VR6 Buying Guide

[AzzA]

Hi there, I'm looking at purchasing a VR6 in the not too distant future (or as soon as i can find a nice one).
Was just wondering what other VR6 owners recomend i look for when selecting one.
I intent to look for something with low km's and minimal modifications
Are there any common issues that i should look for, and take into consideration?
Can i look for any symptoms of more serious problems?
Just after some opinions on what i should be looking for to make sure i find a good one.
Cheers
AzzA

[BlackVr6ix]

Make sure the CV joints are in good condition, take it for a drive and go slow at full lock and listen for ticking/clunking.
also inspect the lower wishbone and see if the bushes are ok, the replacement of these is a pain in the ass.

[DubSteve]

Hi there, I'm looking at purchasing a VR6 in the not too distant future (or as soon as i can find a nice one).
Was just wondering what other VR6 owners recomend i look for when selecting one.
I intent to look for something with low km's and minimal modifications
Are there any common issues that i should look for, and take into consideration?
Can i look for any symptoms of more serious problems?
Just after some opinions on what i should be looking for to make sure i find a good one.
Cheers
AzzA

Theres a lot to look for make sure that you look for rust in the usual spots near the windows and that.

Make sure its ticking nicely. Like Blackvr6ix said don't get one that has had modifications the better, this for means that it won't be thrashed and less likey there will be problems with it. Check the interior for fade also your electricals and everything else.

Also be careful cause one with less kms means that there are higher chances of cars needing repairs, that would be regular. For instance clutch, timing chain and anything else.

Also don't forget REVS check and also wise to do an NRMA check.

[BlackVr6ix]

How could i forget.

Make sure all the windows go up and down smoothly. check them several times each!!

[Golf Loon]

I reckon its a false economy to get on with 100000kms that needs everything changing. I`d get one with 150000kms and a well stamped service book.

All VR6s have been thrashed, thats how they like to be driven isnt it?

Look at the plastic waterpipe along the front of the engine, check for leaks.

Listen for ticking noises on idle or cold startup.

Check, Cruise Control, A/C, Heater, C/L and obviously windows. All these things are a pain to fix and are usually broken.

ABS light should come on and then go out. Heaps of these cars dont have fully functioning ABS systems and unscrupulous sellers will disconnect the light.


Airbag light also should come on and go out.

Look at the front chassis rails with the bonnet up and check panel gap and look for dents. They go fast, so lots have been hit in the front.


If you find a car with some of theses problems, that is otherwise good, dont let it deterr you too much, just let it influence the price

[Tim]

id avoid the early ones and look at the mid95 onwards. they have the bigger 288mm brakes and a different abs pump which will probly be easier to source should it ever die. plus they all seem to have cruise control from then onwards. if you head into they 96 model year thats when the deleted the fender flares and switched to oval side indicators. So yeah. I reckon mid 95 build is the go.. not that im biased or anything

[AzzA]

hi there.
thanks so much for the help guys. SOme valuable tips there i will be keeping in mind.
I think im just going to be patient, and wait for something especially good to come up.
The thing is, i really need a daily driver at the moment, so i'm thinking of getting a mk2 gti to tie me over until i find a nice VR6. (with the intention of turning the mk2 into a project car )
now im back to the drawing board!
cheers

[Golf Loon]

There are lots more VR6s than Mk2 GTIs about.

[AzzA]

There are lots more VR6s than Mk2 GTIs about.

thats true, but there seems to be more ml2 GTI's around at the moment than VR6's (from what i can see)
Ahhh, its all so confusing

[JayVR6]

Make sure the CV joints are in good condition, take it for a drive and go slow at full lock and listen for ticking/clunking.
also inspect the lower wishbone and see if the bushes are ok, the replacement of these is a pain in the ass.

what happens if there is ticking/clunking at full lock?

[ScienceVR6]

it means the CV joints are dry and F'ed.

[rayray086]

Anymore buying tips guys? Where else to check? It seems that all VR6's out in the market now are ridden with problems, so it's basically how many faults that you can find yourself so you can try and reduce the price accordingly...

[JayVR6]

how much will that be to be fixed?