Looking at buying a new vehicle, the Storm just isn't cutting it (needs more work than I want to put into it). Looking at getting an AWD auto car, but could deal with a stick if necessary (would rather not though due to mobility and chronic pain issues). So in my search I came across the Subaru SVX. It has all the options I want (power everything, sunroof, etc), good power output from the flat 6 (roughly 230 hp), decent gas mileage (28 mpg highway, possibly more if I drive conservatively), and seems overall well built. And they are getting cheap to find around here these days (under $2k for most).

Anyone have any input on the SVX in particular? I know Scooby's usually get a pretty good rep for reliability and ease of maintenance, but what about the SVX?

better have a good source of transmissions....

I've heard they have tranny issues due to overheating, but a good trans cooler should fix that...and its my understanding that it uses a modified 4-EAT trans from Jatco, which is the same trans as the early 90s Escort, Mazda 626, etc. Only difference is that it has a Scooby bell housing instead of a Mazda housing, so I would guess that I could swap the bell housings and use one of the aforementioned trannies...

Anything else anyone can input on the SVX? Really kinda leaning towards it, since it is really the only Scooby I like aesthetically (outside of the $15k WRX STi that I can't afford), and its a toss up between a 91 Isuzu Impulse RS (awd, turbo 5 speed) and this...The Scooby seems to be the better choice, since parts are more readily available than for the Izzie RS

I took a look at one once. Very interesting car with a lot of electric options. I opted out of getting it due to a blown head gasket. I still hope to own one some day. I heard a lot of the subi guys swap in sti engines and trannys. Very cool car if you get one that is running right. Just make sure the electrical is all good because I'd imagine that when they go, they quit completely like vdubs and bimmers. All those electrical do dads are only cool until one decides it doesn't like a stereo swap or something and fries everything and you need to buy some $750 module to have your heater work again. All that aside I still want one some day haha.

Is it really hard to type the cars name these days?

All I'm seeing is baby talk being typed out.

Brad

Fiero Thomas had one (might still have it, I don't know). I'm sure once he recuperates he'll have a lot of info for you.

http://www.edmunds.com/suba...&sub=coupe&zip=32824

quote Originally posted by twofatguys: Is it really hard to type the cars name these days? All I'm seeing is baby talk being typed out. Brad

I'm not familiar with the SVX, but I'd love to own one. All I really remember reading was there is a transmission code to look for, certain ones were better than others, available later in production.

I have A buddy with one here in Atlantic Canada, cost over $600 for an Alternator, but he loves the car.

I had one and had to get rid of it because of transmission problems. The car was a good car and I loved having it, the cost of the trans repair or swap was more than I paid for the car so I had to let it go. I also did all the trans cooling upgrades before it went bad but it still died.

quote Originally posted by Xerces_Blackthorne: and its my understanding that it uses a modified 4-EAT trans from Jatco, which is the same trans as the early 90s Escort, Mazda 626, etc. Only difference is that it has a Scooby bell housing instead of a Mazda housing, so I would guess that I could swap the bell housings and use one of the aforementioned trannies...

The bell housing does not swap. At all. It is an integral part of the transmission casting.

quote Originally posted by Synthesis: The bell housing does not swap. At all. It is an integral part of the transmission casting.

:doh: I'm an idiot, thanks for pointing this out

Anyone else have any anecdotal evidence pointing me in the direction of the Scooby SVX? Outside of the tranny issue that I know about, and the rear wheel bearing issue, how is reliability? I'm guessing its pretty on par with the rest of the Scooby's?

It's actually not that reliable of a vehicle all around, as compared to other Subarus. It unfortunately falls into the category of being one of those really unique vehicles that have really low production numbers, but isn't particularly useful other than the "unique" factor.

I would be very weary of full power everything. Remember that the windows on these cars are like DeLoreans (only half the window rolls up and down). You're also going to have to deal with the fact that if you ever need any sort of serious OEM replacement parts, like body panels, exterior lighting, etc, you're going to have to source it either from a salvaged SVX (which is very hard to find) or through eBay (a risky and potentially pricey proposition). Virtually no U.S. aftermarket exists for the SVX/Alcyone (pronounced ALL-see-ON-eh). Also, you need to make sure exactly what trans it has. There was an AWD model throughout production, but they also came with an FWD option later in the model cycle for the U.S. market.

An older gentleman at work has a green one that he drives daily. However it doesn't get driven much, nor that far.

Thanks Freak

From everything I've been reading (reviews, etc), they are great cars and pretty damn reliable, even with the known issues. As a daily driver they seem like they can't be beat, especially in the winter. And its something different, like the Fiero. Something you don't see on the road every day, which is really what appeals to me. I hate driving your typical "cookie cutter jelly bean" cars like everyone else, I want something unique and fun...

That said, anyone else have any first hand experience with the SVX they can input?

quote Originally posted by Xerces_Blackthorne: Thanks Freak From everything I've been reading (reviews, etc), they are great cars and pretty damn reliable, even with the known issues. As a daily driver they seem like they can't be beat, especially in the winter. And its something different, like the Fiero. Something you don't see on the road every day, which is really what appeals to me. I hate driving your typical "cookie cutter jelly bean" cars like everyone else, I want something unique and fun... That said, anyone else have any first hand experience with the SVX they can input?

A good friend of mine has owned five of them over the years.
Every last one of them has had an electrical failure of some kind that has crippled the car for months on end until parts could be found.
Three of them ended up needing the transmissions rebuilt, two of them got new engines.
One was in an accident that banged up a fender and the front end. Repairable, but parts are not available.
It became a parts car.

My first hand experience with these cars is that I was the poor bastard who had to work on them. He had no mechanical skills whatsoever.

The point is, a lot of us are saying "stay away" and you keep saying "they are awesome and everyone loves them and nothing is ever wrong with them. Prove me wrong!!"....
(I am exaggerating that, but that is close to what I am seeing you say.)

Buy one if you want... But you will have troubles with it unless you have a verifiable history with the car, such as maintenance records, proof of parts replaced, a little old lady owned it, etc...

With that said, I like their styling, but sadly, I am too tall to fit in one comfortably. Even with the seat all the way back, my knees hit the dash and my head hits the roof.
I am 6'4 1/2" tall.

[This message has been edited by Synthesis (edited 09-23-2011).]

all the reviews I've found give it 5/5 overall rating...And your exaggeration is nowhere near close to my views on the subject. You're coming from a 3rd party standpoint. I am looking for first hand experience, i.e., "I've owned one, and they are _______".

As far as buying one, I am looking at a few that are enthusiast owned. Which usually means very well taken care of. And I'm looking for lower miles as well.

As anal as I am about my cars and maintenance, I don't see having much of an issue with one honestly...and if the tranny goes, it goes. But so long as I keep up on the maintenance (and install a larger, external cooler as well as run synthetic ATF), I shouldnt have any issues (which is like any car, Fiero included).

Main reason I am leaning towards the SVX is because I want an AWD vehicle that is 2 door and automatic. Otherwise I'd be in the car on my way to buy the 91 Impulse RS AWD turbo that I was looking at prior to the SVX's I've been eying up. But since it is 5 speed, I have to pass (sadly, since I love driving 5 speed). The SVX fits the bill, and is the only Subaru in my price range that (aesthetically) I like.

If its anything like any other subaru over 5 years old, its already crippled with severe undercarriage rust. Get a good look underneath one before buying. The rarity is cool that you dont see them that much, but bad in that parts can be a problem. I still see more Fiero's around than SVX's.

quote Originally posted by GTFiero1: If its anything like any other subaru over 5 years old, its already crippled with severe undercarriage rust. Get a good look underneath one before buying. The rarity is cool that you dont see them that much, but bad in that parts can be a problem. I still see more Fiero's around than SVX's.

Never seen Subaru's have any rust issues personally...I have a buddy that swears by them, and currently has a 96 Legacy wagon with no rust on it and 140k miles. As far as parts go, I figure I have a better chance of finding parts for an SVX than for an Impulse RS. And looking over at www.subaru-svx.net, it seems parts aren't too bad to find, since a lot of people are making custom parts....

As far as seeing them around? I see them around here pretty often, just saw 3-4 of em a few weeks back up around Emmaus/Allentown area. And they apparently have a yearly meet here in Reading for the SVXers.

Fine, then buy the gremlin infected, weak trans thing it is. There is a possiblity you got the good one.

Check out http://www.carsurvey.org/ only made for 6 yrs.. hint one..

But one must do what the heart demands... Best of luck.

quote Originally posted by Uaana: Fine, then buy the gremlin infected, weak trans thing it is. There is a possiblity you got the good one. Check out http://www.carsurvey.org/ only made for 6 yrs.. hint one.. But one must do what the heart demands... Best of luck.

Seriously? Why the hostility? I asked for opinions on the car, not whether or not I should buy one. Its already on my list of cars to look at buying, and I am leaning towards buying one, but that's beside the point.

If I wanted someone to tell me what I can and can't buy, I'd move to a communist bloc or socialist country. Or I would have specifically asked "Should I buy this?" and been done with it.

As far as the car survey website you posted, it basically reinforces the other ratings/reviews I've read in stating that it is a decent vehicle that is pretty reliable (outside of the trans problems, which I AM aware of and ok with), and fun to drive. And only produced for X number of years? Gee, wasn't the Fiero only produced for 4 years? That must make the Fiero a piece of garbage too, huh? Bad logic at its finest honestly, almost as bad as "Its only a good car if people are racing it, and no one races an SVX, so its a bad car" which I got from a buddy of mine this afternoon who swears up and down by Subaru.

All cars have mechanical issues and manufacturing defects. Its a fact of life. No need to get hostile over something as simple as someone else's car purchase...

But screw it. No one seems to understand why I posted this thread, and everyone seems to want to tell me what to do (like they know whats best for me...), so let the thread die. I'm done with it. Ya'll can bite my shiny metal ass.

Edit: For those few of you who actually added something constructive to the thread, I do thank you profusely. Pluses to you all.

[This message has been edited by Xerces_Blackthorne (edited 09-24-2011).]

quote Originally posted by Xerces_Blackthorne: Seriously? Why the hostility? I asked for opinions on the car, not whether or not I should buy one. Its already on my list of cars to look at buying, and I am leaning towards buying one, but that's beside the point. If I wanted someone to tell me what I can and can't buy, I'd move to a communist bloc or socialist country. Or I would have specifically asked "Should I buy this?" and been done with it. As far as the car survey website you posted, it basically reinforces the other ratings/reviews I've read in stating that it is a decent vehicle that is pretty reliable (outside of the trans problems, which I AM aware of and ok with), and fun to drive. And only produced for X number of years? Gee, wasn't the Fiero only produced for 4 years? That must make the Fiero a piece of garbage too, huh? Bad logic at its finest honestly, almost as bad as "Its only a good car if people are racing it, and no one races an SVX, so its a bad car" which I got from a buddy of mine this afternoon who swears up and down by Subaru. All cars have mechanical issues and manufacturing defects. Its a fact of life. No need to get hostile over something as simple as someone else's car purchase... But screw it. No one seems to understand why I posted this thread, and everyone seems to want to tell me what to do (like they know whats best for me...), so let the thread die. I'm done with it. Ya'll can bite my shiny metal ass. Edit: For those few of you who actually added something constructive to the thread, I do thank you profusely. Pluses to you all.

Dude, there was no hostility at all intended.
I offered the carsurvey link so you could do your own research and not just listen to us.
And I closed with, do what your heart desires.

Yes I did lead with my personal opinion of the car (still think they're cool looking) but sorry according to numerous forums and previous owners they have issues. All seem to be electrical bugs and transmission related.
Look if you want to buy this and a 74 pinto as your backup.. Have at it.. just don't complain when we try and give honest opinions of said vehicles.

There are plenty of subie lovers on this forum, I know MnGreen has a Legacy GT and there have been a few others with other makes and styles, there is no general hate of Subie products here.
The sad thing is the SVX as cool as it looks, was just filled with bugs.

But I'll close with the same again.. If you really want it get it. It's your money.

**edit** to add.. yes the Fiero was only made for 4 years.. and I wouldn't recommend one as a DD to anyone. Mine is strictly toy status now. They're 30yr old cars.. stuff will break and they will let you down. Love the lil devil, but she's punishing and not reliable.. kinda like a gf with a dragon tattoo

[This message has been edited by Uaana (edited 09-24-2011).]

My wife and I have owned three Subarus, a 78 that my wife bought new, a mid 80's four door and and an I don't remember what year XT. All three were good reliable cars that still ran great when they went to the junk yard because the bodies and frames rotted away.

quote yes the Fiero was only made for 4 years

Make that five years, 84,85,86,87, and 88.
I own two Subarus right now. A 2004 Outback 25th Anniversary edition with the H6 engine and a 2005 Legacy GT with the 2.5 turbo. Both cars are automatics. I have also owned a 2002 WRX, a 2001 Legacy GT wagon, and a 1998 Legacy GT sedan over the years. My wife and I love them.
The SVX is a luxury sporty car and has many options included. It also is probably dirt cheap. If you get one that was well maintained it should still be in very good condition. The H6 engine in that car might be a tad too powerful for the transmission it came with, but as long as you aren't jumping on it you should be ok and it will last a long time.
You can find plenty of SVX articles here:
http://www.subaruoutback.or...uoutback.org%2F#1267
And here.
http://forums.nasioc.com/fo.../index.php/f-10.html

[This message has been edited by avengador1 (edited 09-24-2011).]

Thanks Avengador. ya know I can only give ya 1 + right?

Uuana, thanks for explaining. My apologies, but your original post came off as hostile and I was kind of taken aback when I read it (as shown with my reply). No hard feelings now that I understand where you were going with it.

As far as the known issues, I am aware of them and am ok with them. The trans issue can be fixed by swapping in the 4.44 final drive auto tranny from a 97ish Legacy, as it will bolt right in. They are easily found around here on craigslist with lower miles for under $300 normally (there's one right now from a 2000 Legacy Outback Sport with 98k for $100 with torque converter).

As far as the electrical issues go, most everyone I've talked to says they are few and far between, and usually only related to the power windows and the like (mosty the master switch on the drivers side going bad, which again is cheap to replace since I can swap switches out from a junkyard master switch).

In doing more research on the SVX, it looks like the H6 that is in it is bulletproof and can handle upwards of about 600 hp N/A. It can easily hit 300hp with exhaust upgrades and minor tuning, and still manage about 25 mpg This is why it appeals to me so much. The performance is easily achieved if I so desire, and its all wheel drive. From what I see also, one of the popular swaps is to swap in a WRX/STi tranny and front/rear diff gears, and the car becomes completely different (some odd 30 hp more to the ground).

I went to check one out today (a 96) and test drove it. Has 145k miles on it and the trans worked flawlessly (although it did look to have some dirt in the fluid, it was fresh fluid, still bright red/pink). But I won't be purchasing it. The CEL was on for a knock sensor, and it had water leakage issues that I believe knocked out some of the electrical system (none of the windows went down with any of the switches, the sunroof wouldnt open, etc). Also needed new pads and rotors all around and 4 new tires. Too much wrong with the car to consider buying it, and it was on a used car dealer's back lot for $3k with a "make me an offer I can't refuse" stipulation (and he certainly wouldn't like my offer of $800 )

Overall though I really do like the SVX. I fit comfortably in it and was comfortable driving it. I will most likely be buying one, and I have my eye on 3 really nice ones now (one with 82k miles on it, 1 owner car for $2300 and the other 144k miles but needs a radiator for $1200 negotiable, and one just out of 6 years dry storage with 99k, 1 owner for $3995 negotiable). I do intend on keeping the Geo as a daily driver, but the SVX will see mostly winter duties and days when I can't drive the Geo due to my hypermobility in my joints (can't work the clutch some mornings because I'm so stiff and in so much pain).

quote Originally posted by Xerces_Blackthorne: No one? All the Scooby fans on the forum, and none of you have any input on the SVX?

Not the SVX as a car, but I do have the engine out of one in a Long-Ez.

quote Originally posted by htexans1: Not the SVX as a car, but I do have the engine out of one in a Long-Ez.

Heh, I read they are a pretty popular engine for small aircraft builders, etc

I love the look of this white one. Always been a fan of the SVX.

http://duluth.craigslist.org/cto/2606821470.html

But with 180,xxx and electrical problems, who thinks they're getting over 3 grand for their 18 year old car?

This one looks awesome.


http://www.cars.com/go/sear...55811%26rn%3D0%26PMm t%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26isDealerGrouping%3Dfalse%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national

But they just seem so expensive for what they are. Just a unique vehicle. I think I would go for an XT myself.

I wouldnt buy 1. Who knows how many different people where playing with them trying to hack fix electrical problems and the drivetrain problems. If you want a automatic AWD get a impreza. Or an old beat up civic. Or a GSX eclipse. You will have many less problems with those over a SVX.

Brian, just buy the damn car and enjoy it for what it is. No one has to like it but you, if that's what you want you want then get it and if it breaks just fix it.
I bought my 8 knowing the multiple engine failures, transmission destroying themselves and well, I've put on 7k miles and beat the hell out of it and nothing has happened yet, if it does Ill deal with it when it comes and you should do the same.

quote Originally posted by Fiero_Fan_88: Brian, just buy the damn car and enjoy it for what it is. No one has to like it but you, if that's what you want you want then get it and if it breaks just fix it. I bought my 8 knowing the multiple engine failures, transmission destroying themselves and well, I've put on 7k miles and beat the hell out of it and nothing has happened yet, if it does Ill deal with it when it comes and you should do the same.

Heh, I knew there was a reason we got along so well Kyle Great minds think alike, eh? hehe

Tuboguy, as far as your suggestions go...I'd love to buy a GSX. But I don't want (re, can't afford) a turbocharged car that runs premium fuel, which is part of the reason why I am leaning towards the SVX over the Impulse RS (yes, I am aware that the SVX runs 91, but it can be flashed to run 87 with no problems). Not to mention the $600 or so every 45k-60k miles to change the timing belt, and still have to worry about blowing the motor up if the belt slips (the SVX is non interference DOHC). As for a Civic, it'll be a cold day in hell when I buy a Honda. I don't fit comfortably in them, and I very much dislike their "style" (if you can call it that). As for an Impreza, great cars but not appealing to me (outside of the WRX, which still runs about $15k used around here). None of the ones I see around here are 2 door, which is a big requirement for me (I have trouble getting in and out of 4 door cars, the doors are too narrow)