Need some thoughts

powerdog · #1 05-16-2011, 06:32 PM

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?

ensteele · #2 05-16-2011, 06:36 PM

If you post your VIN or last 6 numbers of it, I will add you to our owners list.

1986nate · #3 05-16-2011, 06:46 PM

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.

powerdog · #4 05-21-2011, 07:46 AM

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.

SVXyGirl · #5 05-21-2011, 08:25 AM

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.

LastSVXintheChi · #6 05-21-2011, 08:49 AM

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

powerdog · #7 05-25-2011, 07:29 PM

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.

Ron Mummert · #8 05-25-2011, 08:37 PM

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...........)

Obewon · #9 05-26-2011, 01:13 AM

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 ;-)

powerdog · #10 05-29-2011, 08:30 AM

Obewon, The kicker is "common". I think this is what makes this car "cool" aside from the good looks, it is uncommon.

Obewon · #11 05-29-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerdog

Obewon, The kicker is "common". I think this is what makes this car "cool" aside from the good looks, it is uncommon.

Thanks for the precision. You are right ... whilst there are some well-known problems that are common to / with this car, it is indeed an uncommon car.

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.

Conn SVX · #12 05-29-2011, 07:58 PM

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 .

svxcess · #13 05-29-2011, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerdog

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-disc cd in the trunk.

The stock alternator is 95A, not 110A.

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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