2000 VT CALAIS -200,000kms purchase advice

[mellis77]

hi guys. let me start by making it clear that I'm a female and know very little about cars. My husband is after a car and we are on a budget. A friend of his boss has a car for sale, all i know at this stage is its a 2000 VT Calais and has done around 200,000kms. We are probably
going to offer $4,000 for it. Apparently its been driven by the guys wife and hasn't been thrashed. (not a soothing thought as i know how i
drive!.. lol)

If we like the look of it, we will get a racv inspection done on it but all i wanted to know is, has anyone had any major problems with their 2000 vt calais after its hit the 200,000 km mark and does anyone have any recommendations of what questions to ask, re major servicing that should have been done at this stage.. i.e timing belt etc that could end up costing us a lot of money, and also is $4000 reasonable to
offer?

Thanks very much for your assistance

[outback rider]

There are no "time bombs" waiting on a VT Calais. I have a similar car with 150,000 km. Great car. If it looks as though it has been reasonably cared for and drives nicely it will be fine. Get an RACV check if you wish. Remember, it is an 11 year old car that cost $48,000 new so it will have some wear and tear.
If you can get it for anywhere near $4000 buy it. It's a bargain. It would be $8000 in a car yard.

[monkeys437]

They dont have a timing belt, just a timing chain which shouldn't ever need replacing (unless your unlucky)

The most common expensive thing I see with these cars are transmissions dying due to lack of servicing. I'd make sure the transmission fluid is a nice light red colour (not brown) and the gear changes are fairly firm and smooth. Other than that, Id check for any oily sludge under the radiator cap and make sure all the electrics work.

The'yre pretty good cars and can be maintained and fixed on the cheap if you have a mechanic that knows his stuff

[WHYtheFACE]

I've got a 98 VT calais, bought it 5 months ago with 190000ks on it for $3800 with a road worthy, I have had no problems at all, its been a great car, if you can get a 2000 model for 4k it definitely a good deal. Just know that VT's are really common so if anything breaks it will be very easy to get a replacement.

But as above basically give it a good check to see if its all good.

[50LTRv8]

I would look for worn suspension bushes, shocks/springs, belts, rubber hoses. Also make sure the auto changes gears in around 1 second. An inspection should sort all this out but the most common things I have had go on mine are the switches, aircon vacume switch, aircon compressor and fuel pump.

If it passes the inspection, might be an idea to to have a bit of cash stashed for some repairs

[MikeCuzzy]

Any car of this age is going to need some money kept spare for repairs. Check to see when the suspension was last changed over, ensure all fluids look good and aren't low. So long as it has been serviced every 10,000km and there is evidence of that, it should be fine. The engine can easily do 350,000km no problem, gearbox too, so long as it's looked after. Other than that, should be fine, but remember it is an 11 year old car - if you drive it rough, it won't last long at all.

[BlackVXGTS]

Turn the ignition on and make sure that all the warning lights light up initially before they turn off. Some people remove the warning light globes on things like the engine management, ABS, Airbag etc. mask problems in those areas.

[burleighboy86]

If you can get it for 4k, then you're doing well. 4 years ago, I bought my 98 VT Calais from a dealer for $9000 with 165,000km.

Apart from a couple of ignition problems (ignition module and barrel because I was delivery driver and it was turned on and off regularly), it barely missed a beat. While I'm pleased I upgraded, at times I do miss the old girl.

[ucwepn]

engine mounts sagging and centre tailshaft bearing are common faults to look for, also abs and traction control off light staying on which could be the ABS module or a faulty wheel sensor.