Introduction and Buying Tips
 

Hey everyone, let me start off by introducing myself. My name is Dustin, and I'm a sophomore at Rutgers University in New Jersey. I'm an electrical/computer engineering and business major with an economics minor. I've always liked cars, and am just about to put the finishing touches on my first restoration, a 1969 Mustang Fastback. Next on the list is a car for my dad, a 1949 Chrysler New Yorker. If anyone wants to know more, feel free to email or IM me.

The reason I have come to this board is obviously my intrest in the SVX. My car (an 88' Buick Century) was recently totaled in an accident, which leaves me in the market for a "new" car. While looking through some classifieds I saw a SVX, and was very impressed with its lines, awd, and creature comforts. My two primary intrests right now are either an SVX or a Buick Turbo Regal (ie. Grand National). I'm looking for a car that will be fairly reliable, deliver decent performance, be comfortable for a large person (I'm 6'3''), and be affordable. A local dealer has a 92' SVX for $3900 obo. If someone could give me some things to watch for when I go to look at this car on Saturday that would be great. I still have a lot to learn about the SVX and since I have no firsthand experience I don't know what one should drive/behave/perform like. Any tips you guys could give me would be wonderful. I know about the basic issues with transmission problems, wheels bearings, and brake rotors, but is there anything else I should know about the "quirks" of these cars? Thanx in advance for all your help.

Dustin,

Welcome to the network. You have come to the right place.

First off, I am 6-4 262 lbs. I sit in my SVX for 3 hours a day. I have lower back issues and the seats in the SVX are comfortable for me. They are by no means the best seats that I have sat in but are very good. Example. In my wife's Camry I noticed that my left knee was closer to the dash than my right one. I then noticed that I was sitting sort of side ways. When I got my SVX back on the road I noticed that my knees where the same. The seats actually make me sit straight.

You got the 3 major components listed.

If there is another SVXer in the area can you meet up with Dustin and take a look at the SVX with him? That would help him out alot.

Welcome again.
Wayne

Dustin,
It's good to have you here, and, if you want to know about the SVX we have a veritible cornucopia of knowledge -- first hand -- good and bad.

If you know about the tranny and the bearings, they are the two major issues. The brake rotors aren't as big, but, on the list. What is the mileage on the car? It sounds like a reasonable price if the car is in good shape at all. Most 92's are going in the 5K range, so, even if it needed a few repairs, you'd be doing well.

As far as reliability, mine has been reliable (aside from a tranny issue that's a long long long story and people here are tired of hearing about it). It has 163K and is still going strong.

Take it out for a drive, then, come back here and give us some questions before you make your decision, and, yes, if you can find another SVXer to go with you, that would be the perfect plan.

Again, welcome. We hope to be able to add you to our number soon.

Without a doubt, the most important thing to look for in a used SVX is one that has been taken care of by its previous owner(s). Proper maintenance and normal, non-abusive driving will prevent the problems you listed.

Tranny: Fine mechanically, but insufficient cooling. Still, mine has yet to have any problems. I do have a B&H cooler to install, though.

Brake rotors: Warp pretty easily. Turning the rotors accelerates the problem.

Wheel bearings: Seem to fail often on some cars, never on others.

My personal feeling is that many SVXs, being relatively powerful cars, are abused by their owners, exacerbating any shortcomings the car may already have.

I love my SVX. It has been extremely reliable for both myself and the previous owner. There is nothing else out there like it. I hope you find one in good shape.

PS I am 6-foot and have no problem fitting in the car comfortably. The doors fit the roofline very smoothly and allow for a very large opening through which to enter / exit.

$3,900 seems dirt cheap, especially from a dealer. Are there any cosmetic issues? Also, any warranty offered? Check all the power accessories (windows, antenna, climate control etc.) If anything doesn't work, beat him down to $3200 & tune in here often for all the fixes. Ron.

Hey everyone, thanx for all the friendly and helpful replies so far. I don't know much about the car beyond what is in the ad below. I have to call the place later to find more out. The car is located in Philadelphia, so if someone wants to come ride along with me on Saturday I would be happy to buy you lunch or something. :) Thanx again for all the help so far.

:D

The Ad:
1992 SUBARU SVX, all whl drive, 3.3/V6, 4-speed, auto, all pwrs, sunroof, gorgeous, JET blk/charcoal leather, alum rims, rare, hard to find, SUBARU SPORTS CAR, runs/drives/looks 100%, $3900 or best offer

Hate to be a stick in the mud....
 

My first advice is to stick to the EE course work exclusively. Most EE's are hired to do software work anyway - very few do hardware design anymore. Also, I'm afraid you'll bail and go for the business courses, they are easier and your classmates are better looking. Go for the money-to heck with the GPA.....

You know that this car model has a history of transmission problems. Are you willing to fork over half of the price you paid for the car to fix this if it clunks?? Do you have 2-3 grand in reserve??

When I was going to school I pissed off my parents by getting a Spitfire. You could fix those with bailing wire and a swift kick.

My Subaru has been ultra-reliable, and I would hope yours would be, too. Good luck!

Re: Hate to be a stick in the mud....
 

Aha, another testament to us "quirky" SVX owners:

Former Spitfire Owners:

deadeye
Svxphile
Aredubjay :D

Quirky transportation
 

1981 Pageant Blue w/ hardtop.

Re: Introduction and Buying Tips
 

If I had the $$$ I'd buy both!!!! the grand national was one of the last great muscle cars. My best friend drives an 87GN. He's done some major research on it, including the VIN w/GM. His is one of only 32, with hybrid parts from both the GN and the GNX. If you go with the GN (Either one is a GREAT BUY), I'll give you his email so you can contact each other if you have ?'s
I'm 6'3" and fit very comfortably in both

I definitely agree!!!
 

I have a '86 Turbo Buick and LOVE IT TO DEATH!!! Unfortunately I blew it up (spun a bearing in the engine) at the track 2 weeks ago and need a new car since my other car is dead too.

I have always loved SVX's and almost bought one before I bought my Acura. Now it is time to buy again and I am looking for a 95 or 96 Lsi. How much do they generally go for? Thanks in Advance.

Welcome Dustin!
 

<The Ad: 1992 SUBARU SVX, all whl drive, 3.3/V6, 4-speed, auto, all pwrs, sunroof, gorgeous, JET blk/charcoal leather, alum rims, rare, hard to find, SUBARU SPORTS CAR, runs/drives/looks 100%, $3900 or best offer>

I take it that this dealer is NOT a Subaru dealer. They would not say it has a V6 when it has a flat-6....other than that, it sounds exactly like my 92! I would second all the advice given in the earlier posts. Take her for a spin and see what you think...then check back in with us. :) Don

Re: I definitely agree!!!
 

Ouch. Hope you get her fixed up OK ;)

Buick GN
 

Great license plate frame on one of the several Buick Grand Nationals seen at Autofest a couple of weeks ago:

"So many Mustangs, so little time".

I loved it. It would really be a neat car to own - a real sleeper, especially among the teenage Honda/Mustang set. :)

Re: I definitely agree!!!
 

Hey, new guy. Yeah you.

'95's and 6's can be had. We've had a couple on here recently. Keep looking. Once you find one (I guarantee) you won't be disappointed.

And, WELCOME !

Steve