Remember a time about 10 years ago when there was a choice between both a big Vauxhall and an MG with V8s in them for about £30K? There was a frenzy about a V8 for 330Ci cash and great excitement about the tuning possibilities with such unstressed crate motors. Halcyon times when you look back on them.
Seemingly rust free, but it's worth checking
Then with MG's demise and a spike in conversion rates that pushed the Monaro and VXR8's price up, the £30K V8 was no more. Furthermore, the new
VXR8 GTS
has become a far more sophisticated beast than the early Monaros, with magnetic dampers, a Driver Preference Dial and electric power steering.
But a low purchase price and a fondness for super unleaded that's not exactly en vogue means they're cheap. ZTs are down at £5K and the estates aren't a lot more, then there's this Monaro. For £5,450 it potentially offers a lot of muscle car charm for not much money.
It isn't perfect. The service history has gaps, reverse apparently crunches from time to time and there's a problem with the air-con that is more than a re-gas job. But that's why it's a YKYWT; it's a bit of a gamble, but it could pay off.
Time kind to the price, not the cabin
There's a lot to be encouraged by. The PH
Monaro Buying Guide
mentions a few weaknesses that have been addressed here. The brakes have been upgraded, a new clutch has been fitted and there's no mention of rust either. Hopefully some extra protection has been applied during its lifetime.
Both exterior and interior have endured 114,000 miles fairly well by the looks of it. A new intake/exhaust combo will probably displace a lot of objective concerns on a test drive as well, plus there's the fact that the advert is detailed and honest; there's a lot to be said for that.
Take a copy of the Buying Guide to be really thorough on your checks and ensure this Monaro is the bargain it seems. The next cheapest is an additional £2K, so the money you've saved can go towards the next raft of upgrades. Or fuel. Or tyres.
VAUXHALL MONARO CV8
Price: £5,450
Why you should: Useful mods, good ad, five thousand pounds
Why you shouldn't: Are bad points hiding a more sinister problem?
See the original advert here.