After spending the 1970s establishing itself as a company producing rugged, reliable vehicles, Subaru reinvented itself in the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on performance and luxury. That approach gave the automotive world the legendary Impreza WRX, and prestige models like this 1996 SVX LSi. This classic presents extremely well, carrying the hallmarks of a vehicle that has lived a sheltered life. The seller needs room, so this Subaru must head to a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Sam61 for spotting the SVX listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Downers Grove, Illinois. If quirky styling and luxury motoring are your bag, you could drive this classic home for $5,000.
Introduced in July 1991 to replace the XT, Subaru’s SVX continued the company’s trend of bold styling. While the XT was about as boxy as a car could be, the SVX was more rounded and smoother. However, the windows were distinctive, giving the SVX a unique appearance that didn’t appeal to everyone. This SVX rolled off the line in 1996, ordered by its first owner in Code 487 Bordeaux Pearl. The company introduced this shade in 1994 to replace Claret Mica, with the new color remaining available throughout the badge’s production life. This SVX presents extremely well, with no genuine cosmetic issues or shortcomings. The paint shines impressively, the panels are straight, and rust isn’t an issue. The trim is in good condition and, thankfully, that distinctive glass is crystal clear.
Subaru enjoys a reputation for producing bulletproof horizontally opposed engines, and it follows that path to improve aerodynamic efficiency, courtesy of a lower hood line. The SVX was no exception, featuring a 3.3-liter flat-six generating 237hp and 228 ft/lbs of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the road via a foolproof all-wheel-drive system, with this car also featuring power steering and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 145,000 miles, though that figure is a walk in the park for the SVX. The seller states that they have appropriately maintained this classic, meaning there should be years of life left in this beauty.
Subaru’s focus on luxury is evident in this SVX’s interior. The buyer receives leather trim, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a comprehensive gauge cluster, and a driver’s airbag. The seller replaced the stereo with a modern unit featuring Apple CarPlay. Otherwise, it is unmolested. The driver’s seat exhibits minor wear and stretching, but there is no evidence of developing holes. The remaining trim is in good order, and the carpet looks surprisingly clean considering its pale shade and the car’s odometer reading. Overall, the condition is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle.
Considering that this 1996 Subaru SVX LSi has thirty years of active service under its belt and 145,000 miles showing on its odometer, its condition is pretty impressive. Apart from minor leather wear, there is little deserving criticism. The seller’s reduced price looks extremely competitive compared to recent successful sales, making me wonder why someone hasn’t snapped up this classic already. The styling is unusual and quirky, and won’t appeal to everyone. Do you think that might be why this Subaru hasn’t found a new home?
Wildest side windows maybe all time.
The DeLorean had similar, but not as well done. Giorgetto Giugiaro was trying really hard to make those windows happen back then. Have you ever seen the Round Door Rolls Royce? I think that has wilder windows.
I’m wondering if they cut down on wind buffeting or rain entry to driver and passengers when down.
they only operate to the visual horrozontal lines seen. That always made them a bit odd to me. I shied away even w/the AWD and power to weight ratio here.
Weak link on these were the transmissions. First thing to ask if a buyer is when the last service was.
I’ve read the transmission and/or AWD differential on these didn’t cope well with significantly varying tire speeds over distance, so the key to avoiding trouble is to assiduously maintain even tire pressures, rotate the tires at least as frequently as specified, and always replace all 4 tires together as a matched set.
Early SVXs also had a screen in the line to the transmission cooler that would collect debris and plug up that circuit, so owners would just punch a hole through the screen to resolve that issue; later SVXs like this one just omitted the screen at the factory.
I had an Outback Sport of that era. In the manual, if you had a flat and put the compact spare on, you also needed to pull the fuse on the AWD.
I had a blowout due to a slightly bent rim, and had to replace all 4 tires, though they were under 10k miles. Of course, it was when I was away from home, so that made it even better.
This car looks like a lot of fun. And seems like a good price.
I would be hesitant on this given the rise in 90’s cars these days. Something is “off” with this as you can barely find one of these Subaru’s that hasn’t been dragged through the mud for $5k and here is one that undergone a price adjustment to that point – something is off!
The 145k miles, maybe?
Like Toyota Subaru enjoys a reputation for being bullet proof, up to a point I think. My daughter bought a late model used Forester with over a one hundred thousand miles and it started using oil. This model was interesting and I like all the options. Maybe this just doesn’t have the cachet of a WRX or a Mitsubishi.
I worked for a man who loved these cars. He bought one for his vacation home, and had one here. Very different cars, with a suede-like dash, IIRC.
I have a weirdly specific memory of these cars, that has nothing to do with the car.
The only mechanic he trusted was at the dealership at the Troy motor mall in Suburban Detroit. I had to take him to the dealer one day, and we also stopped at the Jaguar dealer. They had a mid 60’s saloon, right hand drive, in BR Green, manual transmission. Driver grade. I had no choice but to take a test drive. LOVED IT. I just remember thinking “My wife will kill me, My wife will kill me, My wife will kill me…” I regret not buying that car when I had the chance…
Lovely car. It’s too bad it wasn’t on the market for very long before being discontinued. I thought it was a great sports car addition to the Legacy and Outback for those who want one.
wasnt it sorta their ‘halo car’ @ that time?
Might not stick around long tat way? Onto the
nxt model for new owners quickly…
I love Subarus iin general, but have heard nothing but horror stories about the tranny.I have to wonder whether that component finally started to match its reputation and that THAT is the reason for the low price. As it is, it looks like a cream puff. I think a personal inspection and an in depth interview with the owner is a good idea; possibly he has service records to shed light on its past. I live 10,000 miles away and am ancient (no exageration), otherwise I´d be on my way to check it out.
When I think of Subaru selling a car like this, I think of Chevy selling the Corvette and Mitsu selling the 3000.
It can be a bold move. Sometimes selling a premium sports (sporty) car works, and sometimes it doesn’t.