V8 Family Wagon Aussie Style - VF2 Calais V
Discussion
ChrisCh86 said:
What an epic car, love it!
If only I could get one in the UK
The same basic car with slightly different trim was sold here as the Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer. Well, when I say it was sold here, perhaps would be more accurate to say it was offered for sale here, not sure anyone ever bought one other than the demonstrator.If only I could get one in the UK
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/vauxhall/vxr8...
Very cool, and a neat alternative to an AMG E-class estate.
Cambs_Stuart said:
That's a great family wagon. I had no idea they existed. I enjoyed the subaru thread so I'm interested so see what you do with this one.
How big are they, compared to the subaru?
How big are they, compared to the subaru?
No plans for this one, except to drive it - its my daily driver, and lives in a busy urban area, with occasional family forays to further places. Much like I did with the Sube!
I put 50,000kms on the Lib in 4 years, and reckon on similar for this one. Depending on how we're going as a family at that time, this might be the last big family car I buy, or just a precursor to the next. Who knows?
In terms of size, its bigger in the rear than the Sube, though closer than you might think, which was the main reason for changing. The recent trip to SEQ showed it to be noticeable. Its also bigger than many others, such as A6, 5-Series, and probably E class. Of the ones I was looking at, only the VF, Jeep GC and Cayenne were noticeably bigger all-round than the Liberty.
On the road it feels massively bigger, and much softer. The Liberty was about 300kg lighter too, and the difference in handling is quite marked. That said, the way in which the Calais gets on with the job is much better, and probably more fun, than might be expected. Just not as nimble.
I've done the back-of-fag-packet calc on how much it'll cost to run, and reckon about AU$50k over 4 years including fuel, servicing, insurance, rego/CTP, and depreciation. Fuel and depreciation are the two biggest culprits, though I'm not sure I've included enough for rear tyres... That's a reasonably big number for a daily driver, but still cheap for what it is, I reckon. How many other 4-5 year-old big fast wagons could you budget to run for 4 years for less than GBP25k?
A bad week for parking and the big silver bus...
Aussie car park spaces are generally bigger than those in the UK and in multi-storey car parks and the like, where the spaces are set out in threes between pillars, I always park next to a pillar, tucked up close so there’s plenty of space for cars on one side and the pillar providing a block on the other.
But some f
kwit still got my drivers door...
It’s a dent and a scratch - will see how best to repair later this week.
And then I got boxed in when parked on the street, which led to a 93-point manoeuvre to get out of the space, but still nicked my NSF rim on the kerb in the process. Grrrrr!!
The rims are the right design for a good kerbing, so I’m sure it was only a matter of time. I think body/wheel repairs might become part of the annual service - it was in such clean condition when I bought it, I should probably put a bit of effort into keeping it that way.
Aussie car park spaces are generally bigger than those in the UK and in multi-storey car parks and the like, where the spaces are set out in threes between pillars, I always park next to a pillar, tucked up close so there’s plenty of space for cars on one side and the pillar providing a block on the other.
But some f
kwit still got my drivers door...It’s a dent and a scratch - will see how best to repair later this week.
And then I got boxed in when parked on the street, which led to a 93-point manoeuvre to get out of the space, but still nicked my NSF rim on the kerb in the process. Grrrrr!!
The rims are the right design for a good kerbing, so I’m sure it was only a matter of time. I think body/wheel repairs might become part of the annual service - it was in such clean condition when I bought it, I should probably put a bit of effort into keeping it that way.
Love it. Fairly casually looked into importing one a couple of years ago but wasn't viable. Now they are available as in excess of 10 years old I understand the iva thing is easier. Still tempting! Will never be a bargain in the uk but totally unique. Loved my LS2 in my old monaro and a proper GM V8 in a practical body would be completely up my street!
Nice buy!
Good for you, they are skyrocketing in value at the moment - I'm shaking my head at some of the prices which VF's are fetching at the moment! Will keep my eyes peeled out for it around Sydneytown - there aren't many Calais V wagons around!
Had a Calais V as a rental (though was a 6) - was surprised as to how good the turn in was and how chuckable it was through corners given the bloody size of the thing!
Good for you, they are skyrocketing in value at the moment - I'm shaking my head at some of the prices which VF's are fetching at the moment! Will keep my eyes peeled out for it around Sydneytown - there aren't many Calais V wagons around!
Had a Calais V as a rental (though was a 6) - was surprised as to how good the turn in was and how chuckable it was through corners given the bloody size of the thing!
Does it have a full-size spare? maybe throw the scuffed one in the boot.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/143428615196 <<< I have purchased a few parts from this seller.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/114744812976 <<< Think this is a picture of the VF2 SSV wheel but it is advertised as a Calais V wheel with the different part number.
The VF2 SSV has the same wheel but it looks like the inserts are a darker grey compared to the Calais.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/143428615196 <<< I have purchased a few parts from this seller.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/114744812976 <<< Think this is a picture of the VF2 SSV wheel but it is advertised as a Calais V wheel with the different part number.
The VF2 SSV has the same wheel but it looks like the inserts are a darker grey compared to the Calais.
Edited by motomk on Tuesday 27th April 04:07
motomk said:
Does it have a full-size spare? maybe throw the scuffed one in the boot.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/143428615196 <<< I have purchased a few parts from this seller.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/114744812976 <<< Think this is a picture of the VF2 SSV wheel but it is advertised as a Calais V wheel with the different part number.
The VF2 SSV has the same wheel but it looks like the inserts are a darker grey compared to the Calais.
Thanks for that lot - might be a case of having a couple of spare wheels, it does have a full size spare and I quite like the design, just way too easy to kerb. But useful link to the seller regardless.https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/143428615196 <<< I have purchased a few parts from this seller.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/114744812976 <<< Think this is a picture of the VF2 SSV wheel but it is advertised as a Calais V wheel with the different part number.
The VF2 SSV has the same wheel but it looks like the inserts are a darker grey compared to the Calais.
Edited by motomk on Tuesday 27th April 04:07
Rensko said:
Nice buy!
Good for you, they are skyrocketing in value at the moment - I'm shaking my head at some of the prices which VF's are fetching at the moment! Will keep my eyes peeled out for it around Sydneytown - there aren't many Calais V wagons around!
Had a Calais V as a rental (though was a 6) - was surprised as to how good the turn in was and how chuckable it was through corners given the bloody size of the thing!
Yep, prices are nuts. When I was looking, $42k was minimum for a V8 VF2 of any variety, and a VF1 was still over $30k. Add some more if you want a colour - lots of white, black and grey/silver but anything else costs extra. Calais V seems to be the bargain, if that's an appropriate word, in that the list price was close to $60k even if noone paid that, but they are at least showing depreciation. An SS for $40k is going to have appreciated in value.Good for you, they are skyrocketing in value at the moment - I'm shaking my head at some of the prices which VF's are fetching at the moment! Will keep my eyes peeled out for it around Sydneytown - there aren't many Calais V wagons around!
Had a Calais V as a rental (though was a 6) - was surprised as to how good the turn in was and how chuckable it was through corners given the bloody size of the thing!
I've budgeted for mine being worth about $25k in 4 years time, at 8-9 years old with around 160,000km on the clock, but that's looking pessimistic right now.
What are you driving and I'll look out for you - a silver Calais wagon will pass right by you without being noticed...
PomBstard said:
What are you driving and I'll look out for you - a silver Calais wagon will pass right by you without being noticed...
You know the pricing is crook when a ex VicPol VF2 SS Wagons are going for the same amount as a new one! I'm in a Silver E91 323i wagon of boredom. Usually around the Northside!
Sorry to hear about the parking ding 
Prices do seem to be going crazy over there, I was hoping to import a manual VE SS wagon at some point, so more rocking hrose poo, seeing prices rising I just got the auto that came up for sale in the UK as didn't see the manual being within reach any time soon!
There's a black VE Calais wagon over here (also auto) that the guy brought with him from Aus, otherwise I think that's your lot for VE/VF wagons.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/vauxhall/vxr8...
Very cool, and a neat alternative to an AMG E-class estate.You probably know, but that's technically a VE, and an HSV, but yes, very much the same really. You're also correct in that the press car is the only HSV Clubsport R8 Tourer over here as far as anyone is aware. It was supercharged whilst Evo ran it, but that was sadly removed before sale to its current owner (which is also sadly not me! 
)
Prices do seem to be going crazy over there, I was hoping to import a manual VE SS wagon at some point, so more rocking hrose poo, seeing prices rising I just got the auto that came up for sale in the UK as didn't see the manual being within reach any time soon!There's a black VE Calais wagon over here (also auto) that the guy brought with him from Aus, otherwise I think that's your lot for VE/VF wagons.
samoht said:
ChrisCh86 said:
What an epic car, love it!
If only I could get one in the UK
The same basic car with slightly different trim was sold here as the Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer. Well, when I say it was sold here, perhaps would be more accurate to say it was offered for sale here, not sure anyone ever bought one other than the demonstrator.If only I could get one in the UK
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/vauxhall/vxr8...
Very cool, and a neat alternative to an AMG E-class estate.
)SturdyHSV said:
Prices do seem to be going crazy over there, I was hoping to import a manual VE SS wagon at some point, so more rocking hrose poo, seeing prices rising I just got the auto that came up for sale in the UK as didn't see the manual being within reach any time soon!
Couldn't help myself, I just had a quick look at Carsales - cheapest VF2 V8 wagon is now $42k. In NSW its just under $54k. Just nuts.Any VF V8 wagon is at least $35k, and a VE2 V8 manual wagon is $28k-$35k - which is about GBP13k + shipping.
PomBstard said:
Couldn't help myself, I just had a quick look at Carsales - cheapest VF2 V8 wagon is now $42k. In NSW its just under $54k. Just nuts.
Any VF V8 wagon is at least $35k, and a VE2 V8 manual wagon is $28k-$35k - which is about GBP13k + shipping.
Yeah a PH'er that was hoping to import a V8 manual VE wagon popped over to look around my auto, but even in the time he's been trying to find one / decide, they've climbed up enough that you're easily talking high teens of £££ by the time it's delivered over here, even if you go for properly high mileage ones (if any come up!)Any VF V8 wagon is at least $35k, and a VE2 V8 manual wagon is $28k-$35k - which is about GBP13k + shipping.
I paid £14k for my VE auto last August. 2008 so the 6.0 without the DoD, 160,000km of mostly Australian usage and I felt it was perhaps a little more than I'd wanted to spend but seems if anyone else wants one in the UK now then it was a bargain
Also, your exchange rate is a little out of date, 28k AUD is currently £15,600
I’ve often thought I might get a Lexus LC500 when I grow up. I like the looks, and the noise. What I hadn’t realised is just how big they are until I parked in front of one today...
They’re as long as the Calais - before any Father Ted references, look at the positioning relative to the lines marking the spaces. It’s also about 100kg heavier, which is a shame for a 2+2, but in this colour, yes please.
Anyway, this red one is local and has the tan leather interior, which does look good - and a cool reg plate SUZI Q
They’re as long as the Calais - before any Father Ted references, look at the positioning relative to the lines marking the spaces. It’s also about 100kg heavier, which is a shame for a 2+2, but in this colour, yes please.
Anyway, this red one is local and has the tan leather interior, which does look good - and a cool reg plate SUZI Q
Well, we've had the car six months already, its done about 7,000km in that time and around 10,000km since its last service, so time for a check up. Booked in for next week with the local indy, who I think will be first in line when I sell. He does like it.
Whilst the main sense of overriding positivity towards the car, there are a couple of things that irk.
The infotainment system, MyLInk, was too slow and cumbersome for everyday use, and didn't have Apple Carplay. Now, there are a few add-ons that can help with a lot of these things, and keep the same head unit in place, but they're pricey and have mixed reviews. So I've swapped it out for a standard double-DIN sized Alpine unit. It doesn't look quite as smart, as the screen is too small for the dash design even with the custom surround, but it works every time.
The downside to this is that I lose the customisation menu for various settings, but that was really only a few fripperies that don't bother me. The other downside is that the OEM unit has the switches for the heated front seats built into its frame. So no OEM unit means no heated seats. I've also lost the self-parking feature, but not sure I'd ever use it. Anyway, I'll live.
The other irksome feature day-to-day, other than the prodigious thirst of that LS3, are the tiny door mirrors. I mean, they are small small, especially for a car this size. Reversing into a space often requires a lot of concentration, esp parallel parking at night. Presume these are a hangover from the VE, but why were they so bloody small in the first place?
Finally, the cooler weather has shown the engine to have a little bit of piston slap. Its a well-known feature of the LSx range and the internet is covered in various threads about this - esp in the US. Some engines are worse than others and can sound almost like diesels until fully warmed. Mine sounds fine at idle, and gives a bit of a rattle under light load when cold, for about 3-4 mins. Once warmed up, its undetectable.
Accepted solution to these seems to be either rebuild or just keep running it, as the engines don't seem to break. I'll see how it goes, and if no worse, then I'll do nothing. If it does get worse, there are plenty of reputable engine builders in Sydney that should be able to do a good job for less than the appreciation in value I've seen in six months.
The closest age/spec to mine currently for sale on this side of the country is asking $10k more than I paid. If I want one that's already on NSW plates, then I'd need a couple of grand more. Having said that, for a further $10k there is a nice looking VF2 Calais V wagon for sale that's been treated to a supercharger and apparently putting out 480kW/652bhp and 904Nm at the wheels.
Hmmm...
Whilst the main sense of overriding positivity towards the car, there are a couple of things that irk.
The infotainment system, MyLInk, was too slow and cumbersome for everyday use, and didn't have Apple Carplay. Now, there are a few add-ons that can help with a lot of these things, and keep the same head unit in place, but they're pricey and have mixed reviews. So I've swapped it out for a standard double-DIN sized Alpine unit. It doesn't look quite as smart, as the screen is too small for the dash design even with the custom surround, but it works every time.
The downside to this is that I lose the customisation menu for various settings, but that was really only a few fripperies that don't bother me. The other downside is that the OEM unit has the switches for the heated front seats built into its frame. So no OEM unit means no heated seats. I've also lost the self-parking feature, but not sure I'd ever use it. Anyway, I'll live.
The other irksome feature day-to-day, other than the prodigious thirst of that LS3, are the tiny door mirrors. I mean, they are small small, especially for a car this size. Reversing into a space often requires a lot of concentration, esp parallel parking at night. Presume these are a hangover from the VE, but why were they so bloody small in the first place?
Finally, the cooler weather has shown the engine to have a little bit of piston slap. Its a well-known feature of the LSx range and the internet is covered in various threads about this - esp in the US. Some engines are worse than others and can sound almost like diesels until fully warmed. Mine sounds fine at idle, and gives a bit of a rattle under light load when cold, for about 3-4 mins. Once warmed up, its undetectable.
Accepted solution to these seems to be either rebuild or just keep running it, as the engines don't seem to break. I'll see how it goes, and if no worse, then I'll do nothing. If it does get worse, there are plenty of reputable engine builders in Sydney that should be able to do a good job for less than the appreciation in value I've seen in six months.
The closest age/spec to mine currently for sale on this side of the country is asking $10k more than I paid. If I want one that's already on NSW plates, then I'd need a couple of grand more. Having said that, for a further $10k there is a nice looking VF2 Calais V wagon for sale that's been treated to a supercharger and apparently putting out 480kW/652bhp and 904Nm at the wheels.
Hmmm...
PomBstard said:
Well, we've had the car six months already, its done about 7,000km in that time and around 10,000km since its last service, so time for a check up. Booked in for next week with the local indy, who I think will be first in line when I sell. He does like it.
Whilst the main sense of overriding positivity towards the car, there are a couple of things that irk.
The infotainment system, MyLInk, was too slow and cumbersome for everyday use, and didn't have Apple Carplay. Now, there are a few add-ons that can help with a lot of these things, and keep the same head unit in place, but they're pricey and have mixed reviews. So I've swapped it out for a standard double-DIN sized Alpine unit. It doesn't look quite as smart, as the screen is too small for the dash design even with the custom surround, but it works every time.
The downside to this is that I lose the customisation menu for various settings, but that was really only a few fripperies that don't bother me. The other downside is that the OEM unit has the switches for the heated front seats built into its frame. So no OEM unit means no heated seats. I've also lost the self-parking feature, but not sure I'd ever use it. Anyway, I'll live.
The other irksome feature day-to-day, other than the prodigious thirst of that LS3, are the tiny door mirrors. I mean, they are small small, especially for a car this size. Reversing into a space often requires a lot of concentration, esp parallel parking at night. Presume these are a hangover from the VE, but why were they so bloody small in the first place?
Finally, the cooler weather has shown the engine to have a little bit of piston slap. Its a well-known feature of the LSx range and the internet is covered in various threads about this - esp in the US. Some engines are worse than others and can sound almost like diesels until fully warmed. Mine sounds fine at idle, and gives a bit of a rattle under light load when cold, for about 3-4 mins. Once warmed up, its undetectable.
Accepted solution to these seems to be either rebuild or just keep running it, as the engines don't seem to break. I'll see how it goes, and if no worse, then I'll do nothing. If it does get worse, there are plenty of reputable engine builders in Sydney that should be able to do a good job for less than the appreciation in value I've seen in six months.
The closest age/spec to mine currently for sale on this side of the country is asking $10k more than I paid. If I want one that's already on NSW plates, then I'd need a couple of grand more. Having said that, for a further $10k there is a nice looking VF2 Calais V wagon for sale that's been treated to a supercharger and apparently putting out 480kW/652bhp and 904Nm at the wheels.
Hmmm...
The supercharger temptation is real, especially as there are several complete bolt on kits with everything needed in one big box of goodies Whilst the main sense of overriding positivity towards the car, there are a couple of things that irk.
The infotainment system, MyLInk, was too slow and cumbersome for everyday use, and didn't have Apple Carplay. Now, there are a few add-ons that can help with a lot of these things, and keep the same head unit in place, but they're pricey and have mixed reviews. So I've swapped it out for a standard double-DIN sized Alpine unit. It doesn't look quite as smart, as the screen is too small for the dash design even with the custom surround, but it works every time.
The downside to this is that I lose the customisation menu for various settings, but that was really only a few fripperies that don't bother me. The other downside is that the OEM unit has the switches for the heated front seats built into its frame. So no OEM unit means no heated seats. I've also lost the self-parking feature, but not sure I'd ever use it. Anyway, I'll live.
The other irksome feature day-to-day, other than the prodigious thirst of that LS3, are the tiny door mirrors. I mean, they are small small, especially for a car this size. Reversing into a space often requires a lot of concentration, esp parallel parking at night. Presume these are a hangover from the VE, but why were they so bloody small in the first place?
Finally, the cooler weather has shown the engine to have a little bit of piston slap. Its a well-known feature of the LSx range and the internet is covered in various threads about this - esp in the US. Some engines are worse than others and can sound almost like diesels until fully warmed. Mine sounds fine at idle, and gives a bit of a rattle under light load when cold, for about 3-4 mins. Once warmed up, its undetectable.
Accepted solution to these seems to be either rebuild or just keep running it, as the engines don't seem to break. I'll see how it goes, and if no worse, then I'll do nothing. If it does get worse, there are plenty of reputable engine builders in Sydney that should be able to do a good job for less than the appreciation in value I've seen in six months.
The closest age/spec to mine currently for sale on this side of the country is asking $10k more than I paid. If I want one that's already on NSW plates, then I'd need a couple of grand more. Having said that, for a further $10k there is a nice looking VF2 Calais V wagon for sale that's been treated to a supercharger and apparently putting out 480kW/652bhp and 904Nm at the wheels.
Hmmm...
I'm planning on going that route next year, Monaro this year, wagon next
My biggest 'gripe' with the VE is the changing of the dash / trip computer screens, it's just annoyingly slow, and takes quite a deliberate button press to change screen, not like the old ones in the VY - VZ interiors which were much simpler and quicker.
I've noticed the wing mirrors are quite small physically but haven't noticed it being an issue in terms of visibility. I'm not 100% sure, but the shape of them on the VE looks very similar to the VY Ute so possibly an even older hang over than you thought!
As you say, bit of piston slap is quite common on high miles, goes away quickly as they warm up, mine's a bit slappy for about 30 - 60 seconds depending on how cold it is outside and has ~166,000km on it.
Had forgotten about the dash/trip computer thing. VF is only capable of showing one thing at a time. You want fuel range? Cool, but don’t expect to see consumption at the same time. You want average speed? Got it, but not the actual speed - no, press the button again for that.
I don’t really care as I leave it on fuel range and use the HUD for speed and temp. Clock is on the radio. But it is a bit Fisher Price.
Mirrors are fine on the road but seem too small for parking. Prob years of having been spoiled by the Sube before.
And yes, the supercharger. I’m just going to keep it as a thought - got another car that can soak up spare cash at the mo...
I don’t really care as I leave it on fuel range and use the HUD for speed and temp. Clock is on the radio. But it is a bit Fisher Price.
Mirrors are fine on the road but seem too small for parking. Prob years of having been spoiled by the Sube before.
And yes, the supercharger. I’m just going to keep it as a thought - got another car that can soak up spare cash at the mo...
PomBstard said:
Had forgotten about the dash/trip computer thing. VF is only capable of showing one thing at a time. You want fuel range? Cool, but don’t expect to see consumption at the same time. You want average speed? Got it, but not the actual speed - no, press the button again for that.
I don’t really care as I leave it on fuel range and use the HUD for speed and temp. Clock is on the radio. But it is a bit Fisher Price.
Mirrors are fine on the road but seem too small for parking. Prob years of having been spoiled by the Sube before.
And yes, the supercharger. I’m just going to keep it as a thought - got another car that can soak up spare cash at the mo...
Yeah I leave it on range, except of course from VE it was decided that once on to the last 1/8th of a tank, so comfortably 60-70km, it'll just say Range Low. Didn't do that in the good old days either, the Ute / Monaro will happily read down to single digits I don’t really care as I leave it on fuel range and use the HUD for speed and temp. Clock is on the radio. But it is a bit Fisher Price.
Mirrors are fine on the road but seem too small for parking. Prob years of having been spoiled by the Sube before.
And yes, the supercharger. I’m just going to keep it as a thought - got another car that can soak up spare cash at the mo...
Having 'Navigation' as a screen you always have to switch through is also annoying, and having a 'Customise Options' screen that is always present, but of course only useable when stationary. Just hide that screen entirely when moving so you don't have to keep (slowly, with deliberately slow paced button presses) cycling past it when you're moving
PomBstard said:
Reading the Fast Estates thread, where there has been lots of comments about how big various wagons are, thought I’d come back to this bit. 
The Holden’s boot is 895 litres with the back seats up and 2000 litres with the seats folded. But numbers don’t mean much on their own so for comparison...
Merc E Class is 640 and 1820 litres
Volvo V70 is 575 and 1600 litres
Skoda Superb is 660 and 1950 litres - which is comparable when folded but still some way off when taking the family on holiday.
So the Holden is definitely a Big Wagon. But even the VF Wagon can’t compete with its predecessor, the VZ wagon which had an extended wheelbase platform from the Statesman as was the Holden way at the time.
Capacity with the seats up was 1402 litres, going up to 2752 litres with the seats down.
So, that’s almost as much as the total load bay of a V70 whilst having 5 seats....
PomBstard said:
So the Holden is definitely a Big Wagon. But even the VF Wagon can’t compete with its predecessor, the VZ wagon which had an extended wheelbase platform from the Statesman as was the Holden way at the time.
Capacity with the seats up was 1402 litres, going up to 2752 litres with the seats down.
So, that’s almost as much as the total load bay of a V70 whilst having 5 seats....
Not long after the VE wagon was released I got stopped at an RBT in my week old SV6.Capacity with the seats up was 1402 litres, going up to 2752 litres with the seats down.
So, that’s almost as much as the total load bay of a V70 whilst having 5 seats....
As the cop waited for the result he said “Nice car, just a shame the boot is too small.”
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