Is everyone okay??

[Jader1973]

Rensko said:

Jader1973 said:

I doubt anyone has V8 utes for hire. You could get a Caprice V8 from Avis - 6.2 V8 and cheaper to hire than a V6 Commodore wagon when I last hired a car.

Can you still get a Caprice rental car? Thought they are now Mercs etc...

Remember chatting to one of the employees of a rental car place - said that the V8 Caprices had a bit of a habit of coming back with bald tyres...

Yup. Had one from Avis in Brisbane when I was up in Jan.

[Jader1973]

Unfortunately my automotive life is not terribly exciting at the moment - I've currently got an Astra hatch (which gets replaced by another Astra hatch next Tuesday) and the OH has an Astra wagon. Both good cars but not terribly exciting tbh.

However between Jun and Jan I was running about in this:


It is an LT Commodore hatch with a 2.0 turbo 9 speed auto and yes, it is FWD. Coming from the UK and being aware of Vauxhall's reputation, and having driven a previous Insignia turbo FWD (albeit in LHD Buick format) I was expecting this to be a horrid torque-steering mess. However, it is very good. Quick enough, I couldn't get it to torque steer, and the 9 speed box and the engine work perfectly together.

Then today I was able to borrow this:



It is a Calais Tourer: V6 AWD with a 9 speed auto. It is much more engaging than the 2.0. More engine noise (which is actually quite nice) and it sticks to the road like st to a shovel (based on a rather rapid turn in to a junction with throttle application part way through - something that I'd never have attempted in a V8 VF).

Overall I'm very impressed with it.

[motomk]

Jader1973 said:

However between Jun and Jan I was running about in this:


It is an LT Commodore hatch with a 2.0 turbo 9 speed auto and yes, it is FWD. Coming from the UK and being aware of Vauxhall's reputation, and having driven a previous Insignia turbo FWD (albeit in LHD Buick format) I was expecting this to be a horrid torque-steering mess. However, it is very good. Quick enough, I couldn't get it to torque steer, and the 9 speed box and the engine work perfectly together.

Drove one on the weekend to, I think because the salesman was busy and wanted us entertained, so threw us the keys after we had driven the car it was parked next to.
It was also the basic 4 cylinder turbo, 9 speed auto and I agree it went surprisingly well.
Lowered the seat and it felt like I was sitting on the tarmac, it went so low. If I was looking for a Camry or a Mazda6 I would look at one.Surprised how zippy it was to be honest.
Sadly I wanted to drive the Astra but the seat didn't go low enough for my liking, so it was struck off the motomk list of favourable cars.

[Jader1973]

motomk said:

Drove one on the weekend to, I think because the salesman was busy and wanted us entertained, so threw us the keys after we had driven the car it was parked next to.
It was also the basic 4 cylinder turbo, 9 speed auto and I agree it went surprisingly well.
Lowered the seat and it felt like I was sitting on the tarmac, it went so low. If I was looking for a Camry or a Mazda6 I would look at one.Surprised how zippy it was to be honest.
Sadly I wanted to drive the Astra but the seat didn't go low enough for my liking, so it was struck off the motomk list of favourable cars.

I agree with that: feels like you sit “in” the Commodore and kind of “on” an Astra.

The Astra is a good car though - we’re on number 5 or 6 now I think. The OH really likes them.

[motomk]

Jader1973 said:

Not sacrilege at all - they were made to be driven.

I’d suggest asking the dealer for written proof the rocker arms have been done given it could drop a valve and destroy the engine if it fails.

I didn’t like the Director - the Supercheap style LS3 sticker on the grille was a bit nasty (voicing that opinion wasn’t very popular ) and putting a sunroof in a car called Motorsport was just wrong (telling the team that didn’t go down well either )

Thanks for the suggestion, the service department printed the work order off for me to show it had been done.

motomk said:

.... so threw us the keys after we had driven the car it was parked next to.

The red Commodore we drove!

Edited by motomk on Saturday 24th March 13:19

[200bhp]

Jader1973 said:

Unfortunately my automotive life is not terribly exciting at the moment - I've currently got an Astra hatch (which gets replaced by another Astra hatch next Tuesday) and the OH has an Astra wagon. Both good cars but not terribly exciting tbh.

However between Jun and Jan I was running about in this:


It is an LT Commodore hatch with a 2.0 turbo 9 speed auto and yes, it is FWD. Coming from the UK and being aware of Vauxhall's reputation, and having driven a previous Insignia turbo FWD (albeit in LHD Buick format) I was expecting this to be a horrid torque-steering mess. However, it is very good. Quick enough, I couldn't get it to torque steer, and the 9 speed box and the engine work perfectly together.

Then today I was able to borrow this:



It is a Calais Tourer: V6 AWD with a 9 speed auto. It is much more engaging than the 2.0. More engine noise (which is actually quite nice) and it sticks to the road like st to a shovel (based on a rather rapid turn in to a junction with throttle application part way through - something that I'd never have attempted in a V8 VF).

Overall I'm very impressed with it.

Makes a change to read something from someone who's driven it. Some of the "its not a commodore" comments on the Holden facebook ads make me laugh.

[Google [bot]]

I forgot about this thread. I’ve moved to a nice place on the Northern Beaches. Should have done it years ago, I thought I loved the inner west, but it’s another world up here, like being on holiday every weekend while it’s still like summer.

Mind, I’ve had to adjust my sleep patterns to have a half reasonable commute time. That’s a small trade-off to my mind, and when it’s dry I’m on the motorbike, which is a great run. No more cycling to work though so I’ll have to find something else to edge towards a semblance of fitness. Like stand-up paddleboarding which I tried and loved the other day, 2 weeks before the renting season stops

No change in vehicles though the Lincoln is parked on the street back west - not good, but I can’t find a garage big enough and reasonably priced. In 3 months I’ll be off my Ps on the bike and thinking I’m more likely to add rather than swap as I love this BMW so much.

No shortage of wildlife, mostly good but the million funnel-web holes in the garden indicate future potential trouble. Apologies for some orientations:




















Happy days. Now to work out how the fk to buy an affordable place here.

[Rensko]

Thing is with the Northern Beaches, no matter how far north you go away from the city, the prices do not seem to vary all that much! Lovely part of the world though and I can certainly see the attraction despite the commute.

Also - anyone know how the new Commodores are selling? I've seen that they are starting to hit the rental car fleets already...

[Google [bot]]

Rensko said:

Thing is with the Northern Beaches, no matter how far north you go away from the city, the prices do not seem to vary all that much! Lovely part of the world though and I can certainly see the attraction despite the commute.

That's because it gets nicer vs longer commute the further you go.

Motorcycles help the distance, but again there are big positive v negative trades.

[PomBstard]

Not known as the Insular Peninsula for nowt...

Road connections to, well, just about everywhere are sh!te from anywhere north of Spit Bridge, and as Google[Bot] has said, commuting is rubbish. But, as long as you like being outdoors, its a great place to be.

As for cycling, lots of it around Terrey Hills way. I can be often found around McCarrs Creek Road, or lapping Manly Dam. The section of Pittwater Road from Avalon to Palm Beach is a bit of a pail, but West Head Road is smooth and often very lightly trafficked, with great views at the end. Quieter and easier sections exist, but hills are something you'll just have to live with. A bit like the wildlife...

Word is there are some entertaining roads nearby too...

[Jader1973]

200bhp said:

Makes a change to read something from someone who's driven it. Some of the "its not a commodore" comments on the Holden facebook ads make me laugh.

Usual caveat of "I work for them" applies. However if I didn't like it I wouldn't bother mentioning anything (see my post further up about the Trailblazer for example ).

Rensko said:

Also - anyone know how the new Commodores are selling? I've seen that they are starting to hit the rental car fleets already...

Too early to tell tbh. It'll take roughly 3 months to settle down I reckon. May should give a reasonable indication.

Rental is a bit of a marketing tool - hire one; like it; buy one when the time comes (hopefully).

[motomk]

Friend with the Red Clubsport, swapped his over to a manual Supercharged LSA version. The blue is a bit nice!



Oh dear, I can't sit still! I promise this is the last swap over!

After throwing loads of money at something else, went back to this. I have only driven it the day I picked it up, been working.
I love the sleeper look!


AMG Magnum!



A couple of other pictures.





Still looking for a VEII SS sedan to play around with.

[PomBstard]

Decision time for the Noisy Car. Currently working to get my contract extended so a series of jobs can be done on the 928. Its all still running well, but is due a belts change this year, the clutch is showing signs of coming to the end of its useful life, and the rear main seal is weeping. Not as much as my wallet might be, but enough to kick start some ideas.

Plan is engine out, head gaskets and top-end refurb, inspect bottom end to (hopefully) confirm all is well, new hoses/pipes and a bit of a spruce up. New main seal and clutch, and off we go. If there's money left in the pot, I'll see about getting the AC fixed. New clutch has already been delivered. There were two original spec clutches for an 87 S4 left, both at Porsche Germany. One now resides at a hidden location on the Northern Beaches.

I doubt I'll have the funds to reproduce factory finish, which will undoubtedly make Brucie Babe sulk, but it should mean I can then see about giving the ol gal a bit of respray. This car is never going to be a garage queen, not in my hands. It will always be a car for using.

I mentioned to the kids that if I can't afford the work, then the car will have to be sold. Kids are on my side and hopefully so is the decision-maker at work!

[Google [bot]]

Maybe I’m getting old and time’s passing me by, but it doesn’t seem 5 minutes since belts and hoses etc. I think you may be being over-cautious there. And I’m fairly sure the paint is still very good. Clutch n that I guess it is what it is.

If you do decide to sell I can hook you up with a guy that knows the car and has expressed an interest previously, but I think you’re over-thinking it, I know I did.and I’d rather you kept it

Also, with my new location I’m almost passing you daily so can drop off the missing service history, give me a bell

[Du1point8]

Urgh.... After 2.5 years here, we are off home to London for Brexit reasons and to look to settle down with kids.

Will miss Barangaroo massively but at the same time its almost like being in limbo not being able to settle down properly with friends and family half way around the world.

I will be back, but maybe not for another 5 years or so.

[Google [bot]]

Du1point8 said:

Urgh.... After 2.5 years here, we are off home to London for Brexit reasons and to look to settle down with kids.

Will miss Barangaroo massively but at the same time its almost like being in limbo not being able to settle down properly with friends and family half way around the world.

I will be back, but maybe not for another 5 years or so.

I’m sure there are loads of unmentioned reasons, but I think you’ll regret it. I went back last year and was unimpressed fairly quickly. There’s loads of good stuff, but it’s not that good and there’s not loads of it, if you get my drift.

[Du1point8]

Google [bot] said:

Du1point8 said:

Urgh.... After 2.5 years here, we are off home to London for Brexit reasons and to look to settle down with kids.

Will miss Barangaroo massively but at the same time its almost like being in limbo not being able to settle down properly with friends and family half way around the world.

I will be back, but maybe not for another 5 years or so.

I’m sure there are loads of unmentioned reasons, but I think you’ll regret it. I went back last year and was unimpressed fairly quickly. There’s loads of good stuff, but it’s not that good and there’s not loads of it, if you get my drift.

True... but it has to be done otherwise OH cant work in the UK... unfortunately, my company will never pay for this apartment again for me... it cost them $72k a year in rent, for 2.5 years.

So Im hoping to organise a deal to live in Finland rather than UK and work it that way.

We have been totally spoiled in Sydney and I have been to London since being here and frankly, I hate it cause we have been so spoiled for 2.5 years, I will have to accommodate though :{

[PomBstard]

Google [bot] said:

Maybe I’m getting old and time’s passing me by, but it doesn’t seem 5 minutes since belts and hoses etc. I think you may be being over-cautious there. And I’m fairly sure the paint is still very good. Clutch n that I guess it is what it is.

If you do decide to sell I can hook you up with a guy that knows the car and has expressed an interest previously, but I think you’re over-thinking it, I know I did.and I’d rather you kept it

Also, with my new location I’m almost passing you daily so can drop off the missing service history, give me a bell

I’ve no intention of selling, it’s more about getting stuff done, and what doesn’t get done in order to pay for it - work on the house, kids education, food - that sort of stuff. I think I’d get a lynching from the kids otherwise!

It’s really a ‘whilst you’re there...’ approach to doing the work. Helped massively by the fact that I can’t think of another car that would fit the bill right now

And yes, I should extract the digit and catch up - will give you a call.

[Jader1973]

I'm resurrecting this thread simply because it was getting too quiet in here until yesterday - almost a month with no posts!

Ute is proving to be noisy, fun, and not really very practical at all. Current daily is a red Commodore RSV wagon, which replaced a white Commodore RSV wagon.

Have got itchy feet and find myself browsing Carsale, Gumtree and Ebay quite a bit.

SWMBO wants one of these...




Hope everyone is well and looking forward to Christmas

[Google [bot]]

Jader1973 said:

SWMBO wants one of these...

She’s not the only one, and I keep seeing them around. They are fantastic, I had a vague plan to import one years ago but they seem to have all rotted away or got really expensive. I remember thinking it’d be straight swap for the 928 which is hard to justify in anyone’s book.

Yes nice to see a surge of energy back in the down under forum.