GBMUD Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 What experience has anyone got of these? I have heard horror stories about head gaskets but are there any real worries? I would prefer to hear about real, first hand experiences if possible but failing that any information will do. How fast are these engines in RRs? I guess they do not have the power of the Tdi but are they up to the job? I will be towing a caravan from time to time. Finally, I will only buy this car if it is a bargain. What would anyone guess is a reasonable price to pay? It has 90k on the clock, 6 months tax, 12 months MOT and a cloth interior. The bodywork looked OK but I did not inspect it in detail. Thanks Chris PS. Posted here as I am looking for a quick response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white90 Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 is this the VM version Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMUD Posted November 1, 2005 Author Share Posted November 1, 2005 Yes, it is the VM. The same engine as used in Jeep diesels AFAIK - not that I consider that any kind if recomendation! I guess you are not a fan then Les? Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 I thought you were referring to the 2.5TD engine that is in early 90/110's. I've had a lot of problems with my one, but to be fair it looks like it almost seized, so it probably did well to continue working. I've actually never worked on, or even looked at the VM engine. Isn't it supposed to a huge great big lump of metal or something? Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white90 Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 David Lovejoy had one until recently IIRC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMUD Posted November 1, 2005 Author Share Posted November 1, 2005 Yes Les, that would be one thing it has in common with other engines of my experience. Each cylinder has it's own head IIRC, originaly a boat engine. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 Aren't the VM's kinda fussy about maintainance, something to do with being designed to be cooled by the entire sea rather than cooped up in some little vehicle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishbosh Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 Tony is right - Luvvers does have a VM and although he rates the engine, he has had problems with it. I'd get a Cheap V8 and spend the extra cash on fuel or LPG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honitonhobbit Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 Two VM TDs - one is 2,4 the other is 2.5 Power wise they leave the Tdi in the weeds as the turbo comes in at very low rpm Parts are cheap except for the Turbo it's self Problems with poor maintenance, poor repairs due to complexity and THEY NEED TO BE COOL! Don't thrash them either Classic RR's are worth sod all at the moment eg N regsoft dash with 147K 2grand eg E reg 3.5efi with 116K very tidy 600 notes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMUD Posted November 1, 2005 Author Share Posted November 1, 2005 Thanks Dave. The guy said he wants £1500 for it, I wondered about offering a little less. Perhaps Bish has a point about buying a V8 and spending the change on petrol. Mind you, I suspect that 1500 miles with the caravan in tow will see off the price difference in one hit! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodrow Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 Thanks Dave. The guy said he wants £1500 for it, I wondered about offering a little less. Perhaps Bish has a point about buying a V8 and spending the change on petrol. Mind you, I suspect that 1500 miles with the caravan in tow will see off the price difference in one hit! Chris £1500?! He's dreaming!! As above they just arent worth the money. I know of a soft dash with replacement engine and box (300 auto) for a little under 3k. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimonPearson Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 Chris... keep the 90. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMUD Posted November 1, 2005 Author Share Posted November 1, 2005 I will be keeping the 90 either way, just looking for an estate family car with the guts to tow the caravan, ideally for under a grand. I have been looking at Volvos, Carltons but nothing worth the money yet. A decent Tdi RR for 3k would do me nicely though... Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 I would avoid the carlton if I was you Chris, at least the earlier models with the 16v 2-litre Ecotech engine - the camshaft sensors on this engine are a bit prone to failure. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honitonhobbit Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 That's to much money for a TD unless it is perfect 2k will buy you a really sweet TdiRR Tangoman has a really nice Disco rolling shell that just needs an engine and box - you could do that for under 3K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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