Potential new owner
Discussion
Hi, first time poster here. I've been reading a lot of good stuff about the Monaro, and went for a test drive in a 2004 5.7 today. Have to say, very impressed, fantastic noise, much better inside than I was expecting, and fast enough for my current needs.
I've come from the M3 camp and spent some time on the BM3W site over the years, but after getting rid of (the much loved) M3 2 years ago and getting a '99 XJR to cruise for a while, I'm looking to get into a practical car, not too expensive, which is also a hoot to drive (and manual).
Thats the background, I am quite keen on the car I saw today, 28,000 miles £18k from an independent, and a relatively good deal on the Jag, does that sound good or bad? Only thing I'm concerned about is how long it'll take to sell on later.
The other (safe) option I'm considering is a 330ci. I know it doesn't compare to drive/excite/be different, but the fact I've owned 3 BMW's is both good and bad - I know what to expect, but also doesn't show much imagination.
May need to put a baby in the back some day, and it seems like a good balance of fun and practicality - any big things I need to check (they are doing a 30k service if I buy).
Sorry for the long post, I've already managed to get a lot of good information from this forum already, so thanks, just wanted to get initial thoughts.
Cheers!
I've come from the M3 camp and spent some time on the BM3W site over the years, but after getting rid of (the much loved) M3 2 years ago and getting a '99 XJR to cruise for a while, I'm looking to get into a practical car, not too expensive, which is also a hoot to drive (and manual).
Thats the background, I am quite keen on the car I saw today, 28,000 miles £18k from an independent, and a relatively good deal on the Jag, does that sound good or bad? Only thing I'm concerned about is how long it'll take to sell on later.
The other (safe) option I'm considering is a 330ci. I know it doesn't compare to drive/excite/be different, but the fact I've owned 3 BMW's is both good and bad - I know what to expect, but also doesn't show much imagination.
May need to put a baby in the back some day, and it seems like a good balance of fun and practicality - any big things I need to check (they are doing a 30k service if I buy).
Sorry for the long post, I've already managed to get a lot of good information from this forum already, so thanks, just wanted to get initial thoughts.
Cheers!
have to say I have done a direct performance (on the road) comparison to a 330ci and not even a contest the ro is substantialy quicker thro the gears and that was before the mods.
The 04 CV8 is a great practical car, get my grandchildren in the back (sorry for being an old F@rt) with their cars seats and booster seats etc.
You have to be prepared for the fuel bills and the looks in the garage when you fill up (always being asked to give her a a bootful). On the other hand servicing is very inexpensive, tyres are also relatively cheap.
The 04 CV8 is a great practical car, get my grandchildren in the back (sorry for being an old F@rt) with their cars seats and booster seats etc.
You have to be prepared for the fuel bills and the looks in the garage when you fill up (always being asked to give her a a bootful). On the other hand servicing is very inexpensive, tyres are also relatively cheap.
Marlvargs said:
Hi, first time poster here. I've been reading a lot of good stuff about the Monaro, and went for a test drive in a 2004 5.7 today. Have to say, very impressed, fantastic noise, much better inside than I was expecting, and fast enough for my current needs.
I've come from the M3 camp and spent some time on the BM3W site over the years, but after getting rid of (the much loved) M3 2 years ago and getting a '99 XJR to cruise for a while, I'm looking to get into a practical car, not too expensive, which is also a hoot to drive (and manual).
Thats the background, I am quite keen on the car I saw today, 28,000 miles £18k from an independent, and a relatively good deal on the Jag, does that sound good or bad? Only thing I'm concerned about is how long it'll take to sell on later.
The other (safe) option I'm considering is a 330ci. I know it doesn't compare to drive/excite/be different, but the fact I've owned 3 BMW's is both good and bad - I know what to expect, but also doesn't show much imagination.
May need to put a baby in the back some day, and it seems like a good balance of fun and practicality - any big things I need to check (they are doing a 30k service if I buy).
Sorry for the long post, I've already managed to get a lot of good information from this forum already, so thanks, just wanted to get initial thoughts.
Cheers!
I sold my first 05 reg cv8 on ebay in 3 days for good money, i think the relative rarity combined with a bit of a cult following and a v8 soundtrack will mean its probably a safer place for you to put 17-25k than a soon to be obsolete 330ci.
I cant see them falling below 15k in the next 3 years and would be very suprised if they ever go below 12k. An old 3 series coupe by comparison can be bought for £2000.
loads more room in the back and the boot takes my current 5 series touring boot liner sideways so its overall a much more practical car.
Bennno
First of all welcome secondly i might sound a bit bias but go for the monaro although i am a bit of a sucker for the beamer you would do pretty good resale and the fact there is not a lot out there you would sell it very easy, as people always want something different. anyway mate way the odds up and hopefully you come up with Monaro!
Cheers
Cheers
bennno said:
I cant see them falling below 15k in the next 3 years and would be very suprised if they ever go below 12k. An old 3 series coupe by comparison can be bought for £2000.
Bennno
If I can't get one for below 15K in the next 3 years then I am going home to Aus and I'll take my bat and ball with me.
As you say, you've been and done the BMW thing and now it's time for something different. A few things that maybe will affect your thinking. A: you'd be well advised to try the baby car seats and rear seat access a few times to get used to what life might be like on an everyday basis, because though not impossible getting little ones and their seats in and out isn't exactly easy.If in doubt there are some nice 4 door HSVs in the classifieds. B:Seriously consider purchasing from a dealer that frequents these forums, (Picador and Greens come to mind) as they seem passionate about the cars and it might stand you in good stead in the future.C: Like any niche car depreciation is a bit of an unknown,but 04 CV8's seem to be standing up pretty well at the £18K mark and the worst is over at that level.( I could be talking absolute bollox here) but I tend to agree with Bennos take on that.D: They are a cracking bargain, easily modded, cheap to mantain, you'll still have the balance of the warranty and won't be following the herd. Yep, go for it!
Edited due to crap spelling!
>> Edited by sjc on Wednesday 24th May 00:16
Edited due to crap spelling!
>> Edited by sjc on Wednesday 24th May 00:16
phrich said:
I cant see them falling below 15k in the next 3 years and would be very suprised if they ever go below 12k. An old 3 series coupe by comparison can be bought for £2000.
Bennno
If I can't get one for below 15K in the next 3 years then I am going home to Aus and I'll take my bat and ball with me.
Sorry let me re word that. I cannot see a well maintained, looked after car with sub 40k miles going for much less than £15k in its first 3 years, certainly it would be more than £12k after 5.
Personally I think they are going to do pretty well as everybody knows the drivetrain is built for high mileage and durability and what other 04 coupe with a V8 and 330+bhp could you buy for the same money...
As the Monaro becomes more affordable its market and desirability seem to expand disproportionally..
Bennno
Thanks guys for the replies, making my decision a bit easier 
SJC, take your point about trying out a car seat. We don't actually have a littl'un yet, but will see if I can check it out. Also the post from LotusCarlton on this thread [url] www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=69&h=&t=233047 [/url] put my mind at ease.
Got the final stamp of approval from the wife so could be nearly there!
Got to say, I've been trawling through the 'traders and websites for the last few months trying to work out what car to go for next with the budget I have, and this is the only car I am actually excited about owning.
SJC, take your point about trying out a car seat. We don't actually have a littl'un yet, but will see if I can check it out. Also the post from LotusCarlton on this thread [url] www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=69&h=&t=233047 [/url] put my mind at ease.
Got the final stamp of approval from the wife so could be nearly there!
Got to say, I've been trawling through the 'traders and websites for the last few months trying to work out what car to go for next with the budget I have, and this is the only car I am actually excited about owning.
Malvargs
Credit to you for considering the Monaro having had a BMW. I sold my CV8 last month and am still regretting it terribly. Have no doubt that these cars are fantastic value for money and just one of the best drives around. But watch your right foot. It gets expensive if you hoon it everywhere (very hard not to though) and just check out insurance quotes too as that can come as quite a shock. Servicing varies between £300 and £400 going by my experience.
Good luck and welcome.
Brian
Credit to you for considering the Monaro having had a BMW. I sold my CV8 last month and am still regretting it terribly. Have no doubt that these cars are fantastic value for money and just one of the best drives around. But watch your right foot. It gets expensive if you hoon it everywhere (very hard not to though) and just check out insurance quotes too as that can come as quite a shock. Servicing varies between £300 and £400 going by my experience.
Good luck and welcome.
Brian
booster said:
Malvargs
Credit to you for considering the Monaro having had a BMW. I sold my CV8 last month and am still regretting it terribly. Have no doubt that these cars are fantastic value for money and just one of the best drives around. But watch your right foot. It gets expensive if you hoon it everywhere (very hard not to though) and just check out insurance quotes too as that can come as quite a shock. Servicing varies between £300 and £400 going by my experience.
Good luck and welcome.
Brian
Cheers Booster. Yes, I checked with my current insurance company (Liverpool & Victoria) where both the M3 and XJR were relatively cheap, however they told me £1700 for the Monaro!! Got a quote from Elephant for £800ish with full NC protection which is more like it.
Spoke to a Vauxhall main dealer in Richmond re servicing, and they said £250 for the smaller service (years 1,3) and £320 for the larger ones (2,4). This includes parts, labour and VAT, which compared to BMW owenership seems an absolute bargain
Marlvargs,
Totally agree with all the comments on here. If you're considering pan lids then practicality is the big issue. Don't underestimate the amount of gear you need with new borns, but the 04 model Monaros as I'm sure you know have the big boot which should accomodate you. I have a 4 year old who sits in a regular Mothercare forward facing booster type seat no worries, I think your biggest issue is getting a rear facing seat throught the gap and strapped in - but that thread you listed certainly looks promising.
As for the cars - BMW 330Ci ? Don't do it !!!!! I had one for 18 months and couldn't wait to bale out of it. Great car, don't get me wrong, does everything perfectly. Buts thats the problem, it's just not interesting. It doesn't even feel quick IMHO.
I bought an 05 plate 04 model CV8 with 2.5k on it for around £21.5k from a Vauxhall dealer (Monaro specialist)in January (ex demo) - they're kicking around with low mileages for good money. Plenty of pace, plenty of space, plenty of value for money, plenty of fuel Go on - you'll not regret it ....
Totally agree with all the comments on here. If you're considering pan lids then practicality is the big issue. Don't underestimate the amount of gear you need with new borns, but the 04 model Monaros as I'm sure you know have the big boot which should accomodate you. I have a 4 year old who sits in a regular Mothercare forward facing booster type seat no worries, I think your biggest issue is getting a rear facing seat throught the gap and strapped in - but that thread you listed certainly looks promising.
As for the cars - BMW 330Ci ? Don't do it !!!!! I had one for 18 months and couldn't wait to bale out of it. Great car, don't get me wrong, does everything perfectly. Buts thats the problem, it's just not interesting. It doesn't even feel quick IMHO.
I bought an 05 plate 04 model CV8 with 2.5k on it for around £21.5k from a Vauxhall dealer (Monaro specialist)in January (ex demo) - they're kicking around with low mileages for good money. Plenty of pace, plenty of space, plenty of value for money, plenty of fuel
Go on - you'll not regret it ....Speak to norwich union direct about insurance (my VXR is under £800 p.a.).
We have 2 young kids and there is much more room in the back of the Monaro than a 3 series.
That said the front seats are big and the gap left isnt massive for putting baby buckets through to the back.
But unless you want a 4 door or an RX8 then its not much different from other coupes in that respect
Bennno
bennno said:
Speak to norwich union direct about insurance (my VXR is under £800 p.a.).
Just got a quote from them, £1600!! Maybe its a London thing.
Just put a deposit down today, they are fitting my Alpine SatNav and Nokia Bluetooth from the Jag as part of the deal, and hopefully will pick it up Friday. Cannot wait.
Will post pics when I get it. Thank you all for your help!!
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