Help Buying 6LT CALAIS

[LachieCaprice]

Hello

I’m looking at buying Holden ve calais 60th anniversary model it’s the 6LT and just wanted toknow what to look for my current list is

cars done 149,000km

service history

check oil and coolant

check drive train when driving

any help would be highly appreciated

 

[Fu Manchu]

Make sure doors close well. Look for over spray inside door jambs and around the engine bay as evidence of repairs.

Sump and rear mains leaks.

Does it smell of coolant after you’ve driven it?

Does the car smell of degreaser? That has a distinct smell after it’s all cleaned off.

Was it a smokers car?

Engine light?

The over head DVD in the rear, does it work? Do they have the head phones? Pop open the battery cover on them. Has the battery leaked inside. Take a DVD to try.

Does it have the boot trim on the underside of the lid?

Listen for a gurgley sound from the AC compressor.

Check the tyres for abnormal wear.

I would be looking around the brake master cylinder, right down below there for any evidence of rust stains. The pedal plate can be prone to rust.

Get down under the dash inside and press the Black felt area around the go fast pedal. Listen for a crunching sound. Make sure the pedal is firm.

Make sure the AC is cold.


Does it have a sun roof?
Feel the carpet, is it damp?

Check for the roof lining letting go.

Things like roof lining is a good negotiating factor. Ask for $200 off. That’s what it will cost to replace.

AC not cold, $200 for a regal and check.
$400-$500 for a new compressor.

Stuff like that.

 

[Fu Manchu]

Get a revs check.

I got an advanced check through my states Auto Club. Gave me insurance history and sell prices at various points.

 

[VS 5.0]

Get a revs check.

I got an advanced check through my states Auto Club. Gave me insurance history and sell prices at various points.

RAC ?

 

[Fu Manchu]

Yep. $36 and got loads of stuff about my car.

 

[vr304]

Power steering pump would be another thing I’d add to that list, watch for a wobbly pulley and groaning sound when turning the wheels at low speed also the plastic trim on the side of the drivers seat they tend to crack, just done the one on mine it’s not a major but just something to note

 

[Brysha89]

another thing to look for is the harmonic balancer dose it wobble if so that's excessive run out there's another $250 for 2nd hand job $400 plus brand new if its just the balancer or worse if the crank it self has the wobble in it, my statesman 6lt 06 was lucky enough to just have to replace the balancer

 

[Brysha89]

and you will see the balancer and belt's wobble when engine is idling

 

[Fu Manchu]

Many of the things mentioned aren't a reason not to buy it. Just reasons to negotiate price. If you can figure out if a car needs a grand or so spent to bring it up to spec, you can nut out the price a bit easier. Unless the price is based on the cars flaws and is fair.

 

[krusing]

Make sure doors close well. Look for over spray inside door jambs and around the engine bay as evidence of repairs.

Sump and rear mains leaks.

Does it smell of coolant after you’ve driven it?

Does the car smell of degreaser? That has a distinct smell after it’s all cleaned off.

Was it a smokers car?

Engine light?

The over head DVD in the rear, does it work? Do they have the head phones? Pop open the battery cover on them. Has the battery leaked inside. Take a DVD to try.

Does it have the boot trim on the underside of the lid?

Listen for a gurgley sound from the AC compressor.

Check the tyres for abnormal wear.

I would be looking around the brake master cylinder, right down below there for any evidence of rust stains. The pedal plate can be prone to rust.

Get down under the dash inside and press the Black felt area around the go fast pedal. Listen for a crunching sound. Make sure the pedal is firm.

Make sure the AC is cold.


Does it have a sun roof?
Feel the carpet, is it damp?

Check for the roof lining letting go.

Things like roof lining is a good negotiating factor. Ask for $200 off. That’s what it will cost to replace.

AC not cold, $200 for a regal and check.
$400-$500 for a new compressor.

Stuff like that.

Don't forget $250 for a [AC] replacement High Pressure Side Hose, and $150, to Vac it and e-gas it.
Between the Condenser and the Compressor [Common fault I have found out, being I have one to replace mine before summer]