Suggestions? Things to check when buying a VZ

[JeremyF50]

Hi guys,

I'm considering buying a VZ Acclaim. I'm trying to compile a list of things to check. Am I missing anything? I'll be looking at cars with under 100k kilometers. Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

- Leaks under car or in engine bay?
- Diff/transmission noises during gear changes while driving and stationary?
- Brake shudder/squeaks?
- Air conditioner is cold and noise free in operation?
- Electric aerial isn’t damaged?
- All exterior lights are working?
- No timing chain rattle when started?
- Handbrake works good.
- Unevenly worn rear tyres?
- Electric windows are functioning properly.
- Keyless unlock works. Door actuators work during un/locking.
- Bonnet and boot struts stay up
- Door handles, glove box and centre console aren’t broken
- Any strange sound during full lock slow turns?
- Check computer voltages
- Is there a Steering column rattle at highway speed
- Rear park sensors work
- Electric Mirrors work
- Roof of bonnet material, good condition? Bad condition could be a sign of being thrashed?

Thanks!

 

[Rkade]

Check the drivers seat as they can get a rip in the side. Also not a big deal but the steering wheel controls.

 

[commodore665]

good question as I have just bought a VZ SV6 , check service history , interior plastic's can wear , gear box shifts smooth , basically all that was said in the first post . As long as it has been looked after you should be fine .

 

[petern64]

look at things like seat belt wear(drivers esp),brake peddle rubber wear and carpet wear , compare the wear on these kind of things to the Km's on the odometer , engine oil should be reasonably clear and coolant should not have any signs of corrosion or oil ( milky )

hope this helps ,

 

[franklinfrog]

Service history must be 100% perfect! Alloytecs are great at sludging!

 

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

Check the service history, check the price. Take it for a drive. Do you like the colour? Are the k's about right for the year? Are you happy with it? Buy it if those boxes are ticked.

You will spend a lot of time and energy checking every single car trying to find the perfect car that has done zero km's, has no dents or scratches and no issues what so ever, and is dirt cheap.

 

[Neil83]

What is the engine +gearbox service interval?

 

[ConstantVelocity]

Look under the oil cap and down the filler hole (with a torch). A bit of varnishing and browness is normal, goopy crap = bad.

Check the coolant - if it's full of plain water or worse rusty water walk away.

Make sure it drives fine with no unusual noises or vibrations - radio off and windows up while test driving.

Look underneath (with a bright torch - essential car-shopping tool) for leaks and bashes.

Those are the main things I look for. I don't worry too much about little things like minor scratches and trolley dints, bonnet struts sagging, and bits of trim broken etc - as long as the interior is clean and presentable.