What to look out for with a high KM LS1.....

[HARMSY]

Hey people,

Just after a little knowledge, I currently get around in a VQ Staty after having to sell my much loved wagon to help fund some bricks and mortar....Now i have decided that the VQ will most likely leaving my driveway and get replaced with a ute so i can do some on the side work......My question comes about high kilometer LS1's and what to look out for.

My budget will now be about 15K for the next ride and i was originally looking at a 99 or 00 VS smick VS ute in the 10-12k mark, but after much carsales surfing (fav past time) have noticed a few VU utes popping up in the 15k range, mostly with high 100km on the clock, some in the 200's, but in very good condition.

My plans will be simple, it won't be modified like my last, prob go gas injection nice rims and a meaty exhaust with tune. (I have plans to go wild with some old muscle this time). So it's going to be an A to B car with a bit of work mixed in on the side.

What should i be wary of with high KM LS1's, my wagon was just under 100k and little general wear and tear things were popping up but nothing major, so i don't have much of an idea.

If it's going to be too much trouble i will most likely go a VS 5LT cause i know they are reliable and strong.....

cheers

Wazza

[nickh]

15k i wouldnt be looking at a VU .. You could find very easily VY WK series vehicle with around 100-150km for this budget and stilll have some change..

on carsales i spotted a VZ berlina with a 6.0 for 13k with a 130kms.

[Tecca]

Hmmm don't think he wants a sedan Nick. The thing it all comes down to is how it got looked after wazdog, If they were beating on the car it won't last. Just check the usual things like leaks, noises etc etc and make sure it comes with a reasonable service history. You looking at automatic or manual?

[HARMSY]

Yea after a ute not a sedan, i wish utes were as cheap as the sedans....

Not too fussed about manual or auto.....Just wasn't sure if there are things that are regular occurrence with the LS1's after a certain amount of K's

[Tecca]

Ah yeah (go manual!! you know you want to lol:eyes:). The main issues i have heard from the series 1 ls1 was piston slap...not too sure if there is really any cheap fixes for this (someone correct me if im wrong). Other then that it all comes down to how well it was looked after imo, I have heard stories of people getting like 300.000+ k's out of a stock block with no real issues at all besides normal maintenance. If funds permit why not try finding an LS2?

[max350]

You should be able to get a vu ss ute with around 100000K's for $15k. I paid 18500 for a VY ss ute with 80K's last year and have seen alot for less $ than I paid since then.

[markone2]

You should be able to get a vu ss ute with around 100000K's for $15k. I paid 18500 for a VY ss ute with 80K's last year and have seen alot for less $ than I paid since then.

I Concur, and that is retail pricing atm..NOT wholesale.........K's ?..most wise to judge the cars value on a sensible combination of Ks travelled and cars condition...........do not be blinded by low Ks...Condition / Condition / Condition...backed by a log book history that can be checked...and the
clincher :confused:..have it checked over by a forum sponsor. not Rack off ( QLD ) or the interstate equivalent...remember forum sponsors live and breath these cars 24/7

.

[HARMSY]

I'm very fussy with cars and make sure my mech gives it the big tick. My current car, be it only a VQ statesman took me a while to find and runs like a dream, hasn't missed a beat mechanically and i think was a great find for a 17yo car with 330,000km on the clock....

Cheers for the advice people...