opinions on this VR6 please

[sydVR6]

Do the listening test : )

Get someone else to start the car, preferably after it's been standing for some hours and is cold.

Have a listen for any overt tapping sounds coming from the rockers. Don't worry about a light, regular ticking, that's probably just the injectors. Tappets have more of a clatter to them, that will usually quieten down once the car warms up.

Also, have a listen for any noises coming from the timing chain and tensioner bearings. A worn timing chain sounds a little bit like ball bearings rollling around in a coffee can. At 122km, the timing chain should be fine, but its worth having a listen.

While you're standing there with the bonnet open, crouch down and listen for any regular knocking sounds that might be eminating from the bottom end, indicating big end bearing wear. Again, not a huge likelihood on a cared for car, but worth listening all the same.

When you're driving the car, do a few tight U turns in either direction and listen for any clunks or clicks that may indicate worn CV joints.

Other than that, if you hear anything unusual, let us know : )

[vjr]

thanks will do. checking it out this morning

[vjr]

Back from the second look.. I left a (refundable) deposit on it pending service on Tuesday and possibly an RACV check.

My findings:

Log books are good, also had many receipts
Thermostat housing repair mentioned in a receipt from a few years ago
ABS light not working, but recent receipt says ABS ok, just bulb blown
Brakes will be done this service (Edit: apparently don't need to be done)
Clutch doesnt seem to slip; did the hill test as well as I could
No obvious tappet or timing chain noises from cold (does timing chain ever need changing?); engine smooth
Owner says it doesn't use oil; oil seemed clean
Coolant seems ok (red coloured, doesn't appear to be from rust!)
No obvious rust
Tyres seem evenly worn
Slight lumpiness at idle; no hint of stalling though; normal?
Power windows working (forgot to check rears though)
A/C; forgot to check this time, seemed ok last time
Didn't notice any CV noises on tight turns
Heater works; however... it was quite smelly. Reminded me of that hot, damp smell when I've had a radiator overheat. Quite unpleasant and wouldn't expect this as being 'normal' of a 1996 car. Owner didn't seem to think there was a problem (but he wasn't in the car this time). Also noticed with heater up full blast that the window started fogging... seems to indicate moisture that shouldn't be there, or is this common? This is my only real concern at this stage.

Any and all comments appreciated. Cheers.