Guys, need serious opinions: Is the vr6 a money pit?

[Pullstarter]

I'm in Canberra too and HIGHLY recommend CVWC. Michael at Tuggers works on mine and he's been fantastic! Peter is equally as good if you're on the north side and he'll be an enormous help to you, he may even know the car and be able to tell you a few things about its history. If the car has a good service history 230k's isn't too nasty. Mine has almost 190k on it and the bottom end looks pretty damn good still. If good oils and maintenance practices have been followed it should be fine. If it's not blowing smoke or making strange noises odds-on its usually ok.

[AusScare]

Hey all, I'm in the same position as the OP, looking at getting my first car and the VR6 came to mind. There isn't much choice here in qld, but I'm thinking that I would start saving, then get a loan to make up about $8k.

Would that cover the worst replacements and repairs?

Here are the two VR6s in my area.

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/VOLKSWAGEN/GOLF/details.aspx?__Ntk=CarAll&__D=vr6&__Dx=mode%20matchany&State=Queensland&R=6252959&state_id=79&keywords=vr6&Cr=0&__N=4294962746%2079%201216%20834%20285%20257%204294962677&distance=25&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32|1||pCar_ImageCount_Int32|1||pCar_LastModifiedDate_DateTime|1&__Ntt=vr6&trecs=2&__Nne=20&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&silo=1003&__sid=11D501BBE26E&Model=GOLF&seot=0&Make=VOLKSWAGEN

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/VOLKSWAGEN/GOLF/details.aspx?__Ntk=CarAll&__D=vr6&__Dx=mode%20matchany&State=Queensland&R=5576360&state_id=79&keywords=vr6&Cr=1&__N=4294962746%2079%201216%20834%20285%20257%204294962677&distance=25&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32|1||pCar_ImageCount_Int32|1||pCar_LastModifiedDate_DateTime|1&__Ntt=vr6&trecs=2&__Nne=20&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&silo=1003&__sid=11D501BBE26E&Model=GOLF&seot=0&Make=VOLKSWAGEN

The white one there has heaps of Ks on it, but would an engine rebuild sort of turn that around?

Or would I be better off getting this little guy and fix it up with some wheels and that's all.

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/VOLKSWAGEN/GOLF/details.aspx?Cr=3&State=Queensland&R=6334161&state_id=79&PriceMin=5000&__N=4294962746%2079%201216%20834%20285%20257%20462%20443%204294962677&silo=1003&distance=25&__Ns=pCar_Odometer_Single|0||pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32|1||pCar_ImageCount_Int32|1&trecs=11&__Nne=20&seot=0&PriceMax=7500&__sid=11D501BBE26E&Model=GOLF&sort_type=8&Make=VOLKSWAGEN

OR $2k less, why so much cheaper?

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/VOLKSWAGEN/GOLF/details.aspx?Cr=4&State=Queensland&R=6421999&state_id=79&PriceMin=5000&__N=4294962746%2079%201216%20834%20285%20257%20462%20443%204294962677&silo=1003&distance=25&__Ns=pCar_Odometer_Single|0||pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32|1||pCar_ImageCount_Int32|1&trecs=11&__Nne=20&seot=0&PriceMax=7500&__sid=11D501BBE26E&Model=GOLF&sort_type=8&Make=VOLKSWAGEN

I read the thread and saw the costs, but would an $8k budget be ok? I'm not quite prepared to put every dollar I earn into a car just yet. If you know of any good little deals out there atm around my budget, please let me know!

Thanks

[sydVR6]

Obviously the second two you've linked aren't VR6's - so they'll be cheaper to run (on fuel) and possibly on parts.

The two VR6's you've linked have been advertised for a while and haven't shifted. I'm not sure whether that means there isn't much demand for these old cars or if it simply means they're overpriced for what they are. Generally (unless they are terrific examples with some intrinsic value), older used cars are only worth what people are willing to pay. I didn't mind the look of the white one - it's nice and original and the ad talks about what has been maintained or replaced. The red car has had a new engine at some point and you'd possibly ask why.

There is no reason why well a maintained VR6 with 240kms on the clock would need an engine rebuild - particularly if it's unmodified and has only been driven normally! Just make sure it has a full service history and get it checked out. Something you might want to look at changing (if it hasn't been done yet) is the timing chains/guides, for example.

If you like the VR6, you have to realise that they're getting older and more scarce now, so you'll have to be prepared to look around carefully and find the best one you can. The 2.8 is pretty solid and the bodies wear well, but you should take some time reading around on the net and becoming more aware of the various issues that people have had with these cars over the years. Bear in mnd, they also use as more fuel than a new model 5.7 litre Commodore, around town : )

Either 2.8 or 2.0, unless you're mechanically minded, you're probably better off spending a few extra dimes and finding a minter.
The 2.0 is probably a good low risk option as a first car. The VR6 is more of a commitment.

I think your 8k budget is enough to source a car and fix a few simple things if need be.

[AusScare]

Bear in mnd, they also use as more fuel than a new model 5.7 litre Commodore, around town : )

Either 2.8 or 2.0, unless you're mechanically minded, you're probably better off spending a few extra dimes and finding a minter.
The 2.0 is probably a good low risk option as a first car. The VR6 is more of a commitment.

I think your 8k budget is enough to source a car and fix a few simple things if need be.

Thanks for the reply.

Low risk sounds better to me at the moment, since a car won't be the only thing I'll have to spend my money on. $5.5k for that blue one looks good to me, and again with fuel, an efficient car is better for my current position.

Also insurance/rego would have to come into that budget I think, so might be a tight fit with a VR6.

[MattyT]

Well my car's good run with maintence is about to come to an end, its currently in the shop for what was meant to be just a boring ole service. Current total is sitting just over the $1k mark

[evorobin]

Try running a 90 Quattro 20v and then tell me the VR6 is pig

[cameo]

I've had my VR6 for just over a year and a little bit, and I've probably put ~$4G into it to fix things.
Alternator & Dash died.
Heater Core
Needed a few things for RWC (bought interstate)
Brake bearings for rear wheels
New spark plugs
Fixing a coolant leak

At the end of the day, I still love it.

[-Dell-]

I've had my VR6 for just over a year and a little bit, and I've probably put ~$4G into it to fix things.
At the end of the day, I still love it.

Bingo. It all depends on your commitment and how much you're willing to compromise for a VR6, but if you're prepared to set some money aside for when things mess up then there's no reason for you not to have one. And more often than not, the results are worth it

That said however, the first car is one that you'll want to spend a lot of your time in, so having a ticking timebomb in your driveway is not such a feasible option.. Probably better off picking a more bombproof GL or CL and upgrading to a VR6 in the later years if you're desperate to stick to Mk3s, but if not then there are some pretty decent cars you can have for around $8k; the question is do you feel like driving something every man and his dog has (ie. non turbo Silvia, Pulsar, Corolla, Civic) or the one that may be a bit more unique in regards to its popularity amongst the mainstream P-platers?

[gldgti]

the question is do you feel like driving something every man and his dog has (ie. non turbo Silvia, Pulsar, Corolla, Civic) or the one that may be a bit more unique in regards to its popularity amongst the mainstream P-platers?

is it? i remember being a p-plater - and i dont remember that being a question in my mind.... guess its just hte country boy in me, but i was more concerned about whether i could afford to run my car to school, work and the beach as often as possible and not have it break down with girls in tow....

...and yes, the girls thought my mk1 GLD was cute

[TazzyVR6]

I bought my VR6 when I was 16; 3 months before I got my Ps. Cruise control, heater/air con, ABS, all windows worked fine. Never had a problem with it and sold it at the start of this year to my dad as I have been working on a farm full time and I couldn't live with the constant abuse the VR had to endure going up and down terrible gravel roads all day. My dad has since replaced the thermostat and the ac has died (not that it matters in Tasmania) but really I don't see these as big issues, could happen on any car.
I always loved the suprise reaction I got from people when they asked what was under the hood and I told them it is a V6. It'll burn a good number of other cars off that you'd find in the college car park, plus the torque of the V6 made driving so effortless and the fuel consumption wasn't that bad IMO.

[Jace]

Yes, an auto VR6 is a money pit.

I appreciate the positivity towards MX5s in here though!

[thestu]

man it depends... if you treat it well it will treat you well...

[peedman]

Man who dug up this thread???? Its from OCTOBER 2008!!!!!!!!

[cameo]

man it depends... if you treat it well it will treat you well...

Mine's an auto

Can't wait until June next year when I'll be on my full-license. Doubt my current VR will stick around!

[V®6]

Mine's an auto

Can't wait until June next year when I'll be on my full-license. Doubt my current VR will stick around!

Same goes here, I have strong doubts my current VR will stick around till the end of this year