VTR bargain?

[leroybrown]

Hi,

i'm looking for a cheap run around/project car and I've noticed a fair few VTRs for sale for around £500. All of them around 97 (P reg) with ~120k.

I know every car has to be taken on its own merits but could you give me an idea of how long engines/transmissions etc generally last and what the common problems are to look out for.

Are these cars a possible bargain or should i steer well clear!?

Thanks

[rick_VTR]

buy my vtr.

2002.
112,000
just had major service.
mot till next june
tax till december
lowered 40mm
just had rear beam refurbed.
cambelt kit and water pump just been done also.
stainless steel exhaust system.

£1000 cash takes it.

[MauritiusVtrDan]

I've got a 99 vtr on 115k, Its generally okay although over the year and a half I've owned it I've replaced quite a lot, things to look for are...
whiney gearboxes and clutches,
oil leaks from below the cylinder head on the left hand,
play in rear axle when jacked up or a lot of negative camber when on the ground,
front suspension generally falls apart around this mileage as I'm finding out now lol,
a lot of play in the engine mounts cause exhaust downpipes to crack as I've also found out but power flex bushes saved the day.
also check for rust on the front jacking points and Lift the carpet in the boot in the corners they tend to rot.
These are all issues I've had because I got giddy I just bought it so ignore mileage and just check it's been looked after really.
Hope this helps

[Pau1os]

my old saxo vtr had 167k miles on it and it was still running perfectly fine, it all depends on how they have been treated :)