[Ca$h68]

Alright. I got the car thing solved. I wrote down a bunch of cars that I liked (and could afford) and then sorta put them against each other, including performance, insurance, ROOM, and fun. The miata, while fun and affordable, suffers from almost NO trunk, and only 2 seats. The neon, while fun to drive, and cheap, suffers from crappy interior and I can't find one for a good price. Plus the above two both are quasi girly, but not really. So I wanted a car thats fun, bigger, nice interior, fast, and cool and different. For 2 days I was kinda thinking about an Eagle Talon, til I found out how crappy the interior is, but now I've found the answer:

The Subaru SVX.

This was Subarus entrance into the luxury/performance market back in 1992, and they built them til 1997. These things have All Wheel Drive (What snow?!), and an extremely interesting engine. The engine is a fuel injected 3.3 liter boxer engine (same style as a porsche engine, the pistons are 180 from each other). What's weird about it is that it has a special intake manifold, with variable volume. This means at low rpm, the intake manifolds characteristcs are different from when it's at high rpm; it effefectively has 2 intake manifolds to get optimum power/torque at any engine speed. The result? 230 horsepower, 224 ft lbs of torque. Wow. Automobile, the uppity grey poupon euro mag wrote:

"you ought to hear the exhaust note. It's so silky smooth that it makes the Porsche 911 (another flat-six, remember) sound utterly ragged. "

Another cool thing about this car is the abundance of options. Think almost ANY FREAKIN OPTION you can think of. Power moonroof. Power leather. Power heated mirrors. Climate control. Automatic A/C. A winter mode button for the windshield wipers, so they remain in hte upright position and won't get frozen down, heated seats, all sorts of things. This car is FAST too. 0-60 in about 7 seconds, plus or minus. I already checked insurance on em, and its cheaper than my neon, which is cool. And the price? CHEAP. Only 3-5,000, depending on the year. So the toughest decision? What color. I'm hunting for a black one. Anyway here's an article to read about em:

http://www.subarusvx.com/articles/article2.html

Good decision?

- $

Top speed of 155 in 1992. All the other models were limited to 136. Heh.

[RAzaRazor]

Yeah, those are a strange beast. I see them now and then, and they look alright in person. They have an almost exotic look, so you may get a bit more attention from the cops.

Definately find a black one. The back tends to smooth out the weird lines of the window vent things, and the trunk. The pictures in he article you linked to aren't a very good illustration of what this car really looks like.

If you can find one you like, I say go for it!

[daimoni]

.

[IceEnclosure]

that damn window thing always bugged me... but yea, i s'pose it's a nice car... AWD is always nice..

people are gonna think you're 'eccentric' tho

[Ca$h68]

I betcha the factory intake is restrictive. Mu-ha. > Those wheels HAVE to go though. Ick. Anyway, here's a better pic:



I can't wait. I found one with less than 100k, black, black interior, sunroof etc, for only 3,000. Boo-freakin yah. Maybe I'll buy it this weekend.

- Ca$h

[Arty50]

I know quite a few people that swear by Subarus in the snow. Heck just check out the parking lot at any ski resort. I had a season pass to Kirkwood last winter and saw a ton of subarus there (a lot of WRXs especially). I also talked to quite a few Subaru owners on the chair rides up and they all were adamant about their cars. Many had owned 4 wheel drive trucks and such before, and said there was simply no comparison.

[yield2apple]

Cash, I applaud your taste in cars.. Thats a GREAT choice.

[flatcatch]

Yeah, you need an SVX. You can't touch AWD in the snow or sand with anything else. I love running circles around 10,000lbs SUV behemoths either spinning all fours on a hill with black ice... or in deep dry sand.

There was a huge SVX owner's meet in Indianapolis last month:

http://forums.i-club.com/forums/show...hreadid=218048

[Nimisys]

its a slushbox, and heavy, and 0-60 in 7 isn't all that imnpressive

however it should have soome decent amnount of aftermarket to go with it, and i can't remeber if they are factory turbo'd or not. the awd is nice, the windows are wierd. and that subaru flat 4 is just plain badass. large engine, but hung low in the bay for a better cg.

[Socially Awkward Solo]

Cash, i think you would look great in this car!

[Zimphire]

I think it's ugly, but that is just me.

[GoGoReggieXPowars]

Well, Ca$H, I think you made a good choice. Have you taken it for a test drive, make sure everything's AOK?

My Mom has owned 3 different Subarus over the last decade or so, nothing cool like the SVX, just the regular sedan and 2 Legacy's. After putting around in my crappy Lynx (aka Escort), the Subaru was a pleasure to drive. Light, nice quick 5 speed.

As said above, people who own them will swear by them above other cars. They were the most popular car in New England, and probably still are. Good for the slush and crappy streets of MA!

[Ca$h68]

*&@#$(*@#. The one I wanted is already gone, yet the dealership still has it on their website. Idiots. That was a good deal too. >sigh< I'll keep looking.

- Ca$h

[euphras]

�t�s mindblowing damm U G L Y !!! You Americans never had even a bit of taste in choosing (or designing/constructing) cars....

Pat

[Socially Awkward Solo]

Originally posted by euphras:
�t�s mindblowing damm U G L Y !!! You Americans never had even a bit of taste in choosing (or designing/constructing) cars....

Pat

I hear ya par. God forbid they might like a quality car like a VW or a BMW.

[C.J. Moof]

I've long liked the SVX, cuz it's so... odd. I remember seeing one on the way to work this year. But I think it's the only one I've seen all year, which makes me wonder- might it be a PITA to find parts for it?

I almost bought a beautiful pearl white Audi Coupe Quattro this spring... couldn't get over how freaking gorgeous that car is. There were only 1500 brought to the US, which got me worried about parts, and general Audi reliability. My friend with the 5000QTW is always working on his Audi....



no photos do the paint on this car justice. I'd gone down to look at the red Corrado in the back, but it was like falling for her sister.

[boardsurfer]

I have always thought these were cool cars. They seem rather rare. The windows are a little funky though. I didnt know they had that much power, and all wheel drive will be huge in the snow. And for $3k? Good find! I say go for it!

[MGossett]

Looks kinda like a late-80s Ford Probe to me. But hey, you can't beat the price for the options and speed. According to this page, the '92 SVX did 0-60 in 7.3, and a 15.5 1/4 mile.

-Mike

[dav]

Originally posted by euphras:
�t�s mindblowing damm U G L Y !!! You Americans never had even a bit of taste in choosing (or designing/constructing) cars....

Pat

i thought i remember that car being designed by an italian (agency/guy)???

nice choice - tiny window might take some getting used to.

[cenutrio]

Hi Ca$h68,
I like your taste, I also was pretty impressed when I saw this Subaru just after arriving the US. Much better looking than photos you have posted. Seems pretty sporty, some kind of Citroen XM (for Europeans surfing this forum), but more aggressive looking. Also more reliable and 4x4!
Go for it!
This is just my two cents advise
I have realized that Madison dealers are not that good. Why don�t you try to check Chicago dealers (or check offers in newspapers). Prices drop a lot compared to Madison and there are many other exotic brands that you could be interested in. For example 3 weeks ago, an Audi Quattro 92, all extras about 110K, and V8! The owner was asking for only $2,000 J

I got the red 84 rabbit convertible just $1,000 looks new and runs great (there were many recent ones for very good prices.

[anarkisst]

I poop on your Subaru...

[typoon]

Originally posted by Socially Awkward Solo:


I hear ya par. God forbid they might like a quality car like a VW or a BMW.

Hey now not all American's are like that. I own a VW GTI VR6 Now that is a fun car with lots of room for a car it's size I mean.

[euphras]

Quote:
"Hey now not all American's are like that. "


Thx, you made my day

Pat

[yield2apple]

holy sweet crap.. you guys who crapped on this guys taste or others are so arrogant.. You shouldn't assume we don't like veedubs or beemers just cos we like the Subaru SVX.. Obviously cash has put a lot of thought into his choice, and I assume he likes the Subaru for its exotic looks, rare presence, power, all wheel drive, comfortable interior, and cost.. You damn Americans and your arrogance, its awful!!

[Ca$h68]

I like Corrados, they poop all over those pretend corrado GTIs. Seriously, GTIs are slooow. I'd take a Corrado SLC anyday. And BMWs are overdone. Really. I mean, I dont even notice them anymore. Just check ebay. BMWS EVERYWHERE! ack. No thanks.

- Ca$h

[Mac Zealot]

Ca$h, that car is ugly. Where did your taste go?

Oh yeah, you might want to check the ashtrays to see if there's mud in them

[Ca$h68]

I think they're badass looking. Kinda like a jet-fighter esque cockpit, a quasi ugly back end, and the front end will look great once you remove that middle headlight part.

- Ca$h

[yield2apple]

The SVX reminds me a little of the Acura NSX.. in a way

[MikeM33]

I used to always get those old Subaru SVX's mixxed up with the older Ford Probes.

MikeM32

[Ca$h68]

Originally posted by MikeM33:
I used to always get those old Subaru SVX's mixxed up with the older Ford Probes.

MikeM32

Then you obviously aren't into cars. Thats like confusing a picasso with an etch-a-sketch.

- Ca$h

[Zimphire]

Originally posted by euphras:
�t�s mindblowing damm U G L Y !!! You Americans never had even a bit of taste in choosing (or designing/constructing) cars....

Pat

I am still wondering when the Germans are going to get their electronics right.

Their engineering in cars is something to brag about, but the cars electronics. bleh.

[phazertwo]

Originally posted by Ca$h68:
I betcha the factory intake is restrictive. Mu-ha. > Those wheels HAVE to go though. Ick. Anyway, here's a better pic:



I can't wait. I found one with less than 100k, black, black interior, sunroof etc, for only 3,000. Boo-freakin yah. Maybe I'll buy it this weekend.

- Ca$h

that looks like a nice car, and fast, but, it looks stupid with thos window things!! its like a cocon or somthing! but whatever
PZ

[Ca$h68]

Thats actually glass. You can see through that part.

- Ca$h

[flatcatch]

Some strange new-generation SVX news (if you can even call it an SVX):

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk:/front_...y.php?id=28556

Subaru Rallies To GM Sporty 4x4 Call

Who do you turn to if you want to build a sports car that's as quick off-road as it is on tarmac? That's the question GM asked - and the answer was rally expert Subaru.

Plans for a hot four-wheel-drive model have been given the go-ahead, and it will be based on the WX-01 concept, a seven-seat crossover coup�. Originally unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October last year, it's powered by a 3.3-litre six-cylinder engine developed from the lightweight 3.0-litre unit that's been recently fitted to the Japanese firm's Legacy Outback.

Offering a choice of six-speed manual and five-speed automatic gearboxes, the car would offer limousine- like levels of refinement. Sound-proofing would ensure the car's cabin remained virtually silent, regardless of the environment. The WX-01 is tipped as a successor to the highly regarded SVX coup�, and flagship editions would offer turbo power, loads of traction and impressive acceleration. Inside, the car will get versatile seating and a hi-tech telematics and sat-nav system. Altho-ugh aimed at the US market, the car is expected to go on sale in the UK as a lifestyle alternative to Vauxhall's Zafira, priced from �25,000.

According to one insider at Subaru, news of the development has proved popular among its engineers, who are keen to have another try at improving the design of the slow-selling SVX.

[milhous]

Ca$h, glad to hear that you were able to find a car to your liking.

But in all honesty, I don't know if I could buy a Subaru.

I'm sure that Subaru has improved their quality from 1981, but that's what happens to you when buy a buy a car that turns out to be a rustbucket in less than 10 years, you just can't trust them anymore.

My parent's first family car was an beige '81 Subaru GL station wagon bought new. Although it did not have much mechanical problems, maintenance back then on these cars were expensive. Also in less than 10 years, the engine gradually began to lose compression, so we got rid of it ASAP.

Audi is just as guilty for their cars made in the 80's. Models like the 5000 series had serious mechanical problems and were very expensive to fix/maintain. Again, they've probably learned from their mistakes by now, but even if I were in the market for a car now, I really don't think I could touch either one of them from past experiences.

It's just how you feel about somethings. You know they were awful in the past, better and improved today, but you still don't want to go near them.

Our maybe it's our family's bad luck in getting cars with our recent 2001 Toyota Avalon being a lemon, DESPITE the fact that Toyotas are very reliable cars.

[TNproud2b]

There's a reason that certain vehicles lack resale value.

Perhaps you're about to learn about that firsthand.


PS, ditto on Audis sucking.

PPS, they are still better than Subarus.

[Steve]

4-speed automatic transmission
Gear rations (I) 2.79 (II) 1.55 (III) 1.00 (IV) 0.69
Final drive ratio 3.55:1

[Nimisys]

geared for the top end thats for sure... explains the low 0-60 given the hp well enough

[dav]

Originally posted by yield2apple:
holy sweet crap.. you guys who crapped on this guys taste or others are so arrogant.. You shouldn't assume we don't like veedubs or beemers just cos we like the Subaru SVX.. Obviously cash has put a lot of thought into his choice, and I assume he likes the Subaru for its exotic looks, rare presence, power, all wheel drive, comfortable interior, and cost.. You damn Americans and your arrogance, its awful!!

damn ignorant canadians, the majority of the americans in this thread have been in support of ca$h's decision. it's the misguided self-proclaimed german who has been the most belligerent.

[euphras]

I apologize for the "dammned Americans"..............

but i really have problems with this fuel demanding (spoiling) dinosaurs the people in the US like so much

ever heard of "global warming" ??!?

Pat

[amsalpemkcus]

Cash dont like integras?

[dav]

Originally posted by euphras:
ever heard of "gobal warming" ??!?

Pat

i try to keep open-minded, but i'm also skeptical. i've heard it stated that the u.s. is the most polluting country in the world, but i haven't been able to get facts to back that up based on pollution per area (burden of proof being on the person making the statement). i've also heard claims that global warming isn't much of an issue (might of been some pbs show) - scientists stating the earth's climate changes constantly over hundreds/thousands/millions of years and it's not dependent on human beings. don't know. but unfortunately most people with the opportunity will do what pleases them with little regard to others - i consider that a human (not american) trait (though maybe there's more opportunity in america? in which case i'd consider the decent people in america truly good.).

[Ca$h68]

Responses:

What's wrong with those gear ratios? In first it can go over 40mph, in 2nd it can do 70, in 3rd it can do 110 or so, and in fourth it can do 155.

Integras? No. I think they're alright, but I see them everyday, and everyone has one. They're lemming cars, just like civics, mustangs, and camaros.

Global Warming? I think its BS. Why? Question for you: Remember the ice age? Did the wooly mammoths drive gas guzzling cars?! No. It warmed up by itself. The earth is NOT constant. We have data from what, the past 300 years, and we're trying to make predictions based off that?! How stupid. And another thing, just because a car gets poor MPG (SVX only gets 18 in city and 25 on highway), that doesn't mean its polluting. In fact, a lot of newer SUVs get horrid MPG but don't pollute much. You're very very confused.

- Ca$h

[euphras]

Avoidable catastrophies have to be avoided....

stupid.............tz tz tz

[TNproud2b]

Originally posted by euphras:
I apologize for the "dammned Americans"..............

but i really have problems with this fuel demanding (spoiling) dinosaurs the people in the US like so much

ever heard of "global warming" ??!?

Pat

Yeah.

It's the follow-up 'crisis' to the 1980's "Global Cooling" - the liberals can't make up their mind.


The rate of fuel consumption has nothing to do with so-called greenhouse gas emissions. Modern engines emit little else except carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Europe is 20 years behind the US when it comes to clean-running vehicles. American cars have employed catalytic converters since 1972. It took Europe over 20 years to catch on to this concept.

Yet again, I have to undo the myth that big cars pollute more than small ones by virtue of the fact that they burn more fuel.

Fuel economy and exhaust emissions are NOT related to one another.


Boycott Vespa scooters and lawn mowers...they pollute a lot more than a 5,000 pound Ford Expedition.

[daimoni]

.

[TNproud2b]

The liberal rhetoric has changed my thinking.

Now I drive a 4cyl Chevy pickup instead of a V-12 pimpmobile.

Even the finest European cars can't hold a candle to my Chevy. My knee doesn't get dripped on when it rains and I get 20 miles per gallon instead of 8.5.

[Ca$h68]

Here's something for you: Semis, buses, construction equipment ETC account for roughly 10% of the traffic in america. However, they are accountable for 25% of the pollution. So why do we need electric cars??!?!?

- Ca$h

[Nimisys]

Originally posted by euphras:
I apologize for the "dammned Americans"..............

but i really have problems with this fuel demanding (spoiling) dinosaurs the people in the US like so much

ever heard of "global warming" ??!?

Pat

tell you what, when your made for the european market car can be imported as is to the us and pass safty and emissions regulations in CA, then you can lecture me on the evils on poor gas milage american cars. but seeing how none can it will be awhile before i hear it from you.

while your cars may get better MPG than us market cars, they emit way more greenhouse gases and other emissions.

oh yeah one more question: why is it California, not europe, or japan, is the first to start regulating greenhouse gas specifc emissions from vehicles starting with 2006 model year? and guess what i can garuntee you fords behemouth of an excursion will still be there to pass. 8 mpg and all.

[cenutrio]

Originally posted by phazertwo:


that looks like a nice car, and fast, but, it looks stupid with thos window things!! its like a cocon or somthing! but whatever
PZ

Probably view area is increased and access enhanced. Doesn't look like a bad idea to me...