Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin M
I'm not that interested in pursuing this discussion because I was just making a joke directed at your obsession with making a thoroughbred out of a plowhorse (though a good looking one). It wasn't all that funny so there's no need to continue.
Besides, if I had the ability to get a really cool, but expensive headache DD it would be an 860Ci, which makes owning an SVX look like a 2000 Outback or something.  |
First, I'm not continuing this in order to perpetuate an argument or anything, I get that you were just making a mediocre joke... I just enjoy talking about the SVX.
I guess what I'm missing is why the SVX has a reputation as "a plowhorse". IMO, Subaru has yet to build another car in the same class as the SVX. Everything they've build that's "performance oriented" is just a tarted up econobox or family sedan. The SVX is the only Subaru that was actually designed start to finish to be a performance oriented car.
The only thing that makes it seem like a dud today is that in the 20 years since they designed it, cars have gotten a lot faster in general. But suggesting a Legacy as it's replacement is like suggesting a Gen1 Miata should be replaced by a WRX. Sure, the WRX is lightyears faster, but it's not at all an equivalent kind of car.
The SVX has a fantastic motor, the best aero of any car they've ever made, and great looks. The JDM versions even got the rear-biased VDC gearboxes and 4WS, which are the things missing from the US models that prevent them from handling the way the car was intended.
Like every 15-20 year old limited production car, parts are hard to come by and expensive when you can find them. But with the exception of the transmission (the one major component that *is* easy to find) the SVX is no more of a maintenance nightmare than any other car of its vintage/production size. In fact, it's probably a lot better than many others (think old Saabs, or that 8
50 BMW) because Subarus are pretty reliable.
As far as a Legacy... I have bad thoughts about picking up a 1st or 2nd gen Outback to make into a daily driver with the motor/tranny from the WRX in it. Then I can take my time doing up the SVX w/ a built motor and 6MT. But that would require parting out the WRX and lots of fabrication work on the SVX and then owning two frankensubies, with one as a daily driver. I haven't decided if I'm that dumb yet or not.