Hi, new member, first every post here.

I am in the process of most likely privately buying a 2004 VR AWD. I am going to have a test drive of it on the weekend and would like to know what things I should particularly look for? It is apparently unmodified.

cheers
Matt

Hi Matt,....and WELCOME....

I suppose firstly, see what kind of logbook history it has....and DEPENDING ON K's travelled, look at the following

1) if approaching or past 100 Thousand, make sure timing belt has been done....the plugs are usually changed at this service too as they are long life units

2) Transmission services, these are HIGHLY important....my car when i bought it had only 38k on it, i met the previous owner too and it had had these done, but at 61k it needed to be replaced.....luckily one week inside warranty......things to look for are dirty brown fluid......do'nt be frightened to drive it until warm...dip the stick and see if it smells Burned.....if it's fine...all good.....but you will find most on here including me have had an additional Trans cooler fitted as the one in situ is'nt up to the job.

3) Coolant colour.....and regular flushes too

4) the Engines in these cars are highly reliable, but can develop a bit of a tick even when regular oil changes are done......but make sure it has had regular changes of Good quality oil, plus filter.

5) they can have a minor noise around 90kph (like mild diff whine)....which can be either transfercase/ Centre diff or rear diff......but unless particularly noisy they give no trouble. usually done every 45k cheap maintenance and peace of mind....very little volume

hopefully you'll have y'self a ripper car there, be sure to share some pics with us..........there's maybe a few minor odds and ends i may have missed, but generally they're a great...and very UNDER estimated car,

Cheers,

Pug.

Thanks Pug

This should help me out greatly. As we all know all cars have their own little issues. Good to see that overall the VR AWD seems to be a very solid reliable vehicle.

I am trading up from a 2001 Lancer Lrx-1 which is a great little car but I want something larger for long distance cruising.

If I get the Magna I will definitely post some pics on here

Cheers
Matt

+1 for fitting the transmission oil cooler.

Oh well the car I was interested in was sold before I could test it. Back to the drawing board I guess....

....that's a pity.......but there's sure to be another good one just around the corner......took me a month or so before i found the right one, after a few Dud's......lol,,,, what kind of budget are u looking at if u do'nt mind me asking?