Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 04:34 pm, by: Ben Kelly(Ace)
I am in the market for a soarer and have found one that is very cheap and good cosmetically. However the engine sounds pretty rough and tinny, with a (or some) tapping sounds. Secondly the brakes are softer than other soarers and depressing the brake pedal creates a ticking sound somewhere in or near the console. The abs seems to engage ok. No warnings come up on the cluster display. Any ideas on cost/complexity of replacing belts/lifters or whatever else? Also does anyone have the details for Nile (mechanic) in botany? thanks!
Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 05:52 pm, by: Justin McLernon(Zz32)
Hey Ben, depends on how "cheap" it is. I just bought a pigdog UZZ32 for $7000...looks pretty ordinary but the main functions all work well and it drives fine. If its that cheap (or cheaper) then I reckon go for it...even if you have to spend $2k or $3k down the track you're still under $10k all up...
Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 06:09 pm, by: David Janiec(Davidj)
The clicking in the centre console when depressing the brakes is the automatic shifter lock releasing when your brakes are on. Perfectly normal operation, just makes sure you have your foot on the brake before your car is out of Park.
Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 06:14 pm, by: Adam Foster(Adam)
actually david is more likely a sign of the diff let go. and the reason its near the centre console is because the tail shaft is hollow so the sound travels down the tail shaft from the diff and makes it sound like the problem is in the transmission or drive train
Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 06:19 pm, by: David Janiec(Davidj)
Sounds more serious than I thought, I should say though my explanation would only be relevant if the brake pressing is when you are in Park. Hope that makes sense!
Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 07:53 pm, by: Ben Kelly(Ace)
come to think of it, i only noticed the noise while in park, but never noticed it in any other soarers, i thought it might have some relevance to the crap brake performance. Yeah the car is a dog engine/brake wise..but for 8k i dunno, im confused, it has all the other stuff i want and all the electrics are ok...hmm any clues on the engine noises or cost of reconditioning/major overhaul? BTW is limited, sunroof, working emv, aircon, good interior...drives fine, seems straight..any more ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 08:31 pm, by: Paul Drane(Paulwd)
The tapping sound from the engine is probably only tappets that need to have new shims fitted, but that could depend on service history, Brakes could just be worn pads, or maybe needing discs replaced, or possibly a master cyl. rebuild. All up in the end it is up to you how much you want to pay and how much you want to spend fixing problems that could become apparent later on. Get a mechanical check done, that should give you an idea of what needs to be done.
Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 11:04 pm, by: Mark Paddick(Sparks)
Does it have Traction control? If so beware of brake related problems. Expensive to fix. $3k plus. You normally can't hear the shift lock so could be a problem there. If it is diff then no probs, you could stick my old standard diff in it for $300. Engine noise will be valvetrain, won't hurt anything to leave it as is but will cost $2k plus to fix.
Friday, January 20, 2006 - 06:11 am, by: Ben Kelly(Ace)
no track control..the clicking on depressing brake sounds like a relay like for instance the same as the tick of an indicator on most cars. Does not appear to have diff noise as in the usual whine, also changes gear smoothly. Anyone know a good mechanic in sydney for this type of stuff?
Neil Griffiths Trader NSW I have MORE Soarers than Hayden :-)
Friday, January 20, 2006 - 06:54 pm, by: David Janiec(Davidj)
Hah! I'm probably right about the click from the brakes in Park then! Mine is easily audible when the shift lock releases Mark, that's what led me to believe it would be that. It wouldn't be hard to test, just try shift out of Park, then slightly tap the brake and wait for the click, then it should work! Wouldn't hurt trying!
Like any Soarer, honestly there always will be some expensive repair, personally I'd go for it, my Soarer cost more than 20K to import, and if I picked another up for 8K and spent another 12K it would be a great ride. Everything that needed repairs would be top notch and you'd have a confident car with all the usuals fixed!
Don Bagnall Moderator New Zealand 1991 UZZ30 GT4.0 V8
Friday, January 20, 2006 - 07:08 pm, by: Don Bagnall(Baggs)
Ben, I'd agree with ALL of the above. EXCEPT, that I've had NO expensive repair.........UNLESS.....you count $368(NZD), as being an expensive repair, and that is with OVER one year's ownership.
Monday, January 12, 2009 - 10:50 pm, by: Justin Green(Jaay_dogg)
I just bought a Soarer V8 "Limited" with ALL the options including a working TV, Electric sunroof, You name it! had a lady owner since imported and the only problem it has is a slight exhaust leak from the factory exhaust manifold. She wanted 10 grand for it, i got it for $7,500
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