buying a early 90's soarer?

[redline racer]

Hi all, looking at buying a early 90's soarer 1uzfe powered.

what are the things to look out for on these cars?

from what iv found the lcd display on the centre console burns out, does this affect any of the controls - heater or anything? do the digital dashes fail as well?

is the air bag suspension setup reliable/maintence free?

any input appreciated

cheers

[Dell'Orto]

Have a search, its been covered a couple of times.
Yes, dashes can give problems.
Alternators can give problems
Door hinges can give problems
20 year old cars can give problems

[headshotnz]

Have a read of this mate, if you have any more questions just ask.

viewtopic.php?t=80902&highlight=

[LEAKER]

Fuel pump relay craps out, lcd display craps out and from what I understand that's the heater and air con controll. Airbags at the age your looking at aren't that reliable normally but otherwise they seem to be fairly bulletproof. This is all general issues ofcourse the car your looking at may not have any of these problems. Good luck! They're nice cars if they're looked after right.

[deaf_rattle]

20 year old cars can give problems

this man speakif the truthif

[Leon]

any input appreciated

Ensure you have a healthy petrol budget, and expect "cruiser" performance levels more than "sportscar" performance levels. They can sound very nice though.

Also bear in mind that your maintenance budget for something like a Soarer (or any car that has a bunch of doodads) is going to be more than your maintenance budget for something like a Corolla. Basic reasoning being, the more "stuff" you have fitted to a car, the more "stuff" there is that may need money spent on it.

[Santa'sBoostinSleigh]

and bare in mind that all that extra stuff is more often than not extra expensive stuff....

[Mr.Phreak]

Ensure you have a healthy petrol budget, and expect "cruiser" performance levels more than "sportscar" performance levels. They can sound very nice though.

Also bear in mind that your maintenance budget for something like a Soarer (or any car that has a bunch of doodads) is going to be more than your maintenance budget for something like a Corolla. Basic reasoning being, the more "stuff" you have fitted to a car, the more "stuff" there is that may need money spent on it.

+1

[CelicaGT8]

Dont lol, cost sooo much on gass!

[holden_fan2005]

They may have a few bad points but they are a nice cruisy car. Lowered they stick fairly well too!!


But yes, they do have their issues. My lcd screen shat itself the other week. Plus side is the touch screen works and fan controls still function.

All four of my airbags were shot. New struts and springs sus that problem.

Alternators give problems because of leaky powersteer pumps... mines also leaking from the rack.

Much of the suspension (arms with balljoints) is an expensive replacement so I'm told...

Mines done 325,000 kms and I still enjoy it.



Note: They tend to chew the gas and tyres though.....

[iOnic]

What kind of fuel usage are we talking here?

[redline racer]

cheers for the replies! im not expecting a maintence free 20y/o car but just checking what i may be in for, so thanks because at least iv got some ideas on what to check for. not so keen on all the electronics and i guess its a case of rolling the dice as to if/when these will give trouble. CAn you get aftermarket new Lcd screens?

the cars iam looking at have done approx 160-220km. Most seem to have airbag suspension? Is it a straight swap back to conventional struts & how hard are they to obtain? Im guessing replacing airbag parts will be mega expensive.

Not too worried about fuel consumption wouldnt be a huge difference from my 3.8 commodore?

[Mr.Phreak]

Can you get aftermarket new Lcd screens?

You can get replacement screens for the AC unit, but not the EMV

the cars iam looking at have done approx 160-220km. Most seem to have airbag suspension? Is it a straight swap back to conventional struts & how hard are they to obtain? Im guessing replacing airbag parts will be mega expensive.

Yes, new struts are available from Toyota and JZA80 parts fit to some degree, and it depends on what you want from the car, a Soarer with new Airbags and bushes all round has one of the most comfortable rides I've ever experienced.

FWIW, even if the Airbags are still holding air, the dampeners are going to be shot

Note: They tend to chew the gas and tyres though.....

You might want to check your alignment/LCA bushes

[Leon]

Note: They tend to chew the gas and tyres though.....

You might want to check your alignment/LCA bushes

I think his email address ends in @burnouts.co.nz (being serious) which might suggest why tyre wear is quite high.

[deaf_rattle]

Note: They tend to chew the gas and tyres though.....

You might want to check your alignment/LCA bushes

I think his email address ends in @burnouts.co.nz (being serious) which might suggest why tyre wear is quite high.

lol i only get 100kms off a tank and set of tyres. But thats 3 minutes of smokey fun!

[TRD Man]

I know a bloke who's got a V8 Soarer fro sale down here. I don't know wherther you've seen it. Quite a nice car I think, he's a bit reluctant to part with it. But he's bought a newer car so I think he's quite motivated to move it on. I can put you in touch.

[redline racer]

Thanks for all the advice! @trd man - Im still looking, so yes could you pm me more details please

[rollaholic]

Note: They tend to chew the gas and tyres though.....

You might want to check your alignment/LCA bushes

I think his email address ends in @burnouts.co.nz (being serious) which might suggest why tyre wear is quite high.

lol i only get 100kms off a tank and set of tyres. But thats 3 minutes of smokey fun!

you can spin your wheels at 2000km/hr?

[Leon]

only vtec can do that.

[deaf_rattle]

Note: They tend to chew the gas and tyres though.....

You might want to check your alignment/LCA bushes

I think his email address ends in @burnouts.co.nz (being serious) which might suggest why tyre wear is quite high.

lol i only get 100kms off a tank and set of tyres. But thats 3 minutes of smokey fun!

you can spin your wheels at 2000km/hr?

i knew there would be one smart ass...