Common faults in VZ utes

[JoeFish]

Heyfolks,

I am planning on upgrade my VT Commo to a VZ ute, although I would like to know what are the common faults and repairs to look out for. I'm looking for a ute between the 70,000 - 130,000km on the clock.

Maybe it would be best to know what should have been replaced before it reaches that many KM's etc, i think you get my drift.

I really do appreciate your information and advice!

Cheers,
Joe

[tunner]

What are you getting? a one tonner or just a ute? The original diffs in the one tonners are dodgey, all the blokes i know who drive a tonner have replaced the diff at some stage (myself included). but otherwise, no other ute-specific faults. personally, any other faults ive had have been reported by drivers of sedans (oil pressure sensor, ignition barrel, fuel guage inaccuracy, etc.

good luck mate.

[VzVzVz]

Not to mention timing chains that will go around 150,000ks. Also, the clutch fitted to the V6 is not up to ute standards.

[JoeFish]

cheers for the advice guys!

right now i am looking at a 2006 VZ S Thunder ute. It's automatic (unfortunatly, i love my Manual VT) and it's done around 90,000km. It has a tow bar but has not done much towing at all apparently.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for all your tips!

[CRUSTIN]

My vz manual is heavy clunky and notchy. Maybe just needs better oil or rebuild, but its been like that since i got it, maybe the auto is better.

Also, ive heard the style side's cant handle more than 200kg on the tow ball, or it starts to bend the chassis.

[benerrol]

cheers for the advice guys!

right now i am looking at a 2006 VZ S Thunder ute. It's automatic (unfortunatly, i love my Manual VT) and it's done around 90,000km. It has a tow bar but has not done much towing at all apparently.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for all your tips!

I bought a 2004 V6 auto VZ a few weeks ago, with 105k on the clock. Great ute, cannot fault it. I was the same as you, concerned about an auto, honestly it doesn't phase me, still responsive with plenty of go. If you have any other questions id be happy to answer them!

[william-940]

I bought a 04 VZ S Auto and it has done nearly 170k. I bought it at 135k and i have had no problems at all

[JoeFish]

Thanks guys, This really helps.

I am going to check this Ute out tomorrow and I have also had a few good friends who have mechanic backgrounds BOTH say the same about these utes - that they're great!

It is a Thunder S...do they have 6 stacker CD players? I read on Redbook that they do...

PS: For a 98 VT executive Manual that has been extremely well maintained and serviced, how much would you recommend selling it for? The Manuals in this model are very rare.

Cheers,
Joe

[Surfwagon]

Check out this site for common VZ faults.
Faults - VZ

[Troy711]

Ive always considered the auto to be an absolute slug in 4 speed format.

[Surfwagon]

My auto seems to pull ok.

[Troy711]

In your Senator?

[imoore]

i have a 06 ute with 65000. it has been great nothing wrong with it. it tows fine. just the auto get frustrating on times. have not had any problems with the alloytec. as long as you service them every 7500, and use good quality oil. Good on fuel aswell.

[JoeFish]

sweet thanks guys! Yeah i was told they're pretty good on fuel. I went for a test drive in this ute and spun it so easily, I honestly didn't mean to though, not use to the Auto and also how the ute is so light at the rear.

Why do you find it fustrating? Due to not being able to have fun with gears??

[imoore]

i just find it shifts through its gears to fast. especially when the torque converter locks up while still accelerating. but other that that its fine.

[Nickor]

Ive got a auto vz storm with 100km. Would highly recommend them.

Ignition barrel did need to be replaced within a week of owning it and right speaker died for no apparent reason. Both common faults im told but very nice car

[azazeldeath]

The only fault I can give the alloytec is its oil hungry. Doesn't leak, but if you don't service it and put good oil in, it will develop problems.
Fuel? Well mine is a fuel hungry demon. That said mine is done up and has the 6 speed manual. And I drive it like its stolen lol.

[JoeFish]

hahahaha! that's such a good call Azazeldeath - that's probs why it's a guzzler!

Cheers

[jdrVZute]

Look at lemon and dogs car guide. Will tell you all you need to know for pretty much any car

[Hicomp]

bought my vz thunder like 16 months ago put 70,000 ks on it no problems what so ever, great work horse and good on petty!