Whats the reliability of the vr6 engine like I'm thinking of buying one with 100000 miles on it

[kiwi8888 0]

Whats the reliability of the vr6 engine like I'm thinking of buying one with 100000 miles on it  

[VR6Pete 1,455]

Generally they are reliable, but depends on how well maintained they have been.

At 100k me personally would be looking to address the following areas if not done so already.

• Timing Chains (Check for the distinctive chain rattle - gearbox side, between 1,000RPM - 1,500 RPM)
• Coolant System Overhaul (Check fan speeds operating, and no signs of coolant leaks, generally leaks can come from thermostat house, crack pipe, oil cooler etc..)
• Head Gasket (If not replaced already, could be a concern with 100k on the clock)
• Exhaust valve guides / seals if smoking on over-run (Generally wear starts occur over 80k, but if not smoking on over-run then should be ok!)

Depending on mechanically minded you are, then you will be paying parts, but labor can be expensive for timing chains / head work.

Don't let the above put you off, they are very resilient engines and could be a well looked after example, but you never know so obviously check carefully and ask the right questions to find out more about the car.

Oh, if its a MK3, check the floor pans, sills, arches and suspension turrets as they are prone to rotting out!  

 

[D1BBZ 17]

Mines done 225k, still going strong considering it's had no major engine work to date!

[mattvr6 133]

Brilliant engine, most reliable I've had by far,can have issues like anything but generally speaking awesome motors

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