Running Costs & Stuff

[ReggieK]

Hi boys n girls,

So I can go into VR4 ownership with my eyes open can anyone give some idea of running costs....

MPG

Service

Turbo replacement

Tyres

Anything else that tends to go wrong with this car. You know the sort of thing I mean.

Also, I did ask this before but in the wrong forum and got no replies, so I ask again...

Which is considered better for this car, the Tiptronic auto or manual box. :Ponder:

Thanks

[Nick VR4]

Hi Reggie

Insurance depending on age can be from £600 to £1500+
Servicing is every 4500 miles and ranges from £200 to a major service at £500+
If you need cambelt sparkplugs changed its more

MPG is around 20 unless you rag the car and it drops to 12 -15 mpg maybe less

[ReggieK]

You are kidding, a Service at every 4500 miles. Jeez that's harsh:INSERT INTO post VALUES (

Eyes are getting wider by the moment.

Thanks for the heads up, that's a biggie.

[Brind]

ReggieK, short for Reggie Kray? as in the notorious gangster?

Can't see the problem, if you can't get a decent price on your service just 'ave a quiet word and give him a good hidin' and tell him not to mess with you and ya brother or there will be trouble! :D

4500 or every six months which ever comes first.
It isn't all that bad though, major services are quite a bit more, but some things you can do yourself or someone else to avoid their labour charges and over the top parts prices, things such as tyres, brake discs/pads, plugs and the like.
AYC has to be done by a main dealer or someone with correct equipment.

I've had 25mpg from the car on numerous occasions.

Turbos are small and assuming you let the car warm up and cool down appropriately and you take care of the car they should last the life of the car!

Tyres vary, just shop around and they obviously depend on what size wheels you have.
You're looking at about £100 per corner for something very basic, approx £160 maybe for something good that will last ages.

Tiptronic is great!!! some people prefer manual but why bother if you can still get more than a thrill just holding on with dear life without the need to change gear! have you seen a car that can reach 60 in under 6 seconds while also being an automatic? exactly! :)

They are very reliable but expect to get burnt slightly if something does go a bit wrong as chances are it won't be cheap, warranty covers most things like that.


Bottom line is, it's a performance car, and no performance car comes cheap but if you have the dosh these are certainly worth it.

[ReggieK]

Thanks mate,

Won't send the lads round since you answered so nicely.:cool1:

Much appreciated. I suppose those are the decisions one has to take when stepping into the world of performance motoring.

I suspect 25mpg is achieved when taking it sensible. Knowing my driving style I'll more likely be lucky to reach double figures.

Just had a look at your motor, nice car, scratch that, stunning car. You say it is a 1999 Type-S? Maybe I have misunderstood the FAQ section. I thought it said in 1998 they changed to Type-V.

[Brind]

These are very nice cars and receive plenty of admiration! even to the extent some people almost break their necks to see what it is.
Apart from the looks, it has the power and the ability to keep up with its looks, so it isn't at all, all looks and no go.

It has been known for these cars to give '7' miles to the gallon when pushed hard! :o but I bet it was a hell of a lot of fun trying!

Thanks for the compliments.:)

The shape changed from 1998.

Type-S and Type-V isn't associated with age, but level of spec, Type-S comes with an automatic gearbox and AYC while the Type-V has a manual gearbox and no AYC.
There is also a slight inbreeding of some cars too so the above isn't totally correct, although it does still relate to gearbox's some Type-V cars have also been known to have AYC.

Once you test drive one you will be hooked! :)

[zedy1]

easy diy service is possible

[Spirit]

Originally posted by Brind

Once you test drive one you will be hooked! :)

Mark is spot on with that - if you're not sure just don't drive one - if you do you will get your wallet out :D

[zedy1]

THAT WAS GREAT HELP PETE
JUST SCARE HIM BEFORE HE BUYS ONE

[Spirit]

What I mean't was you will get your wallet out to actually buy a VR4 once you drive one

:D

[zedy1]

mis understood u pete sorry m8

[ReggieK]

It's OK chaps, I understood.
To be honest, with me, that's a valid warning. I'm likely to step out after the test drive and offer them everything and anything to buy it.....money, my car, the wife & kids that sort of thing.

Lucky to get 20mpg out of current car INSERT INTO post VALUES (Mondeo V6) and have not really worried about running costs INSERT INTO post VALUES (well it is a Ford). But with specialised motors I will have to take it a bit more seriously.

I tend to do around 15k miles a year, and that's just because I like driving, none of it is business. So that sort of mileage on this car ain't gonna be cheap with services at every 5k.

Was thinking of spending around 15-16k to get a real decent one, but perhaps need to consider an older and more used one if I am going to put that sort of mileage on it.

Anyway, thanks for your advice.

[Spirit]

A "V" reg one for £12500 has just been put up for sale in the For Sale/Wanted section in Reading - got to be worth a look mate as it's just down the road for you

Pete