1995 Subaru SVX LSi review from North America

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

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.