Potential buyer
Discussion
Hello all,
Just want to start by saying that after browsing this forum it's great to see that there is so much info on here, as no doubt I will be asking for help in the future!
After spending a few years in Australia and driving a farmers commodore and xr8 I instantly fell in love with Aussie v8's and been chasing the high ever since. I now have a bit of money behind me but in a bit of a predicament. I am slightly mechanically minded but work alot so do not have all the time in the world to work on things myself, but where I can I will.
Just looking for peoples experiences on the cv8 and VXR and using them as a daily. I absolutely love the look of the VXR and the extra power is nice but will need to save a fair bit more money for it, but then I also like the subtleness of the cv8. I'm basically asking what most people would recommend? There is a cv8 on Ebay reg NV04TTE I will be checking out at the end of the month but looking at the history it's had a few issues in the past.
Do I get one of those or save up a bit more coin and go for the VXR as I've seen in past auctions you can get one for around 10k.
Thanks in advance!
Just want to start by saying that after browsing this forum it's great to see that there is so much info on here, as no doubt I will be asking for help in the future!
After spending a few years in Australia and driving a farmers commodore and xr8 I instantly fell in love with Aussie v8's and been chasing the high ever since. I now have a bit of money behind me but in a bit of a predicament. I am slightly mechanically minded but work alot so do not have all the time in the world to work on things myself, but where I can I will.
Just looking for peoples experiences on the cv8 and VXR and using them as a daily. I absolutely love the look of the VXR and the extra power is nice but will need to save a fair bit more money for it, but then I also like the subtleness of the cv8. I'm basically asking what most people would recommend? There is a cv8 on Ebay reg NV04TTE I will be checking out at the end of the month but looking at the history it's had a few issues in the past.
Do I get one of those or save up a bit more coin and go for the VXR as I've seen in past auctions you can get one for around 10k.
Thanks in advance!
Hi. And welcome!
First off, as standard, there is quite a bit of difference between the CV8 and VXR.
Thing is, 20 years plus later, many have had worn parts changed, and many a CV8 and VXR will now be running the same equipment, suspension etc., example Pedders low springs and shocks.
Back in the day, many a CV8 will have had an aftermarket exhaust and remap. The result being pretty much 400bhp. The 6.0 litre VXR was generally not remapped, it did not have much more to give for reasons I can't remember.
There are other differences of course, brakes - again many a CV8 having the upgraded AP kit fitted or 2nd hand VXR parts, the former being much MUCH better!
Point being, 20 years later, just choose which you prefer the look of and then buy on condition and modification choices. Don't get hung up on mileage, many a higher miler being in better condition than a low miler. Trust me, I viewed a few and mileage didn't reflect condition a great deal at all. Ownership type, upgrades and preventative maintenance much more reflective.
Regardless of CV8 or VXR I would look for...
AP brake kit
Recent suspension replacement, my choice Pedders standard (gives VXR ride height)
Stainless exhaust (and remap if CV8)
Bonus points for Pedders quick steering rack (both CV8 and VXR have the same slower rack)
Evidence of clutch replacement, I've got an LS7 clutch kit in mine.
This lot will have cost someone £thousands in the past, but genuinely improves the car.
Here's mine. It has cost me £thousands to make it a real good, tidy example...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=...
First off, as standard, there is quite a bit of difference between the CV8 and VXR.
Thing is, 20 years plus later, many have had worn parts changed, and many a CV8 and VXR will now be running the same equipment, suspension etc., example Pedders low springs and shocks.
Back in the day, many a CV8 will have had an aftermarket exhaust and remap. The result being pretty much 400bhp. The 6.0 litre VXR was generally not remapped, it did not have much more to give for reasons I can't remember.
There are other differences of course, brakes - again many a CV8 having the upgraded AP kit fitted or 2nd hand VXR parts, the former being much MUCH better!
Point being, 20 years later, just choose which you prefer the look of and then buy on condition and modification choices. Don't get hung up on mileage, many a higher miler being in better condition than a low miler. Trust me, I viewed a few and mileage didn't reflect condition a great deal at all. Ownership type, upgrades and preventative maintenance much more reflective.
Regardless of CV8 or VXR I would look for...
AP brake kit
Recent suspension replacement, my choice Pedders standard (gives VXR ride height)
Stainless exhaust (and remap if CV8)
Bonus points for Pedders quick steering rack (both CV8 and VXR have the same slower rack)
Evidence of clutch replacement, I've got an LS7 clutch kit in mine.
This lot will have cost someone £thousands in the past, but genuinely improves the car.
Here's mine. It has cost me £thousands to make it a real good, tidy example...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=...
Edited by Lincsls1 on Saturday 5th April 12:07
Welcome,
As has been previously stated, buy on condition and proven history.
Because these cars are around 20 years old now there is plenty of scope for hidden crash damage and rust to take hold. Also any car that has had a lot of owners is a bit of a red flag for me.
Personally I wouldn’t go for a cheap car thinking you can fix it up on a small budget.
I would look to be paying around 12 to 15K for a good car having had few owners. That’s no guarantee of trouble free ownership of course but it will reduce the risk of buying a nightmare.
Mechanical parts are available but interior trim and body panels are very difficult to get hold of not to mention expensive.
If you are interested in modifying a Monaro then it pays to look at all cars with the mods already done. I did it the wrong way, I bought an expensive Monaro and spent a fortune on it.
MW Performance have some lovely looking examples in stock and If I was in the market for one that’s where I’d start, especially if you’re going into long term ownership and not just going to keep it for say 6 months.
I’ve had my car coming up 18yrs now and in reality I couldn’t afford to sell it, I’d lose out a fair amount to say the least. However the real reason I haven’t sold it is because I’d miss the dam thing, yes it’s getting on now ( and so am I ) but to me it represents a different age of motoring, think of 1970’s movie V8 car chases and you get the idea
Anyway best of luck, there’s plenty of advice on here or Facebook if you get stuck.
As has been previously stated, buy on condition and proven history.
Because these cars are around 20 years old now there is plenty of scope for hidden crash damage and rust to take hold. Also any car that has had a lot of owners is a bit of a red flag for me.
Personally I wouldn’t go for a cheap car thinking you can fix it up on a small budget.
I would look to be paying around 12 to 15K for a good car having had few owners. That’s no guarantee of trouble free ownership of course but it will reduce the risk of buying a nightmare.
Mechanical parts are available but interior trim and body panels are very difficult to get hold of not to mention expensive.
If you are interested in modifying a Monaro then it pays to look at all cars with the mods already done. I did it the wrong way, I bought an expensive Monaro and spent a fortune on it.
MW Performance have some lovely looking examples in stock and If I was in the market for one that’s where I’d start, especially if you’re going into long term ownership and not just going to keep it for say 6 months.
I’ve had my car coming up 18yrs now and in reality I couldn’t afford to sell it, I’d lose out a fair amount to say the least. However the real reason I haven’t sold it is because I’d miss the dam thing, yes it’s getting on now ( and so am I ) but to me it represents a different age of motoring, think of 1970’s movie V8 car chases and you get the idea
Anyway best of luck, there’s plenty of advice on here or Facebook if you get stuck.
stevieturbo said:
Also worth considering....and not sure on exact cut off dates. Vehicle tax can be huge after 2006, less so for older cars.
All Vauxhall monaros were imported across 2004>2005 ones sold or registered after March 2006 will be higher tax bracket even though identical carsSo as a side note also you can buy a 2004 car with a big boot and single side exhaust right up too 2007+ and you may even find an early 2005 car with small boot and dual exhaust registered late 2004
Edited by L2VXR on Sunday 6th April 10:37
Edited by L2VXR on Sunday 6th April 10:39
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