Heres my opinion:
Reliability is not the question here. the obvious has already pointed out, bearings, trans, etc... The real deal with an SVX is the cost of the repairs and the time it takes to find and have the parts shipped. The combination of the two make it not very cost effective to own as a first car. Although I have a beater, I use mine everyday because I can not stand not to drive it... But I will say I got my first SVX in 1992. The transmission went out on it at 48,000 miles (still under warranty) and that was the ONLY problem that ever came out of that car ever! The second one I got (the present one) has been a nightmare. I would nto trade it for the world (unless the rumor of the new one is true). So take your chance but the day you buy it start a savings account for the repairs! Good luck!