opinions on this VR6 please

[vjr]

Hi all, new to forum and VWs,

I'm looking at a 1996 VR6 with 122K Km. Seems nice, has had some things seen to already such as ABS and A/C, supposedly good logs (haven't seen them yet though). Had a drive and sounds sweet, smooth, no noises. As far as I know nothing has been done, e.g. new engine/clutch/gearbox or anything.

Gut instinct is good, I'm usually lucky enough with cars, touch wood.

Can get it for around $7,500. On the face of it, seem like a good deal? Just wish it was black, but hey.. silver FTW!

Also, any VW mechs around Melbourne (city area) to be recommended for pre-purchase check? And/or any kind souls on this forum care to glance over it?

Any help appreciated!

[rayray086]

If clutch hasn't been done, it should be well on its way out on a VR6. Check the power windows to see if they're in working order. Check for rust around windscreen and window seals, and on the sills when you open the door (check under the rubber). Heater-core is a common thing to fix on VR6s are a pain to replace due to the amount of labour, so check to see if the heaters work.

I've most likely missed a few things but the VR6 owners of this forum should be able to help you out.

And get the price down lower. Maintenance on these things can get expensive.

[noom]

sorry to hijack, but what are the signs that a clutch needs replacement?

[VR6child]

if the revs increase far higher than the speed the clutch is slipping. noticable in higher gears first. if you floor it and the revs fly up really fast but you barely accelerate, get a new clutch

[vjr]

Thanks for the quick responses. Shall try and arrange another look on the weekend and check for rust.

As far as clutch slipping, I didn't notice any.

As far as price, is $7,500 too high (if all is at it seems)? Always good to get the lowest you can of course, but just wondering how that figure compares with what others have paid. He's asking $8,500. I've already made an offer..

Edit: is window fogging/ventilation a problem in these cars? The car was parked in an underground car park and when we turned up the front window was quite fogged (it had been parked for several hours). That might indicate dampness in the car, although it didn't smell damp at all.

[sydVR6]

If clutch hasn't been done, it should be well on its way out on a VR6. Check the power windows to see if they're in working order. Check for rust around windscreen and window seals, and on the sills when you open the door (check under the rubber). Heater-core is a common thing to fix on VR6s are a pain to replace due to the amount of labour, so check to see if the heaters work.

I've most likely missed a few things but the VR6 owners of this forum should be able to help you out.

And get the price down lower. Maintenance on these things can get expensive.

I basically agree with everything stated here, it's very good advice. The clutch may well be fine, though.

Contrary to a lot of belief, clutches don't necessarilly have to be a wear item, or give way after X kilometres.
Clutch life is all down to driving style and how the car has been used. Under the right conditions, some will easilly last the life of a car : )

Your clutch may or may not have been well looked after.
Even for performance drivers, there are ways to look after your clutch - with the possible exception of the drag racers and 'granny shifters' out there : )

I do agree (completely!) that it's well worth checking this out for yourself. The best way to do this properly is to find a steep hill and slowly accelerate up in 4th or 5th gear, keeping the revs between 1500 and 2500rpm (in other words, dont hit the hill at 80km at 5500rpm, that would defeat the purpose).

The torque required to climb a steep hill at low revs in 4th or 5th gear will soon let you know if the clutch is on its way out, and slipping will be most obvious under these conditions.

All the best.

[vjr]

it's not a 94 but a 96

It's actually a 96 model, not a 94.. sorry about that. I think that changes the price equation? (Redbook says max $5500 for a '94 and $7400 for a '96, if that means anything)

[The_Hawk]

pffft redbook. The values they state aren't always right. A VR6 can be anywhere up to about $10k for a good nick one with all the right bits working.

Averages prices seem to fluctuate between about 7k - 10k depending on current demand, personally I would consider a VR6 with new AC and ABS (or at least repaired) to be a decent find at $7.5K, even more so if the heater works . Most people are closer to $10k by the time they buy the car and fix up those items. (Not that many people bother with the ABS )

[VR6child]

my clutch was fine after 2xx xxx km, and it was the original one. so yeah, all depends on driving style.

[DVR68U]

yeah mate seems like a good cheap one. i ve got 250k's on stock clutch motor and gbox.
cheers brenton

[Preen59]

I basically agree with everything stated here, it's very good advice. The clutch may well be fine, though.

Contrary to a lot of belief, clutches don't necessarilly have to be a wear item, or give way after X kilometres.
Clutch life is all down to driving style and how the car has been used. Under the right conditions, some will easilly last the life of a car

Ahh somebody finally said it! Well explained mate!

[noom]

Are clutches for VR6s heavy? Or do I just need to develop a stronger left foot?

[peedman]

Nah they arent heavy at all but a clutch change is a pain!!

[malteser]

Edit: is window fogging/ventilation a problem in these cars? The car was parked in an underground car park and when we turned up the front window was quite fogged (it had been parked for several hours). That might indicate dampness in the car, although it didn't smell damp at all.

Regarding the fogging of the windscreen, did the car smell like coolant at all? If so, this is a telltale sign that the heater core is busted, a very common problem and a costly one (I know from experience!)

Mark

[vjr]

Regarding the fogging of the windscreen, did the car smell like coolant at all? If so, this is a telltale sign that the heater core is busted, a very common problem and a costly one (I know from experience!)

Mark

I didn't notice any smells like that, but I'll add it to my list of things to check for, thanks. The owner reckoned the temperature gauge never got above normal levels even in extreme summer heat.