Road Tests

Still being converted to the idea of an SVX but there seems to be a general lack of information about the car when it was in production. Can anyone give me a link to any road tests, UK spec if possible so when I start to visit cars in ernest this weekend I have a good idea of what I should be seeing.

Is the likes of Autotrader the best place to start looking? They seem to be thin on the ground so lots of miles on my Elise to go see, which is not a problem but if I know what to ask first I can minimise wasted trips.

Cheers all and perhaps see you at a rally soon.

Peter

[b3lha]

http://www.geocities.com/jamsvx/articles.html

The Autocar "Better than a Jaguar XJS" review on page 4 of James' site is a road test of a UK model.

Here's a tip, check the seatbelt labels to find out the actual year of manufacture, often these cars have sat around unsold. I've seen a 91 car which is shown as first registered in 94 on the paperwork.

If it's an import, check whether it has a rear fog light fitted and whether the speedo is in mph. Bear in mind that most imports lose a few miles from the clock during shipping.

When looking at them, pay special attention to the gearbox. Check the fluid and pay attention for slippage when driving. Check the history to see whether the gearbox has been fixed.

Having had a quick look at Autotrader, here's a few comments.

A silver 94 Jap Import at Oakdale. £3995. My guess is it's an S40-II anniversary model. If so then it will have cloth seats and a grey dashboard that is not to everyone's taste. Just a guess.

A red 93 UK model at Taylors. £4995. Like all UK models, it will be high spec: leather interior, sunroof, aircon, cruise etc.

Another silver 94, £3250. For some reason they've used a brochure picture rather than showing the actual car. I wonder why.

A claret 92 Jap Import at Plennum. £4895. This looks like a version L, fully loaded with 4 Wheel Steer, leather, etc. Definitely worth a look.

A black 97 UK model £7500. One of the last ever, high spec, all the bugs fixed.

A silver 93 UK model in Croydon £2695. Looks tidy, but it's been there for a while. They may be willing to drop the price to get rid of it.

A black 96 at Neil Simpson. £5995. Can't tell much from the Photo except it has nice BBS wheels. Worth a look.

Has anybody been to see any of these?

Thanks for all the info, will get out Autoroute tonight and see which ones I can get to over the weekend.

Question, where do I look to check the transmission fluid?

Thanks

Peter

[b3lha]

Originally Posted by Black Swan

Question, where do I look to check the transmission fluid?

There is a dipstick, low down at the back of the engine compartment on the passenger side.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/b3lha/28653.jpg

Please give us your opinions on the cars that you look at.

Hi All, spent yesterday visiting 3 prospective cars south of me, 2 off autotrader, 1 off ebay. Great day as weather good so roof off the Elise and the added bonus of seeing some nice cars. In order of viewing:

Black over black 1997 reg (1996 build) at £7500. Drove very well good changes clean red fluid on origional gearbox. Good paintwork and refurbed wheels. Clearly well loved and 73k genuine miles. Due for a major service and cam belt, advised £450+.

Black over pearle white, Oct '95 reg, (1992 build), £4000 reserve. 103k miles, new gearbox at 82k, fluid clean and red. Some minor paint damage and a bumper scuff N/S/F and wheels need work. Poor A/C, needs rocker cover gaskets and rear brake pads.

Black over black genuine 1996 car £5995, trade. 113k miles with expected wear on stearing wheel but generally good inside and out EXCEPT - rear valance has been cut about to fit Max Power dustbin size rear pipes that sound bad from outside and just awfull from inside. The "nice BBS wheels" turn out to be well curbed Halfords specials with budget tyres, but from a distance they look fine. They have offered to return the tailpipes to standard and see what can be done to the valance. Also the tranny fluid looks to be standard motor oil, certainly not red, but clean and the box has been refurbished. The CD changer is also missing from the boot, though there is a single slot head unit in the dash.

Off up north to look at a balck over red and black over claret today, will add details on return. Happy to have your comments on any of the above.

Cheers

Peter

Sunday headed north:

Black over red 1993 reg, 1992 build, 71k £4995. Very un-loved, lots of little dings and broken switches, no history from 7500 to 59k and non standard wheels.

Black over Claret, 1993 reg, 1992 build, 78k, £2990. Good service history and mostly one owner, number of paintwork issues but good interior. Tranny fluid clean but not very red. Gearbox was "slow" and present owners solution was to buy a "quick shift" device from Small Cars in US which has solved the issue I was told.

Your thoughts Ladies and Gentlemen

Peter