To SVX or Not?

Hi All,
I'm new to these forums Oh, I'm in Perth by the way!

Anyway, I've been in love with the SVX since I first saw one years ago, and have been thinking about buying one some time next year.

I'm aware of the problems with the transmission - but with good coolant and an aftermarket cooler they're not too troublesome, right? The thing is, if I bought an SVX it would be my 2nd car, so as you can imagine I won't be able to afford constant repairs etc.

I'd really love to drive an SVX - it's my dream car! However it would be my only car, my daily driver. Can I expect to be wasting all of my money keeping the SVX on the road? Does anyone have any advice? Any help/info/thoughts would be appreciated

Just to add - would conversion to a 5spd be very costly? Even so, it would eliminate the weakest point of the SVX, yeah?

[Jamsvx]

Hi and welcome

There were about 5 - 7 SVX's over your way - one was recently traded, another was sold to a HOARDER in Queensland who already had one ( ) and there is now another one for sale on the tradingpost site - that may be worth an inspection to see what condition it is.

Most SVX"s have had their transmissions attended to, especially the 1992-94 series - if not, negotiate into the price.

Brilliant cars if you get a good one and keep the maintenance up and there are a few on here that use them a daily driver.

Also, this site is an invaluable source of info and people who are willing to help out so just ask!

Cheers

James

[JDW-SVX]

Originally posted by Jamsvx
and there are a few on here that use them a daily driver.

I am one of those people - and I love every minute that I am behind the wheel of my SVX!

James is absolutely correct - it is well worth your while to find as good an example of an SVX as you can! A full service history (preferably from Subaru themselves) is highly desirable.

In addition, if there is no evidence that the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced recently, be suspicious. Be even more suspicious if there is no auxiliary cooler for the ATF fluid.

However, even if you find a completely immaculate SVX, be prepared to spend money on it, on such things as brake discs, and wheel bearings (both are known weaknesses of the SVX, in addition to the transmission).

To summarise - look around, find the best SVX that you can, set aside some money for regular maintenance and repairs........

......and ENJOY!!!

Jason.

[OZ_SVX96]

Flamebird, if you would like an immaculate red 95 model with 100ks on it and in superb mechanical order............. Check out my locker. Cheers, Mark.

Thanks for all of your great advice folks

I really do want an SVX, it looks like a brilliant car. The thought of having to spend a lot to keep it running puts me off though, as I am currently a university student, so my spare cash is a bit limited. Lucky I have a friend who is a specialist Subaru mechanic, so that should save me money if anything does go wrong!

I guess I'll keep reading up on the car, while I save up. Then I can make a decision

OZ_SVX96: I'm not really looking at buying an SVX for 9-12 months, sorry

Hey there OZ_SVX96, nice red one you have there,I'm still looking for one at the right price and condition..what price did you have in mind if yoo were seriously going to sell ???

[OZ_SVX96]

Coolhand, I will private message you shortly with the details. Cheers, Mark.

More on this topic.. does anyone have any info (Costs etc) on converting to a 5spd? As far as I know you can just take a manual gearbox from a Liberty/Impreza/Forester, right?

If done, this would totally eliminate the major problem with the SVX, wouldn't it?

Or is it just better to use a good cooler and quality coolant?

Since I'm not buying an SVX for some time, I've got the luxury of being able to wait a bit longer, so I have the money to convert to manual / do any mods straight away.

[oab_au]

Originally posted by flamebird
More on this topic.. does anyone have any info (Costs etc) on converting to a 5spd? As far as I know you can just take a manual gearbox from a Liberty/Impreza/Forester, right?

If done, this would totally eliminate the major problem with the SVX, wouldn't it?

Or is it just better to use a good cooler and quality coolant?

Since I'm not buying an SVX for some time, I've got the luxury of being able to wait a bit longer, so I have the money to convert to manual / do any mods straight away.

Gid'ay mate, don't be too paranoid about the auto gearbox. I have a 95 model with 108,000ks, and I don't expect any gear box troubles. The gear box that is fitted to our Euro model, is a bit different to the US version. Having the Varied Torque Differential, it does not have the same troubles. If it is serviced properly, oil changed, band adjusted it is as good as any other auto.

The over heating that you read about, was caused by the type of linings that were first used by the makers, Asian, in the 92/3 models. These caused small pieces to block the oil cooler. This then blocked the flow of cooling oil that is used to lube the bearings and gears. These gears then overheated and failed. This was also made worse by the very high diff ratio that was fitted to the US model, 3.545:1, our model has a lower ratio of 3.7:1. This reduces the heat that the torque converter puts into the oil.

We don't have a transfer clutch, that causes major problems in the US model, loss of AWD, breaking of the front diff and braking the clutch hub off the transfer gear. We do have the same C solenoid and transfer valve, that can stick to cause binding, this can be fixed without pulling the box, Amuse,(Peter Alex) had his replaced, cost $300?, but we can not loose the AWD.

So don't let it cloud your decision. The early models can be just as good as the later if the system cooler and strainer is cleared, and a filter fitted. Fitting a manual gear box can be done, along with the same rear diff, but these manual clutch and boxs will have trouble handling the torque.

Save your money, look for the latest model you can afford, when you get it you wont regret it, it is the great car that you imagine.

Harvey.

I am definitely paranoid about the auto If I do buy an SVX it'll be my daily driver, and being a student I don't have buckets of cash to spend on repairing my car.

So Harvey, you think a later model is the way to go? Something around 94/95? How much would one go for these days (assuming similar mileage to yours - 100,000km)?

I have looked into other, faster cars (Nissan 300ZX among others) but the SVX has a special place in my heart, so I'm pretty set on one.

Obviously I've got time to research as I'm still saving

- Ben

[svxistentialist]

I also debated buying a 300ZX before I imported the SVX. I still think the 300ZX is special and under-rated, and in my view, quite a handsome car.

Having driven the SVX for over three years now, I would not change. It is relatively sore on fuel, which is more expensive here than in Oz, but not unduly so for a large, heavy, fast car. You want pleasure, you pay for it.

It is very safe, and I am certain the ride quality beats a Nissan, and most you could name. I imagine ride quality from a Merc SL would be similar, the design philosophy is for a similar clientele. Most of the others would be also-rans, not having AWD.

Buy the best you can afford, care for it well, and the gearbox should be OK. If it breaks, you could consider 5 speed. Most who have changed seem happy, and the conversion cost is not much more than an auto tranny refurb.

The cars are generally very sturdy, and will serve you well. However, they do require good maintenance, which can be expensive. As a cash strapped student, I would have thought something more bullet proof, like a Honda Prelude 2200 SiR would give similar speed and driving enjoyment without the possibility of expensive fixing on the menu.

Hope you find a good one, SVXs are for keeping.

Joe

[JDW-SVX]

Originally posted by svxistentialist
SVXs are for keeping.

Can't argue with that!!!



Jason.

[KennEls]

Have to agree.

Reading these posts can send you paranoid, it took me about six months to get over the fact that my tranny hadn't fallen out.... yet.

If you can land something like a 95 with only one owner you've probably got a good car. I think that the normal original owners of the SVX would have been people who had had a previous Sube. At the time of their release most Suberu buyers were people who had owned one previously, wasn't until the Liberty/Imprezza's came along that new owners came into the marque.

The price also meant that it would have sold to middle income earners and not the yuppie types, not a Porche, not interested. These SVX owners would buy for the ride, comfort and highway performance and not the acceleration or cult status. So I would assume the cars would be well driven and cared for.

Take your time and what you want will pop up.

Kenn

[JDW-SVX]

Originally posted by KennEls
it took me about six months to get over the fact that my tranny hadn't fallen out.... yet.:

I know exactly what you mean - I think my "tranny paranoia phase" is almost over!!!



Jason.

With regards to fuel economy, I'm driving a VT Commodore at the moment and the figures for SVX fuel consumption seem to be similar, so that's no problem.

Obviously I'm looking for something less common, more luxurious, more exotic, faster and generally better than what I'm driving at the moment.

The guy who does a brilliant job looking after my car at the moment is a Subaru expert, so hopefully he can help me keep any SVX maintenance costs to a minimum.

Anyway, I'm pretty set on the SVX - especially after some of you reassuring me that later, well looked after models shouldn't suffer too badly from transmission problems.

I don't plan to buy for ~12 months, but at least I've got a goal now.