Time to Let My SVX Go?

#1 06-07-2005, 10:21 PM

I could really use some advice. I'm the original owner of a 1994 SVX LS with 116,000 miles. I've taken great care of the car and absolutely love it, but it is now in need of some costly repairs. Air conditioner compressor, condensor and evaporator, lots of leaking seals, oil pump and power steering pump. The estimate from the dealer is in the neighborhood of $5,000. I'm not sure if I can trust the dealership, but I haven't had any luck finding a mechanic who knows anything about SVXs. If anyone knows of a good mechanic in the metropolitian Washington DC/Maryland area where I could go for a second opinion, I would appreciate hearing from you.

I actually started shopping for a new car a few weeks ago, but there isn't anything I like as much as my SVX. Any thoughts on whether I should spend the money for the repairs?

n00b on demand · #2 06-07-2005, 10:22 PM

Try sending a PM to svxfiles.

Ron Mummert · #3 06-07-2005, 11:04 PM

Who's the dealer- Herb Gorden? OK, but $$$$$$$. There's a local "networK" of VA/DC/Balto. SVXers who are always willing to offer help & free advice. The costliest & "iffyist" item on your list is the A/C repair. I'd check out an A/C specialty shop before I'd turn to a dealer. Get estimates. The seals & power steering pump should be doable by many of our "back-yard" specialists. As an original owner, you must appreciate the value of you car. Don't give up. There's plenty of help always available from the SVX die-hards on this great site . Good luck.

Ron.

ensteele · #4 06-07-2005, 11:27 PM

I agree with Ron. I would not give up with that estimate from the dealer. Didn't you see the masks over their faces and six guns drawn? Sure sigh of friendly help!

There are many people that may be able to help you with the advice that you need. We are here to help and we love our SVXes!

Good luck with the project, and I would urge you to not give up - at least not yet.

UberRoo · #5 06-08-2005, 02:50 AM

Many of the items you listed that 'need' to be replaced frequently last the life of the vehicle. I'm not saying it isn't possible that they are all due for replacement, but it seems a bit unlikely, even taking into account that you've probably been living with some of these things for quite some time. Aside from the dealer telling you these parts need to be replaced or repaired, why do you think their time is up? Is there any outward indication that they are actually failing?

To replace all the seals on the engine and do all the other mentioned repairs, I would say $5k is about right. ...for a dealer. I just have a hard time believing that everything needs to be worked over. A leaking valve cover can make quite a mess, but it's a fairly easy fix. A leaking rear main seal is a royal pain to fix, but often makes very little mess. Sometimes neither of those problems are worth fixing.

If the power steering seems to work, leave it alone. If the air conditioning seems to work, leave it alone. If the oil light doesn't come on, leave it alone. If animals aren't drowning in a puddle of oil in your parking spot, leave it alone. Get where I'm going? People often take their cars into places for a "free inspection" only to leave thinking they have problems they really don't. Worse yet, sometimes they leave actually having problem they previously didn't. Most commonly however, "problems" are unnecessarily repaired in the name of preventative maintenance, only to create new problems from shoddy workmanship or simply from aggravating a minor problem and creating a much larger one.

The phrase, "It could be a problem down the road" really seems to bring customers the door. Everything could cause problems down the road, but most things do not. I really think using that phrase is just playing dirty. I can smell a dirty mechanic and they can smell an informed customer, and for that reason I've never had that phrase used on me. I have heard it used countless times on little old ladies and all the other stereotype people who know little about cars. ...and, even though I've never been delivered that phrase, they still try to play that game by implying that something may fail, or that I'd be better off doing something 'just in case.' Preying on fear of things we know little about is very effective.

Basically, if it seems to be working and not causing any problems, leave it alone. $5k seem a little steep, but without a detailed list that doesn't mean much. Shop around. Only repair what actually needs it.

n00b on demand · #6 06-08-2005, 07:50 AM

How bad is your oil leaking?Have you been keeping an eye on it? My valve cover gaskets are going to need to be replaced also but my oil only leaks a qt every 2 and a half months so i just refill as needed. The mechanics i took it to for an inspection made it seem like i was going to die if i kept driving like that but i know better.

TomsSVX · #7 06-08-2005, 08:04 AM

As mentioned earlier, the costliest part to replace will be the a/c compresssor. That may not even need replacing, it could just need a charge. You can also find them on ebay for pretty cheap. Many of us on the board can give you writups or advice over the phone that could even help you do the work yourself. I myself am in the middle of my second engine swap into my svx and I couldn't be a more dedicated owner. Keep the car if you can and enjoy it, and it will treat you well.

Tom

dcarrb · #8 06-08-2005, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svx1994

If anyone knows of a good mechanic in the metropolitian Washington DC/Maryland area where I could go for a second opinion, I would appreciate hearing from you.

ANY good mechanic can work on your car. If they say they can't, they aren't competent and you don't want to do business with them, anyway. My mechanic rarely services Subies and had never seen an SVX before mine, and I'm thoroughly satisfied with his work and prices. And add my voice to that of those who wonder if your car truly needs all that work.

dcb

rvnmaniac · #9 06-08-2005, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svx1994

I could really use some advice. I'm the original owner of a 1994 SVX LS with 116,000 miles. I've taken great care of the car and absolutely love it, but it is now in need of some costly repairs. Air conditioner compressor, condensor and evaporator, lots of leaking seals, oil pump and power steering pump. The estimate from the dealer is in the neighborhood of $5,000. I'm not sure if I can trust the dealership, but I haven't had any luck finding a mechanic who knows anything about SVXs. If anyone knows of a good mechanic in the metropolitian Washington DC/Maryland area where I could go for a second opinion, I would appreciate hearing from you.

I actually started shopping for a new car a few weeks ago, but there isn't anything I like as much as my SVX. Any thoughts on whether I should spend the money for the repairs?

If your willing to take a drive to NJ you can save your self some big bucks. It was and hour and a half worthwhile drive for me. I live in Baltimore Md and drove to NJ and had Mike (SVXPERT) and his friend work on my SVX I had the following work done:
= 60K maintenance - (replaced PVC valve, air, oil, and fuel filters, replaced spark plugs, all lubricants, coolants, and brake fluids, replaced timing belt). Replaced the crank case seals and o-rings. Installed new water pump, re-sealed the oil pump, new accessory belts, and replaced the power steering pump o-ring. Sealed the rear lights with silicone for water leaks in the trunk. Replaced the control switch for the outside mirrors, I provided the switch. Installed new brake pads front and rear, I provided the pads, everything else they provided the parts. GREAT DEAL! Mike (SVXPERT) $595.00. PM him. You can ask him about the A/C........He does the 60/120K maintenance including timing belt for just $400. My dealer wanted $500 for the 60K NOT including the timing belt...........His E-mail is subarueast@yahoo.com

rvnmaniac · #10 06-08-2005, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svx1994

I could really use some advice. I'm the original owner of a 1994 SVX LS with 116,000 miles. I've taken great care of the car and absolutely love it, but it is now in need of some costly repairs. Air conditioner compressor, condensor and evaporator, lots of leaking seals, oil pump and power steering pump. The estimate from the dealer is in the neighborhood of $5,000. I'm not sure if I can trust the dealership, but I haven't had any luck finding a mechanic who knows anything about SVXs. If anyone knows of a good mechanic in the metropolitian Washington DC/Maryland area where I could go for a second opinion, I would appreciate hearing from you.

I actually started shopping for a new car a few weeks ago, but there isn't anything I like as much as my SVX. Any thoughts on whether I should spend the money for the repairs?

If your willing to take a drive to NJ you can save your self some big bucks. It was and hour and a half worthwhile drive for me. I live in Baltimore Md and drove to NJ and had Mike (SVXER) and his friend work on my SVX I had the following work done:
= 60K maintenance - (replaced PVC valve, air, oil, and fuel filters, replaced spark plugs, all lubricants, coolants, and brake fluids, replaced timing belt). Replaced the crank case seals and o-rings. Installed new water pump, re-sealed the oil pump, new accessory belts, and replaced the power steering pump o-ring. Sealed the rear lights with silicone for water leaks in the trunk. Replaced the control switch for the outside mirrors, I provided the switch. Installed new brake pads front and rear, I provided the pads, everything else they provided the parts. GREAT DEAL! Mike (SVXER) $595.00. PM him. You can ask him about the A/C........He does the 60/120K maintenance including timing belt for just $400. My dealer wanted $500 for the 60K NOT including the timing belt...........

SVXRide · #11 06-08-2005, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svx1994

I could really use some advice. I'm the original owner of a 1994 SVX LS with 116,000 miles. I've taken great care of the car and absolutely love it, but it is now in need of some costly repairs. Air conditioner compressor, condensor and evaporator, lots of leaking seals, oil pump and power steering pump. The estimate from the dealer is in the neighborhood of $5,000. I'm not sure if I can trust the dealership, but I haven't had any luck finding a mechanic who knows anything about SVXs. If anyone knows of a good mechanic in the metropolitian Washington DC/Maryland area where I could go for a second opinion, I would appreciate hearing from you.

I actually started shopping for a new car a few weeks ago, but there isn't anything I like as much as my SVX. Any thoughts on whether I should spend the money for the repairs?

Drop me a PM if you decide to buy something new...I grew up in Silver Spring and then "migrated" down to Calvert County after I got married...
-Bill

#12 06-12-2005, 05:14 PM

Thanks for the insights everyone.

I got my quote from Herb Gordon who has been doing my routine maintenance for 5 years now.

The rear main seal has already been replaced, and other leaks are not too serious. Minor spots on the garage floor butI don't even have to top the oil off between oil changes.

My A/C is definitely dead. Tried a re-charge and within 24 hours it was no longer working. If it wasn't so hot here in DC/Maryland, I would just let it go. But I don't want to be showing up at work in July and August in need of a shower. So I would really like to get that fixed. Unfortunately, I am not skilled enough to do the work myself, even with help from folks in this forum.

Anyone in the DC/Baltimore/VA area who is willing to take on this work or can recommend someone?