Thoughts on ownership of the vxr8
Discussion
Well I finally bit the bullet. I have some long trips coming up and the thought of the equivalent trip experience of watching paint dry in the fairmont decided to pull the trigger on a Nickel VXR8.
The purchase reinforced my preconceived ideas about dealerships, firstly, "no there is only one key that comes with them", then regarding what appeared to be a paint blemish, "oh that will rub off". Shocking Arthur Daly sales tactics from a bomber jacketed sales rep regarding their GMAC guaranteed value extra insurance policy for when "you write it off" sealed my disdain. However the decision, 6 months in the making wasn't going to be shaken that easily. After some remedial heat lamp work and "finding" another key. I handed over the not unsubstantial volume of funds and went on my merry way.
Firstly the car goes pretty well. Power is quite good, but at low rpm and around gear shifts things feel dull. I suspect this to be down to the pretty comprehensive TCS system, which looks at throttle tip in, "clunk" minimisation, as well as traction control plus other torque reduction related events. Basically "yes I know its 417bhp, but your not allowed all of them unless I think its safe for you to do so mate".
The gear shifter (Yes Manual, not slushbox, though I was tempted) is as vague and disconnected as the stock VT2 R8 I had plus the clutch engages a bit off the floor. Also moving into reverse still often brings the joy of grinding gears.
Interior is pretty good other than the cheap console and controls. The glove box feels like a special deal from a pound shop when you open it.
As for the boot, it needs to be seen to be believed it looks a lot larger than any of the previous commodores or for that matter my EL Falcon. I estimate 4 adult bodies in size easily.
The seats are comfortable, pedals etc are easy to find and use, steering wheel adjustment is ok, but Id have liked the wheel to separate from the stalk controls when moved back as they are a little close. I like the wheel up as high as it will go and back as far as it will go. Though thats probably partly because Im 6'6". And for room the R8 is excellent. Loads of it around. The late model JXR Jag is rubbish unless you like you knee's hard up against the dash for instance.
The A pillar is pretty thick and kind of gets in the way when cornering, Ill have to guess accurately on where the kerb is as well because the high bonnet conceals the kerb nicely too.
Now for driving, the brakes seem excellent and handling is good with the ride over surfaces very smooth it seems to soak up the bumps well.
So in summary all good but let down somewhat by the cheap console.
Oh plus Id like TP Traffic whatever on the Radio as well as the Channel ID's to show.
I think the drivetrain is great, but they should have done a little more with the dash. Like even just changed the plastic stuff to that soft padded semi rubbery stuff they use around the doors and on aspects of the dash. It has a much better tactile feel.
The purchase reinforced my preconceived ideas about dealerships, firstly, "no there is only one key that comes with them", then regarding what appeared to be a paint blemish, "oh that will rub off". Shocking Arthur Daly sales tactics from a bomber jacketed sales rep regarding their GMAC guaranteed value extra insurance policy for when "you write it off" sealed my disdain. However the decision, 6 months in the making wasn't going to be shaken that easily. After some remedial heat lamp work and "finding" another key. I handed over the not unsubstantial volume of funds and went on my merry way.
Firstly the car goes pretty well. Power is quite good, but at low rpm and around gear shifts things feel dull. I suspect this to be down to the pretty comprehensive TCS system, which looks at throttle tip in, "clunk" minimisation, as well as traction control plus other torque reduction related events. Basically "yes I know its 417bhp, but your not allowed all of them unless I think its safe for you to do so mate".
The gear shifter (Yes Manual, not slushbox, though I was tempted) is as vague and disconnected as the stock VT2 R8 I had plus the clutch engages a bit off the floor. Also moving into reverse still often brings the joy of grinding gears.
Interior is pretty good other than the cheap console and controls. The glove box feels like a special deal from a pound shop when you open it.
As for the boot, it needs to be seen to be believed it looks a lot larger than any of the previous commodores or for that matter my EL Falcon. I estimate 4 adult bodies in size easily.
The seats are comfortable, pedals etc are easy to find and use, steering wheel adjustment is ok, but Id have liked the wheel to separate from the stalk controls when moved back as they are a little close. I like the wheel up as high as it will go and back as far as it will go. Though thats probably partly because Im 6'6". And for room the R8 is excellent. Loads of it around. The late model JXR Jag is rubbish unless you like you knee's hard up against the dash for instance.
The A pillar is pretty thick and kind of gets in the way when cornering, Ill have to guess accurately on where the kerb is as well because the high bonnet conceals the kerb nicely too.
Now for driving, the brakes seem excellent and handling is good with the ride over surfaces very smooth it seems to soak up the bumps well.
So in summary all good but let down somewhat by the cheap console.
Oh plus Id like TP Traffic whatever on the Radio as well as the Channel ID's to show.
I think the drivetrain is great, but they should have done a little more with the dash. Like even just changed the plastic stuff to that soft padded semi rubbery stuff they use around the doors and on aspects of the dash. It has a much better tactile feel.
slackalice said:
Ringram, I hope that you are noy trying to justify you purchase ?
Justifying how?It compares favorably to the Jag and against the major players with regards to price per performance but not obviously build quality.
Ive been driving commodores since the VB in 78 so I doubt I would have ended up anywhere different, but its always good to compare the field.
Positives
- Tuneable RWD V8
- Large boot
- Seat 4 large adults (think Oz & Kiwi types)
- LSD
- Manual trans
- Cheap aftermarket for parts
- GM (Its in my blood)
Negatives
- Cheap dash/console
- Crusty chav dealer network (from what Ive seen so far)
If you try and find those positives from my book above elsewhere you will struggle to hit them all.
ringram said:
As for the boot, it needs to be seen to be believed it looks a lot larger than any of the previous commodores or for that matter my EL Falcon. I estimate 4 adult bodies in size easily.
I had never considered body disposal when choosing a car previously, but it sounds like the VXR8 has some good potential here 
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