Newbie thinking of buying
Discussion
Hi all,
I am currently debating with myself about my next choice of car and was kind of hoping that someone would be able to advise me on here. For the last fifteen years or so I have been driving various BMWs- 318is, 520ise,535isport and currently a B10 3.3 Alpina which has been without doubt the best so far. However, I have always loved big V8s and have owned a few american cars in the past plus a Vauxhall Ventora with a small block Chevy. I have liked the look of the Monaro for some time but never gone beyond that and so my dilemma is this - what would it feel like after BMW in terms of
build quality etc. and does anyone on here know anything about the Monaro currently on sale for £12995,one owner,20000 miles in South Wales. My current short list is that car or BMW 650i sport. Any thoughts, comments or suggestions would be
greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Clive
I am currently debating with myself about my next choice of car and was kind of hoping that someone would be able to advise me on here. For the last fifteen years or so I have been driving various BMWs- 318is, 520ise,535isport and currently a B10 3.3 Alpina which has been without doubt the best so far. However, I have always loved big V8s and have owned a few american cars in the past plus a Vauxhall Ventora with a small block Chevy. I have liked the look of the Monaro for some time but never gone beyond that and so my dilemma is this - what would it feel like after BMW in terms of
build quality etc. and does anyone on here know anything about the Monaro currently on sale for £12995,one owner,20000 miles in South Wales. My current short list is that car or BMW 650i sport. Any thoughts, comments or suggestions would be
greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Clive
Hi Clive,
Welcome.
After reading your previous car history my initial thoughts were.... a Monaro probably isn't for you.
I've never owned a BMW before but any I've driven have always been very refined. The Monaro is not refined.
Don't get me wrong, I love mine to bits and there are many reasons why I own one over a BMW.
I think your best bet is to drive one. I have a feeling you'll either love it or hate it.
Welcome.
After reading your previous car history my initial thoughts were.... a Monaro probably isn't for you.
I've never owned a BMW before but any I've driven have always been very refined. The Monaro is not refined.
Don't get me wrong, I love mine to bits and there are many reasons why I own one over a BMW.
I think your best bet is to drive one. I have a feeling you'll either love it or hate it.
On paper some bmws will be better but the ownership experience might say otherwise. Best thing to do is look at and drive one.
That red one you mention is it a cv8? If so I think its been for sale for a while and I think is a tad expensive. The black one with higher miles is better value imo and may be best to contact James at elite cars he always seems to have good ones in. Well known and respected on here.
That red one you mention is it a cv8? If so I think its been for sale for a while and I think is a tad expensive. The black one with higher miles is better value imo and may be best to contact James at elite cars he always seems to have good ones in. Well known and respected on here.
Great Pretender said:
Hi all,
I am currently debating with myself about my next choice of car and was kind of hoping that someone would be able to advise me on here. For the last fifteen years or so I have been driving various BMWs- 318is, 520ise,535isport and currently a B10 3.3 Alpina which has been without doubt the best so far. However, I have always loved big V8s and have owned a few american cars in the past plus a Vauxhall Ventora with a small block Chevy. I have liked the look of the Monaro for some time but never gone beyond that and so my dilemma is this - what would it feel like after BMW in terms of
build quality etc. and does anyone on here know anything about the Monaro currently on sale for £12995,one owner,20000 miles in South Wales. My current short list is that car or BMW 650i sport. Any thoughts, comments or suggestions would be
greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Clive
Just seeing you are in Lancashire on your profile. Just wondering where about? As a few of us are around the north west. So rather than doing several hours of travelling to look at one. Might be easier to have a look at one more local. I'm in Manchester with a 5.7 VXR happy to take you out in it. Let you have a look see if it's for you. I am currently debating with myself about my next choice of car and was kind of hoping that someone would be able to advise me on here. For the last fifteen years or so I have been driving various BMWs- 318is, 520ise,535isport and currently a B10 3.3 Alpina which has been without doubt the best so far. However, I have always loved big V8s and have owned a few american cars in the past plus a Vauxhall Ventora with a small block Chevy. I have liked the look of the Monaro for some time but never gone beyond that and so my dilemma is this - what would it feel like after BMW in terms of
build quality etc. and does anyone on here know anything about the Monaro currently on sale for £12995,one owner,20000 miles in South Wales. My current short list is that car or BMW 650i sport. Any thoughts, comments or suggestions would be
greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Clive
Edited by wozzza on Sunday 18th January 19:23
I was in a very similar situation to you three months ago.
Have had lots of high powered BMW's all great cars well engineered fun to drive, but becoming so good and clinical that to me where lacking in a little character. So I set my mind on buying a v8 manual car. E39 m5 was top of my list. Found a low mileage 2 owner car and drove 200 miles to see it. The car was not very good, needed over 3k spent on it and had the potential for big bills. It drove nicely enough, but did not feel that special or characterful. To be honest it put me off buying one. So I was thinking 650i manual, but would struggle to get the rug rats behind me. Had always known about the monaro, but was concerned about the badge and build quality driving experience etc.
So I booked into see James at Elite and told him my concerns and that I would like to see and drive one to either buy one or cross it off my list. I went with a low expectation and I was pleasantly surprised.
The cabin is large and airy with lots of room for four 6 footers assuming they can navigate there way into the back seats through a small opening. The interior is available in any colour you like as long as it's black. Leather is soft, but clearly
Quite thick and looks very hard wearing. The seats are comfortable but you sit slightly high and plastics are from the early 90's. However there are no rattles and sqeeks and it feels screwed well together. However all of that is irrelevant the moment you start that big V8. This is a car defined by that engine and every you time you start it it will make you smile.
The clutch is firm, but not overly heavy. The gearbox requires a firm shove to change cogs, the throttle is very progressive and is basically a volume control which as a by product introduces ever increasing speeds regardless of what gear you have chosen. Steering is heavily assisted and requires quite a lot of turn so feels a little slow to turn in, but is direct. Suspension is surprisingly compliant. Then you back off the throttle and are accompanied by lots of pops and bangs through the exhaust.
Fundamentally the car is basic and flawed in comparison to a BMW, but it has so much Character it just oozes it. All you friends will want to come out in it. The man at the petrol station will ask you what it is and the intake will suck up small children.
You can probable tell I bought one. But not the one I test drove. I drove a CV8, and decided I wanted a VXR and bought a 5.7 vxr with a big boot. I have never bought a modified car before and steered well clear, but with these cars you won't want a standard car. It's too quiet so I looked for one that a previous owner had spend £1000's on.
Mpg is around 18-19 in my mixed commute and I get around 24-27 on a run. Without question everyone who has been out in it loved the experience. You will go out in search of tunnels and stone walls. It is also quite unassuming especially if you get one without the bonnet scoop.
Hope this helps
Have had lots of high powered BMW's all great cars well engineered fun to drive, but becoming so good and clinical that to me where lacking in a little character. So I set my mind on buying a v8 manual car. E39 m5 was top of my list. Found a low mileage 2 owner car and drove 200 miles to see it. The car was not very good, needed over 3k spent on it and had the potential for big bills. It drove nicely enough, but did not feel that special or characterful. To be honest it put me off buying one. So I was thinking 650i manual, but would struggle to get the rug rats behind me. Had always known about the monaro, but was concerned about the badge and build quality driving experience etc.
So I booked into see James at Elite and told him my concerns and that I would like to see and drive one to either buy one or cross it off my list. I went with a low expectation and I was pleasantly surprised.
The cabin is large and airy with lots of room for four 6 footers assuming they can navigate there way into the back seats through a small opening. The interior is available in any colour you like as long as it's black. Leather is soft, but clearly
Quite thick and looks very hard wearing. The seats are comfortable but you sit slightly high and plastics are from the early 90's. However there are no rattles and sqeeks and it feels screwed well together. However all of that is irrelevant the moment you start that big V8. This is a car defined by that engine and every you time you start it it will make you smile.
The clutch is firm, but not overly heavy. The gearbox requires a firm shove to change cogs, the throttle is very progressive and is basically a volume control which as a by product introduces ever increasing speeds regardless of what gear you have chosen. Steering is heavily assisted and requires quite a lot of turn so feels a little slow to turn in, but is direct. Suspension is surprisingly compliant. Then you back off the throttle and are accompanied by lots of pops and bangs through the exhaust.
Fundamentally the car is basic and flawed in comparison to a BMW, but it has so much Character it just oozes it. All you friends will want to come out in it. The man at the petrol station will ask you what it is and the intake will suck up small children.
You can probable tell I bought one. But not the one I test drove. I drove a CV8, and decided I wanted a VXR and bought a 5.7 vxr with a big boot. I have never bought a modified car before and steered well clear, but with these cars you won't want a standard car. It's too quiet so I looked for one that a previous owner had spend £1000's on.
Mpg is around 18-19 in my mixed commute and I get around 24-27 on a run. Without question everyone who has been out in it loved the experience. You will go out in search of tunnels and stone walls. It is also quite unassuming especially if you get one without the bonnet scoop.
Hope this helps
Thanks for all the replies - this is an excellent forum. The car I am thinking about is advertised as a VXR how would I know if it was a CV8? I live in Darwen and would love to see a local car if that was possible although travelling isn't a problem for me. It seems that I need to get behind the wheel to really find out if it is right for me - one of the real draws of the car is the potential to upgrade for reasonable money to serious horse power and of course the sound of that engine.
Thanks once again to you all.
Clive
Thanks once again to you all.
Clive
I'm always intrigued when people mention Monaro and 'poor build quality' in the same sentence. Yes, average build quality (as a reference, Audi A6 interior would be superb on the same scale) and plastics from the 90s, but definitely not badly put together. I seem to remember a review of the VXR8 suggesting that it's build quality wasn't on par with the Monaro!!
As mentioned above, get yourself in one and see if it works for you.
I'm Cumbria based, so if you're North Lancashire, we could meet to show you mine (6.0 VXR)- it's put away for winter, but anytime in spring.
As mentioned above, get yourself in one and see if it works for you.
I'm Cumbria based, so if you're North Lancashire, we could meet to show you mine (6.0 VXR)- it's put away for winter, but anytime in spring.
Great Pretender said:
Thanks for all the replies - this is an excellent forum. The car I am thinking about is advertised as a VXR how would I know if it was a CV8? I live in Darwen and would love to see a local car if that was possible although travelling isn't a problem for me. It seems that I need to get behind the wheel to really find out if it is right for me - one of the real draws of the car is the potential to upgrade for reasonable money to serious horse power and of course the sound of that engine.
Thanks once again to you all.
Clive
Quick minuite guide to the Monaro rangeThanks once again to you all.
Clive
3 models
CV8
5.7 VXR
6.0VXR.
Model years for CV8 and 6.0VXR 04 and 05. 5.7 VXR 04 only.
CV 8 all LS1 5.7 l. Early models defined by slightly lower HP, flat bonnets and a fuel filler on the lower rh rear quarter as the petrol tank was in the boot floor. Single exit exhaust LHS and a big boot.
Later models had more hp,nostrils on the bonnet, fuel filler higher on the same rear quarter servicing a fuel tank behind the rear seats. Dual exit exhaust either side of the car and a small boot.
5.7VXR Best car to get if in original condition as less than 70 were imported. HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) made a big effort with this model with things like more hp tubular headers updated suspension components.
Identified by its big boot and single exit exhaust plus flat bonnet.
6.0VXR 05 model year only. Powered by an LS2.
More hp ,nostrils , twin exhaust and small boot.
Each model has slightly different body trim styling, with the 6.0VXR being the most extreme.
Cars registered fron 2004 to 2007 in the UK.
There are other differences but these will be the most apparent on inspection.
The last model to consider is the VXR500......15 were constructed by Vauxhall Agent Greens in conjunction with Wortec.
A Harrop 112 supercharger was added giving a base hp figure of near on 500.
Most cars offered will be modified to some extent, ask if your not sure and good luck and happy hunting.
Xpuffin said:
Car your are looking at isn't a VXR its a CV8. ( forgot to mention the brakes on a CV8 are erm....challenged)
If it were an 5.7VXR I'd have had it at that price.
You also forgot the 05 facelift VZ CV8 with nostrils and small boot.If it were an 5.7VXR I'd have had it at that price.
Edited by Xpuffin on Sunday 18th January 21:08
MyM8V8 said:
Xpuffin said:
Car your are looking at isn't a VXR its a CV8. ( forgot to mention the brakes on a CV8 are erm....challenged)
If it were an 5.7VXR I'd have had it at that price.
You also forgot the 05 facelift VZ CV8 with nostrils and small boot.If it were an 5.7VXR I'd have had it at that price.
Edited by Xpuffin on Sunday 18th January 21:08
If you're in Darwen welcome to pop round and have a look at mine. I'm just outside of Bury, in Prestwich / Whitefield area so only 10-15 miles away.
Mine only has a couple modifications done to it, basically a cat back exhaust, rip shifter, poly bushed and AP brakes. Pretty standard list of mods basically and ones that I would say they need.
Mine only has a couple modifications done to it, basically a cat back exhaust, rip shifter, poly bushed and AP brakes. Pretty standard list of mods basically and ones that I would say they need.
wozzza said:
If you're in Darwen welcome to pop round and have a look at mine. I'm just outside of Bury, in Prestwich / Whitefield area so only 10-15 miles away.
Mine only has a couple modifications done to it, basically a cat back exhaust, rip shifter, poly bushed and AP brakes. Pretty standard list of mods basically and ones that I would say they need.
That might be interesting. It seems that the one that I have been looking at is less desirable but might still be interesting. Do you have any contact details to arrange a quick look maybe next SundayMine only has a couple modifications done to it, basically a cat back exhaust, rip shifter, poly bushed and AP brakes. Pretty standard list of mods basically and ones that I would say they need.
I've had 2 BMW owners in mine, one with a 650 convertible, and one with an M3.
They both giggled like children and got out with huge smiles on their faces.
The friend with the M3 has driven it, and with the windows down and a bit of throttle, he actually burst out laughing.
I have driven his M3 on 2 separate occasions, one a long drive back from an airport with him driving a 911, and aside from disliking various things, I thought the brakes were very good, and the ride firm with zero roll yet still supple and not uncomfortable. My favourite bit? The heated seats. Do I want to drive it ever again? No.
All the things that make a fast BMW a jack of all trades car, also mean it's just not an occasion to drive. The back of the Monaro is also a huge, supremely comfortable place to be once you're in
As has been said, you'll either love it, or you're a weirdo
They both giggled like children and got out with huge smiles on their faces.
The friend with the M3 has driven it, and with the windows down and a bit of throttle, he actually burst out laughing.
I have driven his M3 on 2 separate occasions, one a long drive back from an airport with him driving a 911, and aside from disliking various things, I thought the brakes were very good, and the ride firm with zero roll yet still supple and not uncomfortable. My favourite bit? The heated seats. Do I want to drive it ever again? No.
All the things that make a fast BMW a jack of all trades car, also mean it's just not an occasion to drive. The back of the Monaro is also a huge, supremely comfortable place to be once you're in
As has been said, you'll either love it, or you're a weirdo
Xpuffin said:
MyM8V8 said:
Xpuffin said:
Car your are looking at isn't a VXR its a CV8. ( forgot to mention the brakes on a CV8 are erm....challenged)
If it were an 5.7VXR I'd have had it at that price.
You also forgot the 05 facelift VZ CV8 with nostrils and small boot.If it were an 5.7VXR I'd have had it at that price.
Edited by Xpuffin on Sunday 18th January 21:08
OP. You won't get on with one, you have been radicalised.
Edited by MyM8V8 on Monday 19th January 11:21
As a lad who's 25+ stone an around 6 foot. If I can get in the back an be comfortable. Anyone can! It's not that small a gap to fit through.
With regards meeting up on Sunday. Wont be able to do Sunday, I'm heading down to London to the Ace cafe Australia day. I'm picking up my new exhaust headers.
With regards meeting up on Sunday. Wont be able to do Sunday, I'm heading down to London to the Ace cafe Australia day. I'm picking up my new exhaust headers.
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