Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 12:18 am, by: Kelly Faulkner(Scatz)
Hi Folks
I have been reviewing this site which has got loads of info which is great, but suspect I am now in overload and just not seeing the info I need.
I am seriously considering buying a Soarer, have loved them for years but not sure which model to chase.
I'm chasing luxury more that speed, leather seats etc, so it appears that the models UZZ31-32 might be the go but not sure of difference. Chasing something original, not really interested in modifications. Also, thinking about having it imported (through Importer) rather than trying to buy here in Perth.
Any thoughts on the above, recommendations for a model to hunt for? Is there a good site that gives comparison specifications for models. I've found a couple but they've got dodgy links.
Thanks for your advice and apologies if this info is already on this site (maybe send me the link).
I owned a UZZ31 (V8 Airbag Suspension) for 7 years and loved it every day; I will be buying a UZZ-32 next year to replace my old V8 as the 32's have Active Suspension which is unbeatable for handling.
I recently moved over to a JZZ-30 Twin Turbo just for the sheer enjoyment of having too much power !!!!!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 01:36 am, by: Peter Nitschke(Pen)
Kelly.
You have it pretty right.
UZZ32 - Best handling if has no problems. Ride can be harsh if the Nitrogen has leaked from the struts - relatively common as they age. Slowest of the bunch due to extra weight and power required to drive the suspension pump. Usually has the most cabin options.
UZZ31 - Softer floaty ride, but quicker. Again, struts are prone to leaking due to age, but can be replaced. Usually has a lot of cabin options.
UZZ30 - Firmer ride, more direct handling and quicker than the above. No particular suspension problems to watch other than replacing old worn control arm bushes which is common to ALL Soarers. Often called the pov-pack, but more accurately is the sporty V8. Usually less cabin options, but more than a TT.
Buying one from a forum member can have the advantage of you being able to check it out first, and it's more likely to be looked after due to the owners enthusiasm which would have brought them to Soarer Central in the first place.
Feel free to ask more questions, most of us love discussing Soarers.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 08:17 am, by: David Vaughan(Davidv)
Kelly, you say also that you are not especially interested in leather as well as speed. Consider also a JZZ31 3.0 litre. Plenty of people have them and love them. They are better on fuel as well, compared with the V8s.
They have all the sporty feeling of Peter's UZZ30 and also have the same advantage that there should be less money to spend than you risk with a UZZ31 or 32. The latter two are complex beasts and while they are excellent value for money, you need to put aside something to deal with EMV screens, sound system and suspension as suggested by others above. You are also likely to pick up a later model 3.0 litre more easily at a reasonable price, which might matter if you choose to organise import and compliance rather than buying locally.
I drive a tricked-up UZZ31 myself but on what you have told us thought you should consider the JZZ31 option.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 12:58 pm, by: Harry Lemmens(Wombat)
I think Kelly meant that she wants leather more than speed. (Well, not exactly what Kelly said, but ...)
That makes the choices as others have already stated. UZZ31 or UZZ32.
Both have their issues, however, I would go for a UZZ32. They might be a little bit down on power (not an issue here) but they certainly tend to be (generally) the best equipped.
Sure, they have some issues with the suspension, but that can be rectified. The 31 has its own problems with the Air suspension.
As suggested above, PlanetSoarer is the place to find out about the 32.
Getting a 32 might be a little hard though. Robert Hayden has cornered the market on those ... I believe he had five 32's in his garage recently. Since less than 900 were ever made, it tends to be a fair percentage of the total amount!
Harry the 31 and 32 had all the same options, just depends on if the customer that ordered the car from new!. My 31 and 32 that I have are both made in 1996. The only difference is the sunroof, rear wing and rear wiper. But all the other electrical's are there. But remember my 32 is Jan 96 and my 31 is Nov 96 with the body update. Just have a look at my profile picture.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 07:16 pm, by: Paul Christian(Paul_christian)
Hi Kelly,
Here, here to the JZZ31 3.0 litre in-line 6! I've had my '97 for a few months now and won't look back. I think the fuel ratio is around 13.6litres per hundred k's (I'm hitting over 500k's per tank doing city driving) and it still has very respectable power if you need it.
I'm not sure if there's a leather interior option from the factory...but that's probably the only downside I can think of on a perfect car...and you can always change that later!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 08:14 pm, by: Callum Finch(Sigeneat)
I cbf reading what everyone else said (dont worry, i still love yas ;D ) but one thing which you will want to be aware of is that the more gadgets you have in these aging cars, the more you need to be cautious of what is working, what isnt working, and what is on its way out.
For example; i have quite a povo TT. The only option i have basically is a rear wiper =P. Aside from mechanical things, what has gone wrong with mine gadget wise relates mainly to the speakers and the aircon. The aircon i fixed (couple of different components, $2000 total), the speakers i havent. But when you start looking at the v8 limiteds with their EMVs and electric seats etc, and even the ultra super sexy '32s with their futuristic stuff you dont even get in space shuttles, there are more gadgets that can break!
Im not saying dont get a '32 or something with equally as many gadgets; by all means get the most luxurious car you can find, but just be more cautious of what options are available and what options the particular car you are looking at has. And then go away and find out what can actually go wrong with those gadgets and compare the quality of them. You may be in for quite a bill just to get the car enjoyable!
With all that said; im sure through the help of all us friendly Soarer people and the wealth of knowledge and contacts available through this site, you should be able to come out with a sweet ride with minimal problems! =P
Friday, September 01, 2006 - 11:34 pm, by: Sam Schreck(Schreck300)
Hi Kelly. Like Paul said, the JZZ31 is more than respectable as far as power goes. The vvt-i models will give a standard auto V8 a run in my opinion -I'm sure I'll get jumped on regarding that though... I've seen JZZ31's around with leather and plenty of other luxuries too. Again, as Paul mentioned, you can add the goodies as you go if you decide you want more. I did, and am more than happy with my car on the whole - to say the least. Just make sure it's black.
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Kelly. 
the old •••••• is alive!!!
