Reliable SVX mechanic in or near New Jersey. Need help.

[ChristophCobb]

Originally Posted by Sean486

Will the airbag light cause it to fail inspection in NJ?

Well I researched it today, and it seems recently NJ has dropped the safety inspection for vehicles older than 5 years. But! My wallet with 400 dollars in it has been stolen so now I can't get it inspected until I get another licence.

[SVXMAN2001]

Congrats on getting your dream car. I honestly bit my tongue on your first post introducing yourself to the network. Sadly, what I had intended to write appears to be coming true.

You, my friend, are at the tip of the iceberg in terms of repairs and will most certainly spend significantly more bringing the svx to daily driver status.

Like you, I purchased (via loan) my SVX when I was 19, and am now 33 and am just NOW getting to the point where the vehicle is in good/excellent condition. I learned to do everything myself on the svx due to the maintenance costs. Even still my car is 25 years old and anything can go at any minute.

My advice, get out while you are ahead. If you pursue this car, like me, you'll be working for the next 10 + years fixing/repairing things along the way.

I know it's harsh to say and my advice will likely not be taken, but this car is not for a 19 year old with limited funds.

[Lookin4SVX]

Originally Posted by ChristophCobb

...So that's why I chose an SVX. Is it the most responsible thing? No. The smartest thing? No. The most affordable or reliable? No. But golly I wanted one and here I am, 19, and in love.

LOL, good read. Sounds like you really like your new toy.
I hope you are able to get it to be a reliable daily driver, this car is not for the faint of heart.

[ChristophCobb]

Wallet has been relocated. I hear what you guys are saying, and yes. It is sensible. My thoughts where that i would learn to do the work myself on this car to cut costs on maintenance. Unless it's too far out of my reach for the time. I'm going to school for mechanics in September. I want something to work on. I bought this beat up, neglected subaru because I know that there's work to be done. And like that analogy about the tip of the iceberg, there's ALOT to be done on this car. And since I've bought it I've spent long hours in the driveway working on this car and cleaning it. Scouring it. And I've enjoyed every moment of it. I know that this is definitely something I'm going to need help with along the way. But that's why I'm here. Asking all these crazy questions. Bothering all you folks. I wouldn't be able to learn what I have so far if my dad was not mechanically inclined like he is. Or my girlfriends dad. Or her step dad. So being surrounded by mechanics is definitely a blessing when it comes to a subject such as this. And I'm thankful for all your answers and suggestions this far. So that's where I'm at right now. Taking it to be inspected tomorrow! Thankfully NJ just dropped their safety rules on inspection or that airbag issue (while important) would have definitely been a deal breaker

[svxcess]

Regarding the FSM online manuals, they can be found here

http://www.phantomotaku.com/SVX/

33 sections of pdf files that cover every system and area.

Just download them onto you computer and print out what you need as needed. I have two complete sets of factory service manuals, but it is so great to be able to download the onto an ipad Air and carry them wherever I need them, a mechanic, an SVX meet or anywhere.

Total set is only 279MB in size and is faithful in every detail to the originals.

.

[SVX_MY_BABY]

Originally Posted by ChristophCobb

I'm going to school for mechanics in September. I want something to work on. I bought this beat up, neglected Subaru because I know that there's work to be done.

You may want to volunteer your car as a project car for the school. Our local Community Colleges do this. The owner is only responsible for parts costs and the students do the work under their instructor's guidance.

[bwb3]

You may want to volunteer your car as a project car for the school. Our local Community Colleges do this. The owner is only responsible for parts costs and the students do the work under their instructor's guidance.

+1 When my son was in the mechanic tech program, I got brake upgrades, valve cover gasket replacement, sway bar and more. Plus, they all loved working on something besides the mini vans and boring cars.

Unfortunately, now I can't afford his shop rates.

[Lookin4SVX]

Originally Posted by svxcess

Regarding the FSM online manuals, they can be found here

http://www.phantomotaku.com/SVX/

33 sections of pdf files that cover every system and area.

Just download them onto you computer and print out what you need as needed.

Yep, he should grab the service manuals if he has not done so already.
I even put a copy on a cd and gave it to my mechanic in case they run into issues.

I also bag all my parts up nice for them and include the breakdown diagrams, like so:


(yeah I go a bit overboard...)

[Tim]

Whatever you do, do not take your car to MD auto in town. When I first bought my car in high school it was taken there, and they did not have experience with the svx. After a routine transmission fluid change, they backflushed my trans line with an air compressor, causing issues with excessive binding until my rear clutches gave out.

[ChristophCobb]

Thank you guys for your suggestions, I'm going to download the PDF service manual and attempt to do the work myself. But that is a good idea: volunteering the car. Although I like to work on the car myself.