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Jay Hribernik
Newbie
Victoria
N/A

Posts: 5
Reg: 03-2007

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 12:56 am, by:  Jay Hribernik (Nedgey) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi All, I'm researching buying my first Soarer (am nearly 30 and feel I deserve a nice car for once!). Money is a considerable factor though...

Is there any consensus on which would be the best 1991-1998 model to buy in terms of overall long-term reliability?

I.e. UZZ30, 31 or 32? (I would be getting a V8...)

E.g. I read problems with a certain type of suspension can be extremely expensive...}
Jay Hribernik
Tinkerer
Victoria
N/A

Posts: 6
Reg: 03-2007

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 01:00 am, by:  Jay Hribernik (Nedgey) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

PS: Reliability, as in least problems as well as components/parts that are easier, cheaper or more common to replace/fix by a generic mechanic.
Richard Luong
TryHard
Victoria
SC400 V8

Posts: 135
Reg: 03-2010

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 01:05 am, by:  Richard Luong (Reggiebangbang) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I currently have a UZZ31 it has the air bag system, but has been replaced with an after market unit. Any way that's another story.

At the end of the day it depends on what kind of car / ride you're after. For example I got mine as more of a cruiser than track / sporty car (had my fair chances at testing fait) hence the air bag system.

But I would definately look around atm there is a guy on this forum selling a UZZ31 for 15k but the condition from the photos look immaculate, he's from Perth.

Good luck and hopefully catch you on a vic cruise in the future
Richard Luong
TryHard
Victoria
SC400 V8

Posts: 136
Reg: 03-2010

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 01:08 am, by:  Richard Luong (Reggiebangbang) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Depends honestly I personally use Toyota parts which are known to rip people off but can't really put a price on quallity. And these cars were imported so when there is a hick up with the car generally there is a wait and parts aren't always cheap, that's my honest opinion.
Jay Hribernik
Tinkerer
Victoria
N/A

Posts: 7
Reg: 03-2007

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 02:03 am, by:  Jay Hribernik (Nedgey) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Definitely more of a freeway cruiser. We live a bit out of the city.

Just want a Soarer for a bit of a classy car with some understated power. Completely stock. But it needs to be reliable...

That's another concern with these cars: how roughly they seem to have ben treated by some people.
Matthew Sharpe
Goo Roo
North Island
JZZ31

Posts: 5618
Reg: 10-2005

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 06:49 am, by:  Matthew Sharpe (Madmatt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Go with a UZZ30 or UZZ31 that's already had the airbag suspension sorted (being either converted or replaced). Other than that, the more goodies it has, the more things there are to go wrong. I'd especially avoid the EMV models also, again unless someone else has already sorted it out recently.
Boris Siljanoski
Goo Roo
Western Australia
Soarer GZ20 TT

Posts: 1006
Reg: 11-2007

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 07:11 am, by:  Boris Siljanoski (Z2tt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

UZZ30 will be the most reliable.
Jay Hribernik
Tinkerer
Victoria
N/A

Posts: 8
Reg: 03-2007

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 10:31 am, by:  Jay Hribernik (Nedgey) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you.
J.
Ben Kelly
DieHard
Lakemba
v8

Posts: 799
Reg: 08-2005

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 07:25 pm, by:  Ben Kelly (Ace) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

i second mathew. little need for a uzz31 as modern technology has pretty much replaced the stock system unless that is you want the air suspension. if so, as matt said make sure it has been replaced as the life appears to be around 10-18(?) years.
Mike Beck
Goo Roo
New Zealand
E36 Coupe

Posts: 4698
Reg: 11-2005

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 08:03 pm, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Go for a 30.

Lightest, most simple, most common and cheapest to maintain.

Fewer parts to fail

I've had 3 over the years and had no problems with them.
Ali Saeed
Goo Roo
WA
UZZ31

Posts: 2519
Reg: 09-2007

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 08:29 pm, by:  Ali Saeed (Ali) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

in your opinion would a jzz31 be easier to maintain or a uzz30?
Wess McManus
TryHard
nsw
v8

Posts: 164
Reg: 09-2007

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 08:52 pm, by:  Wess McManus (Bar) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

For reliability whether its a uzz30 or uzz31 is a moot point, If either model have been neglected they'll both likely need work.
Just choose the best v8 you can afford.
James Buchan
TryHard
Vic
UZZ31 V8

Posts: 448
Reg: 10-2008

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 08:58 pm, by:  James Buchan (Jrbuch) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Just have to hope/search for good maintenance. As Richard has said, I too use toyota genuine parts where I can. Most specifically the engine - note waterpump....
Mike Beck
Goo Roo
New Zealand
E36 Coupe

Posts: 4700
Reg: 11-2005

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 10:06 pm, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


Ali Saeed wrote on Monday, June 21, 2010 - 08:29 pm:

in your opinion would a jzz31 be easier to maintain or a uzz30?




JZZ31, they are so damn basic.

The one I had had way less parts that my UZZ30s.

Off the top of my head here are some key differences,

No ABS

No power mirriors

No auto door locks

No power to the doors when the key was removed (ANNOYING)

No Cruise Control

No Decent stereo with amp

No electric seats

No secondary window washer tank

No dash scroll info readout thing...

Um.. what else...

Oh yeah 2 less cylinders

Only one head-gasket to fail

Less power so parts are not as stressed.

Different power steering pump and alternator location ( no joint failures)

Though, the question is also raised, would a 2JZGE outlast a 1UZ or vise versa if both were put under the exact same maintenance schedule / conditions over X amount of time from brand new?
Joshua Rao
Goo Roo
WA
JZZ30 vvti auto GT-L, JZZ30 vvti turbo BLK on BLK manual, V8 UZZ31 (being wrecked), Legnum VR4

Posts: 1816
Reg: 09-2006

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Monday, June 21, 2010 - 11:31 pm, by:  Joshua Rao (Soaren1) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes JZZ31 for the win. I had one for 3 years and NOTHING went wrong...NOTHING
Christian Somerville
DieHard
South Australia
UZZ31 V8 LTD

Posts: 712
Reg: 03-2009

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 12:14 am, by:  Christian Somerville (Csomers) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mike, you're king!

Jay, my UZZ31 is a good example, I detailed it again today, nice and shiny and I take care of it, I would love if everyone else did, the amount of run down ones I see around...

I believe a UZZ30 or a 31 with new airbags, emv replacement and new alternator/ps pump.
Matthew Sharpe
Goo Roo
North Island
JZZ31

Posts: 5620
Reg: 10-2005

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 07:48 am, by:  Matthew Sharpe (Madmatt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

JZZ31 all the way for reliability. As Mike says, very simple car! Not much to go wrong, and when it does go wrong you can usually find what "it" is pretty quick!

I've had mine for over 5 years now, and done 110,000km's and its failed me just once when the harmonic balancer came apart. Other than a few little niggles that were easy to fix (battery terminals, missing engine mount nut?!?!) with lots of regular servicing its been fantastic. I don't think anyone could have a car for 5 years, do over 100,000km's and expect to spend any less money fixing things.
Jason Cheah
Tinkerer
QLD
JZZ31

Posts: 41
Reg: 09-2005

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 11:24 am, by:  Jason Cheah (Freaky) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Still have one... 8 years. Only problem in that 8 years was the radiator needed flushing.
Aiden Cheese
DieHard
QLD
Soarer jzz30

Posts: 590
Reg: 09-2009

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 03:55 pm, by:  Aiden Cheese (Chillpen) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

my jzz30 needed the LCD screen replaced, heater hose replaced, cd player replaced (or stacker changed, it didn't play CD's anymore), accumulator replaced, radiator flushed, 100 000km service (although all cars need that) um thats about it but i've only done like 10 000kms in the car :-)

I'd say stay away because chances are my TEMS only works in placebo, and there's a lot more bound to go wrong.

But i'm a guy who doesn't mind playing with the car on the weekend. Though other people like improving their car, not just maintaining it ;)
Ali Saeed
Goo Roo
WA
UZZ31

Posts: 2523
Reg: 09-2007

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 04:04 pm, by:  Ali Saeed (Ali) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

well ive owned my car for a 1.5 years now, around 15,000kms id say. problems: radiator leak, emv was dead, brake pads and trc accumulator. also needs a 100,000km service..which i should really get done soon..
Murray Lund
TryHard
NSW
V8

Posts: 291
Reg: 07-2005

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 04:52 pm, by:  Murray Lund (Murray) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I've had my UZZ31 for 6 years. Other than normal maintenance (tyres, battery, plugs, oil, brake pads etc) and upgrades I have chosen to do, the only things that I have replaced are two front airbag struts.
For a car that is 20 years old in August next year it's been incredibly reliable. I think it comes down to how well maintained the car has been. This is usually pretty obvious from inspection.
Rob Rojo
Goo Roo
NSW
Soarer Single Turbo Manual

Posts: 4256
Reg: 02-2010

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 09:36 pm, by:  Rob Rojo (Rob_tt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would be looking for a 97 VVti turbo.

1. Its newer, newer parts less deterioration of parts due to age.
2. More economical than both TT's and V8's
3. Much Better performance than the V8 and TT in standard form.
4. Easier to work on than both the TT and V8
5. I am pretty sure they run OBD2 so its easier for most mechanics that are not Soarer specialists to diagnose any problem than with the older models.
6. Nicer styling

They are more expensive but 10-12K will get a good one.
etc.etc
Christian Somerville
DieHard
South Australia
UZZ31 V8 LTD

Posts: 715
Reg: 03-2009

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 10:40 pm, by:  Christian Somerville (Csomers) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

In the past 3 years of owning my UZZ31, I have replaced the following (mainly as these were the factory faults with the Soarers)

1. Power Steering pump and alternator
2. Radiator
3. Drivers window regulator
4. Two front air struts (second hand - no leaks)
5. Front lower control arm bushes
6. Front Brake pads

Previous to my ownership the dash was replaced and aircon regased.

Currently my car is getting fully serviced along with a new thermostat and gasket being put in.

These problems are common past the 100,000k mark and I expected these to come up with a 15+ year old car, still love it to bits regardless!

My EMV started to fuzz last week so I guess that's next on the list.
Ian Johnston
Goo Roo
South Australia
UZZ30 GT 4.0, UZZ31, BMW R1150R

Posts: 1275
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, June 24, 2010 - 01:22 pm, by:  Ian Johnston (Ted) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have a UZZ30, and a UZZ31, and would say the 30 is a better everyday car(and thats what mine is)
I have had mine 5 1/2 years, and have only done the power steering pump as a breakdown job.
I have done upgrades, but no other real issues.

Yes, the TT has more go than the V8, but thats not needed in an everyday car.
The JZZ31 is usually very basic, but I wouldnt mind one in the shed

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