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Mike Beck
DieHard
Ellerslie
Rafaga CS Inline-5

Posts: 560
Reg: 11-2005

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Monday, October 02, 2006 - 06:53 pm, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Okay well it’s been said many times but I just want to make it crystal clear.

Here goes, so what are the main problems and certain areas to look at carefully when buying a 1991 UZZ30?

I’ve actually found a possible decent Green 4.0GT in which the owner describes it as a excellent original example. It has just over 170,000kms and running perfectly just got a WOF. Also it’s completely standard and all parts working well.

He even said steering wheel has no wear nor marks on the seats, even better the CD stacker is working. Hope it’s as good as he says! I haven’t got a picture so plan to view tomorrow. Fortunately this time money is no problem so could be a quick deal if it’s in a good visible condition!

Anyway back to the main topic the main areas to look out for on these from what I’ve gathered is the Power steering pump, digital dash, suspension bushes, wheel bearings, brakes, shocks, all the fluids and oils, cam belt last done and the interior condition as a guide to the Kms done.

Other things that pop to mind to watch out for are really if its owing money or been in crash...

Any thing I’ve missed that’s of importance?
Greg Nikitiuk
DieHard
Vic
supercharged

Posts: 657
Reg: 07-2005

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Monday, October 02, 2006 - 07:06 pm, by:  Greg Nikitiuk (Jestr) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

yer..its not a celsior
Thads Cooke
TryHard
Auckland
Twin Turbo Aristo jzs147

Posts: 118
Reg: 07-2005

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Monday, October 02, 2006 - 07:10 pm, by:  Thads Cooke (Thadz) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mainly, I think that the general condition is the most important thing. Mechanical problems are usually easily fixed, but a scruffy body or interior is always going to be a scruffy body or interior.

Things like bushes and shocks are unlikely to have been replaced unless they failed a wof, so are likely to be original and fairly well worn. Luckily, these are things that as an enthusiast, are easy to replace and the improvement will be appreciated.
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8

Posts: 6023
Reg: 11-2004

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Monday, October 02, 2006 - 07:26 pm, by:  Peter Nitschke (Pen) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If he has the invoice for the cam belt job, it might be interesting to see if anything else was done at the same time eg water pump.

Apart from that, I think you have it pretty much covered.

Check the inside of the Oil filler cap, make sure it isn't creamy, and hopefully it has Toyota Long Life coolant.

If you get the chance, checking the magnetic diff plug to see how much and how big the particles are on it might be useful.
Mike Beck
DieHard
Ellerslie
Rafaga CS Inline-5

Posts: 561
Reg: 11-2005

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Monday, October 02, 2006 - 07:37 pm, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


Thads Cooke wrote on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 07:10 pm:

Mechanical problems are usually easily fixed, but a scruffy body or interior is always going to be a scruffy body or interior.




Yeah Exactly, I dont mind a suspension bush that needs replacing or something along those lines but a dirty interior or dull scratched exterior is a different story, just an absolute no no..


Peter Nitschke wrote on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 07:26 pm:

If you get the chance, checking the magnetic diff plug to see how much and how big the particles are on it might be useful.




What would be need to do that Peter? Ive always been suspicious of diffs alot of people forget about them.
Peter Beer
Tinkerer
Queensland
SC400 LTD

Posts: 8
Reg: 08-2006

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Monday, October 02, 2006 - 07:53 pm, by:  Peter Beer (Pmb☺57) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"Other things that pop to mind to watch out for are really if its owing money or been in crash..."

On that note, best not to buy a stolen one. I don't know how it works in NZ, but in Australia the only reliable REVS searches for this are the ones on the NSW register, so unless your local system is known to be up to the mark I would recommend an enquiry to your Transport Department and maybe even a police search when contemplating any private sale.

I say this based on my experience as a small loan moneylender (yeah, yeah, I'm one of THOSE). It isn't common, but regularly enough we find people who are putting up their car as collateral for a loan that don't know they've bought a stolen one.

Tends to happen mostly at the low end of the market, but I thought I should mention it.

Or you could wing it like 99% of people do and you'll very likely be OK. You'd hope a Soarer owner would have more class, but me, I'd rather know for sure.
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8

Posts: 6026
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Monday, October 02, 2006 - 08:28 pm, by:  Peter Nitschke (Pen) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


Mike Beck wrote on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 07:37 pm:

What would be need to do that Peter?


OK, you confused me!
Should that be "Why would he need to do that?" or "What would be needed to do that?"

1) Because it's done 170,000 km's.
2) Preferably a hoist, but jack stands will do and a 10mm Allen key with a decent length bar. And a means to drain/replace the diff oil. :-)

http://planetsoarer.com/diff/diff.htm
Kieran McIlwain
Tinkerer
Queensland
Corolla GTi

Posts: 27
Reg: 08-2006

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Monday, October 02, 2006 - 08:48 pm, by:  Kieran McIlwain (Exocet) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Just to confirm, the timing belt and the cam belt are the same thing? Namely, the thing which is important to be replaced around 100,000km?

I know to watch for the timing belt, but the car I'm looking at states that the Cam belt has just been replaced. I'm about as mechanically minded as a doorknob, so any assistance is appreciated :-)
Mike Beck
DieHard
Ellerslie
Rafaga CS Inline-5

Posts: 563
Reg: 11-2005

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Monday, October 02, 2006 - 09:02 pm, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh right yes, missed the 'ed' on the end of need... Sometimes I forget to add things like that as well as 's' on some other certain words occasionally. Most of the time I dont notice these mistakes as for some reason I think thats its the correct word.. In that situation I thought I wrote needed even though I actually wrote need. Hope you get what Im saying? - Dont want to confuse you further! Ive notice a number of people tend to do this, especially If rushing while typing.

Anyway, oh right well doubt there would be much of a chance jacking the car up and draining out the diff oil! Especially lately since theres being alot of rain would be a bit messy outside!

To come to think of it I wonder if this particular Soarer has been kept under cover in a garage of some sort... Ill report back tomorrow with some pictures and details If its all good to view it after lunch. :-) Just keeping my fingers crossed its a decent one! Im rather tired of searching...
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
I have WAY less Soarers than Hayden :-(

Posts: 4763
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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 03:46 pm, by:  Don Bagnall (Baggs) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


Mike Beck wrote on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 09:02 pm:

Im rather tired of searching...



Tell me about it Mr.Beck!...........I'm bloody tired of you searching.........GET ON WITH IT! God damn it!
Mike Beck
DieHard
Ellerslie
Rafaga CS Inline-5

Posts: 564
Reg: 11-2005

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 05:28 pm, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

:-) Yeah Don!

Well had a good look at the Soarer which is actually a 1992 Today at 1pm. Fortunately the weather was good.

Lets start with the Exterior.
First impressions is the cars fantastic, just needs a wash. The only exterior flaw was the front bumper it had gone dull and had numerous scratches! :-( May be fixed with a cut and polish if Im lucky.

Note difference in colour between bonnet and bumper:


Upload


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/V6MOFO/000_2731.jpg

The rest of the paint work was great, still has its shine and depth the odd small scratch but nothing to worry about, the rear was immaculate.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/V6MOFO/000_2730.jpg

Unfortunately the headlights had moisture in them, not to worried I enjoy something to fix up :-) Also note the scratches in the front bumper. The front number as Ive basically said is the only let down of the exterior as well as the headlights.

The wheels needed a clean as well... other wise good, he also had another seat of 15" wheels to :-)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/V6MOFO/000_2729.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/V6MOFO/000_2728.jpg

Either a serious cut and polish or respray will fix these cosmetic problems.
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
I have WAY less Soarers than Hayden :-(

Posts: 4767
Reg: 05-2005

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 05:51 pm, by:  Don Bagnall (Baggs) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hmmm, not bad, those scratchy-bits look like mere details.
The general aura looks to be one of "Very tidy & Original".

AND....what about the inside Hmmmm!

Also, what's the money? (assuming it's not a state secret at this point!)

Darryn Dewar
TryHard
Gisborne
UZZ30 Soarer

Posts: 380
Reg: 09-2005

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 06:10 pm, by:  Darryn Dewar (Mrphreak) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Who the hell put that V8 badge there
Mike Beck
DieHard
Ellerslie
Rafaga CS Inline-5

Posts: 565
Reg: 11-2005

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 07:01 pm, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Now on to the Engine.

Well I poped the nice long bonnet up, boy it's great to have gas stays! :-) The engine was literally like brand new and you could tell it had not been cleaned lately which is a good sign that it wasnt cleaned just too look nice for me.

Take a look:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/V6MOFO/000_2726.jpg

I checked the oil, it seemed nice - not horrible and black fortuanately but Id still have a service it If I bought it. The motor ran nicely no ticks just a nice running motor with a stable Idle. Very good sign :-)

Now the interior!

It was pretty dam good I must say.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/V6MOFO/000_2720.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/V6MOFO/000_2722.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/V6MOFO/000_2721.jpg
Door trims had cracks but hadnt gone right through.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/V6MOFO/000_2725.jpg This model even had the LCD mirror and even the ultra sonic mirror cleaner for the side mirrors! :-)

This was the most dirty part of the interior:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/V6MOFO/000_2724.jpg
It also had the original floor mats! front and rear

The seats them selves were perfect, not a mark and worked fine with the electrics.

However there was one flaw... the dash had a scuff of some sort on the dash.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/V6MOFO/000_2723.jpg

Perhaps a polish will repair this?

Other than that perfectly fine inside the car, very nice place to be.
Mike Beck
DieHard
Ellerslie
Rafaga CS Inline-5

Posts: 566
Reg: 11-2005

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 07:32 pm, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Driving impressions.

Well I took it for a drive.. First of all I started her up. Came to life fast, ready to go - much nicer than my Honda on start up! Sounded clean too

putting it into drive it was seamless, not one jolt or anything. Next I took off on to the road, power steering was very smooth and powerful. I was traveling at around 25-30 gave it full throttle and it kicks down a gear with out any hesitation and roars up with plenty of life to 70km/h. Very Satisfying!! I really forget how nice the smooth power delivery is its unbeatable. Not to mention that muffled v8 roar even when stock - Must be superb with a BFI and Cat back exhaust.

Suspension felt good, very nice indeed, strong ABS brakes as well, no noises from the bushes at all. I did a full lock turn in a Car park both ways and in reverse, noticed no problems there it was fantastic.

The A/C worked well - cold too, digital dash seemed fine owner said it plays up in cold mornings though but comes right fairly quickly. Stereo was awesome again I forget how well rounded these cars are... what the heck I’m I doing in a cheapo Honda I ask my self!!!
Speaking of the Stereo it has the CD stacker in the boot may work but a random CD is jammed so it ticks when you close it up. Also the same area the booth was like brand new very clean and had all the accessories.

Another bonus was that it had the original Key! Original Jap User manuals as well

Yeah Darryn, it has this v8 badge on the boot. I actually quite like it, looks nicer in person. After seeing that Im positive this was the '92 Soarer for 7k on Trade me late last year, with 172kms - its got 176kms so done a mere 4k in the last year.

At the moment the guys after around 5k which I think is an excellent price - Im keen to go for it - This time I can almost afford it but still need to get rid of the Rafaga to pay that extra small slice of the price. Shouldn’t be too hard considerably cheaper than the other soarers I looked at especially the $6250 Limited that was pretty horrible in comparison thank god I walked away from it

I trust Ill stick with this one - I’ve currently listed Rafaga on T&E and Honda club site for sale. Also planning to list it on Trade me once my Account balance tops up. So I'll see how it goes from there! This will be a nice summer project!
Michael Machin
Tinkerer
Franklin
UZZ31

Posts: 80
Reg: 07-2006

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 07:35 pm, by:  Michael Machin (Minz) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The steering wheel even looks good, considering the milage. That looks very tidy. Good luck
Mike Beck
DieHard
Ellerslie
Rafaga CS Inline-5

Posts: 567
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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 07:59 pm, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah Michael, steering wheel was pretty good, had minor surface wear but rather minor. Speak of the wheel it even had an Airbag.

Only other thing this needs is to be Re registered as it has not been used for 6 months just been in the garage since previous owners moved to Australia and the father keep the car and has decided to sell it now. He was a top guy very nice genuine chap. Had a pontiac trans am, Ram 1500, merc s380 and a '94 Carrera 2 :-)

What I like about this soarer is it still has the stong possibility to be a nice example - Just needs a bit of TLC. Hopefully Ill be able to save this one from being bought by a right schmuck that wouldnt do anything accept drive it roughly!
Neil Griffiths
Trader
NSW
MANUAL Super Charged UZZ31 :-)

Posts: 2731
Reg: 07-2005

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 08:13 pm, by:  Neil Griffiths (Aussiesc) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I checked out a 91 Model UZZ31 today..
Original 30,000k on it..
Was as if it just came from Toyota.
He paid $22,000 for it 1 month ago.

Damn it was in good condition :-)
Mike Beck
DieHard
Ellerslie
Rafaga CS Inline-5

Posts: 568
Reg: 11-2005

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 08:20 pm, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Heres some more pictures.


Upload


Looks nice there, just that bumper - If that was cut down and polished up the car would be great. Like wise with the headlights. Fun repairs IMO! I prefer to have a car that needs cosmetic work, very satisfying once brought back to a like new condition...


Upload
Greg Nikitiuk
DieHard
Vic
Celsior

Posts: 668
Reg: 07-2005

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 10:12 pm, by:  Greg Nikitiuk (Jestr) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mike for that price this is a steal....get it!!!!
Kieran McIlwain
Tinkerer
Queensland
Corolla GTi

Posts: 28
Reg: 08-2006

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 11:46 pm, by:  Kieran McIlwain (Exocet) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sorry to repost and hijack but...

Just to confirm, the timing belt and the cam belt are the same thing? Namely, the thing which is important to be replaced around 100,000km?

I know to watch for the timing belt, but the car I'm looking at states that the Cam belt has just been replaced. I'm about as mechanically minded as a doorknob, so any assistance is appreciated
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8

Posts: 6036
Reg: 11-2004

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 11:50 pm, by:  Peter Nitschke (Pen) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yep.
Kieran McIlwain
Tinkerer
Queensland
Corolla GTi

Posts: 30
Reg: 08-2006

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 11:52 pm, by:  Kieran McIlwain (Exocet) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Score! Now I feel extra confident in the sale. Can't wait to get my hands on that personal loan, I'll officially be a part of the club in a matter of days hopefully!
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8

Posts: 6037
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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 11:54 pm, by:  Peter Nitschke (Pen) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8

Posts: 6038
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Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 11:55 pm, by:  Peter Nitschke (Pen) Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Looks like you will beat Mr Beck too :-) :-)

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