Opinion of VX Commodore for sale

[GTENVY]

Hi guys, one of my work mates is looking at purchasing a 1st car for their daughter. They are looking at a Oct 2000 Executive VX Commondore, 3.8l 4 spd auto. Tiger Mica in colour, has rear spoiler, 16" alloys and 150,000 kms.

Just looking for potential issues that could arise and to be advised of common issues with theses cars. The guy is a Ford man but is just looking for the best car for $5000 he car get. Keep in mine the location he is in is Karratha.

Thanks in advance guys.

[Fairlane]

There was a VT thread on here like yesterday, so you might want to check that out.

Otherwise the standard problems with the VT-VX 1 is generally them chewing out rear tyres with their crappy IRS, so check rear tyre wear. Otherwise it is Powersteering leaks and brake rotor warpage. Interior Rooftrim also used to fall down in Commodore's, pretty sure it was fixed by then, and well its not really a major issue.

If its the first car for a girl it might be best to make sure thae car has ABS, because im not certain that Commodore Executives got ABS until VX2.

[burnz]

here you go some independant writing
http://www.phoenixmechanical.com.au/...re_faults.html
http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/in.../itemId/956085

[GTENVY]

Thanks guys. Burns, thats just what the doctor order :

[duaned]

Originally Posted by GTENVY

Just looking for potential issues that could arise

Yep, it will end up being stolen. Sorry, let the truth be said!

[jonesyedxr6]

Holes, oil leaks, dents and engine noises will happen every now and then. But other than that?

just kidding... had to be said.

[kircher]

wouldn't a corolla or some other japanese car be a better first car for a girl? It would be a lot more reliable, not to mention cheaper to run. Most girls I know, if not all of them don't care about power.

[snappy]

For 5k if a mechanic gives it the nod , i would say great car for his daughter .
Safety would be a major factor and it would tick allot of boxes for 5k

[Green X]

Originally Posted by kircher

wouldn't a corolla or some other japanese car be a better first car for a girl? It would be a lot more reliable, not to mention cheaper to run. Most girls I know, if not all of them don't care about power.

He's in Karratha, will be more Commo's and Falcons around that were workers wife's cars and family Taxi's that are in 1/2 decent condition than small Jap cars. Living and commuting in North West WA, i know what car i would be sticking my daughter in and it wouldn't be a Corolla hatch back!!

[Swordie]

If the car is well looked after there will be plenty of life left in it. Sounds like it could be a very nice car.

With the VX check the back wheels to see if there is wear on the inner tyres. The VXII onwards had improved wheel braces. Up to 16" tyre wear is not such a big issue in general.


I have a VY Ecotec with 130km, basically similar car. It's going very strong and plan to keep it for a long time.

[Melz]

Originally Posted by kircher

wouldn't a corolla or some other japanese car be a better first car for a girl? It would be a lot more reliable, not to mention cheaper to run. Most girls I know, if not all of them don't care about power.

You have to get out... ALOT MORE!!! :


VX's watch for dodgy fuel, they drop sensors like it is going out of fashion in my family's experience. Tyre wear can be an issue on the sedan (I had the ute equivelent, never had an issue). Make sure you get a 4 wheel alignment. They crabwalk up roads.

Oil oil oil.... those V6's leak like seives... get it checked out by a mechanic. Service $$$ I was around the $250 a pop mark if nothing major had to get fixed.

They are a safe car. And thats what I think is going to be a major deciding factor and for $5000 you can't get a much safer car.

I think at the 150,000km mark, if it was going to have any major mechanical issues, would have had them buy now (I know mine did! LOL). Probably the biggest thing would be if it is auto to watch that gearbox for any signs of slipping

And as already has been said... don't let him get her a Corolla hatchback!!