What to look for?

[MG's VH Wag]

Hi guys, I am going to have a look at a VR on the weekend and i want to make like a checklist for things to look out for. I want to make sure that i am not buying something which has alot of problems and will take me forever to fix and cost heaps. I will look at basic things like tyres, windows, brakes and any funny noises coming from the engine but is there anything particular that i should look for or test when im there? Any frequent problems that occur with these cars?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

[POVRTY]

check 4 rear main oil leaks,9 outa 10 leak as long as its not to bad, power steering noises/leaks, front wheel bearing noises, check to see if it has cracks around the strutt towers under the bonnet,roof lighning sag, front & back bushes, just some commen problems to check out

[greenacc]

cracks in harmonic balancer, driveline wobbles when accelerating from still, bouncy shocks, rust or wet carpet in the boot

[MG's VH Wag]

Thanks for that guys, i will add them all to my checklist. Any more you can think of would be great!

When checking the shocks i was told to push down hard on the car and when the car comes back up it should stop and not go back down. Is that correct?

[<RaBBiT>]

check for damage as in cheaply fixed damage etc

[coasty]

listen for tranny slip. slow to about 45 in top gear and accelerate slowly. it will sound horrid.

[VS Omega]

Not so much specific to VR/VS but good to keep in mind:

Take the spare wheel out and look underneath. Mine was rusted through, they had to fix it for the roady. While you're there also have a peak under the boot carpet if possible, make sure it's rust free.

If it has 6x9's (or even if it doesn't) have a look to make sure the parcel shelf hasn't been cut as this can be defective and affect the structural integrity of the vehicle.

Also make sure it still has a catalytic converter (big EPA fines and not good for the environment to not have one).

Also if it has the key with the boot release see if it actually works, don't just assume it does (a lot of people like to replace damaged keys with the ones with three buttons).

[MG's VH Wag]

Thanks guys i will add them to my list. It might sound dumb but what is a catalytic converter? Im not too good with names of things lol.

Also do they need to have an airbox to be road worthy?

[VS Omega]

Thanks guys i will add them to my list. It might sound dumb but what is a catalytic converter? Im not too good with names of things lol.

Also do they need to have an airbox to be road worthy?

The catalytic converter (everyone calls it the "cat") is something in the exhaust which makes the exhaust gasses less toxic, people like to rip the insides of them out or just remove them all together to increase the cars performance (in the aftermarket they sell high flow cats).

I think a way to tell is that the exhaust smells like eggs - or so I've heard, somebody will know for certain

edit: For the airbox I think it might depend where you are, I think pod filters are OK if they're in a sealed enclosure but again not 100%

[libardu]

Thanks for that guys, i will add them all to my checklist. Any more you can think of would be great!

When checking the shocks i was told to push down hard on the car and when the car comes back up it should stop and not go back down. Is that correct?

If it has a towball, this is easy. Stand on it and sorta jump to depress the shocks, it'll go down once but if there ok, they will get hard the second time. If they need to be replaced it'll just bounce and bounce and bounce and bounce...

I wouldnt be too concerned about the cat converter. Im assuming its a V6, and it a stocker, so EPA oficers arent gonna be pulling you over for it. Only have a quick look if its had an exhuast done, itll be a muffler looking thing thats near the dash end under the car.

Good Luck Mate!

[MG's VH Wag]

Yeah i think it will still have the CAT, the car is pretty much stock as a rock so it shouldn't be a problem.

[MG's VH Wag]

edit: For the airbox I think it might depend where you are, I think pod filters are OK if they're in a sealed enclosure but again not 100%

It is just out in the open if that makes a difference.

[Brin]

* Any major oil leaks, although VR engines are prone to having a few minor oil leaks
* If possible, test the engine for good compression
* If possible, pressure check the cooling system or make sure it is not leaking
* If you can get under the car have a look at the undercarriage and make sure all the fuel lines are intact, and the handbrake lines aren't damaged.
* Little things, like buttons and switches, wipers etc
* Do a little dance on the boot to check out the back suspension components lol
* Check the cabin or boot does not leak water
* Give her a test drive and make sure the transmission shifts nicely
* Make sure relays and fuses look well and are making good contact, check under the cabin kick panels and just check out the condition of the wiring, its a good idea really....

[MG's VH Wag]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I will make sure i check for all those things.

Cheers!

[MG's VH Wag]

Where would be the cheapest place to get a standard airbox just for the roadworthy? And how much would it cost?

Cheers!

[DannyboyDS]

haha, its not the VR in the for sale section of these forums is it?

[MG's VH Wag]

Nah mate its not lol, its a friend of a friends lol. I am looking at that one for parts though. Same colour and everything though.

[greenacc]

air boxes are cheap as from wreckers. I got and air box, air flow meter, hose, and sensors for 35 bucks

[MG's VH Wag]

Ok thanks mate! i'll keep that in mind!