For sale in town, a '92 SVX. 160k, almost rust free(bubbles at the back corner of the wheel well), clean interior(leather is starting to crack), Head gaskets just done, might need a T-belt. All at an almost challenge asking price.
Beyond "DO IT!" what should I know about the SVX?
And if I pass, I can get any one the contact info if they want it.
Aren't they all automatic? Theres one reason. You can open the windows at 180 mph and still carry on a conversation without yelling, BUT you won't hit 180.
Pros, they look cool and sound amazing.
Do it, post pictures, we will applaud your bravery and weep if you are defeated
In factory trim the transmission is pretty overworked (they are all automatic). It is considered necessary to add at least two coolers to keep it from blowing up, and many still do. They also eat wheel bearings all day long, warp brake rotors and they like to rust behind the plastic cladding on the doors.
They were Subaru's first and last attempt at a grand tourer...they are very cool but not very sporty or fun to drive. It sounds slightly overpriced, if anything and they are not worth very much.
Head gaskets just done, might need a T-belt.
There is a sad joke about frugality in there.
so.. as subarus are like legos.. what can you swap into one?
I've seen them with a 5 speed swapped in, have no idea how involved that is
I always liked the SVX (and the XT) but if I could get one with a 5 speed.. I would be all over it
Vigo wrote:Head gaskets just done, might need a T-belt.There is a sad joke about frugality in there.
hahaha... missed that.
They have quite nice interiors from what I remember.
Long-term multiple SVX owner here. Paul (SVreX) and Dave (Hocrest) here were/are owners.
I'm now down to one 5 speed equipped 152k 1992 that we've owned since 1995. Koni struts, GC coil-over kit, STi BBS wheels, 245/40-17 RE-01R tires, Recaro seats and harnesses. I'm trying to get to more Detroit area autocross events this year now that my two boys are older.
Like others said, auto trans are weak, wheel bearings fail and now at 21 years old, they do rust in a few spots. I've had no brake warp issues though I use premium brake parts. They are GT cars and heavy for their time (3470 for my '95 with auto) and HP/TQ (230/228) but I have fun with mine at autocross events though a friend commented on how long they are after watching me run once. I've done an EVO school in my old auto equipped version. I've run in STX in the auto car and now SM with the 5 speed. I get destroyed in both in the big regions (Det, NWOH) but have fun. I've done well at smaller regions and the Subaru challenge at SIA in Lafayette in the distant past (notice RE-01R tires...and two boys :D)
The 5 speed/6 speed trans is more than a bolt on though pretty close. It requires a pedal set modification, cross member, wiring, and plumbing. I welded in a patch panel in the firewall where the hydraulic clutch reservoir sits. I don't drive it much but still enjoy it though the interior is gutted behind the B-pillar and their is no sound system other than the flat 6.
Todd
Wait...
You came HERE to be talked out of buying a car?
There was a guy around here that was selling a clean white one with a parts car for 2500. I am kind of surprised that the values have been so low for so long. Makes me wonder if they are ever going appreciate
One of the best looking ones I have seen (with the needed transmission work).
I'll take a stab at it -
It is a dated, unremarkable looking automatic subaru from the early 90's that was over-priced as AWD and boring as 2WD. It has some damn irritating door windows and expensive parts. A 1st gen Impreza RS is much nicer in every conceivable way.
Did that help?
Ojala wrote: Wait... You came HERE to be talked out of buying a car?
Yeah, that was my first thought when I saw the thread title too. 
There is one for sale here in town. I avoid making eye contact.
5 speed swaps are common, look for one of those there is probably one for sale out there
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/200x-classifieds/700-svx-in-va/63685/page1/
i would be tempted to paint the side view of a geo metro on it. that's all i can see with that window-within-a-window crap.
My 5 spd SVX was one of the most awesome cars I've ever owned. It was an easy build. Any '90's vintage trans will bolt in, but there will be minor fabrication related to the mounts, pedals, etc. It is one of the best document swaps on the web.
It was extremely fast, and handled like on rails. I've had it to 160 mph, with plenty of room to spare- it just keeps sticking to the road better. They are, however, a very drama-free driving experience. It will take off like a rocket, but no joys of wheels spin, squealing tires, or great engine noises. In some ways it was less fun to drive than my Yugo or my GTI (which both scream, "OMG I'm gonna die" as they approach anything above highway speeds- adrenaline rush!). The SVX is just a E36 M3load of fast, with no change-your-drawers drama.
They are also heavy, and not very tossable. They stick like glue, and grab their way through corners on brute strength.
Spinout007 now owns it.
I am SVX-less. 
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