1995 Subaru SVX LSi 3.3 H6 from North America

Summary:

I wish that Subaru still made them!

Faults:

Nothing has "gone wrong", but I have performed some preventive maintenance.

General Comments:

Reasonably quick, relatively economical (27.5 mpg hi-way), and well designed.

I purchased my 1995 Subaru SVX LSi used in 2004 with just over 67,000 miles on the odometer. It was a one owner car that had been treated well. I have kept up the pampering, using only synthetic lubricants. It is my “winter beater”, since my Corvette has a serious traction problem during Minnesota winters.

I have only driven my SVX about 8,000 over the past two years, but I expect that the car may outlast me! I have spoken with two SVX owners who have more than 250,000 miles on their cars. If that is normal, I have 175,000 or more miles before encountering costly repairs.

My interest was first piqued when the SVX was introduced in 1992. A neighbor purchased one for nearly $35,000 and he let me take it for a spin several times. It handled as most luxury sports coupes often do … a bit sloppily. Nevertheless, I love the vehicle’s timeless styling inside and out -- especially since I was able to buy one for $30,000 less than new (by waiting nine years).

I recently replaced all of the belts due to their age, not their wear. I replaced a leaky water pump and noisy ball joint at the same time.

Since the Goodyear’s were getting a little tired and the stock wheels are beginning to show their age, I decided to order a set of Konig wheels and Kuhmo 225/50-16 ECSTA ASX tires. This was a reasonable alternative to sandblasting and powder coating the stock rims and fitting them with Blizzaks.

Since I kept my previous “winter beater” for 8 years before retiring it, I expect that I will keep my trusty SVX for at least that long. It satisfies my needs quite nicely. The 160 mph speedometer also satisfies my ego, since I have owned specialty cars and exotics most of my life.

The SVX is likely to become a future “collectable”, since it possesses all of the qualities of many enthusiast cars. It will turn heads for decades to come.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th February, 2006