N8NQU Posted September 25, 2003 Share Posted September 25, 2003 I recently found a 92 SVX, 126,000 miles for around $4,000. I admit I don't know poo about them but I fell head over heels with the styling. We've had wagons and now a coupe,so I figured this would be a nice change. I need someone to tell my husband what a good deal this would be. He seems to be stuck on the notion it MUST be a wagon, or I can walk. Also if anyone knows about these, I've heard their biggest drawback is the tranny. Appreciate any help. even if it's not to my advantage. I would hate to get this and have my husband say "I told you so." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted September 25, 2003 Share Posted September 25, 2003 My $0.02. If that vehicle has been in Michigan for 11 years with that many miles on it, it isn't worth more than about $2000 to me no matter how cool it is. If it has been garaged and never driven in salt then maybe it is worth $4000. On a car that age that has been exposed to salt the brake lines and fuel lines will be questionable. Not to mention that any bolt will be extremely difficult to remove if it still has a head on it. Inspect the car thoroughly. Check the maintanence records. Of course, it IS a subaru, so check for oil leaks, drive some tight circles in a parking lot to check out the AWD. Inspect the tranny fluid. It should be red. Smell it. If you don't know what it should smell like buy a new bottle and smell it to compare. The oil shouldn't smell like gas. The engine oil should be blackish or brownish but not milky tan. I like to smell the exhaust because an engine that isn't running properly will have a different smell, and a blown head gasket may cause the exhaust to smell sweet if coolant is beeing burnt. Look at all fluids for signs of contaminates. Contaminates could indicate a problem or indicate that the seller is trying to mask a problem. Listen for noises. Check the operation of everything. If in doubt have a mechanic look at it. This car is at the age where things like wheel bearings, struts, water pumps, etc. start failing. I hate to be so negative, but you haven't bought the car yet, so now is the time to be that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N8NQU Posted September 25, 2003 Author Share Posted September 25, 2003 Thank you very much for your input. These are things we normally check for ,except the part about tight turns to check the AWD. What should I be listening for? It hasno rust and has not been painted over. My husband has pretty much left this up to me, so any thoughts are welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted September 25, 2003 Share Posted September 25, 2003 I have only felt it a couple of times with our outback wagon. It was something I felt rather than heard. You will know it if it happens. Maybe someone else can describe it better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted September 25, 2003 Share Posted September 25, 2003 Keep in mind almost eevryone expects to 'bargain' down 10-20% . Rule of thumb on houses is your first offer should be 15% or more lower than asking. Make a nuisance of yourself. Call and ask (eeven the same) questions 2-3 times. Test drive it 2-3-4 times, take 1-2 folks with you. If pertinent in your area, insist on a new inspection sticker. Then make a low-ball offer. You'd be surprised what folks will take just to get you and the car outta their hair. good luck Carl 1 Lucky Texan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N8NQU Posted September 25, 2003 Author Share Posted September 25, 2003 Well, according to the popular poll at my house, I will have no problem making a nuisance of myself. I know what you mean, that's how my husband got me!:-) But seriously, I will have to drag him to look at this car for me. He doesn't think it's worth 4 grand either, but another big draw was that it is automatic. I'm having a hard time finding one here. I drive a manual now,but I want to get in the car, throw it in drive and go. I'm not a good bargainer, he is. But like I said I have the nuisance thing down pat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted September 26, 2003 Share Posted September 26, 2003 If he's reluctant PLAY that up! Good cop bad cop. Put the money you saved from bargaining in a maintanence and repair fund. Hope you won't need it! (we all know you're getting that car - you just haven't done the paperwork yet - your husband is doomed) Carl 1 Lucky Texan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted September 26, 2003 Share Posted September 26, 2003 Buying ANY used car is always a risk, so unless you miss something obvious, there is no reason for any "I told you so's". 4WD test: Tight circle, medium speed, come on and off the gas pedal abrubtly and listen for a "clonk" from the rear of the car...indicates abuse and could be expensive to fix. I did this test one of the Legacies I was looking at, and walked away. Don't risk it, no amount of seller excuses about rear suspensions bushings will do - it's a transmission fault. I'm afraid I can't comment on price, a car like that would cost about three times that amount here in Denmark :boohoo: 99OBW, don't the brake and fuel lines run inside the cabin, alongside the sills? Like in my similar aged Legacy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted September 26, 2003 Share Posted September 26, 2003 Setright, I don't know. I hesitate to think they aren't exposed to the elements somewhere on the car. I have found that the fuel lines like to rot out on top of the fuel tank where they come out of the tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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