I am interested in a 92 SVX. Looks to be in very condition, I haven't driven it yet. Any advice about mechanical things to look out for? If it runs as good as it looks anyone have any comments as to price.
Thanks, any help is appreciated.
Expect transmission and rear axle bearing failure around 100K miles. Transmission for this car is very expensive. Unless the owner can show documentation the transmission has been recently replaced, I'm assumming the car has more than 100K on the odometer, I would shy away from it.
Many svx owners are now swapping in impreza or forester transmissions when their 4eat goes out. You get the benefit of a lower final drive (4.44 in the forester) which will get you better acceleration and has shown to lower transmission temperature (the main cause of failure)
Quite a few have put in a 5 speed (and 2 have gone with 6 speeds)
Rear axle bearings will fail if not greased and installed correctly. FWIW - I have 2 svx's - both '92 One has never had a rear bearing fail and is currently at 215,000 miles.
The other had multiple failures around 100k - the repeat failures were due to improper install technique and since replacing the hub along with bearings have performed well. Currently at 158k.
I have replaced transmissions on both svx's. At 130k and 150k.
My advice is to visit
Other than that most of the common problems with the svx are fairly easy to fix for a decent backyard mechanic.
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