Help with buying a VZ

[zola_boy_7]

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[Benboy]

Perhaps it has been through recent floods, re-built (cleaned) and on sold hoping for an unsuspecting buyer. Whatever you do, ensure that the vehicle is thoroughly inspected by an independent mechanic - perhaps your Auto Club (NRMA, RACVV, RACQ, RAA) etc - for a nominal fee. Remember of the vehicle is cheap then it is obviously a 'cheap vehicle'.

 

[commodore1994]

I can see a scratch on the front bumper. apart from that it looks fine. as mentioned above, id get it closely inspected.

 

[diysv6]

Any chance of your seeing the service history? or speaking to last owner?
With 200,000km on the clock, and 10 years old, a lot of service items may be due, and niggly problems present.
This is by no means the absolute list but to me they are VZ worthy questions if you can get answers.

Get a Tech2 on the car and see the history if possible, and any DTCs in memory.

Checkout the starting and idle qualities as the ECU can be intermittently on the way out.
Idle under load eg AC, also road test- plugs maybe ignition coils. O2 sensors etc.

Transmission fluid, oil & filter change etc.. Smooth gear changes
Rotors & pads,
Handbrake drum/pads
Brake fluid change
Tail shaft bearing

Engine mounts, gearbox mount
Engine timing chains,
Timing cover leaks,
Sludge check to dip stick, open oil filter housing.
Check the PCV orifice is clear and breathing well.
Oil in the inlet manifold intake and oiled up Throttle body butterfly.
Oil and filter change

Radiator small cracks in the tanks etc
Radiator coolant change
Thermostat housing leaking/seepage, O rings etc
Water pump seepage. leaks.

Suspension rubber bushes in Z bar - front and rear.
Front LCA inner bushes chopped out.
Steering box slop, oil leaks, tie rod ends, split concertina boots.
Front suspension upper strut bearings.
Sway bar link pins - bushes etc.

Diff leaks at pinion and axle shafts
Concertina boots not cracked
Rear suspension all rubber bushes not chopped out

Outside appearance - mismatched solid color dull and lusterless shine, - past bingles, scratches, panel damage etc.
General stance of the vehicle - lowered excessively, incorrect rims and tyre combo, Rear wheels don't lean like a V8 super car's.


Interior - electric drivers seat works OK?
Door lock actuators are smooth and prompt operation.
Hood lining has not drooped under the sun visors.
Electric Mirrors and fast glass OK.
CD/radio working properly (find out the security code) Tech2
Both keys work properly, three button gaskets are intact.
Handbrake works OK
AC works to all parts of the cabin.
Heater works

Condition of spare tyre - check the age of the tyre - some recommend 6 years life then discard it.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Jesterarts]

Check it's history to see if it's been written off, etc.

If that is fine, get a pre-purchase inspection.

If that's fine, buy it.

 

[zola_boy_7]

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[zola_boy_7]

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[diysv6]

for example, if something major like the head gasket started to leak, or if the radiator cracked...would that be under the warranty...or would they try to wriggle out of it....and only cover the small things

This is the $64 question.

This is my opinion and not a legal statement.

Get a copy of their warranty/guarantee document and have a good read.
If you have an MTA (Motor Traders Association) type organization in WA have a yarn to them. It may be a resellers standard MTA warranty agreement through their state association.

It could be a specific dealers warranty which would need a very close read.
Get on Google and ask the question "problems with ........... warranty................."
Maybe the feedback will clarify how far their warranty extends.

Some replacement warranties might cover parts in a sealed box. eg. Differential, gearbox type items.

Parts may be your cost, the dealer does a reduced labour cost, or vice versa, or a mix of both.

Dig around to see what your rights are, they may be limited on a 10 year old vehicle, so negotiate to get as much fixed before you lay any money down.

Hence the expert inspections as recommended by fellow members before purchase so that defects and faults are brought to your attention before you make any outlays.


MTAQ Has a code of conduct see link:
https://www.mtaq.com.au/motor-trades-association-queensland-code-ethics