Buying a VS... What to look for

[Rossbx]

Hi all, I am in the process of looking for another car as the old VP is starting to crack up. I am thinking of a '96-'97 VS Commodore in either a sedan or a wagon and preferrably a V6 auto. Is there anything I should be looking for in order not to buy a lemon? and advise would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rossbx (AKA Rossco)

[nick3110]

This may help

[Deutscher]

What nick suggested will help. You also need to look at which model you were after. I've got a VS S2 Calais.. and love it. Woodgrain & Electrics, I hence ELECTRICS. I would go for a Stato, Calais, or Berlina imo. Mines a 1996, brought from car yard but runs like a charm... don't take it to get serviced because they tell you everythings wrong haha and will cost you $1000+ to fix (my sump is leaking etc :P).. I got no strange noises etc so I'm happy. What can you expect from a 12 yr old car.

[mulligan-can]

Check how much the engine leaks. Pretty much all the early ecotec's leaked from the rear main seal. It's usually a tolerable amount but something to be careful of, especially if you like a clean driveway

[Rossbx]

This may help

Thanks Nick, mate you are a bloody Ledgend! That helped quite a lot.
Not sure that I would be holding the accellerator down like that though. It's a good idea imo.

[Rossbx]

What nick suggested will help. You also need to look at which model you were after. I've got a VS S2 Calais.. and love it. Woodgrain & Electrics, I hence ELECTRICS. I would go for a Stato, Calais, or Berlina imo. Mines a 1996, brought from car yard but runs like a charm... don't take it to get serviced because they tell you everythings wrong haha and will cost you $1000+ to fix (my sump is leaking etc :P).. I got no strange noises etc so I'm happy. What can you expect from a 12 yr old car.

I would seriously love a Stato, Calais or a Berlina but unfortunately the budget won't stretch that far. I only have just under 3g to spend and there is no way in hell I am going to get a loan to pay a car off. I would rather pay cash for it. I will be happy with an Executive as long as it has Cruise Control.
I know what you mean about taking them for a service though. The VP cost me $900 parts and labour last month and that was just basically a tune-up and a couple of sensors (MAP & MAT).

Thanks for your reply, I do appreciate it

Cheers
Rossco