Running a Monaro - realistic expectations

[granjuiceymoose]

I'm on my second Monaro as a daily driver and this one has LPG fitted. For me it was a bonus as its 58p/ltr. I drove to Oxford and back (approx 500 miles) and it only used two tanks of LPG which cost me £52. The Mrs 2.0lt diesel Kuga couldn't have done it on that

The last service cost me around £800 but that included sparks plugs, all fluids and EBC rear discs/pads.

It only gets expensive when you're talking clutch/gearbox or get the modification bug. General running costs are cheaper than similar cars offering this performance.

[Glyn84]

djgritt said:

LPG - I'm undecided.

I understand the benefits of it from economy points. But, I've never had any experience of it, and that unknown makes me a bit wary.

I've done 80,000 miles on LPG now and can't say I've encountered any problems. I think the key is getting a good conversion from someone who actually knows what they're doing, and not just how to fit an LPG kit. This has been my experience anyway and I couldn't be happier with the conversion how it is now.

[maccavvy]

im on my second vehicle with LPG now.

my monaro has done 12k now with no issues whatsoever , service time soon for both engine and lpg system though

My last vehicle had done ove 150k (110k with me) on lpg with no issues regarding engine wear or longevity at all.
it had a head gasket done but they are a common issue whether lpg or not.

as mentioned a good installer who knows what hes doing is paramount.some places said 'we will fit this brand for you'
the one I went for talked in such detail regarding which bits for which type of engine.I remember one guy coming to my house with his Ro and his install looked poor imo,injectors all on show poorly routed etc ,and when over 4.5k switched back. Mine will go to the red line and and all the parts are hidden or fastened to the oe brackets so very little disturbance to the original car ,I went from south Yorkshire to lemans and back on less than £200 ,also my fill nossle is on a bracket which looks like a removeable tow bar. No holes drilled anywhere.

[djgritt]

preciousmetal said:

put up with 22mpg or buy a run around aswell.

This is my outlook TBH.

[Dino D]

Some good info on this thread too
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
if Janosh's car is still available then best go have a look quick, it's the perfect car for someone who's happy with 4seats/2drs. Fantastic drive.
If you can have a 2dr you very lucky as they are such great value compared with the 4drs.

[Janosh]

Thanks Dino, the car is still for sale and listed on AT but the deal that I'd agreed on a VXR8 fell through so I've had to rethink the 'value' gap between my Monaro and a well sorted VXR8.

100% agree with your sentiments about the 2 door vs 4 door cost, I'm finding it hard to justify a £6k+ cost to change (plus the niggle sorting fund) so I've turned down a couple of offers below £9k.

It's had over £10k spent on it in the last 3 years so I'd hate myself for letting it go too cheap!

[Mud_]

Janosh said:

Thanks Dino, the car is still for sale and listed on AT but the deal that I'd agreed on a VXR8 fell through so I've had to rethink the 'value' gap between my Monaro and a well sorted VXR8.

100% agree with your sentiments about the 2 door vs 4 door cost, I'm finding it hard to justify a £6k+ cost to change (plus the niggle sorting fund) so I've turned down a couple of offers below £9k.

It's had over £10k spent on it in the last 3 years so I'd hate myself for letting it go too cheap!

It'll be a hard job finding anyone who appreciates that...I get the impression the only way mine would ever leave me is in bits. Even on here the advice is buy one that somebody else has paid to modify!

[Janosh]

Mud_ said:

It'll be a hard job finding anyone who appreciates that...I get the impression the only way mine would ever leave me is in bits. Even on here the advice is buy one that somebody else has paid to modify!

I know it's hard to recoup costs, but there must be a buyer that will value the relatively new LS7 clutch, spigot bearing, steering rack, radiator, suspension, etc, etc..... not to mention AP brakes, headers, etc. It's all been done and I'm not asking for a silly number.

Not all the cash went on modifications (fortunately most of it was spent by the previous owner - he spent almost £7k on one visit to Walky!) a good amount was spent on making sure that the car solid and reliable. I just fitted a new diff & half-shafts to iron out the niggles with the drive-train and have continued with preventative maintenance.

Hey ho, if it wasn't for my baby boy I wouldn't be selling... if I don't find a buyer at £9k then I'll just put up with crawling into the back for a year or so

[Mud_]

Janosh said:

I know it's hard to recoup costs, but there must be a buyer that will value the relatively new LS7 clutch, spigot bearing, steering rack, radiator, suspension, etc, etc..... not to mention AP brakes, headers, etc. It's all been done and I'm not asking for a silly number.

Not all the cash went on modifications (fortunately most of it was spent by the previous owner - he spent almost £7k on one visit to Walky!) a good amount was spent on making sure that the car solid and reliable. I just fitted a new diff & half-shafts to iron out the niggles with the drive-train and have continued with preventative maintenance.

Hey ho, if it wasn't for my baby boy I wouldn't be selling... if I don't find a buyer at £9k then I'll just put up with crawling into the back for a year or so

You'll get through it, I bought my monaro shortly after my son was born, and he's nearly 5 now. Keep it!

The seats are annoying to the point where I'd just post him over the centre console and straight into his seat in the back

[Sohlman]

I currently have a 3 and 4 year old. Was a 2 and 3 year old when I bought the car. Find the 3 door works well for me apart from waiting for the seat when it's raining and getting soggy.

[Shakermaker]

Do it.

[Vulgar LS2]

I'm in my eight year of ownership, the car currently has around 65k on the clock and used in all weathers.

you'll find that the most regular big bill you'll get is for tyres at around 8k miles from the rears.

As for parts monkfish run a very good mail order service.