Vy or vz?

My VZ needed timing chain replacement at 200K's. Wasn't the timing chain that was faulty, but rather the plastic chain guides wore through and the chain lost tension. When I did the chain replacement, engine was full of oily sludge, have since become aware this is common problem with the Alloytec, and oil changes should have been done more often. So if you're looking at a VZ, you'd want one that you know has been looked after. Haven't had any experience with the Ecotec so can't compare.

 

I have had both a VY and VZ and while a lot of others will probably disagree with me I prefer the VZ. The VZ I find handles better (I think there was a change made between the models to improve this) and I haven't had any of the sludge or timing chain issues coming up on eight years this year. However I do change the oil regularly (no more than 5,000kms). The issues that I have had are radiator (which also went on the VY), dodgy injector and coils however chances are you could get these issues no matter what the car.

 

Mine is 2006 so would be one of the later ones. Others on the forum might be able to point out which series of engine numbers are less likely to have the timing chain issues. I can check the plate of mine if you like to check which series of engine numbers mine is.

 

Just checked for you. My engine is LEO. Others on the forum will tell you whether they are the ones with timing chain issues or not.

 

I would recommend trying to buy one that has no modifications and if you can try buy the models that have the most safety (generally a Berlina or Calais if money permits).
Being its a first car as such, youll want to reduce any extra insurance costs and have whatever is the safest for while you learn how to deal with every other muppet on the road.

As for maintenance, find one with a good history and frequent servicing.
Which should flag any issues like services that have been missed, extra changes that have been made or if its been driven more for highway kms or lots of stop start.

And just to add, be cautious if it doesn't come with a roadworthy.
Having a look some say "it only needs this to get one" if that's the case then why wouldn't they be keen to get one sorted themselves if it is such a small thing to do.

 

Hi Oily. My daily is a boring as white 2005 LEO VZ, which i bought with 188k on it. I was commuting mackay-townsville weekly racking up 1000km s week. For 3 years. The failures, oil pressure switch and a coil pack, neither stopped me on the side of the road. When i was doing the big km, i did spend 2 or 3 hours a month on maintenance, oil changes brakes spakplugs etc, but thats normal. Cheapest and most comfortable km ive ever done. (And still run down to bunnings every weekend...i walk to work these days ). Never owned a VY so cant compare.

 

Oh and thr car is at 340k now. She is done in... but owes me nothing, and worth the annual rego for the 5000km a year i now do. ..wouldnt chop her in for a buzz box ...

 

As a family we are on our 4th VZ in about 11 years, 2 sedans and 2 wagons, the present wagon being May 07 build now showing 180000 k's and current sedan showing 130000 k's.
I like them and the this forum is always helpful.
None of them have had chain problems, just the usual O rings on filler neck just done last week, radiator, water pumps, coils, plugs, tyres, all general maintenance stuff.
Had to do the harmonic balancer on a sedan and one O2 sensor on the current wagon.
I understand they are cars with lots of moving parts so there will always be things to fix, so more you can learn and do yourself means more money in your pocket, and always shop parts prices around.
Last week I managed to get gasket/O ring prices down from $100 to $64 by making a few phone calls.
I also bought a scanner from Aldi for $50 and it shows me any problems.

 

G/day Olly, I haven't owned a VY but I do have a 2004 VZ 1 Tonner and the wife had a VS Ecotech. Both owned from new.
My VZ has around 153k on it now and whilst the timing chain has not been an issue (yet) I have been through 2 engine management computers, 1 body control module, 3 radiators, on the second A/C condensor, replaced all the injectors and coil packs, on the third water pump, 2nd starter motor, replaced the castor bar bushes, had a massive oil leak in the transmission, new engine mounts, 4th or 5th battery and I'm sure there are a few other things that are not considered normal service items. On the other hand the VS Ecotech engine had 280k when we disposed of the car and only ever replaced spark plugs, injectors, two radiators, alternator, power steering pump and rocker cover gaskets + batteries & normal consumable items. By far the VS was the more reliable car.
Sometimes I wish I had looked harder for a good low km VY I tonner instead of buying my VZ money pit.
Just remember, if it's got tits or wheels it will suck your wallet dry.

 

hey man , check this on the Alloytec timing chain issue, have a look at the engine numbers on the VIN

 

If the VZ has been driven sensibly, looked after inside and out and serviced on spec as and when due with nothing missed, go for it. There are a few things to keep an eye out for in a moment.

I never expected to own a VZ for 9 years and take it "around the block" with nothing more required than routine servicing. Would I say they are reliable? Yes, definitely, if you get one that has been looked after.

VZ Alloytec engines did have a timing chain issue affecting around 20,000 engines at full production. They would usually start rattling when cold starting, anywhere between 48,000 and 70,000km. Replacement by a service centre is undeniably costly, around $2,500 to $3,000+ and 2 days off the road. Yes, it can be done by competent and knowledgeable DIYers at home that will cut out the enormous labour cost (parts alone are $700 on average).

The best advice is to look around at a lot of VZs, and scrutinise the service history and driving/road performance, not just a doddle around the suburbs but at freeway speed.

The anti-sway bar at the rear, along with shock absorbers, brake rotors and weak front springs frequently show up as areas of neglect in used VZs. Most have the desirable FE2 suspension that maintains a level on cornering, but is shocking (literally!) on rough roads and corrugations, extremely so with 17" wheels shod with low profile tyres. Travelling at speed with low profile tyres and RE2 suspension on rough, corrugated roads can break internal trim fittings.

Other things that will require replacement over time are spark plugs (not DIY if you are not techie), coolant pump and upper/lower housings and the essential 100,000km auto transmission service (look for this to have been done in service records). The windscreen washer bottle is also prone to splitting and leaking. Replacements on eBay are SH!T quality, so if you find this leaky bit, get another from wreckers. Fitting is an exercise in patience and tempering your language...

VZs have a sort-of-fancy 'instant start': one flick of the key, 1 crank and the engine fires up. If it does not, the starter motor, relay, spark plugs or ECU may have tripped on a fault. The starter motor never gave me any troubles but the engine would not kick after the flick, and worn spark plugs were found responsible for this.

Take somebody experienced with you on the test drive who can listen for whining from the engine (belt pulleys, usually), rattling at start up (timing chains, and when very worn it will be quite a din!), misfires and note any pronounced drifting or pulling of steering at speed, which can indicate suspension trouble or steering misalignment) or both, plus more.

As you will be a uni student, it is I think, critical to choose very carefully so your financial situation going forward is not hijacked unexpectedly by a terminally troublesome or unreliable car.

EDIT: The VZ I traded-in was bought by an 18-year old commencing uni in Melbourne.

 

im doing my chains at the moment, parts. gaskets ,oil pump $950 specil tools if ya cant borrow them $300 plus

 

I'm going say VY.
A first car, the Ecotec is an easy engine to work on for the most part and is strong.
They are also a great engine to learn on.
Insurance and rego will be cheaper too.
Everything under the car is more or less the same.
Interior is appointed the same.
Hire a carpet cleaner and clean the farts out of the seats though.

 

^^ agree.

If you're the one who will be doing all the labour on the car emutech is easier to work on & availbility of parts.

vz probably tad nicer to drive but either way buy cleanest low mileage with maintenance you can find.

vy over vz for 6cyl models although for a first car or runaround boring ol' 1.6 auto getz are great value.