The Subaru SVX World Network   SVX Network Forums
Live Chat!
SVX or Subaru Links
Old Lockers
Photo Post
How-To Documents
Message Archive
SVX Shop Search
IRC users:

Go Back   The Subaru SVX World Network > SVX Main Forums > Not Exactly SVX

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-28-2008, 02:05 PM
USSEnterprise USSEnterprise is offline
I am a HAL 9000 Computer...
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Jackson, NJ
Posts: 31
Send a message via AIM to USSEnterprise
I think I'm Screwed!

I'm getting to a point where I almost want to cry, because I am realizing quickly how screwed I am

I sold my old car, a Volvo 850, a month ago. I got $900 for it.
I took that money, and $1100 that I had, and bought the SVX a couple days ago.
As I am driving the SVX home from the person I bought it AS IS from, we notice tranny problems.
The AC is also not blowing cold. We thought this was because of a leaky acumulator, but is actually due to faulty climate control electronics, as the freon is at normal pressure.
And, not that it really matters, the driver side seatbelt is broken, the front door speakers are missing, sometimes the key cylinder sticks, and it needs a starter solenoid.

Early today, after driving for a bit, I see smoke coming from the engine bay.

Five minutes ago, I try to start the car, and it stalls within 5 seconds. Repeated a few times to the same result

I was going to use this car to get to/from college, which starts on the 3rd. I can't rely on the fact that my parents cars will always be there for me to use. I have no more money, and with moth the engine and transmission problems, I couldn't hope to get more than a few hundred bucks for the SVX.

I love the car, but I really can't deal with all this. And if I sell the car, I'm still screwed.

Sorry, just needed to vent a bit.
__________________
I can do no wrong, for I do not know what it is.
-The Mysterious Stranger

Joe Giliberti
1992 SVX LS
Formerly 1995 Volvo 854t
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-28-2008, 02:36 PM
SilverSpear's Avatar
SilverSpear SilverSpear is offline
Still 1.7K to go...
Subaru Silver Contributor
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Lebanon, Middle East
Posts: 7,563
Send a message via AIM to SilverSpear Send a message via MSN to SilverSpear Send a message via Skype™ to SilverSpear
Registered SVX
Re: I think I'm Screwed!

Start with what's important... check the oil level of the engine first.
See if the engine is leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold (smoke)
Check if any of the spark plugs is loose or if the engine filter is clogged... check for something loose between the filter and the intake manifold (clip, pipe, etc....)

Sorry for all your troubles Joe, the interior/AC problems are virtually not that important, you would only be stuck with tranny issues (good status for a future manual swap)
__________________
Danny

1994 Silver SVX in hybernation, awaiting for the monsterous awakening (Lebanon)
1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Euro Specs, Hard/Softtop, White/Red. Under Complete Restoration
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL350 Euro Specs, White/Red. Mint... Another step into SL Collection.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-28-2008, 03:24 PM
boipeba boipeba is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Rutland, VT, USA
Posts: 33
Re: I think I'm Screwed!

Joe,

Your going to college and you bought a car "as is"? SVX's are sweet cars, but the simple fact that you didn't do your "HOMEWORK" on the condition of the car is your fault. Take advantage of your parents offer, and save some money and fix the car. If you can get 1! year of "thanks mom or dad" do it. These cars are not cheap, but scarce. Also keep in touch with this web site as there is alot of knowledge here to help you out. Just reading other posts, I've learned alot. Look before you leap. Tough Love.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-28-2008, 03:38 PM
BeneathNorthernSkys's Avatar
BeneathNorthernSkys BeneathNorthernSkys is offline
Work, Sleep, SVX, Repeat
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kennewick, WA
Posts: 172
Re: I think I'm Screwed!

As has been said, not cheap vehicles. However you can find ways around a lot of issues. Not short cuts, but ways of fixing things without going nuts on expense. I'm not much of a mechanic, however since being on the site, I've started working on my own(and I'm a current college student as well) with great success from the awesome knowledge that's on here. You won't be able to go buy as much beer as your fellow peers, but hey, you'll have that sexy car to make up for all the foggy blurred nights you won't have.

It's not really an ideal vehicle for college, but you can make it work. Get out that wrench and screwdriver =)
__________________
Jordan
1992 SVX LS-L 126,xxx Sold
1990 Non-Turbo 300zx 127,xxx
1991 Non-Turbo MR2 214,xxx, replaced engine at 190,xxx

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-28-2008, 03:55 PM
lhopp77's Avatar
lhopp77 lhopp77 is offline
Old Timer (age that is)
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico
Posts: 3,514
Send a message via Yahoo to lhopp77
Registered SVX
Re: I think I'm Screwed!

Quote:
Originally Posted by USSEnterprise View Post
.
As I am driving the SVX home from the person I bought it AS IS from, we notice tranny problems.
Sorry, just needed to vent a bit.
It would be interesting to know if you bought this from an individual or someone that deals in them even if not a true dealer. That person had to know the defects and apparently did not divulge any of them.

If the person sells these you might publish who they are to keep anyone else from here getting screwed.

Lee
__________________
SVXx2
92 SVX LS-L Silver
92 SVX LS-L Burgundy (structurally challenged with 2792 miles)
96 SVX LSi Red
92 SVX LS Pearl (Parts)
01 F150 4X4 Red
(+6 with other members of the family)

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-28-2008, 04:35 PM
USSEnterprise USSEnterprise is offline
I am a HAL 9000 Computer...
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Jackson, NJ
Posts: 31
Send a message via AIM to USSEnterprise
Re: I think I'm Screwed!

I don't know if he makes a routine of this, but the car was purchased from someone a dealer in Vineland, NJ about seven years ago by the previous owner.

I had no choice but to buy a car AS IS. For what I would be able to afford, all I was able to find were AS IS cars.
__________________
I can do no wrong, for I do not know what it is.
-The Mysterious Stranger

Joe Giliberti
1992 SVX LS
Formerly 1995 Volvo 854t
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-28-2008, 04:37 PM
Wikedjuggalo's Avatar
Wikedjuggalo Wikedjuggalo is offline
Rebuilding
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Salem, Oregon
Posts: 2,419
Registered SVX
Re: I think I'm Screwed!

Let me ask you this. Did you ask if there were any known problems with the car before you bought it. If the answer is yes and they lied you might be able to pursue something against them. Don't just give up getting a lemon is not fun. Had that with a acura once.
__________________
1994 SVX L - FWD Barcelona Red 190K miles ~ SOLD

1994 SVX LS - 5spd AWD Emerald Green 202k miles PWR Radiator, HID 5000k, New paint job with issues, 17" STI BBS wheels, converted to 5spd AWD from FWD. Purchased from SVXyGirl 2/20/09 -- Undergoing complete rebuild
1993 Justy 4wd 5door- Teal of sorts , beater.
2008 OBXT Newport Pearl 65k miles
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 08-28-2008, 04:37 PM
Mike621's Avatar
Mike621 Mike621 is offline
15th time is a charm?
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: PNW
Posts: 4,065
Registered SVX
Re: I think I'm Screwed!

We will have a look at it on Saturday.
__________________
1991 SVX L JDM
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 08-29-2008, 05:56 AM
dcarrb dcarrb is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: none
Posts: 3,430
Re: I think I'm Screwed!

Quote:
Originally Posted by USSEnterprise View Post
As I am driving the SVX home from the person I bought it AS IS from, we notice tranny problems.
Most economical remedy would probably be a junkyard transmission from some other model Subaru. Search here to see what will bolt-up. You'll also need to change the rear gear. I'd seek a diagnosis from a qualified mechanic before doing anything.

Quote:
The AC is also not blowing cold. We thought this was because of a leaky acumulator, but is actually due to faulty climate control electronics, as the freon is at normal pressure.
I'd start by getting a used climate control module off eBay.

Quote:
Early today, after driving for a bit, I see smoke coming from the engine bay.
Most likely an engine oil, transmission or power steering fluid leak getting onto the exhaust. If you're lucky it could be something as simple as a loose clamp or fitting.

Quote:
Five minutes ago, I try to start the car, and it stalls within 5 seconds. Repeated a few times to the same result
See how to check engine codes in the how-to documents.

Quote:
I have no more money, and with moth the engine and transmission problems, I couldn't hope to get more than a few hundred bucks for the SVX.
Your best bet will probably be to hunker down with the SVX and do what you have to do to make it road-worthy. If you scrap the SVX and buy some unknown something for one or two grand you're liable to be right back in the same situation. Buying any old used car is a crap shoot, especially when you just plunk down your dough and head for the horizon. No matter what you drive, it's gonna take money to acquire and keep on the road.

dcb
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 08-29-2008, 11:22 AM
Blacky Blacky is offline
51 Club
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: LSM, Quebec
Posts: 2,534
Registered SVX
Re: I think I'm Screwed!

I just had a similar experience but with a happier ending. I bought a '92 SVX as is on Ebay. I got it really cheap. The owner had stated there were a few issues. Leaking power steering fluid. slight coolant leak and a small amount of damage from a fender bender.
When I started to drive it home, the rad blew after 60 miles. I got it home and found the steering had leaked more than a quart in 300 miles, it was leaking gas and the rear seal of the newly rebuilt transmission was leaking a lot. I contacted the owner and he refunded almost half my money and agreed to let me get the tranmission fixed under warranty before we changed over the ownership. He had not driven the car in 5-6 months and was unaware of the additional problems.

There are still some honest, upstanding people out there.

The gas leak was just a hose and so was the power steering leak. With the money I saved on repairs I'll be able to get the collision damage repaired.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:09 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2001-2015 SVX World Network
(208)-906-1122