Buying an MA61 (Calling all ma61 nuts)

**Sam Red Rolla** · 16-10-2006, 09:51 PM

Hey all, my VS Commodore is sold and im looking for a temporary (few weeks to 2months) car to get to and from work till i get a new new car. I've found an 84 MA61 in my price range. its got a recon motor (looks like a 5mge) thats done 60k in the last 2.5years, december rego, kms on the body isnt advertised.

What are things to look at on these cars? what are they worth these days? is there much of a market for them? ive loved the 61's and 70's ever since i was 5yrs old.

cheers in advance,
Sam

**lojik** · 16-10-2006, 09:57 PM

Look for rust, esp in hatch/tailgate area.
General body condition is important, as bits are getting rare.
But if its just for a few weeks to 2 months probably doesnt matter too much does it?

**Norbie** · 16-10-2006, 09:59 PM

1. Rust
2. BHG
3. Rust

Apart from that it should be sweet.

**Draven** · 16-10-2006, 10:02 PM

if it's only for 2 months, why not buy a shitter rolla?

**RObErT_RaTh** · 16-10-2006, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by Draven

if it's only for 2 months, why not buy a shitter rolla?

He's got style

Check for rust like everyone is saying, and also see if aircon is working

**Negative Boost** · 16-10-2006, 11:10 PM

I've heard of people buying MA61's for 3k which i thinks a good price, however i bought mine for 6k.

**haison** · 16-10-2006, 11:20 PM

So uhh.. watcha gunna do with the car once you're done with it? I'll happily take it off your hands if you like, I'll even do it for free

But seriously, as mentioned, look for rust in tailgate area, wheel well, sunroof (if it has one) and just behind the doors under the window. Do a search on here about BHG symptons and check that out too.

3-5k is probably reasonable depending on condition.

Good luck!

ed · 17-10-2006, 01:41 AM

Originally Posted by Sam Red Rolla

im looking for a temporary (few weeks to 2months) car to get to and from work till i get a new new car.

IMHO dont buy an ma61

i wouldnt buy one for your intended purpose
age/cost/performance ratios are all out for your requirements i reckon

theyre a good platform for building a sports car. off the shelf theyre old, expensive, fuel consuming boring pigs

**STR8 2.8** · 17-10-2006, 04:15 AM

lol i used to own that particular ma61, ive seen it for sale. i can tell you a lot of things about it if you want, pm me for info, i have plenty of pics too

**Tanya** · 17-10-2006, 06:19 AM

As others have mentioned RUST is the biggest issue with MA61s, and not just body rust either. Check the undercarriage, radiator support, lower control arms, etc. Anything that could be at risk for structural integrity failure.

Beyond that, oil leaks. The 5MGE likes to piss oil from the camshaft towers and behind the timing cover. While they are relatively inexpensive to fix (if you do it yourself) it can be time consuming and annoying.

Also, check the electrical bits. The headlight relays can go bad (or get wet) and cause the headlights to flip up and down at random, generally acting screwy.