust aftermarket mods by alot of the people on this forum if done properly. I know for a fact that my car is a completely different car from when i got it (in a good way) and its not exactly stock. The previous owner of my car kept it stock but that doesnt mean he didnt neglect it:(

Did Subaru update the SVX, from the 92 through the 97 model years? Are the later model years, more reliable?
Is there a document I can read, that has the changes from year to year?

Thanks all,

Here, check this out. Lots of general info on the year and models.

There weren't any major changes. 95 (I think) and up cars are OBDII (On-Board Diagnostic type 2), while 92-94 are OBDI. Also there were some minor changes to the trans somewhere along the line to prolong it's life.

They also stopped making the optional FWD, but even with later models there is a fuse you can put in that makes it FWD. Anyways its a great car! As far as the tranny...if you don't want a 5sp you can get the original rebuilt for about 1500. My advice is to get it done before you need it. So you don't have to worry about it later. Either way when you look at one get a carfax report and post the car on here so other members can give their expertise on the car and tell if they think its a good or bad deal.

I believe just about every year had some minor modifications, much like any car on the road. Oh, and 96 was the first year of OBDII, the 95's were OBDI (though I think some late 95's actually got OBDII, though I can't confirm that). I owned a 94, a 95 and now a 96 so I speak from experience :)

Also, there were some changes to the transmission in 95 and again in 96 in order to increase reliability. Unfortunately, they didn't do much about the core cause of the problem (heat dissipation), but there are a few manufacturing differences between years.

Other than that, the majority of parts are completely interchangeable. The only differences between the two "main models" of SVX was the engine management... and therefore a different ECU.

I've found the SVX to be as reliable as any other 100,000+ mile car I've driven (which is to say, every car I've owned). In some 45,000 miles I've been left stranded only once, due to a dead battery I should have replaced earlier. The brakes are stock and have given no trouble. I've replaced one radiator and two sets of rear wheel bearings. Both transmissions shift perfectly; one is torque-binding a bit in very tight turns. As to parts availability, belts, hoses and such are readily available at any auto parts chain. I recently waited about a month for new front sway bar bushings (certainly could have secured these quicker had I shopped around or asked someone here), and I'm one week into a wait for a new front tone wheel that was supposed to be here two days ago.

My thinking on performance modifications is, the more mods present, the harder the car is likely to have been driven.

Good luck,
dcb

Every new person that comes in thinking they researched the vehicle says the same thing. Tranny rotors and bearings.
Fact is, these parts do not fail due to lack of craftsmanship, but rather human error and neglect.
If you treat the car badly it will fall apart. This is a fact. The SVX is not a glob of steel. If you treat the car well it should last indefinitely.
At 111k miles my rotors bearings and tranny are original, though I did have my tranny rebuilt after trashing it. The killing blow was when I popped it into reverse and hit the gas before it had a chance to shift. Up to that point it had low line pressure due to a leaky gasket.
I also drove around in FWD mode a lot which overworked the solenoids.

Thank you Nick, your information is particularly relevant, as it comes from one who experiences the severest of the environment.

When I first viewed this site, my immediate reaction was to wonder why I had purchased a lemon. :confused: As a result of the facilities available here the emphasis is on troubles. This presents a bad impression in respect of the SVX. In point of fact, this site demonstrates the worth of the car and how much it is valued by many owners. :)

I've only owned my car for two weeks so I certainly cannot comment on the car's problems. However, one of the major factors in buying this car over so many others I could have considered is because of Subaru's reputation for building outstanding, trustworthy and reliable cars. I have three Subies (two legacys and the SVX. The Legacys have impressed me so much that I did not hesitate to buy the SVX. But, after reading this board I too was concerned about the number of trannies that have been replaced. I am going to try to beieve they were in large part due to hard driving. So far mine seems good. I am amazed how good condition most of these cars are in despite their age. I believe that speaks to their incredibly good craftmanship. My friends at work can't believe it's a 94. One guy even asked me how my teenager reacted when I bought a 94 car and said his would not be caught dead driving around in an old car. I said my 94 was in better shape than a lot of 2003 cars I've seen. Then he saw it. Enough said...

I would say that if the teenager felt this way, they could buy a new one if they wanted to, but I would not buy it. :D :D

I love the fact that some of these kids have champagne taste but are on a beer budget. :D :D