Buying a VX SS.. Need help.

[aquabat]

Hey guys. This weekend, I will be flying down to Brisbane to buy myself a VX SS (I am from Townsville, North Queensland). Now I have my eye on two that I wish to go and inspect. They are both black, series II late 2001 models, but one is a ute and one is a sedan. They both have around 100,000kms and are around $19,000 each.

I don't really know much about these cars (I am a bit of a VLT man myself, but I am learning quickly about the Gen III's).

Is there anything that I should really pay attention to? Particular things that I should try to inspect? I just don't want to buy a dunger. :lmao:

Thanks for your time guys.

Jason.

[SS_Fury]

start them cold and listen for rattles. Although i would say a gen 3 thats done 100k you should be alright. But they are famous for power steering pumps going i have found. As with most coars, just get it checked out if you can afford it. Give it a good sting, dont be shy with it and see how it goes. Hows the auto/manual shift etc etc

[brentonsav]

Hey guys. This weekend, I will be flying down to Brisbane to buy myself a VX SS (I am from Townsville, North Queensland). Now I have my eye on two that I wish to go and inspect. They are both black, series II late 2001 models, but one is a ute and one is a sedan. They both have around 100,000kms and are around $19,000 each.

I don't really know much about these cars (I am a bit of a VLT man myself, but I am learning quickly about the Gen III's).

Is there anything that I should really pay attention to? Particular things that I should try to inspect? I just don't want to buy a dunger. :lmao:

Thanks for your time guys.

Jason.

the obvious one is oil consumption problem is service histories...
valve springs are also common. both of these are difficult to detect.
shifter rattle is common but just get a ripshifter when u buy one ;)

there seems to be a lot of 01's with oil consumption probs but mine hasnt used anything in 10k, woo hoo!

i have an 02 ss 6m with 78k on it now and think its the best decision ive ever made. bfyb is great, especially when u start modding it.

good luck

[aquabat]

Alright. I just went and tested an Automajic VX SS. $17,000, with 80,000kms on the clock. The service book history, hadn't been completely filled out for every service, but my Dad says that's a common occurance?

Was SUUUUUUUUUUCH a nice drive. Great handling, comfortable to sit in, and I think it went considerabley well. The interior in this thing is TIDY as.

Is there really any difference 'speed wise' between the 6 Speed Manuals and 4 Speed Automajic's?

I am considering going back right now, and buying this car outright.

Jason. :yahoo:

[macca@NJCCorp]

Alright. I just went and tested an Automajic VX SS. $17,000, with 80,000kms on the clock. The service book history, hadn't been completely filled out for every service, but my Dad says that's a common occurance?

Was SUUUUUUUUUUCH a nice drive. Great handling, comfortable to sit in, and I think it went considerabley well. The interior in this thing is TIDY as.

Is there really any difference 'speed wise' between the 6 Speed Manuals and 4 Speed Automajic's?

I am considering going back right now, and buying this car outright.

Jason. :yahoo:

Drive an Auto and a Manual back to back. I'm not getting into this again because I will no doubt get flamed again over what is quicker. Just get what you prefer.

[vyssbeast]

autos n manuals run different ratios so in the hands of a good manual driver it would be quicker than the auto... BUT a ratio change in the auto to 3.7s or 3.9s would probably fix that ... Other than that, thats probably the only difference ...

[aquabat]

I cannot find a manual VX SS in the town I live for sale, to test drive.

But, this was just such a nice f*cking car. Much nicer then my old VL.

Jason.

[ssgirl2]

Is there really any difference 'speed wise' between the 6 Speed Manuals and 4 Speed Automajic's?

Don't think there's that much difference, just depends what sort of driver you are.

The choice of auto over manual is personal...I prefer the manual (I test drove both before buying), but that's just because I like to "drive" the car and be in control of what she does going into and coming out of corners ;)

SS :)

[aquabat]

Yeah, I'm not really into being a mad drift king myself.

I personally like the idea of driving along, holding a handburger in one hand and the steering wheel with the other. :p

This car was just sooo0o0o00oo tidy and such a nice drive! Got EVERYTHING, over the VL.

Jason.

[ssgirl2]

Yeah, I'm not really into being a mad drift king myself.

I personally like the idea of driving along, holding a handburger in one hand and the steering wheel with the other. :p

This car was just sooo0o0o00oo tidy and such a nice drive! Got EVERYTHING, over the VL.

Jason.

I think you just made up your mind!! ;) :yahoo:

SS :)

[Demon 8]

I still love my VX SS, the only problem I have is the plastic crap next to my drivers seat is broken due to the side seat cushioning giving way. It did take more than 4 years for this t happen (Jan 2002 model) but I wont be spending over $400 to get it fixed.

I would hope I could still get over 20K for it, mines a 6 speed manual with 57,000kms in hyper yellow.

[zorak]

I bought a 6M ute only because of my bad feelings toward the old 4spd and a manual is more involving and fun to drive. Although there are many times I think shit should have got an auto.

either or still a great car/ute. both have good and bad, since owning the manual I have done a clutch (bought a tex and still amazed) hear the input shaft bearing and started suffering rear CV issues. at the end of the day doesn't worry me, not terminal issues.

good luck with your buy, look for usual things. noises, paint discolouration, under carpet, check when aircon has been serviced last (if cabin smells like 'curry' you have a leak), and normal service istory. if it drives ok and your happy go for it

[markone2]

autos n manuals run different ratios so in the hands of a good manual driver it would be quicker than the auto... .

The reality in real life is somewhat different however….as many M6 drivers have discovered to there peril upon there 1st visit to a drag strip.
I advise close scrutiny of the *Time Slip* section here within the forum.

[swingtan]

Ok, getting back on track..... I had the following replaced on my VX SS...


Steering rack: The service guys noted fluid on the boots and suggested I get it checked.
Radiator: Developed a crack in the passenger side tank and was leaking coolant.
Clutch / pressure plate / flywheel and bearing: The std. clutches are pretty poor, though mine lasted 120K kmh before it let go.
Tail shaft: Sheared at the weld on the front yolk. But I doubt there would be too many that had this issue.
Water pump: Had the old gasket leak issue.


As already mentioned I had some gear stick noise but never bothered about getting it fixed. The VX was a good car, choose well and you should have an enjoyable car.

Oh and on the auto vs manual bit.... These days it's much easier to get a good 1/4 mile time with an auto and you don't need to drive the car, just point it where you want to go. If you enjoy driving though and want to "drive" the car go the manual.

[vyssbeast]

The reality in real life is somewhat different however….as many M6 drivers have discovered to there peril upon there 1st visit to a drag strip.
I advise close scrutiny of the *Time Slip* section here within the forum.

very true... i was referring to a stock manual and a stock auto ... and how the ratios would make a difference if the manual driver knew what they were doing ... but its well known, auto is quicker at the drags

[VU_SS_UTE]

I still love my VX SS, the only problem I have is the plastic crap next to my drivers seat is broken due to the side seat cushioning giving way. It did take more than 4 years for this t happen (Jan 2002 model) but I wont be spending over $400 to get it fixed.

I would hope I could still get over 20K for it, mines a 6 speed manual with 57,000kms in hyper yellow.

Be lucky to get that, they're going for around 18k and thats in Tas where prices are generally up a bit

[Ryzz]

autos n manuals run different ratios so in the hands of a good manual driver it would be quicker than the auto... BUT a ratio change in the auto to 3.7s or 3.9s would probably fix that ... Other than that, thats probably the only difference ...Has nothing to do with which is faster, it has to do with what you enjoy most. Go and find a VT/VX/VY Manual Gen III and take it for a drive and compare it to the auto. Personally i'd take a manual over an auto any day and not think twice about it. But as mentioned, dont go and buy somethign on spur of the moment, sit on it and dont let emotion cloud your decision making.

Any Gen III Manual (VT -> VZ I) will drive pretty much the same, they all have slightly different power outputs and what not, but at the end of the day they all have the same clutch, clutch pedal & gearbox so u'll be able to get an idea of what you like. Try also get a drive of a Manual with a Ripshift/short shifter, it makes the manual a million times nicer to drive and once u've had a short shifter you wont want to get back!

Good luck, and remember, buy what you want, not what everyone else tells you you want.

[vyssbeast]

ryzz he asked if there was a difference speed wise ... i answered

i wasnt convincing him to go either way ... thats personal preference and despite the auto being quicker i'd take the manual too...

Im sure you'll make the decision that will make you happiest. They are great cars!

[ssgirl2]

Don't think there's that much difference, just depends what sort of driver you are.

The choice of auto over manual is personal...I prefer the manual (I test drove both before buying), but that's just because I like to "drive" the car and be in control of what she does going into and coming out of corners ;)

SS :)

Just remembered...check the alignment of the doors and windows. Mine had a problem with this and everytime I looked at the car it made me upset *cry*. Took it back to the dealer 4 times, but they just made it worse. It annoys me more now :cussing: .

If anyone could help me with this (without hijacking) I'd really appreciate it.

SS :)

[Ryzz]

Just remembered...check the alignment of the doors and windows. Mine had a problem with this and everytime I looked at the car it made me upset *cry*. Took it back to the dealer 4 times, but they just made it worse. It annoys me more now :cussing: .

If anyone could help me with this (without hijacking) I'd really appreciate it.

SS :)

Its not uncommon for the doors to sag at the hinges, do a search im sure its been covered.

[ssgirl2]

Its not uncommon for the doors to sag at the hinges, do a search im sure its been covered.

Yeah, I had a look, but unfortunately everything suggested has been done already :(. Thanks anyway ;)

SS :)

[zorak]

probably unlikely ssgirl2 but has your car ever been in an accident?

[Jake235]

hey aquabat, good to see anyother bloke from townsville, go old vx's we had a series 1 ss sedan manual, went like a jet, still miss it, but onto new things with the vy series 2 ss, manual again, but anyway, good luck, i'll keep a lookout for you

cheers jake

[ssgirl2]

probably unlikely ssgirl2 but has your car ever been in an accident?

Good suggestion, but I don't think so. I took it to two different panel shops and asked them to check it for me and both told me they were fairly sure it hadn't been (one put it on the hoist too), but it has had a couple of panels re-sprayed (not the front doors). It's a mystery.

SS :)

[JT]

Drive an Auto and a Manual back to back. I'm not getting into this again because I will no doubt get flamed again over what is quicker. Just get what you prefer.

good advice.
when I was in the market,I was convinced that I wanted an auto,until I drove them back to back which convinced me that I really wanted the manual and have not looked back.
Yes,auto will be quicker over the 1/4 (with the correct gearing) however you only drive on the track a very small amount of time compared to the road and I wanted a car that I would enjoy driving everyday

[GMMAD]

what ever u do dont bye the first one u drive i did and even though im happy with it i wished i looked around more ,i was in the same boat had a vh sle and when i first drove my vx it was so bloody nice to drive i had to have it, just be patient theres plenty of nice ones out there at a good price

[SV300]

If you want to consider a VT R8 auto, PM me.



James

[NUTSvuS]

I too went with the manual. Always wanted one and always settled for auto's before. As for sedan vs ute. They drive very simular and its more lifestyle choice (what you gonna use it for).

Newer drove the auto but wish i did for comparison.
Auto's can get better times at track due to launches. Although if you not going there all the time a manual can be more fun. Especially in wet weather. Depends on your driving style.

At those km's should be ok if serviced regularly and looked after. But do yourself a favour and get an inspection.

Good luck but sounds like you've already chosen. :thumbsup:

[SSBarney]

If you haven't purchased yet I have a A4 phantom VXSS edited you can have for $16,500 or so. And i'll pay ur airfare down.

Barney

[macca@NJCCorp]

Thats a pretty good deal mate. Wish everyone was so generous. Loooong drive back to Townsville. Still it would be a nice way to get accustomed to a new car.

[II SUS]

How did you go mate?

Im currently selling my VX SS, had some work done, auto etc etc great car if you are interested and want to test drive it PM just get in touch with me!

KEV

[aquabat]

Hey guys, I been working 12-14hr days for the last day or two, so I haven't been on here much. Acctually, I got home from work just then (just before 1AM here).

The loan hasn't been approved just as yet. Work told the bank that I only do 15hr weeks (unfortunately, they spoke to this stoopid tart that I do not get along with) when I infact do 50hr weeks. Anyway, I spoke to the store manager and she told me to get them to ring back and speak to her personally, so she can clear things up and this other bird, got in big strife for trying to be spiteful. She said she'll also hook me up with a copy of my contract, so I can take it to the bank so they do understand, I am a full time employee. Also, on speaking to the store manager and letting her know I don't intend on going back to University, she offered me even more hours.

I still haven't found one yet, but I am not to keen on going interstate to buy ATM. Although, I was thinking about maybe buying a car 'unsited'.

I will let you's know how this loan goes, and I'll continue to look for cars when the time comes again (probably, after Christmas now thanks to this small hickup). Until then, I'll continue to work hard and save my money!

Thanks for all your advice in this thread guys, GREATLY appreciated. The offers for cars also.

Jason.

[michaels1v8]

Sounds like some exciting days hey aquabat...

Just some more things to look out for.... Make sure the paint work is RED lol they go faster:burnout:

[aquabat]

Alright. Digging this thread up from the dead.

Now my loan has been approved, but I decided to increase it to $25,000. I haven't found a car just yet, as I am waiting for a good one to come along.

But, I've had my eye on this VX R8 Clubsport (Red!!!). It's $27,990 with just a little over 100,000kms but I am going to try and get the Dealership down to $25,000 and use my own savings for on road costs, insurance etc.

The only thing holding me back at the moment, is I've been told the LS1's are acctually a REALLY crappy engine. That towards the 100,000km point in there life, they have lost ALOT of compression, (due to the bottom ends being extremely weak?) oil consumption is meant to be really bad. Just a whole lot of problems (This isn't a joke either, this is what I was genuinely told).

I was told they are a throw away motor basically. Not any good after 50,000kms. This makes me REALLY wary of wanting to buy one now, even though I think they are such a beautiful machine.

Could you guys fill me in, I want ALOT of opinions in this thread, and ALOT of infomation. I still, really want one, but this infomation that has been passed onto me has confused me a bit.

Thanks for your time guys, Jason.

[michaels1v8]

Load of crap mate, these motors are definately built to last.
Guys on here have done alot of kms more than 100 000 and are still going strong. I do believe a member on here runs a limo with over 500 000km's :O

[vyssbeast]

have a word with street_tuna... i believe he acquired a vx clubby with over 100K on it ... the proceeded to slap two turbos onto it ... is it still alive??

yep!! just completed a rally type even where it was abused no end for 3-4 days and yep, its still alive...

if that isnt a testimony to these motors strength, i dont know what the hell is...

(if ive relayed any info incorrectly, someone plz correct me :))

[aquabat]

Yeah, I thought that these engines were built like a brick sh*thouse. Just this mates Dad sold his to get a VZ Clubsport, and he's trying to tell me it was because it shat itself but I thought it was genuinely because he wanted a VZ Clubsport LOL.

I cannot imagine Holden putting an engine into a family car that is not built to last? But, I had been told this from 3 or 4 people.

Anymore infomation/ opinions?

Jason.

[vyssbeast]

Told from people that have these cars??

Do abit of trolling through the forum and check out peoples experiences.

As long as a car is well maintained/serviced. It'll be fine.

Also remember hearing of someone that held an ls1 at the limiter (bouncing of it) for a good coupla minutes just to prove how tough it is ... didnt die either

[REDHOTLS1]

The only thing holding me back at the moment, is I've been told the LS1's are acctually a REALLY crappy engine. That towards the 100,000km point in there life, they have lost ALOT of compression, (due to the bottom ends being extremely weak?) oil consumption is meant to be really bad. Just a whole lot of problems (This isn't a joke either, this is what I was genuinely told).

I was told they are a throw away motor basically. Not any good after 50,000kms. This makes me REALLY wary of wanting to buy one now, even though I think they are such a beautiful machine.

I think the person who told you this has had nothing to do with a LS1.

Had my VX SS for 4 1/2 years 125,000 ks a few trips down the drags, engine is as strong as ever, just have a look at how many run with turbo's and super chargers in standard trim.

There are lot's of experts on these engines on this site, they are the ones to listen to, not the person who has told you the crap above.

Shaun

[markone2]

The only thing holding me back at the moment, is I've been told the LS1's are acctually a REALLY crappy engine. That towards the 100,000km point in there life, they have lost ALOT of compression, (due to the bottom ends being extremely weak?) oil consumption is meant to be really bad. Just a whole lot of problems (This isn't a joke either, this is what I was genuinely told).

I was told they are a throw away motor basically. Not any good after 50,000kms. This makes me REALLY wary of wanting to buy one now, even though I think they are such a beautiful machine.

.


I guess some-one omitted to tell Aussie's fastest unopened Statesman that one....99 ,WH, 214000Ks ....12.52 standing 1/4 and first entry into the engine was done 4 weeks back........PT decreed it was time to change the original factory supplied spark plugs ..:yahoo:

Then there's a certain ex reps VT SS that has been known to hang around WSID,.....covered but a leisurely 280.000 Ks.. last seen woddling along at the high 10’s

But maybe..just maybe those doomstayers who don't own a LSx powered Commodore have a point.:confused: I confess I'm more than a little worried about my own cars breakdown rate...after only 783 hard quarter mile runs over 3 years ..it has broken down once on pass number 550 loosing a couple of teeth from the cars LSD...quite frankly this is simply not good enough from a Australian built family sedan ...:thump: and I'll be writing a stern letter of reprimand to Holden Customer Service with all possible haste...:lol:

[seldo]

The only thing holding me back at the moment, is I've been told the LS1's are acctually a REALLY crappy engine. That towards the 100,000km point in there life, they have lost ALOT of compression, (due to the bottom ends being extremely weak?) oil consumption is meant to be really bad. Just a whole lot of problems (This isn't a joke either, this is what I was genuinely told).
.
What a crock-o'-shit.... :doh:

[brentonsav]

if the above was true, there would be no ls1.com.au or any enthusiasts. not to mention so many of the damn things on the road in the first place...

[vxleather]

current ride is VX SS ser II 2002 mod
A4, SS sedan, Basic mods bought 12months ago, done 80000 ks, 24000 ks since i bought it, 50 to 60 pass down the 1/4, no problems runs a 12.9

Wife's daily driver nothing is more abusive to a car then letting it to the wife and kids. Still going well.

Buy one and be happy. Plenty of mates who know mates of mates who's mate may of once had a beer with there mates who new some one who had one!!!!!!!!!!:doh:

shane

[aquabat]

Yeah, that's f*cken too true eh!

This one particular bloke, just swears by the fact that they are p*ss weak, but he keeps trying to talk me into a VZ Clubsport with an LS2 (which, at 18 I cannot afford LOL, plus I am way keen on the VX R8s!). So yeah, I don't know what's up with this lad.

I am so keen on a Red VX R8 Clubby again now, after reading this. I was lucky enough to be sitting next to one at a set of lights disafternoon on the way home from work. Even considering selling my previous pride and joy (my drumkit) to fund this car and some modifications after hopefully getting it aswell!

Thanks alot for your time, and your opinions guys. Really, really appreciated.

Jason.