I've just fallen in love with the SVX

#1 09-06-2003, 07:32 PM

Hey guys, this is my first post here, so I just wanted say what's up. The name's Greg - age 21 - originally from the US, but raised(and currently living) in Canada. Anyways, I just got a summer job at a used car lot a couple of months ago, and have absolutely fallen in love with an SVX that we have there. It's a '94(don't know what model), a cool red colour(not like a bright cherry red or whatever, but more, uh, i don't even know how to explain it, but it looks sharp), and it appears to be in very nice shape, and I WANT IT!! So I'm basically just here to see what others think about SVXs, problems to watch out for, etc. as I get more and more serious about buying this thing. Unless this thing turns out to be a total lemon, I'm almost positive I'll soon be joining the exclusive club, that is SVX owners. However, I really want to be careful about buying this, because I'm not too mechanically inclined, so I don't want to get ripped off by some shady used car salesman. Anyways, enough of my babbling, this seems like a good site to get info from, so I hope to learn a thing or two from some of you guys over the coming months. Thanks for hearing me out.

-Greg

NomadTW · #2 09-07-2003, 12:53 AM

best advice is find someone nearby that knows their stuff and can come with you to look at the car

CigarJohnny · #3 09-07-2003, 07:53 AM

Greg, luckily for you there aren't many problem areas on the SVX and what there is are very consistent. The two major common issues are the transmission (which is prone to overheating) and rear wheel bearings (prone to early failure). The other common problem is that many front rotors are prone to warping from over heating. This issue is easily remedied by replacing them with one of several relatively inexpensive high-performance rotors on the market.

The transmission issues can be limited if you install a good aftermarket tranny cooler and a filter. This of course will not help you if it is already bad when you purchase it. Check the fluid on the dipstick to see if it looks dark or smells burn't. While this will not mean that the tranny is definitely shot, it will tell you that it has overheated enough to scorch the fluid at one time. When you drive it listen for odd reactions from the tranny like extended pause or hard clunking between forward <--> reverse, strange shifting in the upper gears (not as easy to spot if this is your first SVX and you do not know what to expect). You might also check the center differential clutch for binding and wear. You will find the binding in tight turning if it exists. To find out if it is worn, take a test drive while it is raining or one a gravel road and see if the front tires spin before the rears catch (mine did this when I bought it).

Bearings will simply need to be dealt with when they go bad. Just make sure to inspect them before you buy the one you are lusting after to make sure you will not need to replace them right away.

A common minor issue is water in the trunk. This occurs from misaligned trunk lid or shot gaskets around the tail light (easily remedied with clear silicon caulk).

The rest is obvious and liike any other car. Since the glass is hard to find and expensive to replace, make sure you will not need to replace any when you buy it.

The engine is known to be quite bullet-proof unless it is severely mistreated.

Galvanized steel make rust a relatively rare occurance on an SVX unless it has had hard service in regions known for heavy road salting. Rust could also be an indication of previous body damage.

The electrical system has no known issues and is extremely reliable.

The interiors hold up extremely well and any problems there will be very obvious.

Nomad's tip is a great one. See if one of the local members in your area would be willing to take a look at it for you. THey would be of best help in the tranny area and noticing unusual shifting.

One last thing...not all SVX are AWD. In 94 they produced a FWD model as a less expensive option in a sales decision. This lasted for a rear or two until they disconued the FWD option and went back to producing all of them with AWD. You may want to ensure that the one you buy is AWD.

Best of luck in your hunting! Just don't buy the first one that comes along or you may regret your decision and end up hating the SVX. Members on the board he will always be happy to assist you and there is volumes of information to be found with the search button and also in the "How-To" section.

#4 09-07-2003, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by NomadTW
best advice is find someone nearby that knows their stuff and can come with you to look at the car

will do, thanks.

#5 09-07-2003, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CigarJohnny
Greg, luckily for you there aren't many problem areas on the SVX and what there is are very consistent. The two major common issues are the transmission (which is prone to overheating) and rear wheel bearings (prone to early failure). The other common problem is that many front rotors are prone to warping from over heating. This issue is easily remedied by replacing them with one of several relatively inexpensive high-performance rotors on the market.

The transmission issues can be limited if you install a good aftermarket tranny cooler and a filter. This of course will not help you if it is already bad when you purchase it. Check the fluid on the dipstick to see if it looks dark or smells burn't. While this will not mean that the tranny is definitely shot, it will tell you that it has overheated enough to scorch the fluid at one time. When you drive it listen for odd reactions from the tranny like extended pause or hard clunking between forward <--> reverse, strange shifting in the upper gears (not as easy to spot if this is your first SVX and you do not know what to expect). You might also check the center differential clutch for binding and wear. You will find the binding in tight turning if it exists. To find out if it is worn, take a test drive while it is raining or one a gravel road and see if the front tires spin before the rears catch (mine did this when I bought it).

Bearings will simply need to be dealt with when they go bad. Just make sure to inspect them before you buy the one you are lusting after to make sure you will not need to replace them right away.

A common minor issue is water in the trunk. This occurs from misaligned trunk lid or shot gaskets around the tail light (easily remedied with clear silicon caulk).

The rest is obvious and liike any other car. Since the glass is hard to find and expensive to replace, make sure you will not need to replace any when you buy it.

The engine is known to be quite bullet-proof unless it is severely mistreated.

Galvanized steel make rust a relatively rare occurance on an SVX unless it has had hard service in regions known for heavy road salting. Rust could also be an indication of previous body damage.

The electrical system has no known issues and is extremely reliable.

The interiors hold up extremely well and any problems there will be very obvious.

Nomad's tip is a great one. See if one of the local members in your area would be willing to take a look at it for you. THey would be of best help in the tranny area and noticing unusual shifting.

One last thing...not all SVX are AWD. In 94 they produced a FWD model as a less expensive option in a sales decision. This lasted for a rear or two until they disconued the FWD option and went back to producing all of them with AWD. You may want to ensure that the one you buy is AWD.

Best of luck in your hunting! Just don't buy the first one that comes along or you may regret your decision and end up hating the SVX. Members on the board he will always be happy to assist you and there is volumes of information to be found with the search button and also in the "How-To" section.

Wow! Thanks for the advice guys! I'll definitely keep my eye out for some of those problems. However, I don't think it'll be easy finding an "SVX guy" in Western Canada. Are there any like global clubs or something where I'd be able to get in contact with someone like that in my area? Also, I'm pretty sure the car is an LSi, because in the VIN, X35 shows up in the sequence. I think it might be a little on the expensive side though. Let's say it's a 94 LSi, with 111,000ish miles on it, going for about USD$8750. Too much? I do work there, so I'm sure I could get it knocked down a little bit, but still. And what should I do with the VIN to get more info. I typed it in to Carfax, and got like 3 responses(do all these matches mean it's been in an accident or two?) for a 94 LSi, should I pay the $20 to get the reports? Or can I call Subaru and use it for info? Anyways, thanks again guys, I can't wait to give it a good test drive now.

#6 09-07-2003, 12:30 PM

I would say a fair price for that car with those miles would be between 4000 and 5000 bucks.

Mike

NomadTW · #7 09-07-2003, 01:18 PM

3 carfaxes is probably
purchased by dealer
purchased by buyer from dealer
purchesed by second owner

#8 09-07-2003, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Green1995SVX
I would say a fair price for that car with those miles would be between 4000 and 5000 bucks.

Mike

You're price is for a car in PA in US$. Gekko is in Edmonton. Depending on the condition of the body, interior, etc... That car should sell for somewhere between CAN$12000-$20000. So US$8750 sounds about right.

Cheers,

Scott

ensteele · #9 09-07-2003, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gordon gekko
It's a '94(don't know what model), a cool red colour(not like a bright cherry red or whatever, but more, uh, i don't even know how to explain it, but it looks sharp ....

-Greg

Greg

That sharp red is called "Barcelona Red" It was on 93 and 94 year cars. It changed after 94 to a different red. Good luck.

#10 09-07-2003, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cuban Assassin

You're price is for a car in PA in US$. Gekko is in Edmonton. Depending on the condition of the body, interior, etc... That car should sell for somewhere between CAN$12000-$20000. So US$8750 sounds about right.

Cheers,

Scott

Ya Cuban, the list price is CAD$12,995(USD$9500). But my boss is a nice guy(he's still a salesman though, so I'll always be a little skeptical), so I know I could AT LEAST knock him down to CAD$12,000($8750) or even CAD$11,500($8400) or CAD$11,000($8000). The interior looks to be immaculate, you guys already know it's fully loaded(I think the leather seats are even heated, which is nice where I live!), I've noticed a few small paint chips(one on spoiler, maybe size of small pea - I don't know I'll have to inspect it more closely), it's a beautiful Barcelona Red(thank you Ensteele), but I've haven't driven it more than moving it onto the road or moving it to the other side of the lot when we're changing units around, so I can't comment on how this baby drives, turns, changes gears,etc. So if everything under the hood looks okay, USD$7500-8500 may not be such a huge rip-off huh? I seem to be obsessing over these cars pretty rapidly too, so even if I was slightly overcharged, I probably wouldn't be as pissed as usual. Thanks again for all the insight guys, not only on this thread, but I've got a wealth of info from all over this forum, and it's greatly appreciated.

-Greg

SubaruPartsGirl · #11 09-08-2003, 02:48 PM

I find all Subaru's to be very reliable cars. I have worked for several other car lines and it seems to me that the piddly things that break on other cars just do not break on Subaru's.

SHISVX · #12 09-08-2003, 02:57 PM

good luck with the choice Greg... once you buy it...you will never want to get rid of it. just make sure that you have some extra money laying around if you are not mechanically inclined. she will need some work eventually.

check tranny, rotors, bearings...that seems to be the popular problems...

if there is a svxer in the area, ask for their help, most of the ppl on here are willing to help out when it comes to these cars

good luck!

Kelli

ramsvx · #13 09-13-2003, 08:52 AM

b u m p

thumper_svx · #14 09-13-2003, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SubaruPartsGirl
I find all Subaru's to be very reliable cars. I have worked for several other car lines and it seems to me that the piddly things that break on other cars just do not break on Subaru's.

Nah... Subaru's just have the big things break instead (bearings, transmission...)

Just kidding... if I didn't love Subarus and the SVX in particular I wouldn't be here... and I wouldn't be thinking of buying another... my THIRD!

Thumper.

#15 09-14-2003, 01:45 PM

Buy my 92 with 79K Miles for $9500 (Canadian) located in Vancouver.
I guarantee you its a cleaner car.

It's been in storage since May 03', and I plan on putting it back on the road sometime in October when I need to park my Porsche Cabrio.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...threadid=11495