What to Look For in a Used SVX

Author: Anonymous

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These are only some suggestions on what to look for when buying a used SVX. There are many more areas, but I will add them as I find what has been left out. This is a work in progress.
  1. Run a Carfax to find out if there are any problem areas and to find out if the posted information about the car is true. http://www.carfax.com
    Do a search on the SVX Worldwide Network of some of the problem areas and ask the author for more details if necessary. (Use key words like brakes, bearing, transmission, rotor, or buy) http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/search.php
  2. Are there service records for the car? This is needed history! Depending on the miles on the car, check to see when the last major service was. Remember this as you inspect the rest of the car and the condition of parts. Are the belts new if the records say they are? Check the maintenance records to see if they match what the condition of the oils, belts, and tires.
  3. Inspect the whole car. Look at the general condition. Has it been taken care of? Is it clean and has it been waxed? What does the engine look like? Are there leaks? Push every button and switch and make sure everything works.
  4. Look at the engine.
    1. Is the engine clean? Are there any leaks. Do you smell anything burnt?
    2. Look at the crankcase oil. Is it full, is the oil clean?
    3. Check the power steering tank. Is it full and is the fluid clean? Is there any fluid that has leaked below it? If so, this can be an easy fix, but you don’t need to tell them that.
    4. Check the transmission fluid. It should be clean and should not smell burnt. If it is dirty, or smells burnt, this may be a trouble area.
    5. Check the front differential with the dipstick. Look at the condition of the fluid. It should be clean and full.
    6. Check around the radiator for any signs of cracking and past repair. If it has been repaired, this may be an area of negotiation on price.
    7. Check the air filter. It should be clean, and if the car was just serviced and it is dirty, this may be an area to question.
    8. Look at the belts. Do they look good, or are they frayed?
    9. Check the water pump for leaks. Are there any other coolant leaks?
  5. Check the body of the car closely. Are there any door dings, scratches or dents? Look at the spoiler if it has one. If it has a bra, look under it to see if it is hiding any major scratches or bumper damage. Sometimes the bra itself will damage the paint. Check the windshield for rock chips and cracks. Remember that a windshield will cost up to $1,000.
  6. Drive the car.
    1. Does it shift smoothly, or does it flare in-between shifts. It should be crisp when it shifts.
    2. Does the car pull to one side or the other when accelerating, braking, or running down the road?
    3. Is there any rumble in the back or the car – this could be wheel bearings going out.
    4. Is there loud tire noise?
    5. Is there wind noise or whistles as you drive?
    6. Do all of the accessories work? (lights, turn signals, map lights, dash lights, and stereo) You may want to do this before or after the main drive.
    7. When braking, does the car slow smoothly, or surge? If it is not smooth, it may have warped rotors.

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