need info

I'm considering a 97 svx with around 35k mileage. have read a lot about the notorious tranny problems. does anyone know if the problems were eliminated in the later model years or if not if they are at least less frequent? I love the car but can't deal with expensive and/or frequent problems with tranny and/or bearings. please advise

[Seraph]

Originally posted by bgs02
I'm considering a 97 svx with around 35k mileage. have read a lot about the notorious tranny problems. does anyone know if the problems were eliminated in the later model years or if not if they are at least less frequent? I love the car but can't deal with expensive and/or frequent problems with tranny and/or bearings. please advise

I am not sure about the later cars but the trannies do die on the SVX around 50-90k miles. It depends on how hard the car was driven. The car is great but it does cost money to maintain the car. It's not like a civic where parts are lined up at the junk yard either. So If you are getting a SVX, I'd look into the history of the car from the owner -- records are important here!

Also call up 1800-subaru3 to check if there were any major repairs done on the car -- you will need the VIN number.

Good Luck

Lwin

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by Seraphim


I am not sure about the later cars but the trannies do die on the SVX around 50-90k miles. It depends on how hard the car was driven. The car is great but it does cost money to maintain the car. It's not like a civic where parts are lined up at the junk yard either. So If you are getting a SVX, I'd look into the history of the car from the owner -- records are important here!

Also call up 1800-subaru3 to check if there were any major repairs done on the car -- you will need the VIN number.

Good Luck

Lwin

I believe that the car (at 35K miles) has some warranty left (60K), so, you'll at least have a few months to work out any bugs.

[Seraph]

Originally posted by Aredubjay


I believe that the car (at 35K miles) has some warranty left (60K), so, you'll at least have a few months to work out any bugs.

I stand corrected...

Thanks for jumping in Randy

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by Seraphim



I stand corrected...

Thanks for jumping in Randy

You know me, always willing to jump.

[Beav]

You might also consider an extended warranty policy. Normally I wouldn't recommend one but if you buy a good one it can save you a ton-o-bucks. The added benefit is that you'll keep the car in better shape, as you won't be afraid of repair bills.

I haven't used one personally (as a mechanic I haven't had much need for one... but when I step up to the plate for an SVX or any late model, high-end, used car, I will. Geez, the price of parts alone these days is frightening. The only benefit from NAFTA that I can see is that the quality of everything has gone to heck - but that's another story...

I checked into "Warrantybynet.com" last week and got a bid on a '95 w/37,000 miles. The price for full coverage ranged from $882 for 2 years/30,000miles to $1099 for 3/40 and $1725 for 4/50 coverage. These prices reflect a $100 deductible, a $50 deductible is also available. I'm not recommending this company in particular, I've never dealt with them. They may be the greatest thing since sliced bread, maybe not. I'm just tossing this out as a place to start your research, if you're interested. It just seems to me that if a new tranny is going to be $2500+ the coverage would be a no-brainer. Then add in the other items like an alarm module, some injectors, how about some oil leaks, an evaporator, etc...

Beav

I gotta agree with Beav on this one. I just bought a 92 LS-L and got a 2 year/24k mile warranty with the car. It has a $100 deductibile and covers almost everything on the car. I fear no repair now which is good cuz I cant afford them anyway. Since mine had 72k when I bought it I figure this will get me to 100k and I can evaluate how its running then and maybe get a newer one. Warranty cost me $1200 since I bought it from the dealer I got the car from but I can use it at any certified mechanic and there arent any limits like there are on some other contracts (ie $50 hour and for labor paid max). Also covers lockouts and roadside assistance with no deductible. If you have questions feel free to PM me.

0260N4
________________________________________
92 LS-L 75k silver, black, spoiler, stereo upgrade in progress

I just purchased my 2nd SVX, a 97 with 25k and I asked the same question of a subaru mechanic (I blew the tranny of my 92 at 87k). He suggested the original SVX transmission cooler/filter got clogged with debris over time and caused the transmission oil to overheat. The tranny was later redesigned to avoid this problem. I am still considering synthetic oil and an auxillary cooler.