Some help needed

I must admit that I was lucky when I got my SVX because there were no real problems with it. I dont really know much about cars to tell a potential lemon if it is running and driving normally. A friend has asked me to look at an SVX with him to help him decide if it is in good mechanical condition. Can any of you give me some ideas as to what to look for potential problems in an SVX that may not be readily apparent at first glance. I appreciate your help.

[ensteele]

Some things to look for -

When you drive the car, apply the brakes and feel for a surge of the brakes. If it does this, the rotors may be warped.

Next, look for oil leaks around the PS pump. If it is leaking a little, you may need to replace the fluid tank O ring. If the power steering is noisy, or surges, it could be the O ring as well.

When driving the car, there may be a loud hum or other noise which could be wheel bearings or bad tires. I have had both make a loud noise.

Also when driving the car, drive it slowly and see how it shifts, and then drive a little quicker and see how it shifts. It should not rev or hesitate when going through the gears.

Check all fluids and look for the color of the oil, PS fluid and smell for burnt smell. Ask about all of the maintenance history, and ask if the tranny is the original or has it been replaced. Is there any warrenty left on it?

Look for overall condition of the car. How are the seats, dash, carpet, trunk. Look at everything and make sure everything works. The visors may droop, but if not, you are lucky.

If you have any other questions on the car or parts, post more here. I am sure others will have some suggestions. Good luck and if it doesn't seem good, don't feel that that is the only one around. Hold off for a good one. If it isn't, it will not heal as time goes on - it will only get worse!

[Mr. Pockets]

I agree with Earl on all but his first two points. I think that rotors that need to be replaced or a leaky power steering o-ring are minor issues.

Basically, test-drive it like you would any other car. Yeah, there are some SVX-specific symptoms you can look out for. But if you're not really experienced with the SVX and its internals, I wouldn't recommend trying to diagnose anything. This car has fooled me more than once, and I'd like to think that I know it pretty well.

[ensteele]

I would agree, the first two points were minor issues, but should be looked at. These first two points would not keep me from buying the car.

If you don't know much about looking at a vehicle, you can take it to a shop and have a qualified mechanic look at it for you. If they don't know about the car, I don't know if you are any better off. If you post your location, someone from this site may be willing to look at it for you as well. Good luck.