1997 Subaru SVX

Introduction

The 1997 Subaru SVX was a sporty and stylish grand touring coupe. It was powered by a 3.3-liter flat-six engine that produced 230 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. The SVX came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but a four-speed automatic transmission was optional. The SVX was praised for its handling, performance, and unique styling, but it was also criticized for its high price and poor fuel economy.

Engine

3.3L Flat-Six Engine

Head Gasket Failure Description/Symptoms: Blown head gasket, coolant leaks, overheating Solution: Replace head gasket Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ Recalls: None Found

Timing Belt Failure Description/Symptoms: Broken timing belt, engine failure Solution: Replace timing belt Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

Clutch Failure Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting Solution: Replace clutch Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200 Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Slipping Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips out of gear, delayed shifting Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ Recalls: None Found

Suspension

Strut Failure Description/Symptoms: Leaking struts, poor handling Solution: Replace struts Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ Recalls: None Found

Ball Joint Failure Description/Symptoms: Worn ball joints, clunking noises, poor handling Solution: Replace ball joints Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found

Electrical

Alternator Failure Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, dim headlights, electrical problems Solution: Replace alternator Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ Recalls: None Found

Starter Failure Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking noise Solution: Replace starter Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found

Exterior

Rust Description/Symptoms: Rust on body panels, especially fenders and rocker panels Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity Recalls: None Found

Interior

Dashboard Cracking Description/Symptoms: Cracked dashboard Solution: Replace dashboard Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found

Door Panel Sagging Description/Symptoms: Sagging door panels Solution: Replace or repair door panels Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1997 Subaru SVX is a reliable and fun-to-drive car, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems include head gasket failure, timing belt failure, clutch failure, and transmission slipping. These issues can be expensive to fix, but they are not uncommon for high-performance vehicles. Overall, the SVX is a good choice for enthusiasts who are willing to invest in its upkeep.