Friday, August 31, 2007 - 09:47 am, by: Alex Barbieri(Barbieros)
Hi everyone, i'm looking to buy a soarer at the moment. I've got a VX S pack, but i'd be a bit more comfortable not paying the loan.
So I'm looking for a soarer, under $10k (the futher under the better). Do you think I can get a decent one for that price?
I'm a little hesistant too, because there's so many variations and options. Does anyone know a soarer specialist in Melbourne (I live near mornington) where i can pick one up, or get one checked out. Thanks guys (and girls)
-Barbieros
Daniel Lee Goo Roo Victoria Soarer GT Limited UZZ31 V8
Tuesday, September 04, 2007 - 08:17 pm, by: Alex Barbieri(Barbieros)
Looking at my first soarer now. Just wanted to run it by you guys here and see if there's anything I need to watch out for. Found this one on carsales, don't want to spend too much more.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007 - 09:22 pm, by: Khan Islam(Khan)
I picked up my first decent looking Soarer V8 at 10k and thought i was the winner. BUT cheap v8 comes with lot of worries and big expenses. I ended up selling my v8 after 6 months due to extensive repairing cost. So anything under 10k i will question unless you are very lucky. As Maurice said, for a well maintained early model v8, ready to spend $14/15k and for a late model 18/20k. Good luck buddy
Wednesday, September 05, 2007 - 06:40 am, by: Matthew Sharpe(Madmatt)
I'm kinda of the opinion now that a 1991 Soarer is a car to avoid regardless, unless you are an enthusiast who doesn't mind the money and time it will take to keep it running.
It looks like an OK example for the money, but you will end up with things going wrong on it, its just a question of what and how much it costs to fix in time and dollars.
Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 10:35 pm, by: Juan Hutinel(Juanted)
Don't worry about the year or amount of Kms on it. Just be sure you know what to look out for and you should be fine. The 1uz is a great motor if well maintained. I picked up my 1JZ TT a year ago for $11000, 115 000kms on the clock. Did a thorough check(without the proper papers, don't trust the speedo!) and mechanically fine. Since then I have only had to change the starter motor. Good considering how long the car sat in someones shed after compliance in 2000. Also have had to fix drivers side armrest ONLY because the dealer took off the panel to check the loose wiring for the electric windows and broke it taking it off. Lack of knowledge of soarers I suppose. Anyway, V8 or TT, great cars! My dad picked up an IMMACULATE LS400 for a lot less than $10 000. A lot!! 250 000kms and still purring!
Friday, September 07, 2007 - 06:18 am, by: Matthew Sharpe(Madmatt)
The motor would be the last of your worries - as Juan said they are a great motor - and can even take quite a bit of neglect.
Its all the other things you need to think about -suspension airbags (as it appears to be a UZZ31) will possibly be on the way out, has the power steering pump ever given any problems or leaked at all? If so in what shape is the alternator? Is the EMV working properly? How long will it keep working for? Header Tank? Water pump? Timing belt and timing system? V Belt and tensioner? Suspension bushes? Dash all working properly? etc.
Of course it could have been someones pet, and all these things may have been sorted out already - make sure you ask questions and view receipts.
Having said all that, a Soarer can well have loads of problems and still keep running OK - but it won't be running as it should.
Sunday, September 09, 2007 - 11:15 am, by: Alex Barbieri(Barbieros)
Thanks Matthew and Juan. I'l definitely be taking any soarer i'm serious about buying to sports and luxury for the once over. The guys down there will know whats what. I'm not really in a rush anymore so i'll take my time (my s pack goes into the trading post this week) and make sure i get a good one.