Ask an expert

I am looking at an 87 VL commodore with the 6 cylinder Nissan 2.0 ltr engine done 232,000 kms. Do these have any known regular faults, we want to use for a tow car for our 20' Trailer Sailer.

Many thanks

Tracy

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 22 August 2008

Any vehicle of this age and mileage is a risk. Past service history records can provide some peace of mind but it is really a bit of a gamble.

The one good thing about the vehicle is the Nissan engine. It has a good reputation for reliability but once again at 200,000 plus km's anything can happen. I guess if you buy at the right price and it gets a Warrant of Fitness without too much drama then it may be worth a go.

I would think the towing capacity of the vehicle would be around the 1200kg mark. Any towing does put load on transmissions and cooling systems so if you buy, go easy and watch the temperature gauge.

I would rather have a high mileage old petrol vehicle than a high mileage old diesel if that's any help.