Advice on VR6 repairs

[Tekara 0]

Been to look at what seemed a good deal for a 1994 L VR6 in silver, 2 owners 81k

currently advertised at £5500

 

On viewing the car, i found that the rear wheel bearings need to be replaced

rear disk and pads need to be changed, exhaust hanger next to the mid box has come off. Slight blowing sound from the front area of exhaust, engine down pipe perhaps, slight prang to the drivers front wing, would require respray. Also was a mysteries water leak dripping onto the front engine mount, only a little but couldn't find where.

 

Any idea how much the above parts would cost and labour. Also suggestions as to price. Drives well, pulls hard, stops in a straight line.

[Jim 2]

Why don't you go and look at Scotts car for a car that doesn't need any work doing and comes in at a grand less expensive?

 

Details are in the For Sale section :D :)

[Tekara 0]

Tempted by Scotts car, but this one is reasonably local, and apart from those areas i found is in good nick with top notch history. I know the guy will go to £4500 but just want to know above costs to see if i can pull it lower. Dont even want to spend 4.5k due to hassles of work involved, so trying to pick up a bargin. Bit of a gamble anyway, just wanted peoples expert opinions on it

[CazzaVR 0]

Just as an idea, next week I'm getting both rear wheel bearings, discs and fast road pads all round, centre exhaust hanger welded, new oil filter housing and a couple of other bits- been quoted around £400 by VW specialist. The wing would be £100-£200 to be reprayed.

 

Sounds like a bit of a headache to me, but then if the engine is sweet and it drives nicely etc you could end up with a bargain. Like silver C's too 8)

[Kevin Bacon 5]

The water drip will be from a leaking thermostat housing. £25 and a couple of hours work.

 

Rear discs and pads, cheap as chips and piece of p1ss to change.

 

If the front pipe flexi-joints are blowing.....£198+VAT + fitting!

 

If you're thinking of buying it, focus on the chains. When the engine is up to temp, get a long screwdriver, look at the back of the head for a large bolt head (chain guide tensioner) and stick the screwdriver on the that alloy housing and use it as a stethoscope. If you can hear a grinding noise or slapping at 1200 rpm..... look elsewhere. It's a £400+ job.

[Tekara 0]

Really appreciate the info guys, looks like its a little more effort than i originally intended for.

[Kevin Bacon 5]

I would say an 81K VR will be relatively sound.

 

There are only two major things with the VR - Premature bore wear of cylinders 1 and 6 and chain guide wear.

 

As with all cars, you get your good ones and you get your bad ones.

 

I've inspected a number of VR6 engines for a few forum members with mileages ranging from 80K to 130K and they've all been fine.

 

The VR is a refined unit, if a little tappey, and any issues will be glaringly obvious.