£20k: '04 Monaro or '00-01 GTS?

[o.versteer]

Hello all,

I'm looking for a bit of insight/advice from the owners out there. I've been following this forum for a long time, and will now finally soon be in a position to get myself some Oz V8 muscle.

My budget is max. £20k, less if possible. My question is as stated in the subject - what to go for with that? It looks like I can get a decent GTS (probably even for less than £20k) or an '04 Monaro (just, with some haggling).

With my almost entirely theoretical knowledge (have driven V6 VTll Commodore in Oz, Monaro test-drive here), I've compiled a list of pros and cons for each model. It would be much appreciated if you owners were willing to chip in your opinions, or corrections if my assumptions are wrong.

MONARO
Plus points:

- Newer car
- Main dealer warranty
- Cheaper servicing / general upkeep?
- Nicer interior
- Looks more subtle (just my opinion)

Minus points:

- Not bothered at all about it being a Vauxhall, but as other people might be, not sure whether residuals will start falling off a cliff soon
- On paper higher consumption than GTS
- 2 doors so more limited practicality

GTS
Plus points:

- Slightly better fuel economy (on paper at least but please correct me if I'm wrong)
- 4 doors
- A bit faster (again on paper, corrections welcome)

Minus points:

- Getting on a bit now at 4-5 years old
- More expensive servicing/parts (I think?)
- Not great interior (I've never sat in one, but it looks more plasticky than the Monaro)
- Very unusual car so possibly higher insurance?

This is all I can think of at the moment. I have quite likely forgotten to think about lots of stuff, but any insights would be very much appreciated.

[V8HSV]

2001 GTS for £17k - thats what I would buy

[A57 HSV]

Agree with V8 HSV, but then I guess we are a bit biased! One plus point for the GTS is the rarity factor. Monaros not exactly common, but HSV 4dr a very rare sight in UK.
I reckon the GTS also handles better than 04 Monaro in their standard specs.
Both great cars though, so comes down to individual preferences.
Either way you will not be dissapointed.

[Bundaberg]

go the 4dr route plus it makes no odds what age it's an almost unbreakable V8 unless ur a real muppet but i'm biased as my boss (read g/f) has a Commodore SS & it's good for entertaining

[count duckula]

IIRC the GTS has lots of HSV bits and pieces that the monaro does not have, big brakes etc

Malc

[A57 HSV]

The GTS is an HSV the Monaro is a Holden.

[o.versteer]

Hi again,

Thanks for all the replies so far - it's very useful to hear everyone's opinion, please keep them coming.

I'm aware that the GTS has more special bits - that's one of the things that conocerne me a bit, as a car this age will be very unlikely to have any kind of warranty. There are no horror stories here (none that I can find anyway) but one of the appealing things abotu the Monaro is the warranty and general dealer backup.

So, roughly how much do you spend on upkeep on your GTS a year? And is anything major (and hence expensive) likely to need replacing on a 5 year old car?

Thanks again!

[holden57]

Everyone seems on a common theme. The four door is the one to have for performance, practicality and individuality. I know of a superb blue one for sale if you are interested.

[V8HSV]

I know a certain well known person on this forum that was going to buy a Monaro but has decided to keep his GTS for a couple of years more as the Monaro just did not compare to the GTS.

Not wishing to pooh pooh the Monaro but the GTS rocks in my very arrogant opinion.

[A57 HSV]

4dr for me every time, problem is I can't find anything to directly replace it. Could spend a s**t load on a German car, but they are auto/smg and full of techno stuff(which I hate), cost loads to run/service & are just hot versions of everday exec. mobiles. Also wouldn't be any faster, give or take a few tenths.
In the UK my car is unique.
Importing a new R8 seems to be a non starter & moding a Monaro/VXR to the same spec as my car would cost approx. £25-30k on top.
After 3 years I still get a buzz every time I drive it.

[holden57]

sad but true. I was determind to buy the new 6.0 monaro. Went along and found that the interfering yanks had moved the petrol tank behind the back seats, cutting the boot space in half and messing up the centre of gravity.