quick Q on svx reliability

saaber · #1 02-25-2008, 08:18 AM

Hello, interested in buying a 92 SVX with 135k. How reliable are these cars in general? Are they comparable to the Subaru 2.2l in terms of reliability? How about compared to a 1992 Honda or Toyota?

Any known problem areas that I should look for when test driving this car? (other than the usual such as checking for oil in coolant and vice versa, torque bind when turning in circles). Have always liked the looks of this car but I don't know anything about them. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

sicksubie · #2 02-25-2008, 08:41 AM

trans have been weak points in cars along with rear wheel bearings. Other than that they are pretty reliable cars. The only thing is 2.2l and 2.0l car parts are going to be cheaper when something does break simply due to the availability of them.

ensteele · #3 02-25-2008, 09:04 AM

As far as what to look for when buying one, click here. Select "What to look at when buying a used SVX" This will give you a couple of thing to think about.

Mr. Pockets · #4 02-25-2008, 09:11 AM

If you're looking at a '92, obviously now that's a 16-year-old car. I don't think it's going to be as reliable as a Honda or Toyota of the same age, and it's going to cost more to fix when it does break.

Another important factor, if this is to be your primary car, is that sometimes you'll have to wait for parts. If you need to rely on the car every day, it will probably be a headache for you.

I love my SVX, but it's not my daily driver any more.

saaber · #5 02-25-2008, 09:17 AM

ensteele - good points for any car purchase. You may want to consider adding something like:

Check the gaps of all body panels, for example around the doors. They should look the same on each side of the car. Gaps should not be excessively wide and they should be the same width all the way around the panel. Incorrect gaps could indicate prior body damage and should be an indicator to investigate further such as looking for welded or crinkled frame, inner fender wells, etc.

And also: check carpets for any sign of flood damage, wetness, deformed carpet, etc. can indicate previous flooding. Also check metal seat connection points and seat base for signs of rust.

saaber · #6 02-25-2008, 09:21 AM

sicksubie - I'll check tranny and listen for rear wheel bearings - thanks a lot.

BTW have you guys ever tried autorx in the tranny? As you probably know already, it is an ester and lanolin based mild detergent that gently cleans. It is darn near performing miracles on the BITOG board. Worth reading up on if your not familiar with it yet.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...092902&fpart=1

saaber · #7 02-25-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Pockets

If you're looking at a '92, obviously now that's a 16-year-old car. I don't think it's going to be as reliable as a Honda or Toyota of the same age, and it's going to cost more to fix when it does break.

Another important factor, if this is to be your primary car, is that sometimes you'll have to wait for parts. If you need to rely on the car every day, it will probably be a headache for you.

I love my SVX, but it's not my daily driver any more.

Would be 2nd car but good points on part avail. and cost, thx!

nextse7en · #8 02-25-2008, 09:47 AM

Heck, just buy two like many of us here, the reliability of 2 svxs is nearly 100%

Some parts are prohibitively expensive (1200 windsheild, for example). Make sure the 92 you are looking at has had the transmission updated (repaired by subaru post 94).

If the transmission has not been updated, it WILL fail, either in the clutch packs, or the front diff (they seem to be grenading lately on the older SVXii) While the front diff was not changed from earlier cars, the newer it is, it seems, the better.

I think it is worthwhile for everyone looking at an SVX with over 100k miles on the clock to add the following the purchase price immediately.

New knock sensors
New 02s
new vacuum lines under the intake plenum
timing belt service

There will be those who disagree with me, but doing that to the car up front will give you tens of thousands of miles of reliability, fuel economy, and peace of mind.

Other things to check (that haven't already been mentioned, good suggestions, all of them)

The plastic window guides tend to fail in the front windows, causing scratches in the glass on both front driver and passenger sides.

Make sure the AWD is functional, the solenoid that governs rear wheel activity tends to fail on higher mileage trannys (duty sol. C).

Make sure the steering rack isn't leaking, and that the tie rods are in good condition (bear of a job)

The sunvisors droop.

2 or all of the wheels are probably on backwards

Rust and or water in the trunk.

Condensation in the tail lights.

All in all, keep this in mind, the SVX was essentially a concept car that went to production, the motor was one off (and probably the best ever made by subaru) the platform wasn't shared with other cars, the transmission wasn't intended to be geared as high as it is. The brakes aren't as heavy duty as they should have been, the sunvisors weren't intended to be covered with velor.

On the plus side, its a nicer ride than anything else at this price (some say at any price) and one of the best looking cars on the road. It is unbeatable in the snow, holds a .9g on the skidpad. It can go 150. And built into every SVX purchase is an unbeatable base of knowledge and friendship on this forum.

-Patrick

Tim · #9 02-25-2008, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nextse7en

It is unbeatable in the snow, holds a .9g on the skidpad. It can go 150.
-Patrick

More if you upgrade the suspension and wheels

saaber · #10 02-25-2008, 11:01 AM

Shoot,! they sold the car already.

$2000 for 1992 with 135k sounded pretty good to me. I guess it did to someone else also! Thanks and I keep my eye out for another one now that I know a little more about them.

dcarrb · #11 02-25-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nextse7en

Heck, just buy two like many of us here, the reliability of 2 svxs is nearly 100%

Exactly.

Good luck in your search, Saaber. I've logged some 50,000 SVX miles now and the only time I've walked was due to a dead battery. But they require care, and the to-do list is long.

dcb

Tim · #12 02-25-2008, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarrb

Exactly.

Good luck in your search, Saaber. I've logged some 50,000 SVX miles now and the only time I've walked was due to a dead battery. But they require care, and the to-do list is long.

dcb

I've never been stranded out of my 70,000 miles of ownership. It had its share of problems, but all the problems still allowed me to "limp home"