Subaru SVX sized itch

[ypsilandra]

The title says it all really. There are only a select few cars that really grab my attention on the road and make me momentarily drift off into "what it would be like to be driving around in one" delusions. The Alfa Brera is one, the first time I saw a Y10 (yes, really) it happened and the same for the smart Roadster. Most Lancias do it for me. Well it happened again on Thursday, when I saw my first Subaru SVX actually on the road, being piloted by a not unattractive older lady. I've looked at them for years on t'net, but now have an annoying little itch to have one in my life. It was a silver one like this:

 

 

So what are your thoughts? Do they bring with them untold levels of pain, financial ruin and technological nightmares? Do I need to see a doctor?

[Cheggers]

I'm pretty sure Wuvvum of this parish used to own one...

[kinkersaab]

I like them. I made the biggest ever proffit i have ever made from a car on one of these. It was one for the "late plate madness" thread. 99 on an S, black with only 60k, this was about 7 years ago, i bought it for £1800, a one owner + subaru. First car i sold on ebay, it made £6500. It was an absolute stunner and a porper uk car. I imagine these things fall into two catagories, perfect sought after ones with a good story, and usuable cheap ones with livable- with issues.

 

From memory of the research I did at the time, grearboxes were the weak point. and they loved to eat brake discs.

To drive they don't feel quick, or particualrly sporty, they feel heavy and solid and have a huge thirst for petrol. The flat 6 motor is very muted and like all subarus, prone to the odd oil leak.The standard wheels are sided, a fastidious owner will know this and wouldnt have them on wrong. Would I have another? Oh yes, in black again please.

[kinkersaab]

also, the wood trim, showed me new, previously unknown levels of cheap.

[Lacquer Peel]

There was someone selling 3 of them on eBay recently, including one converted to manual transmission, I'd love to try one.

[wuvvum]

I did indeed own an SVX, and would tend to agree with Kinkersaab's analysis, with the exception that I didn't find mine to be too bad on fuel on a run - if anything it was better than the 2-litre twin turbo Legacy I owned more recently. Mine was very much in the "useable cheap one" bracket, but was still a very pleasant thing to waft about in - much more grand tourer than sports car, but wonderfully comfortable and relaxing on a long journey with the cruise control set. They do pick up their skirts when required, but as Kinkersaab says they don't really ever feel quick - probably due to the nature of the power delivery, my current XJ-S is much the same.

 

I certainly wouldn't pay £6K for one, but if you can find one at a more sensible price I'd say go for it.

[mattblack]

a not unattractive older lady. I've looked at them for years on t'net

 

Me too.

[skattrd]

I had an SVX earlier this year as well and agree with what others have said.

They're big, heavy, comfy cruisers, they don't drive like a sports coupé. If driven sensibly I got 30mpg on a run from mine, if driven not sensibly 16mpg is possible.

The early ones were prone to gearboxes issues, but if you get a later one they should have an additional gearbox oil cooler which should prevent most of them.

 

They don't feel fast, but can be. Whilst driving home in mine one night the dash lights went out, so I couldn't see the speedo/rev counter. I carried on for a while, but eventually switched on the gps speedo .... it said 120mph, it didn't feel any faster 60-70mph.

 

Mine was an import with relatively low miles, but a bit scruffy. I bought (and sold) it for £850, I think Wuv's was a UK car with higher mileage, but slightly cheaper. A lot of car for the money ... I'd also have another.

[Pete-M]

Chap I know in Czech converted his to manual. Kinda ruined it.

 

I'd have an SVX.