Looking to buy my first SVX real soon

SVXonthebrain · #1 08-16-2007, 07:44 PM

Hi I am Terry and I am new here to this site. Have been reading the info for about 3 months. Ready to buy my first SVX and got a few I ma considering. Have a couple of questions maybe that could get cleared up. 1) Is there any advantage to the FWD models? 2) What was the determining factor for an SVX having the FWD as opposed to the AWD? 3) Are there any statistics that show that the FWD models had fewer tranny problems than the AWD models? Also what does Selenoid C in the tranny control and is it a hard and/or expensive job to replace? Any help and/or opinions appreciated. Also any known links on the site that might be helpful. I have spent quite a bit of time viewing the site, but there is so much, that I am sure I either haven't seen it yet or overlooked it. Thanks in advance

AlcyoneDaze · #2 08-16-2007, 07:50 PM

Front Wheel Drive: its what makes a Subaru, not a Subaru.

Manarius · #3 08-16-2007, 07:55 PM

Uhh, the FWD version gets a little bit better gas mileage and doesn't usually have the normal tranny problems because of the who lack of like..rear housing and what not.

Solenoid C controls power transfer between the front and rear. It's not *that hard of a job, but it requires removal of the tail part of the transmission.

I also second what AlcyoneDaze said. A FWD Subaru is no fun.

Crazy_pilot · #4 08-16-2007, 07:58 PM

AWD Subaru + big snowy parking lot = mega fun awesomeness.

FWD Subaru + snow in any way = ......My Taurus is better on gas. I'll just take that.

Wikedjuggalo · #5 08-16-2007, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manarius

Uhh, the FWD version gets a little bit better gas mileage and doesn't usually have the normal tranny problems because of the who lack of like..rear housing and what not.

Solenoid C controls power transfer between the front and rear. It's not *that hard of a job, but it requires removal of the tail part of the transmission.

I also second what AlcyoneDaze said. A FWD Subaru is no fun.

FWD is fine, but I haven't drove a AWD, either way its all fun

It's Just Eric · #6 08-16-2007, 09:02 PM

....Im guessing you have to make a call between buying an awd w/ tranny problems or a FWD...

For every reason OTHER than the tranny...the awd model is better. more luxurious,more fangy gizmos and goodies, and it wont make you look like some teenage degenrate when you need to pull out in trafic in a hurry.
The fwd is SLIGHTLY more trouble free....but if you wanted a trouble free car, you'd probly be considering something else now, woudnt you?

Manarius · #7 08-17-2007, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wikedjuggalo

FWD is fine, but I haven't drove a AWD, either way its all fun

Consider this: I went from driving a 130hp AWD Legacy to driving a ~200hp RWD Corvette. It was like going from a car with all kinds of traction to a car without any. Even on dry pavement, I have to be careful of wheelspin. In my Legacy, I knew I could floor it at a stop sign to get across an intersection and not have to worry about traction problems.

Even though my Legacy was pretty low powered (read: slow as crap), I still had a blast driving it around. It was just about to tick over to 160k on the clock when it was taken from me.

crazyhorse · #8 08-17-2007, 06:38 AM

Just my 2cents....a Subaru without AWD is like socks with sandals, it just ain't cool!
You want FWD & high hp, get a Caddy! Then learn to steer right under full throttle!
I'm kidding of course, but most of the allure of a Subie is in it's AWD.
quoted from Motor Trend, "The SVX can transport 4 people at insane velocities, through mischevious weather"

SVXonthebrain · #9 08-17-2007, 06:39 AM

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I wanted the AWD model from the start, but thought I needed to find a reason to eliminate the FWD model. I believe I did just that.... AWD rules!

Wikedjuggalo · #10 08-17-2007, 06:55 AM

Haters........

94SubieSVX · #11 08-17-2007, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wikedjuggalo

Haters........

They're just jealous that our SVXs have secret turbos that only FWD has

Wikedjuggalo · #12 08-17-2007, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94SubieSVX

They're just jealous that our SVXs have secret turbos that only FWD has

Thats right ! But now that know !

SVX92-97 · #13 08-17-2007, 09:06 AM

I have owned roughly 15 subarus to date, mostly all were AWD models, and there is no substitute. Some people think you only need AWD if you live in a snowy climate, not true. AWD plays a factor in everyday driving. Handling is much improved, and wet and dry traction is awesome. My 94 Legacy Turbo wagon is a blast to drive, combined with AWD and lots of low end torque, I have lots of fun seeing other drivers faces in my rear view mirror.

I think the only reason subaru made FWD models was for gas mileage worriers. ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE BABY!

Nomake Wan · #14 08-17-2007, 10:43 AM

I know it's not a fair comparison because the SVX has a lower center of gravity and a larger mass than the 1990 Legacy... but I drove a FWD Legacy before my AWD SVX... and there's such a huge difference.

Basically, do you like having control at the limits of traction? Or would you rather experience snap oversteer over hills?

I dunno. I've tasted AWD, I can't go back to FWD now.

TomsSVX · #15 08-17-2007, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVX92-97

I have owned roughly 15 subarus to date, mostly all were AWD models, and there is no substitute. Some people think you only need AWD if you live in a snowy climate, not true. AWD plays a factor in everyday driving. Handling is much improved, and wet and dry traction is awesome. My 94 Legacy Turbo wagon is a blast to drive, combined with AWD and lots of low end torque, I have lots of fun seeing other drivers faces in my rear view mirror.

I think the only reason subaru made FWD models was for gas mileage worriers. ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE BABY!

Subaru made FWD cars so that they could drop purchase price and put them in entry level categories... The SVX especially, they were never gonna make a FWD SVX if it didn't have such a ahrd time selling

Tom