Collectible Automobile - Great Car, Lousy Timing.

[Subix]

http://www.subarusvx.com/articles/article1.html
I enjoy reading over these articles from time to time and this stuck out at me:

"...but those silly half-windows.... And despite styling by maestro Giorgetto Giugiaro, the SVX still managed to convey that nerdy Subaru look. It's an interesting car and a worthwhile buy at a bargain price. Just don't expect its circle of admirers to be large. - Chuck Giametta"

For a nerdy Subaru , it sure does get its fair share of compliments even in 2008. I've never had a single compliment from any other car I've owned (of course none were really very stellar either ) but for only owning the SVX for close to 5 months now, I've had nearly a dozen people comment positively about the car.... most I don't know and many times in a somewhat shocking like statement, 3 asking to buy it. As far as silly windows go... everyone states how cool they are. I'm still waiting for someone to walk up to me and state that the windows are an ugly piece of ****.

One girl at a Chik-fil-a drive-thru insisted on pulling her co-workers around and pointing out the window exclaiming "I've never seen a vehicle like that! Have you? Have you?" I almost couldn't help but feel maybe a little embarrassed by her reaction but I ended up smiling and sort of chuckling after driving away, still hearing her ranting asking once again if anyone has ever seen something like that before.

I'm not sure I can agree much to the article title though.... in regards to the lousy timing. Sadly even today this car would most likely not sell very well unless the price was considerably less, which wouldn't be probable. If anything it was a turning point for Subaru which was clearly a stepping stone experience into where they are today. It is a great car... dare I say awesome.

I feel fortunate for owning an SVX with being able to purchase one in such decent condition at such an awesome price. Worth every penny and the 1,600 mile trip to obtain one. =)

"...but make no mistake that an SVX of any vintage is indeed a capable and endearing machine--even if few others are impressed with your choice. - Rick Cotta"

And much truth holds with the articles comment below:
"It may not be inexpensive, but the SVX is built to last and a fine ride. A pity it hasn't lasted longer on the market."

Even with it not being as expensive, maintenance can take it's toll. One that can prove to be well worth it, however! I love it!
(the car that is, not the maintenance... )

[NikFu S.]

Hells yeah. Some totally random guy said to me today "They don't make Subarus like they used to".

They sure don't.

No one has ever said to me this vehicle is unattractive.

If anything it just oozes confidence from every angle.

[K_Dub]

This thread is strengthening my weakened resolve toward this car. Thanks for posting it. I really do love owning an SVX.

I had yet another offer to buy it earlier this week (every couple months it seems so far) and said no without even thinking twice despite it's troubles, and at least once a week I talk to some stranger about it. Folks either have no clue what it is but want to, or passionately love it and want to tell me a story about their experience with it. I've had a lot of Subarus this age or older, and this was clearly a turning point for the company. Almost makes me curious what they've come up with since '92

Not to hijack, but that article got me thinking about my own SVX. In the article it said

More chipsets linked with a standard antilock braking system to monitor wheel speed, throttle angle, engine data, and other inputs; when needed, the clutch pack would send power from the wheels that slipped to the wheels that gripped

If anyone thinks the TPS could be related to rear differential problems let me know on the thread:

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=45940

Now back to your regularly scheduled SVX worship...

[Mensaf]

I always get looks at the tolls. I need to get ez-pass.

[kpg2713]

Lol. This is funny because I don't get any compliments or people asking about my car. Back when I had my '88 535is though it got more attention.

[Blacky]

I've had many compliments, especially from younger drivers. Several people have said they don't like the windows including my brother-in-law and the guy who did the safety inspection to get it licenced in Quebec.
The windows are one of the reasons I bought it.

[TomsSVX]

I have had mixed reactions, my ex-girlfriends never really liked how they looked but loved the way they drove. I have some people tell me they think its ugly while others think its great... All I know is I love these cars and will continue for as long as I can keep my hands on them

Tom

[Turbone]

The only complaint I've ever heard was from the guy who tinted my windows

[ensteele]

The funniest experience I had was at the gas station. I was filling up and a guy and his wife drove into the station. The guy jumped out of the car and came over to talk to me about the great car I had. He was aware of what they were and loved them. He talked to me the whole time and his wife had to fill their car with gas. She was not very happy.

[STeeL25T]

My girlfriend doesn't like mine, though shes only drove in it once since it sits parked most of the time. She told me it looked like a grandma car... No idea what shes basing that off of, I guess she just like my convertible better.

I never got to many reactions while driving mine. One guy at Subways drive though asked me what it was, thats about all I can remember. While my brother was driving it he had some guy ask him to roll the windows down so he could see how they work.

[dcarrb]

I believe it was lousy marketing, not lousy timing, that doomed the SVX. Had Subaru followed the lead of other Japanese automakers and made the SVX the flagship of an upscale brand, things might have played out differently.

dcb

[RojoRocket]

Originally Posted by dcarrb

I believe it was lousy marketing, not lousy timing, that doomed the SVX. Had Subaru followed the lead of other Japanese automakers and made the SVX the flagship of an upscale brand, things might have played out differently.

dcb

And offered it with a Manual Transmission.

Glenn

[PaulDexler]

I agree with dcb, it was a major disaster of marketing, coupled to a minor disaster of timing, that did the SVX in in the market. I fell in love with it from the first, even though it didn't have a manual gearbox.
Now that I finally have one, and am going through all the expensive maintenance problems that everyone else is, I wouldn't give it up for anything. It's also the only car I've owned in which strangers have come up to me in a parking lot and said how much they admire it.
Paul

[oldss72]

I have to agree, I just got mine back a few days ago, and I have forgotten how much I love it. I am fortunate that I have 2 cars that i love. I get alot of attention in my other car (1972 cutlass 442 w/455 425 horsepower, 4 speed muncie, bought when I was 12, and restored by me and my dad), but it is mostly from people who owned one when they were young (I am 20), and it is really odd when I get the middle aged women at stoplights who talk to me... but in the past 4 days of driving my svx, I have had 2 younger people talk to me about the SVX, so you can see where the appeal is. Everyone loves muscle car, but only certain people like the SVX. The best part for me is driving cars that you don't see everyday. Plus, my svx is so different from my cutlass, and I actually love that it is pratically silent at 80-100mph. The cutlass is SO loud (mosty due to the flowmaster 50's) but it is not a car to drive long distances in. The SVX is a joy to drive, and I am glad that there is a community that agrees with me.

[Nevin]

I don't believe I've yet read that article. Thanks for bringing it up! I'm always a fan of nostalgic SVX stuff. It's one of the cars the world forgot to appreciate, if you ask me.