Greetings all!
As may be obvious, I am quite new here (I've still got that fresh newbie smell. No air freshener required!
). I have been browsing the boards here, as well as the net (including cars101.com), the last few days in my quest to learn all that I can about these cars.
I've researched enough to get a basic idea of what to look for, particularly with the transmission. The trouble I've had thus far is finding enough information to get a solid idea of what these cars are generally worth. So, here I am.
The car has close to 166k on it and came with the touring package. I haven't gotten a chance to go see the car in person yet as it's an hour away and I don't even own a car at present. So for the moment, the best I have is what the seller has told me. Of course I repeatedly received the obligatory "runs and drives great" statements. Statements that I take with a grain of salt as I've looked at
way too many cars that "ran great". He also told me about how it looks very nice, that the tires are decent (decently flat it turns out
), and that the interior is in good shape as well. Yeah, I've been told that a few times as well. For example, check out the last Suby I looked at that was in good shape with a few
"minor scrapes and dings". It did run well though...
Thankfully, the seller was able to
send me some pictures of the SVX. I do wish it was either silver or pearl....
Immediately noticeable, I'm sure, are the accessory Ford Probe GT rims with the rare TTS option (Tires Too Small). Equally noticeable is the high quality, professional tint job. I'm sure that both of these features greatly up the value, but I tend to be a purist.
I was surprised to find that the body actually isn't torn up too badly. The interior is definitely dirty, sun faded, and in need of some work (seam splits, missing covers, etc.). The wear on the passenger seat seems rather odd to me. Also, any ideas on the weird discoloration on the door speaker grille?
Everything is supposedly in working order on the car (but everything always works right over the phone), save the transmission. He told me that it was making noise in AWD, so they put in the bypass fuse.
The VIN check didn't reveal any reported wrecks other issues. The only possible item of note is that it seems to have traded hands a few times and was also auctioned at least twice in the last 7 months (gaining only 27 miles in that time).
I did notice that the fuel filter has apparently been changed. Though I also noticed that the dip stick was not seated properly (blown out by excessive case pressure, or just over looked?), and the block itself looks to be fairly grimy. It was also pointed out to me that the "STOP" sticker on the intake suggests that a k&N filter may be installed - however helpful that might be.
So I've got a car that's been mostly sitting for at least the last 7 months, in need of tires (and stock rims
), possibly has rear differential or duty solenoid issues (I'd almost bet it doesn't shift quite as smoothly as he claims), possibly in need of a timing belt job, needs that lousy tint removed, and seems to have generally been unwanted and unloved by its last couple of owners. They're initially asking $2550 for it, which I feel is too high a price based on what I've seen and looking at it purely as a car. I'm not sure how to factor in the rarity of the car.
I'll update more once I get a change to actually go see it and drive it.
In the meantime, I welcome any and all input and suggestions.
I also apologize for the long winded post.
Thanks!