Used VX220 advice

[Jonty99]

Hi guys,

Im going with a friend to look at a used 51 plate VX220 today. Does anyone know of any specific things to look at when buying a used one? Any problems that can occur with them? Parts to look at that ware easily?

Any advice grately appreciated
Cheers, Jon

[mcarrick69]

http://www.vx220.org.uk/gcs_article.php?artid=14

There a quite a few recalls to be done.
Rear wheels can crack.
Engine mounts can break - try excellerating hard in 1st + 2nd gear and listen for grinding noises at high revs.
Turbo window seals are a bonus - to reduce leaks on side windows.
Water expansion tank can break - I believe its due to UV/sun light passing through the rear vents.

[MrSimba]

I would'nt be too worryed about the number of previous owners the car has had a 51 plate could have had 4 or more, also forget the 12k per year 'average' mileage, thats for 'average' cars VX's cover generaly a lot lot less than this.

Most VX's I have seen are in mint condition you can tell they are all loved and cherished its that sort of car!

Find out if the owner posts on 220.org, I'd be suprised if they don't, and do a search on 'find all posts by' to get a little history and also a 'feel' for how the owner has looked after the car, if there is one in the last few weeks saying 'whats that noise from my gearbox...' or 'how do I do J turns...' then I'd look at another one!

You'd be suprised what that serch will bring up especially if his user name is Antgtv!!!

Edited by MrSimba on Wednesday 11th July 22:42

Edited by MrSimba on Wednesday 11th July 22:44

[neiljohnson]

If its the 2.2 check for camshaft chain problems that affect all the 2.2 engines, was to do with a oil spray jet that gets blocked causing the chain to run dry and eventually break.

If its a turbo check my other post re the water pumps

[cyberface]

MrSimba said:

You'd be suprised what that serch will bring up especially if his user name is Antgtv!!!

[Jonty99]

Cheers for the advice chaps. Will be sure to check out some of the history like you say. Although I heard that it was bought for a guys brother who then had a kid, so they didn't have it for long. Bit worried its been an unregistered damaged one.

[MrSimba]

Stick a post up on 220.org with the cars details you'll probably find someone knows it and will be able to give its past history good or bad to you