How good is the SVX for Daily Driver in 4 seasons?

maxg765 · #1 08-18-2008, 03:40 PM

Hello All,

I haven't been here for some time.

I have technically already acquired my SVX. Just have not taken delivery yet or tried it out but that does not concern me, I will have it before end of the month. Lets just say between mine and the sellers crazy busy schedules we have been unable to connect. This despite me having been in the same state in July and some 30 minutes away. No worries though as the car has been in a nice safe garage being well tended to awaiting me.

Quick review
I got my hands on a 97 Black with about 40K original one owner miles. Great shape cosmetically and mechanically and needs nothing in either dept.

So back to my question, the title says it all. I have recently returned what was suppose to be my winter car, a 2004 Honda 4 Door Civic SI to Honda Finance. I planned on keeping it after my lease having purchased an extended warranty and all but after 4 years of nothing but trouble from everything to everything I chose not to buy it out. There is nothing I really like out there that is less than 50K or for that matter closer to 70K. That said I am left with no real daily driver. I planned on keeping the SVX as part of my since weather only collection since its such a nice example but with no other daily driver I am at a loss as to what to do. I live in Montreal and thus have harsh winters that are not kind to cars. Thats what bothers me. This SVX has been well kept and away from the elements for all this time and now I am thinking of using it years round. Obviously what makes me consider it is that since its like new it will be reliable and has the AWD which for our 4 seasons makes sense. So how good it this cars for daily 4 season use? I would certainly rust proof it with the best products out there and make sure its well kept. Unless I am talked out of it I fear that I may just end up making this beauty my daily driver (not beater, just driver). It is actually one of the few "modern" cars that I like.

Thanks

Max

Manarius · #2 08-18-2008, 04:25 PM

I drive mine 4 seasons a year. It's nice for daily driver. Not as friendly on the gas as some cars and the lack of 2 more doors makes for a little trouble when trying to carry things and people, but overall it's a great DD.

SVX_MY_BABY · #3 08-18-2008, 05:16 PM

It should do you well. But be sure to get it Rust Checked or Crowned. (I prefer Rust Check) The car is well made and will handle just about anything you can throw at it.

That said, if I were you I would really try to find something else to drive in the winter. I do drive mine year round but almost never in the slushie conditions that Montreal and Halifax are known for. A fine example of this car is just too nice for that kind of abuse. The salt, snow banks and careless drivers will destroy it in a couple of seasons. Most of my heart ache with mine has been caused by curb ice, parking lot drifts/banks, digging out and other drivers being careless in icey parking areas. Paint & windsheild chips are also more of a problem with the grit and ice thrown up in winter.

Nevin · #4 08-18-2008, 07:50 PM

I drive mine year-round and absolutely love it. I was surprised how well it did this winter. This past winter was one of the worst in Iowa history and the SVX was an absolute tank, it took it all quite well.

I haven't had mine rust-proofed or anything like that. Just wash it once a week in the crummy weather (even if there is snow on the ground) and garage it if you can. Mine has 119k on it, and still looks great and is rust-free.

I can see why you'd not want to ruin it or anything, but just keep it clean and it will give you miles of smiles.

Subie59 · #5 08-18-2008, 08:15 PM

If it's in as good shape as you say, I would look for a beater for a grand or something and use that. An old Legacy is the perfect winter beater that you should be able to get for between $1-2000. In saying that however, I drive mine year round as my daily driver and I'm in Canada too near Toronto. I try to keep it as clean as possible all winter and try not to drive it on slushy or snowy days. On those days I take my wire's 2001 Legacy Ltd. (Great Car.) I was going to park it for this winter but I bought an 81 280ZX turbo in mint condition. That's the one going into storage instead.

dcarrb · #6 08-19-2008, 07:27 AM

If you care about your SVX you really should try to keep it off winter roads. No matter how well you rustproof or undercoat, there's no way to protect every nook and cranny, and road salt will certainly win in the end.

+1 on an old Legacy. It'll drive better in snow than an SVX, besides.

dcb