problems with VR4
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2
problems with VR4
im thinking about maybe getting a vr4 and was wondering if there were any cons about the car. mechanically especially. Thanks. Also can you fix things by yourself with these kinds of cars or do you need someone else to do it for you. Id would really rather get a car i could work on on my own.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,176
From: Austin, TX
RE: problems with VR4
1990-1994 are known for spinning bearings on the bottom end. Oh, and anything 'The Stealth' tells you, is because he owns a VR4 and he is generally bias.
If the car has been beaten on, or launched hard a lot, the transfer case starts to leak, and that sucks.
You totally can work on the car yoruself, they are not as easy as an old muscle car obviously, but there is no shroud on the engine so you can get access to it. However, the engine bay is a little cramped, and that makes things a little harder.
Bottom line, as long as the car has been taken care of, and has run premium gas its entire life, it should serve you well.
If the car has been beaten on, or launched hard a lot, the transfer case starts to leak, and that sucks.
You totally can work on the car yoruself, they are not as easy as an old muscle car obviously, but there is no shroud on the engine so you can get access to it. However, the engine bay is a little cramped, and that makes things a little harder.
Bottom line, as long as the car has been taken care of, and has run premium gas its entire life, it should serve you well.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,197
RE: problems with VR4
It is rumored that the 91-92 2-bolt main blocks are more prone to spun bearings, although plenty of people have spun bearings in the 93+ 4-bolt main blocks. Either way, if the engine has been abused, it doesn't matter what year it is, problems will arise.
There is a factory recall on the transfer case, because even when new, they would sometimes leak out the .29/qt of gear oil and lock up. You can get the VIN checked by a dealer to see if the recall has been performed. It's a good idea to check for leaks periodically.
The ECU capacitors are prone to failure. These same capacitors are also in the TCU and ECS computers.
The 60k/120k service intervals are extremely important. If the car you are buying doesn't have documentation of them being done, that should be one of the first things you do. Depending upon your skill level as a mechanic, this could cost anywhere between $400 to $1200.
I don't think they are all that hard to work on, but some things you'll encounter will really make you question the engineers at times.
Just remember, these cars were fairly expensive new, they are still expensive to maintain.
*scratches head*
What does my bias towards the platform have to do with anything? It's not like I have not spent countless hours researching this platform...or that I have been an owner for almost 8 years...or that I have read through the mechanic manual several times in order to better understand the car and learn how to work on it or just to find the information to help someone out...
btw: I own a Stealth, not a VR4.
There is a factory recall on the transfer case, because even when new, they would sometimes leak out the .29/qt of gear oil and lock up. You can get the VIN checked by a dealer to see if the recall has been performed. It's a good idea to check for leaks periodically.
The ECU capacitors are prone to failure. These same capacitors are also in the TCU and ECS computers.
The 60k/120k service intervals are extremely important. If the car you are buying doesn't have documentation of them being done, that should be one of the first things you do. Depending upon your skill level as a mechanic, this could cost anywhere between $400 to $1200.
I don't think they are all that hard to work on, but some things you'll encounter will really make you question the engineers at times.
Just remember, these cars were fairly expensive new, they are still expensive to maintain.
ORIGINAL: Sebba
Oh, and anything 'The Stealth' tells you, is because he owns a VR4 and he is generally bias.
Oh, and anything 'The Stealth' tells you, is because he owns a VR4 and he is generally bias.
What does my bias towards the platform have to do with anything? It's not like I have not spent countless hours researching this platform...or that I have been an owner for almost 8 years...or that I have read through the mechanic manual several times in order to better understand the car and learn how to work on it or just to find the information to help someone out...
btw: I own a Stealth, not a VR4.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 12,084
RE: problems with VR4
ORIGINAL: thestealth
It is rumored that the 91-92 2-bolt main blocks are more prone to spun bearings, although plenty of people have spun bearings in the 93+ 4-bolt main blocks. Either way, if the engine has been abused, it doesn't matter what year it is, problems will arise.
There is a factory recall on the transfer case, because even when new, they would sometimes leak out the .29/qt of gear oil and lock up. You can get the VIN checked by a dealer to see if the recall has been performed. It's a good idea to check for leaks periodically.
The ECU capacitors are prone to failure. These same capacitors are also in the TCU and ECS computers.
The 60k/120k service intervals are extremely important. If the car you are buying doesn't have documentation of them being done, that should be one of the first things you do. Depending upon your skill level as a mechanic, this could cost anywhere between $400 to $1200.
I don't think they are all that hard to work on, but some things you'll encounter will really make you question the engineers at times.
Just remember, these cars were fairly expensive new, they are still expensive to maintain.
*scratches head*
What does my bias towards the platform have to do with anything? It's not like I have not spent countless hours researching this platform...or that I have been an owner for almost 8 years...or that I have read through the mechanic manual several times in order to better understand the car and learn how to work on it or just to find the information to help someone out...
btw: I own a Stealth, not a VR4.
It is rumored that the 91-92 2-bolt main blocks are more prone to spun bearings, although plenty of people have spun bearings in the 93+ 4-bolt main blocks. Either way, if the engine has been abused, it doesn't matter what year it is, problems will arise.
There is a factory recall on the transfer case, because even when new, they would sometimes leak out the .29/qt of gear oil and lock up. You can get the VIN checked by a dealer to see if the recall has been performed. It's a good idea to check for leaks periodically.
The ECU capacitors are prone to failure. These same capacitors are also in the TCU and ECS computers.
The 60k/120k service intervals are extremely important. If the car you are buying doesn't have documentation of them being done, that should be one of the first things you do. Depending upon your skill level as a mechanic, this could cost anywhere between $400 to $1200.
I don't think they are all that hard to work on, but some things you'll encounter will really make you question the engineers at times.
Just remember, these cars were fairly expensive new, they are still expensive to maintain.
ORIGINAL: Sebba
Oh, and anything 'The Stealth' tells you, is because he owns a VR4 and he is generally bias.
Oh, and anything 'The Stealth' tells you, is because he owns a VR4 and he is generally bias.
What does my bias towards the platform have to do with anything? It's not like I have not spent countless hours researching this platform...or that I have been an owner for almost 8 years...or that I have read through the mechanic manual several times in order to better understand the car and learn how to work on it or just to find the information to help someone out...
btw: I own a Stealth, not a VR4.
The cars arnot bad cars but like ALL OTHER MITSU's they require attention and regular maintanecne
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