opinions on this VR6 please

[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.

[Bora Sport]

Ahh somebody finally said it! Well explained mate!

Ditto. I sold my VR6 with 185,000k's on it and the clutch was fine. Our Vento has over 350,000k's on it with the clutch untouched. We purchased it at 96,000 so even if it had a new one then (and I'm pretty sure it hadn't) it has done over 250,000 since then.

[decksla]

hey dude

bought mine for $5500 but the seller was going OS at the end of that week.

sounds the same as your deal, sub 120k, bone stock, leather, etc.

i would check air con and heating, obviously power windows, do a Vic Roads check ($20), check to see if the ABS light lights up, could be disconnected if not, check cruise if it has it (mine does, but doesnt work, but no care), do the whole ' make sure it tracks straight' and deep breaking with little steering input (to see if it pull to one side). check windshield, almost guarantee some chips, and see if theres any missing screws around the wheel arches. i usually test drive with windows down and no music and little talking, and be anal and check that panels line up and that things like door clearances are consistent (i once checked out a freshly painted car only to find all the doors were misaligned and later found out it had been in a big accident the week prior and they painted it to try and cover it up). another thing, before you take it out for a drive, get a friend to reverse it out to see if there are any leaks under where it was parked

short of that, im in mel, and would be happy to come check it out with ya.

cheers
dEx

[bahjah]

keep the info coming guys, this thread is useful to everyone!

my contribution (info i've gathered on the web, sorry if it's repeated):

- uneven wear on tyres?
- graunchy syncromesh in 2nd gear/reverse?
- worn out shock absorbers?
- Is the air con delivering chilled air on start up?
- Any oil/fluid leaks?
- Any oil in coolant?
- Put the steering on full lock and accelerate to check CV's
- Make sure the ABS light turns on when you start the car, then turns off.
- Check to see if engine, chassis plates match.
- LOG BOOKS!!
- Has the heater core been replaced? Almost certainly will need it done.
- Check all electric windows work.
- Check condition of thermostat housing/ crack pipe
- Check for milky water under oil cap.
- Check for any rust.
- Has the timing belt been changed yet?
- New clutch?

[vjr]

hey dude

bought mine for $5500 but the seller was going OS at the end of that week.

sounds the same as your deal, sub 120k, bone stock, leather, etc.

$5500? that's cheap. Leather? Damn this one doesn't unless I missed that detail

short of that, im in mel, and would be happy to come check it out with ya.

cheers
dEx

Hey thanks for the offer. Maybe drop me a pm and let me know where you are, etc.

keep the info coming guys, this thread is useful to everyone!

my contribution (info i've gathered on the web, sorry if it's repeated):

...

Thanks for the suggestions..

[VR6child]

Our Vento has over 350,000k's on it with the clutch untouched.

sheesh that is some high milage. highest mileage mk3 in aus no doubt