Inspecting a VL

[Unconnected]

hey guys, first post.

Im on the trail of a cheapo commodore (like 500$) and i have found a 5spd VL for around that price. im going to go take a look at it some time this week, and i just want to know what to look out for.
the guy said it has a bit of rust and im not expecting much for this amount of money, but what else should i look for when i go to buy it, are there any common flaws with the VL that i need be aware off?

Thanks.

[detox_nath83]

Rust like u said around front window and under parcel shelf in boot near where the water runs off the back window and around your boot
Rear window perimiter
Check Km's and engine starting cold (not smokey) missing etc
Check radiator and inside oil plug(Rocker Cover) for milky residues (Caused by cracked head)
Leaks in steering rack, powerstearing hoses brakes etc etc
These are easily replaced. Panel Damage/ Bumpers/Trims all inplace
Check Trans that it still feels tight not sloppy even oil level to c if has been looked after and not overheated
Get some pics for us to have a look if u like
I know u r not expecting much for the price u wanna pay.
Goodluck buddy

[blaze]

i herd sum shit years ago. bout if u stick a 50c peice on top of a vl engine and it stays there without falling, buy it! but like i said this was years ago after i bought my 2nd VL and i actually beleived the shit back then. but yeah ya cant expect too much for $500, if it gets u from A to B and its just a work hack ... buy it!

[Unconnected]

yea i only need it for 6 months, after that i will have a new car, if its a dog ill just sell it for parts etc after 6 months, but who knows i might get attached to it :P

ill do the 50c peice trick, and ill check the other stuff listed by detox_nath83.

ill try and get some pics up, not sure when ill go and see it though, i'll just bump this thread when i do.

Thanks for your help guys

[walesy]

i herd sum shit years ago. bout if u stick a 50c peice on top of a vl engine and it stays there without falling, buy it! but like i said this was years ago after i bought my 2nd VL and i actually beleived the shit back then. but yeah ya cant expect too much for $500, if it gets u from A to B and its just a work hack ... buy it!

im pretty sure this was a trick with the v6 not the rb30...

[lil_mickey]

lol i just tried that 50c thingie...
and it didn't fall off...
What is it supposed to check? the engine mounts?



p.s. I payed $700 for my berlina 18months ago and it is still going strong... They are around in half good nic for that price...

[detox_nath83]

basically engine balance and running nice and smooth, firing right/ right mix/ not missing etc :P
just a piece of mind thing if u get me

[walesy]

except if your buying something with a beefy cam

[detox_nath83]

haha yeah true that :P LUMPYyyy

[Goon]

check the bushes too for cracks..

[seans VL Calais]

i would also have a look if its had 6x9s put in the parcell shelf that they havnt hacked the body itself under the parcell shelf. seen it done lots of times and i dunno you may have trouble with it if you need a roadworthy or something. i dont need to get them so i dunno what they check but yeah just a though.

[vlv8vic]

im pretty sure this was a trick with the v6 not the rb30...

Might have been quoted for both at some stage - - bit of bluetack would make it achievable.

[Unconnected]

Hey guys, im going to look at it this saterday, im not sure if it has rego or not, in his ad he said it did not, but he said over the phone it did (i think, might have mis heard him), so im a little concerened with RWC to get it rego'd.

does anyone know what is required to get a RWC, like what will disqualifi me from getting one?

as far as i can tell from the guy on the phone, it runs well, just has a bit of rust. is rust going to d/q me from getting a RWC?

Thanks again, ill remember to get pics when i check it out.

[detox_nath83]

ride heights/exhaust leaks/unroadworthy tyres/brakes/lights all working/mods/legal tint/seatbelts all intact no freys
not so much rust being defective depends how severe
steering rack not leaking no bent tie rod ends(easily fixed)
Overall driveability.
Exhaust noise db's
Cracks/chips in windscreen.
Goodluck man

[vlv8vic]

the list for these things is huge - but they don't tend to check everything all the time (even though they are probably supposed to).
One days when i can be bothered i'll scan the form in for a look.
In short though:
Brakes
Clutch
Electrical
Fuel System
Emissions
Exhaust
Engine (includes leaks)
Body (includes rust)
Steering
Lights
Road test
Seats
Seat belts
Padding and protrusions
Brakes
Park Brake
Mirrors
Steering
Indicators
Horn
Accessories (mounting)
Transmission
Wipers
Washers
Sunvisors (mounting and condition)
Structural
Headlights
Demister
Floor (inc loose material)
Glazing
Doors
Bonnet
Body
Boot
Lamps and reflectors
Ground clearance
windscreens and windows
Wheels and tyres
Driveline
Fuel tank
Suspension
Tow Bar

Each of these have sub headings for checklists. Generally, if the car is in good nick they won't per say go and check each seat for adequate padding etc.

[Unconnected]

how much do these inspections normally cost?, im on a extreamly tight arse budget lol.

[Goon]

inspections are cheap, but then again it depends where u go ring around.. mind cost me 20 dollars.. it just depends where u go...

you'll also need to pay for a permit "$150 around that i forgot" to drive the vechile to and from the place.. but what u pay u will get it aken off the rego if it passes.. thats how it is in qld.

ps. the permit doesnt mean u can drive the ride around, only to places that ur getting repairs which u need proof if u get pulled over, not to go down the shop and get parts..

[Unconnected]

ok great, thanks,

Bad news the seller left it at work and so i cant go see it for another week.

lol