What car for three children?

What car for three children?

Author
Discussion

motomk

2,148 posts

243 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
quotequote all
I like the Skodas too, The VAG cars have enough headroom for me which is partially why I don't like sunroofs!
Yes, I might be a V8 fanboy, but I you notice the difference between the 6.0 and the 6.2. I have one of each.
Fuel usage? Yes.
The noise from the 6.2 exhaust is mmm.......nice!
An 6.2 SS Black wagon would have all the toys you would need, although some people don't like the blacking out of everything.
An SS wagon doesn't have SatNav, but you can retro fit it for a lot of money.
A lot of the Holden dealers don't advertise their new cars on carsales but if you go to their individual websites you can see what is available.
An SS Redline Wagon would be very nice.
The MY17 is due in January I have heard.
The VF with the 6.0 would be less expensive. Some of the early ones MY14 maybe?? could run on "fruit juice" which when you put it in the car you do notice!
You use it up quicker but you get there quicker. If it was a redline, it is the one with the forged wheels. An SS Storm was an SS with Satnav and a few extras.
An SSV would be good, Police use the SS cars a lot.
If you wanted an immaculate VF SSV SEDAN manual in Red, could have put you on to one a few weeks ago.




PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
quotequote all
A (large) part of me wants a V8 VF just because it exists now and won't in future. Running costs aren't really an issue, its more the entry fee for me right now, and the level of entertainment on offer. Not really bothered about toys.

Have promised my daughter it will be red, though, which will at least be fun considering the cars in the area in which I live are mainly in white, black and the full spectrum of greys in between. A red V8 would be most suitable.

Jader1973

3,946 posts

199 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
quotequote all
I'm going to tell you to get a VF because I am contractually obliged to do so wink

SV6 and SS are the same apart from the engine. Packs like Storm add Nav etc to SV6 and SS. Current Black Edition adds Nav and HUD plus some black bits. I got a Black Edition SS wagon 2 weeks ago after 5 months in a V6 Calais wagon (which replaced an SS wagon).

Yes a V6 is more than adequate for everyday use - it just isn't a V8 smile

Fuel consumption: 3.6 V6 about 9, 6.0 V8 about 10 and a bit, 6.2 V8 about 12.5 on my commute (freeway with stop/start at the city end both ways). 6.2 doesn't have cylinder deactivation, 6.0 does and will run E85 on later cars (but is isn't worth it because the $ saving is offset by higher fc).

They'll all run on 91 RON (and all of mine do).

I've had 1 child seat and 2 adults in the back without complaints.

If Ihad to buy my own car I'd be hard pushed to go past an SV6 tbh, and an SS if fuel costs weren't an issue.

PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Thursday 13th October 2016
quotequote all
Thanks Jader - thought you'd have a view. Well, on the VF, at least smile

Looks like I'll have a couple of reasonable options once the budget gets approved, so ta for the comments.

Jader1973

3,946 posts

199 months

Sunday 16th October 2016
quotequote all
PomBstard said:
Thanks Jader - thought you'd have a view. Well, on the VF, at least smile

Looks like I'll have a couple of reasonable options once the budget gets approved, so ta for the comments.
smile

I just checked and in 9 years I've had 2 SS sedans, 6 SV6 wagons, 3 Calais wagons, and 9 SS wagons (although I think at least one of them was an SSV) yikes


You should be able to pick up a used SV6 Black Edition for under $40k - there are a couple on Carsales: $47k drive away for a brand new one or $40k for one with 6k km one the clock e.g.
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Holden-C...

PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Sunday 23rd October 2016
quotequote all
Jader1973 said:
smile

I just checked and in 9 years I've had 2 SS sedans, 6 SV6 wagons, 3 Calais wagons, and 9 SS wagons (although I think at least one of them was an SSV) yikes
20 Commodores in 9 years - fark! Is the 6.2 worth the stretch over the 6.0, though?? These things matter...

Me and the young bloke spent some time looking at cars yesterday, armed with a tape measure, some apple, a muesli bar and a bag of sultanas. Food is important when you’re two and a half. Went to Subaru, Skoda, BMW and Holden, and measured up the rear of the Outback, Forester, Levorg, Octavia, Superb, X5, 5-series, and Commodore.

The Levorg was more to confirm it's too small, and the BMWs were really just for me to have a nose and see what all the fuss is about.

The only ones close to the width of the CX9 bench were the two BMWs and the Commodore – all about the same. Superb is long, but no wider than the Octavia, which was surprising, though confirmed by the salesman. Does have a huge boot though. And the Outback is not quite as wide as it feels from inside.

Have to say I like the inside of the 5 series, and its only marginally narrower than the X5 across the back, but a 535 wagon anywhere near my budget is going to be at least 5 years old, and I think I still see it as a bit of chance over here.

Having gone to Holden last, the thing I noticed in the Commodore was a plasticky smell and how the interior does feel lower rent, but I’m aware soft-touch dashboards aren’t the be-all-and-end-all. What did irk a bit, having gone to the other marques, is that Holden keep kit out of the wagons – not just the manual gearbox, but also the premium sound system, the proper rear head restraints and the sunroof. OK, so no real deal breakers there, but offered within the model, just not on the wagon.

Interestingly, the only dealer who was not happy about having a small child climbing over their cars was Holden. All the others were more than happy for him to be occupied so they could talk to me. And he had a great time! Child recommendations were the red WRX and the black X5, with the red VF ute as back up…

Anyway, its sort of confirmed for me that the Commodore is probably the front runner. Just need to confirm a budget – and that relies on a pending contract decision, expected next week…



200bhp

5,663 posts

218 months

Sunday 23rd October 2016
quotequote all
The soft touch in my Mazda is one of the issues - melting in the Aussie sun. A colleague has a Golf with soft touch buttons and they're wearing badly - As you say "soft touch plastics" perhaps a little over-rated and maybe Holden don't use them for climate reasons??

Jader1973

3,946 posts

199 months

Monday 24th October 2016
quotequote all
PomBstard said:
Jader1973 said:
smile

I just checked and in 9 years I've had 2 SS sedans, 6 SV6 wagons, 3 Calais wagons, and 9 SS wagons (although I think at least one of them was an SSV) yikes
20 Commodores in 9 years - fark! Is the 6.2 worth the stretch over the 6.0, though?? These things matter...
Not my fault they want them back after 5 or 6 months smile

6.2 over 6.0 - depends really. 6.2 is quicker (in a straight line) and noisier (in a good way) but uses about 20% more fuel (I've gone from 10 ish to 12 and a bit ish) because the 6.2 doesn't have cylinder deactivation. However I suspect a 6.0 could be made as quick and as noisy with a couple of cheap mods (a mate of mine has a 6.0 VE2 SSV wagon with a 2.5 inch straight through system - it sounds great, although he has just bought a VF2 SSV wagon...).

If you drove them back to back you'd choose the 6.2.

An SV6 is quick enough for daily duties...but a 6.2 is noisier and quicker wink


PomBstard said:
Me and the young bloke spent some time looking at cars yesterday, armed with a tape measure, some apple, a muesli bar and a bag of sultanas. Food is important when you’re two and a half. Went to Subaru, Skoda, BMW and Holden, and measured up the rear of the Outback, Forester, Levorg, Octavia, Superb, X5, 5-series, and Commodore.

The Levorg was more to confirm it's too small, and the BMWs were really just for me to have a nose and see what all the fuss is about.

The only ones close to the width of the CX9 bench were the two BMWs and the Commodore – all about the same. Superb is long, but no wider than the Octavia, which was surprising, though confirmed by the salesman. Does have a huge boot though. And the Outback is not quite as wide as it feels from inside.

Have to say I like the inside of the 5 series, and its only marginally narrower than the X5 across the back, but a 535 wagon anywhere near my budget is going to be at least 5 years old, and I think I still see it as a bit of chance over here.

Having gone to Holden last, the thing I noticed in the Commodore was a plasticky smell and how the interior does feel lower rent, but I’m aware soft-touch dashboards aren’t the be-all-and-end-all. What did irk a bit, having gone to the other marques, is that Holden keep kit out of the wagons – not just the manual gearbox, but also the premium sound system, the proper rear head restraints and the sunroof. OK, so no real deal breakers there, but offered within the model, just not on the wagon.

Interestingly, the only dealer who was not happy about having a small child climbing over their cars was Holden. All the others were more than happy for him to be occupied so they could talk to me. And he had a great time! Child recommendations were the red WRX and the black X5, with the red VF ute as back up…

Anyway, its sort of confirmed for me that the Commodore is probably the front runner. Just need to confirm a budget – and that relies on a pending contract decision, expected next week…
Unfortunately the take up for manual wagons / wagons with sunroof would be so low that it just isn't worth doing all the extra work. I have seen wagons with sunroofs fitted aftermarket but I suspect the headliner/roof panel is bodged to make it fit, let alone the wiring harness. I'm not sure why the rear seats lack proper head restraints.

As for the BOSE system - there is no place to put the sub in the wagon (I can't tell the difference anyway).

Good luck with the hunt - once you know budget and if you are going new/used then update in here, especially if you are going new.


PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Thursday 24th November 2016
quotequote all
Jader1973 said:
Good luck with the hunt - once you know budget and if you are going new/used then update in here, especially if you are going new.
Well, with the decision taken to look at replacing the Forester, budget means I'm now looking at an early VF 6.0 wagon. Have put an order in with one of the chaps at my local Holden dealer to keep an eye out for trade-ins. He was helpful when I was looking last year, and has always offered to help in some way, so we'll see.

There is the perfect car advertised on Carsales - a red SSV for $30k - but its in WA. NSW seems to start around $30'ish for a non-colour, which it might have to be. Unless anyone hears otherwise. An SV6 would be c$25k, and that would get me looking at other things.

If its not a Commodore wagon, then a CX9 would be fine. Really. I don't need the seven seats, but I understand the appeal of the big Mazda. Esp if the Forester Replacement Plan goes ahead.

Need something on the driveway before 6 Jan...

PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Saturday 26th November 2016
quotequote all

PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Thursday 29th December 2016
quotequote all
Well, I've got a week to find something, and I've not even had a look at a car yet. Looking at the prices it seems that VF2 V8 wagons are close to $40k - which is getting me pondering. They're around $43k at the mo, how can I knock a dealer down to $40k...???

A SSV Redline VF1 would be c$35k which is looking like a decent option. There's just something about a white or light green Commodore wagon that I find offputting - I think I need a colour or something less bland. Whatever.

A recent family trip that involved a Gen 5 Liberty wagon has thrown a spanner in the works, in that with a couple of slimline boosters in the rear, there was plenty of room all round. There are only 2 2012/13 manual GT wagons that I can find on the market anywhere, and one of those isn't picking up his phone, which is a bit of a pain.

Anyway, this time next week I should have something sorted. Or maybe not...

Edited by PomBstard on Thursday 29th December 09:54

redchina

491 posts

260 months

Friday 30th December 2016
quotequote all
just for your info, i managed to pick up a my12 liberty wagon (non GT) for <$19k earlier in the year.
you would think prices would have a great deal of leeway for haggling nowadays, but..

motomk

2,148 posts

243 months

Friday 30th December 2016
quotequote all
https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Holden...
Bit older but a manual so has 270kw engine but is an SS V Z which means it has the redline brakes on it.
I would drive a VF first though.

http://www.altoholden.com.au/VehicleDetails/used-2...
Bit more expensive but is red. Looks like you have seen the green and the grey one.
I couldn't find many of the older series ones around.

http://www.heartlandholdenpenrith.com.au/VehicleDe...
A Red SV6 Black.

https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Holden-...
Not a wagon but a manual.

http://www.colcrawfordholden.com.au/VehicleDetails...
No V8 frown
http://www.sutherlandholden.com.au/VehicleDetails/...
http://www.sutherlandholden.com.au/VehicleDetails/...




PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Friday 30th December 2016
quotequote all
motomk said:
https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Holden...
Bit older but a manual so has 270kw engine but is an SS V Z which means it has the redline brakes on it.
I would drive a VF first though.

http://www.altoholden.com.au/VehicleDetails/used-2...
Bit more expensive but is red. Looks like you have seen the green and the grey one.
I couldn't find many of the older series ones around.

http://www.heartlandholdenpenrith.com.au/VehicleDe...
A Red SV6 Black.

https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Holden-...
Not a wagon but a manual.

http://www.colcrawfordholden.com.au/VehicleDetails...
No V8 frown
http://www.sutherlandholden.com.au/VehicleDetails/...
http://www.sutherlandholden.com.au/VehicleDetails/...
Thanks for that! Have driven a VF and much prefer it over a VE. And def needs to be a wagon, and a V8...

Had a look at the red SSV at Alto - salesman indicated the asking price has very little movement and it's too much for me. Have also just been to Col C as it's my local, and they really are fresh out of V8s.

We continue...

PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Thursday 12th January 2017
quotequote all
Spent last Saturday driving around Sydney in 35C heat in a car with leather seats, a big engine, and no AC. Awesome time had by all! Except the bit where I was followed by plod for about 10km.

Tried a couple of Liberty GT wagons - one manual, one auto - and a couple of VF SS wagons, and have just bought this home this afternoon...



One owner, 4-y-o, FSSH, 90Kkm, 195kW, 6-sp manual. Recent holiday rental car proved its big enough for what we need, and to be honest the SS wagons in my budget felt a bit secondhand in comparison. Buying the Golf put a bit of dent in the budget, but does mean the fun is now shared around the cars, which is nice.

Anyway, that's it now for, hopefully, years. But I've been wrong before...

Bibbs

3,733 posts

209 months

Thursday 12th January 2017
quotequote all
PomBstard said:
and have just bought this home this afternoon...



One owner, 4-y-o, FSSH, 90Kkm, 195kW, 6-sp manual.
Sounds good, but what is it?

Colonial

13,553 posts

204 months

Thursday 12th January 2017
quotequote all
Subaru Liberty wagon.

GT so turbo I am assuming?

Nice purchase. Very solid cars.

Pommygranite

14,229 posts

215 months

Friday 13th January 2017
quotequote all
Bibbs said:
PomBstard said:
and have just bought this home this afternoon...



One owner, 4-y-o, FSSH, 90Kkm, 195kW, 6-sp manual.
Sounds good, but what is it?
Hand your cards in on the way out.

It's a white car duh!

PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Friday 13th January 2017
quotequote all
Colonial said:
Subaru Liberty wagon.

GT so turbo I am assuming?

Nice purchase. Very solid cars.
Yep, and thanks.

Not keen on white, but slim pickings...