is this vr4 right for me?

hey guyz, i found a 1991 blue vr4 for sale in town with 108*** miles and he wants 9 grand for it. i looked the price up on kbb, and it's about right, but im worried about the future replacement parts for this car. how long before the stock turbos normally die? and what normally has to be replaced around 108k miles? My parents are also worried about me having this car because they think the parts will be very expensive to replace. i also noticed oil around the crank case (i think that's what it's called, if not, this area is where the dipstick is). the owner said he took it into the mechanic for a checkup and the mechanic said something was wrong with this area, but the owner told the mechanic he spilt oil in that spot as well as me. let me know what u guyz think. i REALLY want a vr4 but i want to know if they are reliable, especially sense this car has 108k miles on it. ill have to convince my parents to let me have this car, although they think it will cost a grip to repair in the future if i do infact get this car. thanks guyz!

~Tanner~

First off, welcome to the board.

Second, the price seems ok as long as there aren't any major exterior/interior blemishes and the car is in good working order. 108K miles isn't that much as far as these cars go. Like any car, they can last a long time if you take care of them, 3s cars especially. There are some running around with 200K+ miles. As far as when the stock turbos "die", there really is no set time and I actually haven't heard of many people having the stockers go out on them. Although ALOT of people don't stick with stock and upgrade larger. There really aren't any replacements scheduled for that mileage. **MAKE SURE the 60K tuneup was done. Ask the guy where/when and what parts he replaced. If he can't guarentee it was done then tell him to take $100ish off the price and get it done yourself. And the next scheduled tuneup/repairs are at 120K. Parts are somewhat expensive....the car doesn't have alot of companies producing parts for the platform and going through the dealer is always expensive. Spun rods and problems with the auto tranny are the most common (and ironically are probably the most expensive.... :screwy: ). If it's leaking oil from right around the oil cap then it's no problem; just get a new cap and problem fixed. If it's leaking down at the bottom of the valve cover then you may just need to tighten the cover down (on mine it's just 4 bolts...don't remember if the TT engines are different. It shouldn't be too hard for you to see). But the best thing to do would be to take it to your own mechanic and have it checked. This should be common practice for buying a used car.

And one last thing I ask is, how old are you? If this is your first car or you are just new to driving I'd say don't get the VR-4 and get a SL or base instead (or an ES or R/T...can't forget the Stealths :iceslolan ). Seriously, I know if I had had twin turbos on my first car I probably would have hurt someone. Now I may want one but I still have respect for the power and you just gotta use common sense. IF you haev enough experience then get the VR-4 and be happy you have more power then me...........for now :devil:

-Jeff

thanks jeff for the reply. i just turned 17 years old, and this would be my second car. i had a 5 speed acura integra, but just recently it was stolen and now i am looking for a new car. i know i can drive a 5 speed with no problem at all, but the vr4 does have alot of power....hehe. i will be sure to have a mechanic check out the car before we purchase the car, if that is infact what my parents let me buy. Thanks again....

-Tanner-

i have a Vr-4 with 150k on it and its still pullin hard ;) and it still has stock turbos :)