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Need some thoughts
Haven't been here in a while, Good Evening All, With the arrival of the latest emission test due notice, I'm wondering if I should keep this car. I do like it. That's why I still have it.
1994 L FWD Blue 120k miles CONS: needs transmission and alternator slight engine miss/hesitation at various times (I can live w/it) driver windows slow and of course marked. (never been able to adjust it so it was perfect) anything else mechanical or otherwise that for this model is destined to go wrong or should be replaced now with a 120k mile car. (I don't know) needs paint on roof but I'd do the whole car. Wheels are typical of age probably leaks little oil around top of motor little rust on driver door PROS: I like the car and still think it looks good if cleaned up, heck even dirty replaced timing belt and water pump around 80k interior - acceptable good shape. What's it going to cost to fix it up? Trans - $3000? Paint - $1500? anything that should be done on a typical (how dare I) SVX? wheel bearings, suspension anything etc? $500? $5000? I don't think it's worth that but again I like it. New/Used car - minimum of $20K if that is even possible. Probably closer to $30 or above really. I'm going to charge the battery and get over to the emissions and then what? What's a guy to do?
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1994 SVX L FWD "The Blue Bullet" |
#2
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Re: Need some thoughts
If you post your VIN or last 6 numbers of it, I will add you to our owners list.
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. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19 |
#3
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Re: Need some thoughts
If you use a used transmission, you can get it installed for under $1500 for sure, probably less if you go to OT or find someone else who can lend a hand. The FWD transmissions are a piece of cake and less prone to failure. You can also get one from a fwd Legacy. You could even have OT or someone help with an AWD swap if you wanted.
As far as wheel bearings, only if they need it. If they aren't howling, I wouldn't worry about it. Same thing with suspension. Only worry about it if it is showing issues that it needs to be replaced. |
#4
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Re: Need some thoughts
Earl, thanks for the response. I believe I am in the database, think I gave the serial long ago. Can't quite locate the list here at the moment.
1986nate, OT? Have to look a little later. Gotta go cut the grass and numerous other things right now. stopped at a shop on way home the other day...Guy called Subaru dealer while I was there...$3000 his trans cost, he'd of course add labor. Actually I was surprised. I thought that cheap from a dealer.
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1994 SVX L FWD "The Blue Bullet" |
#5
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Re: Need some thoughts
I would talk to OT. Upgrade to AWD with a 4.44 Plus he's not too far away. Probably just over 2 hours for you.
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Rebecca 92 Claret SVX LS-L (180k) 09/91 #5,732 06 Suzuki Boulevard M50 7k 68 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (70k) Storage/hibernation for now. Past SVXs: 94 SVX Emerald Pearl FWD (Sold) 96 SVX Bourdeaux LSi (Sold) 92 Pearl SVX LSL "Stay Puft" 5MT (140k) #148 (RIP) 95 Brilliant Red SVX LS (162k) 12/94 #564 "Killer Tomato" (RIP) |
#6
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Re: Need some thoughts
I believe OT is Old Tom...I have never met or seen him only read about him...and from what I read he is like an SVX profit it seems
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Jared 1992 dark teal SVX LS |
#7
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Re: Need some thoughts
Drove it over to the emissions place, just a few miles, kept it in third most of the time. Passed emissions. OT must be the guy in WV. I've had trans quote from about $2700 - $3500. So I am still thinking of getting the trans fixed even though in my mind, that's a good chunk of cash compared to the actuall worth of the car. Another question, car is stock but most of the alternators I see are 95 amp I think. I think the original was 110? Anybody see any problems with the 95 amp alternator on an SVX? I hve no added electronics other than a multi disk cd in the trunk.
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1994 SVX L FWD "The Blue Bullet" |
#8
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Re: Need some thoughts
I believe OT is Old Tom...I have never met or seen him only read about him...and from what I read he is like an SVX profit it seems
Correct...........Tom is our profitless PROPHET. Ron (Ya' buyem' books, ya' send 'em to school...........)
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Good s**t happened. 69 was worth the wait. '92 stock semi-pristine ebony - 160K '96 Grand Caravan - 240K '01 Miata SE - 79K '07 Chrysler Pacifica - 60k - future money pit. |
#9
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Re: Need some thoughts
If it's useful to you ...
I have a 92 Ebony AWD. Over the past 12 years I have fixed all the things that needed fixing (total costs over that period between $11,000 and $12,000) and now the car runs essentially as it did when I bought it with 40,000 kilometres (approx. 25,000 miles) on the clock. All it needs now (and not badly) is painting of the hood and rear trunk deck. Interior is very clean, new-ish transmission, over the years have replaced alternator, water pump, radiator, timing belt, shock absorbers, rear wheel bearings. The engine sounds and looks almost new. I get as much or more pleasure from driving this car daily as I would from a late-model Bimmer or Audi or whatever, plus it is a more interesting car. I consider the money I've spent, plus my original purchase price (total about $27,000) to have given me a car that would cost a fair bit more to replace where I to seek some newer and more common car. Some people here on this forum would I think suggest that once you get the common and well-known problems sorted, and replace whatever needs replacing (it's now almost 20 years old), you'll end up with a reliable car that will continue to give you driving pleasure. I also think it makes a clear difference if it is a car from the East or a car from the West Coast. I live on the West Coast, the car was originally bought new out here, and there is nary a spot of rust on her anywhere. I say .. go for it ;-) |
#10
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Re: Need some thoughts
Obewon, The kicker is "common". I think this is what makes this car "cool" aside from the good looks, it is uncommon.
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1994 SVX L FWD "The Blue Bullet" |
#11
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Re: Need some thoughts
Quote:
A wonderful uncommon car. It's early sunny Sunday morning, the birds are chirping and I've just washed and waxed my uncommon car, cleaned the inside nicely and I expect to have a wonderful sunny drive early this afternoon with the sunroof open and some good tunes on the stereo. Uncommon moments in an uncommon car ... yup. |
#12
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Re: Need some thoughts
I still get people walk across the parking lot to take a look at it. and still get people ask me what kind of a car is it , what's with the windows , is that a custom , did you build it or was it a kit? when I tell them it is a 1992 car they say no it isn't .
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#13
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Re: Need some thoughts
Quote:
You should be fine with a replacement stock unit. Just clean up all of your battery/power and ground connections, tighten them securely and you're good to go. The best place to get a high quality replacement is MANIAC ELECTRIC MOTORS $89.00 after core return, free ground shipping (use code 4747 when you order) pre-paid shipping label for returning your old core AND a 2 year hassle-free warranty. You can't do better than this. BTW, the best place to get tires for your car is Radial Tire (Brookville Road) in Silver Spring. That's the only place I go (See Sam, Adam or Paul) .
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. Subaru Ambassador 1996 Polo Green LSi #216..138,100 miles...SOLD JFICX8659TH100216.....Date of Manufacture: November 16, 1995..... Fuji Heavy Industries..Ōta North Plant....Ōta City,. Gunma Prefecture, Japan In-Service Date: January 2, 1997 "The Pristine Green Polo Machine” First Polo Green on the Network First Clear front turn signals, JDM Alcyone hood emblem, rear panel, and BOXER engine cover on the Network (US) (2000) First 5000K HID factory fog lights (2007) First SVX JDM BBS wheels on a USDM SVX (2013) HID lighting (5000K) for headlight and H3 fog lights, PIAA SuperExtreme 120W high beams, rebuilt EG33 longblock, Cometic head gaskets, Phase II flexplate, AMR aluminum radiator with custom silicone hoses, 160A high-output alternator in aluminum-ceramic coated case, new design alternator wiring upgrade v.4, rare factory headlight protectors, refinished JDM BBS mesh aluminum wheels and custom, polished billet aluminum new hex center caps, LED grille mod, R1 Concepts high-carbon cryo slotted rotors, Akebono ceramic pads, Goodridge S/S braided brake lines, Smallcar Stage 1 shift kit, ThermalTech aluminum/ceramic-coated valve covers, Energy Suspension urethane front & rear swaybar bushings, Bontrager22 rear swaybar with QS Components Chromoly Teflon/Kevlar endlinks, "$15.00/5 minute" suspension mod. Hella Supertone horns, Custom stainless steel exhaust system with 2" headpipes, Magnaflow cats, AeroTurbine AR25 resonator /AWD "Bullet" muffler. R.I.P. 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 CVT...338,000 miles. Totaled by a 1,300 lb. COW March 4, 2016 2014 Hyundai Avante Limited ...178,000 miles. Actually quieter and smoother than the Outback 2007 Mazda Miata MX-5 PRHT...102,000 miles. Plenty of parts, service and windshields. 4th Registered Network member —2/21/2001 My NEW locker..I...My Email..I..Wikipedia/SVX . . Last edited by svxcess; 05-29-2011 at 09:14 PM. |
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