Welcome to Just Commodores, a site specifically designed for all people who share the same passion as yourself.

New Posts Contact us

Just Commodores Forum Community

It takes just a moment to join our fantastic community

Register

Buying a VS... What to look for

Rossbx

New Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2009
Messages
59
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Members Ride
'96 VS Commodore Equipe Sedan
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)
 

Deutscher

New Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2008
Messages
576
Reaction score
3
Points
0
Location
Perth
Members Ride
Toyota MR2
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.
 
Joined
Mar 5, 2007
Messages
269
Reaction score
9
Points
0
Age
34
Location
Cairns, QLD
Members Ride
VS S Pack Ute
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

New Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2009
Messages
59
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Members Ride
'96 VS Commodore Equipe Sedan
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:thumbsup:

Cheers
Rossco
 
Top