Should I buy it or shouldn't I?

[louis]

Maroon Subaru SVX LSL '92 awd with 140k miles. Rotors and transmission replaced after 10k miles. Power steering fluid leak between the rack and column (shaft?) of the power steering system. It'll also need a new set of tires for the winter.

looks great. drives like a charm. want to buy it as my first car. 2500. What do you guys think?

I appreciate your input because I'd like to buy it by the end of the week.

Louis

[ensteele]

If you buy it, you just need to know that they do require maintenance and cost some to keep up. Good luck.

[JaySVX]

It's a fun car, turns heads, and is functional for year-round driving. Just be sure you know what your getting into before doing so, as small problems can cost big money to fix, where-as on another car, the same problem can be half, or even a quarter as much the cost as it is on the SVX. Eventually you'll get the bug, plan out the next $10,000 you plan to invest in your car, and accept it as your very own money pit that will never be the best handler, or the best with speed, or the best in comfort, but will be damned close to the top of all three categories.

[It's Just Eric]

the svx is a great car...but not such a great first car, unless you are good at sourcing your own parts, and have a tool set and arent afraid to dive into the mechanic work yourself. otherwise, repairs and matinece could get expensive.

Other than that though, its not bad. They are safe, fun, great for long trips, and go just fast enough to smile. They have an intesting history, and are certinly destinguished from the usual crowd.A very well balenced car...probably the best you can get for the money

As for that particular exact car...the power steering leak is gonna be a pita to fix, but it's probably jsut a bad seal or o-ring...If the body checks out, the engine runs smooth, and the tranny shifts great, you are probably on to a decent deal. Read the how-to documents for a list of things to look for when svx shopping, common problems, fixes, ect., and welcome to the boards

[louis]

I'm a sucker for internet communities, and you guys seem to have built a very nice one. For a car of which there's only 14,000 ever introduced to the United States, what I see is an extremely dedicated community that would most likely come to my aid if I were to purchase the car.

First of all, do you guys think this is a good price? I haven't done a CarFax and I posted it in the VinCheck forum, I might spring for an account though. If so, I'll probably get the unlimited and take requests for the next month.

I'm not sure what I mean by "a pita" to fix. Easy or hard? I'm interested in getting my own tools to work on it myself, as I'm pretty handy, although I live on my own and don't have a garage. What's a decent toolset run do work on cars like these? Let me guess -- over $2500?

But anyway...I'm still thinking of buying it, but I'd like your guys' advice. I think if I sink a little money into this car it's probably worth a lot more than what I'll end up paying, which was, as I said, $2500.

So, what do you guys think? Y/n? I'll take the SVX fetish perpsective, and the real life perspective as well.

Louis

[Manarius]

Compared to my old car (a 1991 Legacy), the SVX is a bit harder to work on only because of there being less room in the engine bay to do maintenance. If you're familiar with Subaru's on any level, you'll know that they're pretty easy to work on anyways. Most things can be done with a set of rachets and a little bit of knowledge about what you're doing.

Yes, the parts for them can be rather expensive (noticeably more expensive than Legacy parts), but replacement of them usually isn't too tricky (although, I still don't know how in the world I'm going to do spark plugs).

I just bought an SVX as my first own car (one that I own that is to say), and it has about 30k more miles than that one and is a 1995. It has the typical leaks of an older car, but I find that most Subarus leak where this one does anyways, so I'm not too worried about it. The engine is extremely reliable as it is based on the legendary EJ22 motor that came in the Legacy from 1990-1996 (after that, the engine changed a little).

Just beware that the car takes premium gas and will be more costly to insure than the average vehicle - especially if you're under 25 like I am. I would recommend getting comprehensive glass coverage because replacing glass on these things can be extremely expensive.

[bcpianoman]

Originally Posted by Manarius

(although, I still don't know how in the world I'm going to do spark plugs).

This "How To" was a big help to me.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/user.php?How-To|14266

[SVX_MY_BABY]

I love my SVX and have had it for 14 years, but I'd be cautions about getting one as a first car. A typical dealer service usually runs $300 plus, After market parts are rare, waiting for parts from Subaru is not uncommon and knowledgeable service people who know how to work on them are hard to find, even at Subaru dealerships. It's not the kind of car you want roll in to the local Walmart service bay. In short, if you have a problem expect to be out of a drive for a while and pay a premium to get it back on the road.

[dcarrb]

I don't believe an SVX is a good choice for a first car, unless you are a very responsible driver and have the means to keep the car in top condition. And please be aware that it's a long-legged touring car, not a red-light racer. If you're looking for tire-smoking launches, there are minivans that will blow you into the weeds.

I love mine, drive each several times per week and have never been left stranded; the first measure of reliability in my book. But my wish list for getting them into top shape seems to stay just in stride with my budget, and that situation's only going to worsen with age. In fact, I bought the second primarily to have backup transport (or an emergency parts source) when one goes down.

dcb

[Nomake Wan]

I bought one with less miles than yours, but that had quite frankly been beaten on. The brake rotors and transmission had been replaced properly, and the mechanic I bought the car from replaced the wheel bearings and fixed the exhaust for me as well. I then had to go ahead and fix a bunch of other random things wrong with the car, barely managing on my income.

Since fixing the first things wrong with the car it has been reliable. I'm always wary of something else going wrong, and I know there are still plenty of parts that do need replacing sometime. To be honest, I don't really have the budget to handle this car, and am cruising on the hopes that it'll be reliable until I do.

Like Manarius, the SVX was the first car I've ever owned myself, with my last car being a hand-me-down paid for by my parents (coincidentally a 1990 Legacy). I'm trying to take as good care of it as I can.

But realize that the costs will add up quickly if there is something you've overlooked. This community is wonderful because they know just about anything there is to know about the car, and because you can usually find replacement parts you need cheaper than a dealer. As you said, it's a wonderful online community.

But it's a rare car with some common problems. The one you'll be buying is also high-mileage. If you're prepared to make some sacrifices and watch as your budget dwindles... I'd say go ahead. If you know what to expect and are up to the task, go for it.

If not... there are plenty of Hondas that would make great daily drivers?

[louis]

Thank you for all your help, guys. You've been wonderful. I've decided to purchase it, so it should be mine by saturday.

Once again, I'm truly thankful that you guys were so prompt and helpful with your responses. I look forward to being a more active member of your community.

I'll get some plates on it, fix the leak, get a new set of tires (what do you guys recommend for snowy NY winters?) and we'll be golden.

Louis

[SVXBart]

welcome!
you will love it!!!

[louis]

So, what winter/snow tires do you guys recommend? Also, is anyone in possession of a CarFa x account to check the vin right now? I'll probably buy it without because this guy's been so forthcoming...

but I'd still like to check if I can do so without paying.

Once again, you guys are awesome. Thanks!
Louis

[dcarrb]

Check the CarFax Requests forum. And a search will probably give you a range of opinions on snow tires. Good luck with the car.

dcb

[SVXyGirl]

This is probably the most active forum I've ever been on. Heaven forbid you to not check in every day...otherwise you miss a lot.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your Claret.