Opinion on VR4 for sale...

[Wischmaster]

Ok, here's the deal to this day. My friend is looking to buy my 3000GT for $4,500... including the stereo and other shtuff. Anyways! I was going to get some other kind of car to change the tide... but... a thought entered my mind. What about a VR4? So then I got to looking and I found a VR4 that is... a good distance away... but he is asking $6,000 for the car. Listed as "all original" and it is... still has factory wheels and cassette on it. It has 118,000 miles and it's a 1993. Should there be anything to worry about? I know, first thing I would get would be the 120k tuneup, but any other things? I know the guy wants my car and is willing to go get a loan for it (going to back tomorrow to check things out) and he will get it since it's below "bank-bluebook." So then I just gotta get things assured on this car before I get the check. I need opinions. Thanks!

The short description:

"1993 MITSUBISHI 3000GT VR-4, 118k, airbags, abs, ac, ps, cc, tilt, lthr, p/seats, pw, pdl, p/mirrors, excellent cond, All orig, Must sell, $6,000"

And some pictures of it:



















Opinions?

Thanks all in advance!

[Linebckr49]

ya, 120k as you said. but ask when he last had the timing belt/tensioner/water pump changed before you do the 120k.

things that come to mind right now:

--check transfer case for cracks, leaks, functionality [if he has had it replaced for a new one via the recall]
--check transmission: smoothness of shifting (mtx oil & synchros), also master/slave clutch cylinders factor in to the shifting.
--clutch: oem i assume. when did he last change it?
--A/C: is it cool? (cold that is, of course the A/C system is cool...duh)
--check battery: make sure it holds a charge, good output voltage (auto zone could check all this)
--regular oil change interval (3,000 miles)
--turbos! smoothness of spool, shaft play (not sure how to check this without taking the hose off the compressor side and manually trying to move the shaft), coolant lines (these get gunked up over time if car is shut off quickly after hard driving--need to let the oil cool off--turbo timer function)
--brakes: how much is left on the pads. normally about 3/4" is new.
--optional: check bushings, tie rods, rigidity of suspension


anything else i'm forgetting you turbo guys? (hotshot, igovert, et al). i'm sure some others will chime in. i know i've left out a lot.

the car sounds like a GREAT deal. that's why you need to make sure its not too good to be true. BUT, if the owner says its all original and a 'must sell', then it sounds good, but definitely check it over. of course with 118k miles you're getting into old age, so just be aware of that as far as future maintenance goes.

[93_R/T_TT_Stealth]

I agree, I did my 120k tune up a while ago an havnt had a problem... its due for a tune up after lots of highway driving - but ya mine is the same year an all is orig. cept the timing belt the tensionor, thermostat , an the waterpump it now has 280k miles on it an couldnt be running better.

It looks like the guy that had it too pretty damn good care of it, looks well maintained an like he was all about keeping it clean. an for $6k i would buy it myself.

Good Luck
Hope u it has no problems so u can buy it - after all its a VR4 an who doesnt want 1 - our cars are freakin Awsome!

[Wischmaster]

I know, there is another cheaper one... but too high of mileage. I think like 148k...?? Yeah, too high for me. I want as close to 100k as I can get if it's over that. I mean, hell, this is practically an opportunity to grab one... that's IF everything checks out. I just don't want anything breaking after I get it. I want to buy a good VR4... not a lemon. A lemon VR4 is... scary.

But yeah, hopefully the guy will get back to me. I'll take a long road trip with a bud there and check everything out. It's gonna be about a 3 1/2 to 4 hour drive so yeah. Heck, a VR4 for $6,000? It's worth it. Not like I would be driving all that way to get a minivan. I just hope he hasn't sold it yet. Otherwise, on the lookout for another one.

And it's gotta be stock... still has the factory airbox, cassette player, wheels, shift boot (ewww), and the trunk "shade" thingy. Mine doesn't have any of those. I think it's decently legit from my stand point. Not like it's a VR4 with $20,000 in it and it's selling for $2,000.

[GritMaster]

A lime VR-4 on the other hand.... J/k... but you know everything is better with lime

[Linebckr49]

lime? no f'in way! don't succomb to the current progressive fads! what's lime got to offer anyways that's better than the original dr.pepper, coca cola, and all those other beverages, food products, and whatnot. seriously, think about it, its just a marketing ploy. the original product is still 'all that and a bag of chips'! once you try their 'limed out' product and find how much it sux, you'll go for some more of that original good taste that you've been missing out on.


































sorry, i can't sleep. got too many ideas rushing through my head. ohhh, and i just got the 2nd season of 24 and i'm hooked. just got off the halo2 xbox live addiction to only find another addiction.

[GritMaster]

Corona + Lime

but I was kinda being fecicious. I don't like the limed out products really, however lime is excellent while cooking

[G-man422]

Looks like a good buy to me.

[bluespeed]

I love this car, it does seem like a good buy. I love it when I see one with a Hamilton silver paint. Simply amazing.

[Igovert500]

linebckr gave good advice, I'd definantly also take it for a decent test drive and have a mechnic check it out.