What car for three children?
Discussion
Its that time again, and rather than start a new thread, I'll keep using this one...
Much as I think the Lib's a great car, and it is, the kids are getting bigger. The hunt for its replacement has landed me at a Commodore wagon, or an X5.
I did have a Jeep GC SRT on the list, but having chatted to a couple of owners who lamented the price and availability of some parts and of the lack of customer service from Jeep Australia, I'm not sure I can do it to myself.
I also had a 7-8 year old Cayenne S on the list, but a chat with the guys I use for the 928 made it clear that one complex Porsche should be enough for any driveway unless (a) the car is new or (b) the pockets are deep.
The X5 is there really so I've got something to compare. When I mentioned it to MrsPB she reminded me of my comment when selling the Golf that one German car at a time is enough. She probably has a point.
Really a V8 wagon is probably the winner this time. Prices have gone nuts though. There are VF2 SSVRs being advertised for $75k. My head says an SV6 would be fine, or a VF1 SS if I must, but the heart says VF2 V8 is the only way.
So, are there any things to look out for on these? I know Jader put up a few items in the other thread recently - ex-plod/rental and that sort of thing - but I'm presuming these things are pretty much sorted and can be fixed in just about any town in Australia.
Also, what's the difference between an SS and a Calais? Is it just toys? Any chassis changes? Don't think I'll be able to stretch to an SSVR though...
Much as I think the Lib's a great car, and it is, the kids are getting bigger. The hunt for its replacement has landed me at a Commodore wagon, or an X5.
I did have a Jeep GC SRT on the list, but having chatted to a couple of owners who lamented the price and availability of some parts and of the lack of customer service from Jeep Australia, I'm not sure I can do it to myself.
I also had a 7-8 year old Cayenne S on the list, but a chat with the guys I use for the 928 made it clear that one complex Porsche should be enough for any driveway unless (a) the car is new or (b) the pockets are deep.
The X5 is there really so I've got something to compare. When I mentioned it to MrsPB she reminded me of my comment when selling the Golf that one German car at a time is enough. She probably has a point.
Really a V8 wagon is probably the winner this time. Prices have gone nuts though. There are VF2 SSVRs being advertised for $75k. My head says an SV6 would be fine, or a VF1 SS if I must, but the heart says VF2 V8 is the only way.
So, are there any things to look out for on these? I know Jader put up a few items in the other thread recently - ex-plod/rental and that sort of thing - but I'm presuming these things are pretty much sorted and can be fixed in just about any town in Australia.
Also, what's the difference between an SS and a Calais? Is it just toys? Any chassis changes? Don't think I'll be able to stretch to an SSVR though...
Jader1973 said:
I found a 2017 SS for $40k which is at the lower end of the asking prices.
Turned out it was ex-cop and a repaired repairable write off!!
Black one? I think I’ve seen the same one on Carsales. Turned out it was ex-cop and a repaired repairable write off!!
There is one at a dealer in Vic that I’m contemplating - need to figure out if buying unseen, transportation cost and re-reg in NSW is worth the hassle....
Jader1973 said:
Yeah, that one.
Post the link if you want and I'll provide some general guidance using my special powers
(while I still have them)
Thanks mate - but I dithered, and its gone - was the dark grey SS at Werribee - late '17 build for $43k'ish.Post the link if you want and I'll provide some general guidance using my special powers
(while I still have them)Anyway, there's a private 2016 SSVR about an hour up the road - might see if I can find the time to take a look over the weekend.
As for an Alfa - not here. I've got an old German to play what-happens-next...
Well, I can’t go a sweet, sweet Falcon but I’ve just missed out on two VF2 wagons. An SSVR was sold about when I was about an hour away, and now a Calais V has been sold, unseen, to a dude in Melbourne as I was planning how to get to a viewing. I need to see before I buy.
So, stock in Vic can’t be that smart, and I think FOMO is taking over!
I keep looking at VF1 and I know it’s all I need, but it’s not what I want. I’m off for a strop...
So, stock in Vic can’t be that smart, and I think FOMO is taking over!
I keep looking at VF1 and I know it’s all I need, but it’s not what I want. I’m off for a strop...
There’s a black 2015 VF1 SSV at a dealers about 5 mins from me - it does look clean, and the $40k asking price is probably only $5k more than is actually sold for 5 years ago. Bargain!
Silver 2016 Calais V for $43k might work, ad mentions LAST OF AUSSIE V8 so probably not the greatest.
Otherwise, no. But...
I spent yesterday morning working on the 928 - new discs and pads at the front, oil change, regrease wheel bearings - and my head kept nagging at my heart, saying stuff like, “If you went for a cheaper car, say a VF1 SS or VF2 SV6, you could get more shiny stuff for the Noisy Car.”
It needs a new exhaust and A/C and 928-spec wheels and... well, I’ve got a list, some needs, some wants.
Heart told Head he’s a git and stropped off, but suspects Head my have a point, logical t
t that he is...
Silver 2016 Calais V for $43k might work, ad mentions LAST OF AUSSIE V8 so probably not the greatest.
Otherwise, no. But...
I spent yesterday morning working on the 928 - new discs and pads at the front, oil change, regrease wheel bearings - and my head kept nagging at my heart, saying stuff like, “If you went for a cheaper car, say a VF1 SS or VF2 SV6, you could get more shiny stuff for the Noisy Car.”
It needs a new exhaust and A/C and 928-spec wheels and... well, I’ve got a list, some needs, some wants.
Heart told Head he’s a git and stropped off, but suspects Head my have a point, logical t
t that he is...I’ve seen some figures on Carsales numbers somewhere - I think ads peaked around 230,000 in mid April and have been at 130,000 since September. Haven’t tracked Commodore prices though - maybe should’ve got an SS instead of the Sube four years ago. Whatevs...
Looked at the VF1 SSV near me today, v clean inside and out but almost out of rego and needs four new tyres, so there’s the thick end of $2500 to spend and the dealer still wants &40k...
Anyway, no rush, Sube needs a service, but is still a hoot to drive - it’s down on power to a V8 but it’s also 300kg lighter.
Looked at the VF1 SSV near me today, v clean inside and out but almost out of rego and needs four new tyres, so there’s the thick end of $2500 to spend and the dealer still wants &40k...
Anyway, no rush, Sube needs a service, but is still a hoot to drive - it’s down on power to a V8 but it’s also 300kg lighter.
In a preemptive strike, I’ve put the Liberty up on Carsales - won’t link the ad as PH doesn’t like it even though they don’t sell cars in Aus, but there aren’t too many manual GT wagons in NSW. Needs photos of the inside, I know.
And to hijack my own thread, Carsales data for 2020...
Jan 1 – 201k
Feb 1 – 198k
Mar 1 – 195k
Mar 15 – 198k
Mar 22 – 203k
Mar 26 – 212k
Mar 29 – 215k
Mar 31 – 217k
Apr 6 – 226k
Apr 13 – 229k
Apr 20 – 229k
Apr 27 – 228k
May 4 – 217k
May 11 – 210k
May 18 – 201k
May 25 – 191k
Jun 1 – 182k
Jun 9 – 177k
Jun 15 – 170k
Jun 22 – 164k
Jun 29 – 158k
Jul 7 – 156k
Jul 13 – 155k
Jul 20 – 152k
Jul 27 – 150k
Aug 3 – 146k
Aug 10 – 148k
Aug 17 – 145k
Aug 24 – 143k
Aug 31 – 142k
Sep 7 – 142k
Sep 14 – 138k
Sep 21 – 135k
Sep 28 – 134k
Oct 5 – 135k
Oct 13 – 135k
Oct 19 – 134k
Oct 19 – 133k
Oct 26 – 132k
Nov 2 – 129k
Nov 9 – 130k
Nov 16 – 130k
Nov 23 – 130k
And to hijack my own thread, Carsales data for 2020...
Jan 1 – 201k
Feb 1 – 198k
Mar 1 – 195k
Mar 15 – 198k
Mar 22 – 203k
Mar 26 – 212k
Mar 29 – 215k
Mar 31 – 217k
Apr 6 – 226k
Apr 13 – 229k
Apr 20 – 229k
Apr 27 – 228k
May 4 – 217k
May 11 – 210k
May 18 – 201k
May 25 – 191k
Jun 1 – 182k
Jun 9 – 177k
Jun 15 – 170k
Jun 22 – 164k
Jun 29 – 158k
Jul 7 – 156k
Jul 13 – 155k
Jul 20 – 152k
Jul 27 – 150k
Aug 3 – 146k
Aug 10 – 148k
Aug 17 – 145k
Aug 24 – 143k
Aug 31 – 142k
Sep 7 – 142k
Sep 14 – 138k
Sep 21 – 135k
Sep 28 – 134k
Oct 5 – 135k
Oct 13 – 135k
Oct 19 – 134k
Oct 19 – 133k
Oct 26 – 132k
Nov 2 – 129k
Nov 9 – 130k
Nov 16 – 130k
Nov 23 – 130k
I’ve already got one German and recent previous experience tells me that’s enough to have at any one time. I’m also not looking at AMG or M stuff because all that I’ve seen in my budget looks more than a bit secondhand, and I suspect would put the running costs of the 928 into perspective.
Nope, I’m really only looking at some form of big Holden wagon at this time. I almost convinced myself that a 3.6 Outback would be OK but then I remembered the CVT gearbox and the wobbly handling. I also had the chance to check out the rear seat of an Outback and VF next to each other. They’re closer than you might think but the VF is bigger.
In the meantime interest in the Lib is good, hopefully a couple of viewers coming on Sat.
Nope, I’m really only looking at some form of big Holden wagon at this time. I almost convinced myself that a 3.6 Outback would be OK but then I remembered the CVT gearbox and the wobbly handling. I also had the chance to check out the rear seat of an Outback and VF next to each other. They’re closer than you might think but the VF is bigger.
In the meantime interest in the Lib is good, hopefully a couple of viewers coming on Sat.
OK - have gone full-on Old Man Spec - a Calais V in silver...
...but with at least some fun bits...
2016 VF2 V8 - it’s done 100Kkm but has lived its life on the western fringe of Sydney so I don’t think it’s ever seen a traffic jam, spotless outside and is like new inside. Full Holden service history, but will be off to my local ex-Holden mechanic for a once-over next week. I know it needs a pair of rear tyres (quelle surprise) but hopefully that’s it.
As long as I can afford the fuel, this could be my last car for three children...
Now, anyone want to buy a Liberty GT wagon? Will be genuinely sorry to see that go, as it’s been an outstanding family car, but go it must!
...but with at least some fun bits...
2016 VF2 V8 - it’s done 100Kkm but has lived its life on the western fringe of Sydney so I don’t think it’s ever seen a traffic jam, spotless outside and is like new inside. Full Holden service history, but will be off to my local ex-Holden mechanic for a once-over next week. I know it needs a pair of rear tyres (quelle surprise) but hopefully that’s it.
As long as I can afford the fuel, this could be my last car for three children...
Now, anyone want to buy a Liberty GT wagon? Will be genuinely sorry to see that go, as it’s been an outstanding family car, but go it must!
Jader1973 said:
Very nice. Just as capable but a lot less “look at me” compared to the SSs.
Thanks - its not the last word in elegance but I think the subtlety kinda suits it better. It is, however, a much heftier beast than the Sube (about 300kg heftier, I think) and I'll take a while to get used to the auto box tooPomBstard said:
Jader1973 said:
Very nice. Just as capable but a lot less “look at me” compared to the SSs.
Thanks - its not the last word in elegance but I think the subtlety kinda suits it better. It is, however, a much heftier beast than the Sube (about 300kg heftier, I think) and I'll take a while to get used to the auto box too
And the young bloke keeps listening out for the exhaust pops...In other news, my tame Holden mechanic found that a new radiator would be good (crack around the breather), and the top strut mounts were less than ideal, but otherwise reckons it’s as good as it looks. Which is noice.
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